The Call To Overcome: The Corrupt Church
They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.
2 Peter 2:19 (ESV)
Thyatira’s Church did many things right, and Christ commended the congregation: 'I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first' (Revelation 2:19). Therein, they were increasingly fruitful.
But looking deeper, He saw corruption. Beneath the surface, this “good” church was growing a new head: a prophet with a 'Jezebel spirit:' named for King Ahab’s idolatrous wife.
As queen, she seduced God’s chosen people– prompting them to worship pagan gods! With tempting words and a fork in her tongue, she spoke some cool cons that still play today:
“God’s ways are old and hard. Mine are more fun.”
“His Word condemns you. Mine will excite you.”
“Prayer is good, but why limit yourself?”
“He says 'Be faithful,’ but I say, be free.”
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Beware false prophets who love false profit. They’ll tempt you with “so-called” freedom of choice, but the hidden consequence is bondage.
They’ll appeal to your lust, hook you with loot, and reel you into their life-stealing net. The end of that line is a frying pan.
Surely, our world of limitless options makes it hard to believe we have just two! But unless we're talking about ice cream, every crucial choice has JUST TWO ANSWERS:
Life or death, right or wrong, good or evil,
Blessing or cursing, Jesus or idols,
His way or theirs, hard Words or soft edits,
Bearing a cross or wearing a trinket.*
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
You’re God's NEW church, and you’re led by one Head. His Name is not Jezebel, but Jesus. His way is not corrupt, but incorrupt.
Because corruption is a sliding board. At the bottom of that long, twisted slide are NOT green pastures, but a lake of fire.
The Call To Overcome: The Corrupt Church (Part 16)**
* 'See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His Commandments, His Statutes, and His Judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess. But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, I announce to you today that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess. I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His Voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days' (Deuteronomy 30:15-20, NKJV).
** Additional brief article on The Corrupt Church: http://www.gotquestions.org/church-in-Thyatira.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.