Good Morning “Those Who Dine With Jesus.” Today we are in Revelation 3.
In my 20+ years as a Youth Pastor one of the questions I get most, in some form or another, is, “Where is the line?” “How far can I go with my girlfriend?” “Is it ok to lie if it’s for someone’s benefit?” “Is speeding a sin?” As soon as students turn 21 they want to know, “Should Christian’s drink alcohol?” “How many is ok?”
So what’s the problem? The problem lies in the purpose of the question. We are not seeking to live lives so drastically different that we are easily identifiable as Gods children - as Scripture commands. Instead we want to know where the line is exactly. Why? Obviously so that we can walk it. Have you ever tried to walk a line? Invariably while walking the line we bobble, stumble and end up straddling it. No longer walking the line, but one foot on one side, one on the other. According to Barna Research, in regards to issues of morality, Christians are statistically no different than the rest of the world.
Here John pens the last 3 letters to the churches. If indeed these letters also represent periods within the church age - many argue we are in the last period. The letter to the church in Laodicea seems to be most directed at us, and where we as the church find ourselves today. Speaking generally and collectively, we are neither hot nor cold - but lukewarm. We no longer stick out and glorify God as His. We trust in our own wealth and ability to provide what we need without recognizing the provider.
The good news as always is this, there is hope! Check it out, Jesus says…
“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
Revelation 3:19-20 NIV
Love you all! Check out the whole chapter - especially the letter to Laodicea. See if it sounds like us. As always, take to heart what you need to take to heart.
In my 20+ years as a Youth Pastor one of the questions I get most, in some form or another, is, “Where is the line?” “How far can I go with my girlfriend?” “Is it ok to lie if it’s for someone’s benefit?” “Is speeding a sin?” As soon as students turn 21 they want to know, “Should Christian’s drink alcohol?” “How many is ok?”
So what’s the problem? The problem lies in the purpose of the question. We are not seeking to live lives so drastically different that we are easily identifiable as Gods children - as Scripture commands. Instead we want to know where the line is exactly. Why? Obviously so that we can walk it. Have you ever tried to walk a line? Invariably while walking the line we bobble, stumble and end up straddling it. No longer walking the line, but one foot on one side, one on the other. According to Barna Research, in regards to issues of morality, Christians are statistically no different than the rest of the world.
Here John pens the last 3 letters to the churches. If indeed these letters also represent periods within the church age - many argue we are in the last period. The letter to the church in Laodicea seems to be most directed at us, and where we as the church find ourselves today. Speaking generally and collectively, we are neither hot nor cold - but lukewarm. We no longer stick out and glorify God as His. We trust in our own wealth and ability to provide what we need without recognizing the provider.
The good news as always is this, there is hope! Check it out, Jesus says…
“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
Revelation 3:19-20 NIV
Love you all! Check out the whole chapter - especially the letter to Laodicea. See if it sounds like us. As always, take to heart what you need to take to heart.
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