EXCUSELESS

Some things are obvious. Take an everyday item like an oven, turn the dial to 500 degrees and in a few minutes it will be very hot. If you reach in and grab the metal rack to pull it out with your bare hand, you will be burned.

Listen to these words these words from Paul to the church in Rome…

²⁰For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. Romans 1:20 (NASB)

God, who created all that is, has shown us His eternal nature through the vastness of the sky, the ocean and even the universe. He gives us pictures of eternity in the evergreen trees whose leaves are always colorful and remain on the branches.

His power can clearly be seen through the shapes, size and enormity of the mountains that surround us and the planets and stars that He has placed in the heavens.

His divine nature can be witnessed by realizing that we cannot make a sky or an ocean or a mountain. We look around us and see that sin is the prevalent force in our society, but when we accept the love of God, through the sacrifice of Christ Jesus, we clearly see His goodness, His mercy and His grace at work in our lives.

We have no excuse to discount God and His Word. We must bow to the Almighty God in humble reverence and submission to His will or suffer the consequences.

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CONSEQUENCES

In most instances, people know when they are doing something that is wrong or unacceptable. When the choice is made to proceed, there are consequences of that action. There are always consequences.

¹⁸For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, ¹⁹because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. Romans 1:18 - 19 (NASB)

What excuses are left? While not everybody accepts God or His rules and regulations for His Creation, God is the One in front of whom we will all have to stand to give account of our lives and actions. Only those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior will be hidden in Christ, covered by His atoning blood and concealed in Christ’s righteousness.

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TREASURE

I love movies with treasure maps in the plot; National Treasure, King Solomon’s Mine and others like them. It’s just fun and probably, each of us would secretly love to discover a map that led to a great pile of treasure!

Paul tells the church in Rome where they can find the greatest treasure of all…

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.” Romans 1:17 (NASB)

What is the “it” he talks about? He is referring back to verse 16 and the subject is the “gospel.” The word “gospel” simply means good news or good message, but notice he says that the good news he is talking about results in salvation or deliverance. That’s powerful stuff.

The righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel, the good news about Jesus Christ. We can all read about that in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the four “gospels” in the New Testament of the Bible.

It’s an easy map to follow and the treasure at the end is the greatest treasure of all. Now go look at the map and start the journey!

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UNASHAMED

Have you noticed the body language of a person who is ashamed? Often their head is lowered, they won’t look you in the eyes and their shoulders may droop. It’s not a confident look and it isn’t a comfortable feeling.

When someone is ashamed, it is because they believe they have done something wrong or are embarrassed about something. So why, do we often appear to be ashamed when it comes to talking about our faith in Jesus Christ?

Jesus said, “If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38 (NLT)

There is nothing to be embarrassed about when it comes to acknowledging that the God who created you is your Savior and you trust Him completely! Paul put it like this….

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. ¹⁷This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” (or, “the righteous will live by faith.”) Romans 1:16 - 17 (NLT)

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OBLIGATION

If someone does something incredibly nice for you, do you feel obligated to return the favor? It’s not as if you’ll die if you don’t, but you really want to do something for them so they will feel as good as you do.

Read this excerpt from Paul’s letter to the church in Rome to see how Paul felt obligated…

I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented so far) so that I may obtain some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles. ¹⁴I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. ¹⁵So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. Romans 1:13 - 15 (NASB)

The dictionary (Encarta – online) defines obligation as “Something owed:

something such as assistance or a debt that somebody owes in return for something given.”

So what was it that the church in Rome had given Paul? The answer is nothing. He hadn’t even been there. The obligation that Paul felt was to Jesus Christ. What had Jesus given Paul? Eternal life is the first thing that comes to mind, freedom from being a slave to the law and to sin. The list could go on indefinitely.

Paul felt obligated because of the incredible free gift that Jesus had imparted to him. He wanted to share the good news of Jesus and that free gift with everyone (Greeks, barbarians, wise and foolish, etc.).

Perhaps if we take some time to think about what Jesus has saved us from and the hope that we have to look forward to (i.e.; eternal life with Christ in heaven) we will fulfill our “obligation” to tell others about Him as well.

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MUTUAL

Obviously, the best kind of a relationship to have with someone would be one that is mutually beneficial to you both. If you have a girlfriend or boyfriend, you are always doing something nice for them, and they treat you like an annoyance, it’s not too pleasant. You probably should look elsewhere for a more mutually satisfying companion.

In his letter to the church in Rome, Paul speaks of reciprocation:

that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine. Romans 1:12 (NASB)

As believers in Christ, we are to encourage one another; it is to be a mutual relationship. However, if we are not being encouraged by other Christians we cannot simply walk away from them (unless of course they aren’t acting at all like Christ or teaching something different from God’s Word), we can only love them and keep our half of the bargain…to encourage them.

We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. ¹⁵See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 - 15 (NASB)

Just as Christ did, we are to set the example for others, even, and perhaps especially our brothers and sisters in Christ. If we’re going to approve of competition as our society does, perhaps the best competition would be to try to be the most Christ-like. Of course, that includes humility, self-sacrifice and loving people even when they’re trying to kill you!

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PRAY

Do you know someone who is a true friend, a person who will stick by his or her convictions no matter what? Do you tell other people about them? Do you sometimes boast about being their friend?

Hear Paul’s word to the church in Rome:

For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you, Romans 1:9 (NASB)

Obviously that doesn’t mean that they were perfect, but it does mean that Paul loved and cared for these people in the church so much that he constantly brought them before God’s throne.

We are to bring our brothers and sisters in Christ before the Lord in prayer just as Paul did. Pray for each other in the Spirit of the Lord.

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OBVIOUS

Can you spot a phony a “mile away?” Can people tell who you really are at first glance or after talking with you for a while? Have you ever heard of someone having a “good reputation” and yet never met him or her in person?

That’s what Paul is saying about the church in Rome…

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world. Romans 1:8 (NASB)

Can you imagine having such a good reputation that people in other parts of the world would have heard about you? That’s something to strive for anyway, to be respected by others.

Even more important is that they would hear of our faith in Jesus Christ. After all, the way we act isn’t always going to be perfect, but trusting in God for the big and the little things and letting people know that’s what we are doing, will go a long way toward furthering the Kingdom of God. Be obvious about your faith.

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SUCCINCT

Getting to the point in a conversation or a letter is an art. Often we try to skirt the main issue or work into it slowly, but when it is really important we just get right to it.

When Paul wrote to the Romans about the gospel he was called to preach about, he got right to the point…

²which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, ³concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, ⁴who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, ⁵through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake, ⁶among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; Romans 1:2 - 6 (NASB)

Jesus Christ our Lord

• Descendant of King David
• Raised from the dead
• Giver of grace
• Called us to be His own

Prophecies fulfilled, power displayed and an invitation for us to accept the grace that He offers to us. Praise the Lord for His wonderful plan.

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PURPOSE

What is your purpose in this life? Is it simply to go to work, make money to buy food, eat and sleep? Or is there a purpose that goes beyond the immediate, as in the life of Paul…

Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, Romans 1:1 (NASB)

Paul had a “regular” job as a tentmaker. However, you don’t find him speaking about it very much because it was a means to an end. It provided money to live on so he could continue to fulfill the purpose to which God called him, that of preaching the gospel. His mission in life was to tell others about Jesus Christ the Son of God.

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STRENGTH

Last night was the opening of the new student center, The SPRING. It was an exciting five and ½ hours as students played various games, used the computers, played music and interacted.

However, I must admit that I was tired. During these last five months there were many times I didn’t think I could keep going, I was so physically exhausted. But God is faithful to His Word and gives us strength to do that which honors and pleases Him.

²⁹ He gives strength to the weary,

And to him who lacks might He increases power.

³⁰ Though youths grow weary and tired,

And vigorous young men stumble badly,

³¹ Yet those who wait for the LORD

Will gain new strength;

They will mount up with wings like eagles,

They will run and not get tired,

They will walk and not become weary.

Isaiah 40:29 - 31 (NASB)

I am even more excited about the new body that we will receive one day from the Lord; the one that doesn’t get tired at all. Meantime, He gives us the strength to do what we need to do.

The SPRING is open because the Lord gave us strength, materials, help when we needed it and so much more. It will succeed in its task of keeping kids safe and introducing them to Christ only through His power and as we, the staff, stay surrendered to Him.

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AMAZED

Five months ago we started to work on a building that was built in 1946. Our goal was to honor God by making a place that teens in our town could go to in safety to have fun, do homework, be tutored, play music and hear the story of Jesus Christ.

God has put this whole thing together; He assembled the workers, the finances and the building. Praise the Lord.

He has given me a new song to sing,

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see what he has done and be amazed.

They will put their trust in the LORD.

Psalms 40:3 (NLT)

I am amazed at what He has accomplished here, but I know that for Him it was a snap. Pray that we will continue to give Him honor and that we will be able to transmit that feeling of amazement and awe for our Lord to the teens of our town. We open the center to students this very afternoon!

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DIFFERENTLY

Last night 37 people attended a pre-opening gathering of those who were instrumental in working on the SPRING, a student center for kids 12 to 19 years of age. It was a night to celebrate and a night to reflect on the seriousness of the task that lies ahead.

One of the passages that the name for the SPRING comes from is John 4:14

But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” (NLT)

Jesus was talking to a woman from Samaria…

⁷Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” ⁹The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. John 4:7, 9 (NLT)

We will have “Samaritan’s” or non-Christians coming to the youth center and we want to offer them a “drink;” a drink of the SPRING of LIFE, Jesus Christ. In order to do that we will have to not only read the Word of God aloud but BE Christ to them. We will have to be different and act differently; as the Samaritans were different from the Jews, we will need to be different and act differently from the world, those who do not count Jesus Christ as their Lord and Master.

Pray for us. Thanks.

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DIFFERENT

Some people act differently than others. I think we can all agree on that. Some, when insults are hurled at them, would retaliate with a barrage of their own. Others might get angry and strike out at the offending party.

Those of us that follow Christ are called to follow a different path. Listen to these words of Jesus recorded in Luke 6:27 - 28 (NLT):

“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. ²⁸Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.

These words that are recorded in God’s Word are available for all to see, believers and non-believers alike. So, when we do not adopt the ways of Christ and a knowledgeable non-believer sees us, we are adding to their convictions and dishonoring the name of Christ.

No, it’s not easy, but it is necessary if we are going to win a dying world for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We must look different from them. We must strive every day to look more like Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.

¹²Watch out, brothers, so that there won’t be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that departs from the living God. ¹³But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception. ¹⁴For we have become companions of the Messiah if we hold firmly until the end the reality that we had at the start. Hebrews 3:12 - 14 (HCSB)

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ADVERSITY

Some people are led to believe that when they become Christians all of their problems will disappear. They think that life will be easy for them now that they believe in Jesus Christ. Is that really what the Bible teaches?

What got me to thinking about that was a question yesterday about Paul’s statement in the following verse:

But you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, ¹¹persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! ¹²Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:10 - 12 (NASB)

The truth of the matter is, it is not easy to be a true follower of Christ. Oh yes, He will provide for all of our needs. Not necessarily for all of our “wants” as some would lead us to believe. And the rewards are incredible; eternal life, seeing others walk in the footsteps of Jesus, just to name a couple.

But there are also costs; giving up self and self-focused ideas, having others think you are crazy, intolerant or a failure (regarding the world’s view). I once heard it said that if you are not experiencing any adversity or persecution in your life as a follower of Christ, maybe you look a little too much like those who are “of the world.”

Hear the Word of the Lord on the subject:

“Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man. ²³“Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets. Luke 6:22 - 23 (NASB)

“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. ¹⁹“If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. ²⁰“Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. John 15:18 - 20 (NASB)

The message from Jesus to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 is consistent. He who overcomes adversity and remains faithful to the end will be rewarded...but there will be adversity until Jesus Christ calls us home.

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HOLY

While we were on vacation in Oceanside, California, we went to church at Calvary Chapel Living Hope. During announcements, it was mentioned that most of the men were still at their annual men’s retreat. The guy making the announcement said that the topic had been “God is more concerned with our holiness than our happiness.” I like that statement.

Twenty times in the book of Leviticus, God tells us to be holy…

‘For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. Leviticus 11:44a (NASB)

Guess how many times God tells us to “be happy.” Instead, He tells us…

Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:12 (NASB)

What does it mean to “be holy”?

The Hebrew word is qâdôsh, which means sacred, holy, Holy One, saint, set apart. It is from the root qâdash, meaning to consecrate, sanctify, prepare, dedicate, be hallowed, be holy, be sanctified, be separate.
Brown-Driver-Briggs' Hebrew Definitions, Electronic Edition STEP Files Copyright © 1999, Parsons Technology, Inc.

We are to set aside for the purposes of God. We are to separate ourselves from the desires and ways of the world. We belong to the Lord for He created us and purchased us from the power of sin with the blood of Jesus Christ.

Does that mean that God doesn’t want us to be happy? No, but it does mean, “God is more concerned with our holiness than our happiness.” The New Testament writer, Peter, echoes the thought in Leviticus…

But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. ¹⁶For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15 - 16 (NLT)

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COMMANDED

You may have heard me mention The SPRING Student Center that we have been working on in the little town in which we live. It has filled my personal schedule and has involved many, many people since March 5 of this year.

Did we do this simply to help kids in our town? Partially, we wanted them to have a safe place to go after school and on weekends. We also wanted them to have the opportunity to meet and get to know our Lord, Jesus Christ.

I just wanted to share the real reason, the compelling force behind all of our work:

…And they built and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel… Ezra 6:14 (NKJV)

When God tells you to do something, it would be best if you complied. We passed our final building inspection yesterday and will now receive our certificate of occupancy according to the commandment of the God of our Lord Jesus Christ. May His name be praised!

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RESPOND

Does God tell people to do anything in particular these days? You know, like he told Adam and Eve they could eat of any fruit in the Garden of Eden except one. Well I submit to you that you don’t have to hear God speaking aloud or even as a voice inside your head. Why? Because He has given it to us in writing!

The Bible is where we read of God telling people what they should or should not do and then observing their response to Him. Moses was afraid he couldn’t handle what God gave him, but he did it. When God asked Noah to build a boat in the middle of the desert because he was going to flood the earth, destroying everything, how did Noah respond?

So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him. Genesis 6:22 (NLT)

We also read of people that did not do what God asked, like Lot’s wife who was turned into a pillar of salt when she disobeyed.

My question to you then is, since we have God’s written word, His desires for our lives and behavior, how do you respond to Him?

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BENEFITS

When we look at taking a job, we consider what the salary is in relation to the demands our employer will place on us, but we also have to take into consideration the benefits. Benefits like a health plan, pension plan, bonuses and other things that add to the overall attractiveness of the job.

Being a Christian has benefits just like being an employee. Are the demands placed on us as Christians (love God with all your heart, mind and strength, love your neighbor as yourself, be holy because I am holy, do not love the world or the things of the world…) balanced out by the benefits?

When we forsake our friends who believe in other gods or are following some cult, what can we expect to receive as a benefit? What rewards can we expect in the future for suffering in our present lifetime? Is it really worth it to give up all my earthly desires and wants just to please Christ?

Here are some of the benefits of the “long term plan” as explained to the churches in the book of Revelation…

Authority to rule nations and immortality: The Church in Thyatira

To all who are victorious, who obey me to the very end, To them I will give authority over all the nations. ²⁷ They will rule the nations with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots. ²⁸They will have the same authority I received from my Father, and I will also give them the morning star! ²⁹“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. Revelation 2:26 - 29 (NLT)

Clothed in white (righteousness) and belong to Christ: The Church in Sardis

“Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. ⁵All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine. ⁶“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. Revelation 3:4 - 6 (NLT)

Pillars in temple and immortality, new name, citizens of the New Jerusalem: The Church in Philadelphia

All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God, and they will never have to leave it. And I will write on them the name of my God, and they will be citizens in the city of my God—the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God. And I will also write on them my new name. ¹³“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. Revelation 3:12 - 13 (NLT)

Fellowship with Christ and seated on throne with Him: The Church in Laodicea

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. ²¹Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. ²²“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.” Revelation 3:20 - 22 (NLT)

It’s your choice. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

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UNDERSTAND

I used to hate those reading comprehension tests they would give me in school. You had to read a paragraph or two and then answer a bunch of questions about what you just read.

Well apparently, God thinks reading comprehension is important as well. In the letters to the seven churches in the book of Revelation he used the phrase, “Anyone with ears must listen…and understand…”

Ephesus – fruit from the Tree of Life (live forever)

“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7 (NLT)

Smyrna – not harmed by second death (spiritual death: lake of fire)

“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. Whoever is victorious will not be harmed by the second death. Revelation 2:11 (NLT)

Pergamum – manna from heaven (Christ) and white stone with new name (acquittal)

“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give some of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it. Revelation 2:17 (NLT)

Read to learn. Pray for understanding. Strive for obedience. The rewards are incredible!

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INDIFFERENCE

Have you ever known someone that doesn’t seem to get excited about anything? They believe they have everything they need, have experienced all that life has to offer and life is simply “there.”

Those of us that claim Christ as Savior can’t possibly feel this way. Every day we have the excitement and anticipation of going to be with Jesus in heaven. Every day we come across people in different situations that are desperately in need of the hope of Christ.

Indifference is not the answer. Consider this excerpt from the letter to the church in Laodicea…

“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! ¹⁶But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! ¹⁷You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. ¹⁸So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. ¹⁹I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. ²⁰“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Revelation 3:15 - 20 (NLT)

Can we really buy something from Christ? I thought salvation and eternal life were free. We purchase these things simply by surrendering our lives to Him. We believe in Christ, accept His sacrifice on our behalf and GIVE Him our life to do with as He will. So, in a sense, we “buy salvation” with the currency of our desires. Then, as our wills merge with His will, indifference melts away and is replaced by love. Love requires action.

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THEN

Does your boss expect you to be perfect in all ways or is he/she content when you follow the rules and do your job? Do your parents expect you to be the valedictorian of your class or are they pleased when you try your best and respect their wishes?

Many times, we are tougher on ourselves than others are. If you call yourself a follower of Christ, are you depressed because you can’t raise the dead and heal the sick? Or perhaps you believe you are a failure because you don’t have the Mercedes or Porsche the TV preacher said God “wanted to give you.”

God has different standards. Listen to an excerpt from the letter to the church in Philadelphia…

“I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me. Revelation 3:8 (NLT)

Notice that the Lord wasn’t concerned that they didn’t have a great amount of strength. He was however, pleased that they had obeyed His Word (the Bible) and did not deny Him (believed Jesus was their Savior and proud to tell others).

All of us would be a tremendous success in the eyes of God if we were to put those two things at the top of our list every day:

• Obey God’s Word
• Tell others that Jesus is our Lord and Savior

If I may be permitted to paraphrase the ending of Matthew 6:33,

THEN, everything else will fall into place.

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ALIVE

Did you ever see the exhibit at Disneyland where Abraham Lincoln gave a speech? I thought it was real. It was so life-like. How about those guys in the Haunted Mansion that are singing and their eyes follow you as you go by them; don’t they look real?

Many things have an appearance of being alive. Just because a building has a sign on it that says it’s a church, doesn’t mean that it is “alive” and doing what it is supposed to do for Jesus. Listen to this excerpt from the letter to the church in Sardis…

“…He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. ²‘Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. ³‘So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you. Revelation 3:1 - 3 (NASB)

Does your church seem to be “alive” and on fire for the things of the Lord? Or, does it seem to be in a rut just getting together on Sunday morning for coffee, donuts, a few hymns, listening to a sermon and then off to dinner at noon?

Are people coming to know Jesus as Savior in your church? Are missions (home or abroad) an important part of your church’s budget? If not, wake up, the Lord says. Reignite the flame that once burned within you to tell people about Jesus Christ. He is alive and so should we, his followers, be.

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