02/02/2021
Do we attend church on the Sabbath out of a sense of duty, and go to other church functions to be entertained, or to socialize with friends? Church, like all of our faith, should be much more than a pastime, or a religious country club, it should be where we go for spiritual sustenance, and to gain strength through our study and fellowship with other believers. Yet even though many begin their church life to learn about, and worship God and Jesus Christ, over time they fall into the trap of routine behavior, and socializing. What is the direction our motivation is moving in today?
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
It is true that we are sometimes guilty of using the church to meet our own earthly purposes by going there to be entertained musically, to hobnob with business prospects, or perhaps to please a parent, spouse, or some societal expectation, but it is also true that churches fail their attendees by catering to this type of behavior. Despite warnings in scripture and in the present time many churches attempt to bolster attendance by catering to the carnal, and not the spiritual needs in men. Listen to this warning the Lord issued to the church at Ephesus...
“I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.”
Revelation 2:3-5 ESV
When our faith becomes cluttered with things that take away from God’s Word, the Gospel, and the foundation of our faith, God shakes us individually and as churches. He shakes us like a shirt that has become covered with dust so that the dust will fall away, and we can comfortably wear it once more.
“At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”
Hebrews 12:26-29 ESV
Jesus sent His twelve disciples out, and told them that if they were not accepted as the delivered the gospel message to shake the dust from their feet (to leave and go elsewhere), so as individuals we should ask ourselves this; are we the sandals on the feet of the faithful as they travel, or the dust that will be shaken off, and left behind.
“And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.”
Matthew 10:14-15 ESV
And if we are in a church that has lost its way, or caters to the carnal, it too is nothing but dust, and we should do as Jesus commanded and shake it from our feet, because it is worse than Sodom and Gomorrah. We will be judged, and the churches are being, and will be, judged...
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
Revelation 3:6 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/rev.3.6.esv
To the Angel of the church at Ephesus was said:
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’”
Revelation 2:7 ESV
To the Angel of the church at Smyrna was said:
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’”
Revelation 2:11 ESV
To the Angel of the church at Pergamum was said:
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’”
Revelation 2:17 ESV
And so was said to the angels of the remaining churches...
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
Revelation 3:6 ESV
So, are we prepared to shake the dust from the feet of our lives? Are we ready to shake off the dust of a lost church, and seek a gathering of the faithful? If we are leading a church filled with earthly dust are we prepared to shake it out and seek those who will hear and take the Word of God, and Gospel of Jesus into their hearts?
Think on these things.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Holy Word, your Son Jesus, and His gospel. Thank you Father for sending us a warning when we, or the churches, have wandered astray. Help us Lord to receive your Word and the gospel of Jesus, so that we will serve you with all our hearts, and not fall as dust shaken to the ground. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who calls us to Christ and fills us with worship and faith. Praised be your name for your Holy Spirit that leads us in our walk towards you, and for making us to be like the sandals on the feet of the other Saints around us... as we make their travels in Faith easy and comfortable. You are merciful Father, having sent your Son to redeem us, your spirit to guide us, and your angels to protect and warn us. Help us Father in our moments of unbelief. Open our eyes to you, and ever wander from your side. On the day of judgement we pray that you find us worthy, not for our efforts but by your grace that flows through Christ our savior. Wash our feet Lord, and seat us at your table for all eternity. Hear us as we praise your Holy name, now and forevermore.
“And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
Acts 2:46-47 ESV
Rich Forbes