The Call To Overcome: The Loveless Church
One of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, ‘Which is the first commandment of all?’
Jesus answered him, ‘The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.’
Mark 12:28-31 (NKJV)
At the beginning of Revelation are LOVE LETTERS from Jesus to the church: specifically, to seven churches– perhaps prototypes of churches today!
Christ loved these churches, but they had problems. So the Head of the church called out their strengths, weaknesses, and pending consequences.
If Christians overcome the temptations, of ‘An evil and adulterous generation' (Matthew 12:39), rewards await them!
Consider two Scriptures:
'For whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights' (Proverbs 3:12). Therein, loving corrections are blessings.
'Bad company corrupts good character' (1 Corinthians 15:33). The company we keep DOES affect us. Notably, churches can lead or mislead. Therefore, prayerful reflection is crucial.
Here’s the irony:
The Loveless Church in Ephesus SEEMED TO BE a center of righteousness. They worked hard, persevered under pressure, and called out congregational evil.
BUT… they became rigidly religious.
Now, we’d called them Old Testament Christians– following certain Laws to the letter, but forgetting their Savior’s Heart, which is LOVE.*
Of the scribes Pharisees, and hypocrites, Jesus said, they 'Neglected the weightier matters of the Law: justice and mercy and faith' (Matthew 23:23).
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
'The hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth' (John 4:23), as opposed to rigid rules and high walls; the hour when WE unite in one purpose: to Love God first.
You're called to lead the way!
But you KNOW you must love your neighbors, too– because God made them and because He says so. Some don’t know they're loved. They’ve shrunk from the hate of self-righteous “saints”.
You have the greatest news to share with them, but they want to see your kindness first! Sooner or later, they’ll ask the Reason for your Hope and joy!
The Call To Overcome: The Loveless Church (Part 13)
* Scriptures to consider regarding the relationship of God's Law and God's grace: how Jesus reconciled and fulfilled them: https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=law+grace&qs_version=NKJV
Additional Reading:
'The Church of Ephesus' (short article): http://www.gotquestions.org/church-in-ephesus.html
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.