How would we rate?

I don’t know how many who read my blogs have read the book of Revelation. It is the last book in the Bible. I am attending a Bible Study each week that is focusing on the book of Revelation. On Friday we looked at chapters 2 and 3. These chapters contain letters to seven churches. Some of the churches were described as ‘lukewarm’ others were suffering but encouraged to hold fast to what they believed, and others were told they needed to ‘shape up’ - repent and return to the Lord.

I can’t help but wonder, if someone were to write a letter today about my church and the churches in the area where I live what would the letters contain? Would we be seen as lukewarm? Or people who have forsaken the Lord and need to return to Him? Or would we be seen as persevering, holding steadfast to the gospel in spite of hardships and difficulties.

I am sure we would all like to think that we would fall into the third category - standing firm to the gospel. But I wonder, is that what Jesus sees when He looks at us? When we gather on a Sunday to worship Him and then how we live throughout the week are we ‘lights in the midst of darkness’? Or is our lights hidden and dimmed by the world in which we live?

What about your church? What do you think ‘John’ would say about the congregation at (fill in the name)? While we can not control what others say and do, we need to be sure that we are among those who are found faithful - standing firm, persevering, not swayed by the world but determined to live out our faith each and every day, not ‘lukewarm, sitting on the fence people.

I like how Paul describes it in his letter to the Church at Ephesus. Ephesians 6:10-21 (The Message Translation) says:
10-12And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

13-18Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

Wonderful words of encouragement from Paul! Words that applied to the church in Ephesus in his day and apply to my church and your church today.