(31)
By Abraham Eli
This study was first taught on January 5, 2020
Topic: The Assessment of the Churches (29): Closing Remarks
(use the audio to study)
Background
In our discussion last week, we concluded on the Lord's assessment of the church of the Laodiceans, as we looked at "<strong><em>The Remedy for Lukewarmness</em></strong>". We saw the value and necessity for rebuke from the Lord—His love for those rebuked, bringing them to their senses, and to repentance, leading to salvation.
We also saw the remedy itself, which required going to the Lord to obtain proven/tested faith, robes of righteousness, and vision/revelation. Finally, we saw that even as the Lord was saying, "<em>Come to Me and buy . . .</em>" He was already at the door of their hearts knocking, seeking to enter!
Hopefully, we have let Him in!
Scripture Text(s)
Luke 13:6-9; Matthew 21:19; John 15:1-17
In these verses of scripture, the common thread is fruit or fruitfulness. When God establishes a church—a body of believers, what He is interested in is the fruit of righteousness (<strong>Philippians 4:17</strong>). As we discuss these matters today, we shall by the grace of God, come to the end of our study on "<strong>The State of the Church Today</strong>".
What led us to the assessment of the churches was the fact that what we see of the church today may not be the true state of things, and so we set about a deep assessment of the church through the lens of the Lord, Jesus Christ! So whilst churches may engage in certain activities, such as teaching and learning, fellowship, sharing, caring, praying, etc., it is possible that engaging in such activities may be a smokescreen and not be the true state of the church.
Essentially, there are activities and there are those who engage in these activities. If those engaging in these activities are not living as the Lord expects, then those activities don't mean anything as far the Lord is concerned. Hence, without character—the nature of Christ—among the believers in the Lord in the church, their activities become meaningless (<strong>Ecclesiastes 10:1</strong>).
Matthew 7:15-20; Jeremiah 4:1-4; Mark 4:14-20, 26-29; Luke 10:25-37; 1 Peter 2:2; Titus 2:11-13; John 1:4; Matthew 24:13.
Conclusion
# If you are not bearing fruit that pleases the Lord, all your activities are meaningless.
# The axe is laid at the root of the trees (<strong>Matthew 3:7-12</strong>).
# A big church or a rich church is not what God is looking for—those are leaves—what God desires is a holy and loyal church—even though it may be persecuted, poor, and insignificant to men.
# If the Holy Spirit is not directing you, you'll end up in the congregation of the dead—a synagogue of Satan (<strong>Romans 8:14; John 1:12</strong>).
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