Mark 8:34 Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
Over the past few weeks, we have done a rather in-depth study of the letters sent by Jesus to the seven Churches in Asia. These letters were basically dictated to John as a part of the tremendous Vision he was given on the Island of Patmos.
The letters are relevant to the Church today because we can all relate to them. Every Church today is similar to these churches in one way or another. Unfortunately, the majority of the Church today is like the Laodicean Church which is known as the lukewarm church.
Like the Laodiceans, most churches today have little to no concern for the Power and Moving of the Holy Spirit of God. This, my friends, is what makes them lukewarm and this condition is what caused Jesus to say, So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. (Revelation 3:16)
Throughout the Books of the New Testament, we find God’s Plan for the Holy Spirit in the Church. He is everywhere and yet, for the most part, today, He is nowhere to be found. This is a travesty and those who have disregarded Him and taught others to do the same, will one day face the Judgment of God in regard to this.
Some claim that Jesus’ Words in the seven letters are speaking to unsaved people but this is preposterous! He begins each letter by instructing John to write to the Pastor of each church. Each letter describes the condition of those who attend that particular church which would indicate that they are believers. That is an argument not even worth making or listening to.
The simple fact is, people do not want to deny themselves and live for Christ. They want to go on living just as they are, doing what they do, and be acceptable in God’s sight. Just because they have made a one-time confession of Jesus dying for their sins, does not make them born-again, followers of Christ.
When Jesus walked this earth, He spoke the same Message to everyone. Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. (Matthew 4:17) Everyone heard this Message. Some believed and some did not. As Jesus went about healing the sick, driving out demons, and performing many Miracles, more believed. However, all did not believe. In fact, most did not believe.
Among those who chose to believe, some followed Him and some simply stayed at home and continued to live their lives even though they believed Jesus was the Messiah. This, my friends, is where the majority of the Church today is. They believe Jesus died for their sins. They want to be forgiven and spend eternity in Heaven, but they don’t want to totally deny themselves, leave their jobs and families, and follow Him wherever the Holy Spirit leads. This is an accurate description of the lukewarm church of today.
I ask you today to PLEASE consider your spiritual condition. Ask yourself these questions: 1. Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God who died on the Cross of Calvary for your sins? 2. Have you made a public profession of your faith in Him? 3. Have you given yourself totally to Him by denying yourself and putting Him first, above everything and everyone? 4. Do you understand who the Person of the Holy Spirit is and seek His Guidance, Direction, and Power every day, all day long?
If you have honestly responded to any of these questions with an answer of no, PLEASE hear the Word of the Lord today. Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (Mark 8:34) This is Jesus’ Call on your life. He is calling you to lay everything down and follow Him. Today is the day to Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. (Matthew 4:17)
Oh my! God wants to……….turn the tide……….in your life but you have to be willing.
Every day, one day at a time, Doreen
www.bettsministries.org
