The purpose of this post (part 1) is to set the stage for what Jesus sees as positive or negative in the churches as he gives accolades or warning to churches of John’s day. Are these churches given as examples for us today? I think so. So some considerations.
BY WHAT STANDARD can we evaluate our churches? Or is it our place to do so? What is our responsibility in contributing to a church? Is every church Jesus’ church?
I FIND IT HARD TO believe when someone says they just can’t find a church they like; especially, when they live in urban areas where there seems to be a church on every corner! I’m opposite of that; I find lots of places I could call home. Christian people are great people; I feel at home in all churches that teach Jesus as Savior of sinful man. Am I gullible? Perhaps.
BUT JESUS IS NOT! “I know thy works,” Jesus says as he evaluates the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3. They were all active churches in Asia Minor at the time of John’s revelation. “I know thy works” did not mean that he knew they were all active in doing good deeds. It was more like a father telling his son, “I know what you were up to last night.” If the son had been doing good, he would feel good about that; if he had been doing bad, he would see a warning coming on. So it was with Jesus’ messages to the churches. He had special accolades for some; rebukes and warnings for others; for most, he had both commendations and rebukes.
Sweet aroma 
Reblogged this on NANMYKEL.COM and commented:
Words to think about…
Thank you.
“I’m opposite of that; I find lots of places I could call home. Christian people are great people; I feel at home in all churches that teach Jesus as Savior of sinful man.”
I am the same way, Oneta. One summer I was with a group visiting churches all over town, telling them about the Christian school. I remember thinking, if these churches all had services at different times and on different days of the week, I’d go to all of them. (Good thing they didn’t. I wouldn’t have gotten anything done!)
I am sure I answered this earlier, but none here now. Anyway if you get two, okay. I mean both of them. 😀 We must live in different areas from Alan Kearns. Comment below.
Regrettably I am in the situation where I am without a church in the main town in our region; there are churches in my town which are not suitable for various reasons, the main one being that many are not Bible believing churches. As I understand it there are many brethren in a similar situation in many parts of the world.
I think you are a wise man, Alan, so I accept your judgment. But I’m so glad I do not have to feel so separated from churches around me. Maybe the “Bible belt” does have something to do with it. There must be a lack of vision or disobedience. Jesus said to look to the fields for they are ripe to harvest. His call is good. Hope someone obeys and works your field.