Team RC,
I am still pondering specific elements of Revelation 2 from this past Wednesday’s tag-team delivery with Pastor Chris. The message from Jesus to the churches in Ephesus and Pergamos is still pretty sobering as I continue to examine my own heart.
Both churches were addressed with sincere compliments followed by “Nevertheless, I have this against you…”
The issue Jesus had with Ephesus was the fact they had strayed from their first love (with Christ).
The issue Jesus had with Pergamos was the fact they had become tolerant of idolatry and sexual immorality.
As leaders we need to be above reproach. We get that. The truth is we need to be above reproach as followers of Jesus, period.
Do we love Jesus as much today as we did when we first decided to follow Him?
Do we love Jesus as much today as when we first began to serve His Church?
Has our light been dimmed? Has our fire been snuffed out?
Are we serving an organization or are we serving Jesus?
Are we more passionate about Jesus than being used by Jesus?
Are we more passionate about Christ than anyone or anything else?
I have been asking myself these questions since early Wednesday afternoon.
I watched an inspiring video clip of Francis Chan earlier today and he made the following statement:
“I want my life to fit in this book (Bible) one day.” He then asks the question, “Are we living biblically?”
Are we really following the Word of God?
Are we living it out?
Wow.
I encourage you to read Revelation 2 and ask God to reveal your specific “nevertheless.”
I am striving to return to my first love.
There are some “nevertheless” areas I have tolerated that I am going to wage war against.
I am convinced God wants to do MORE in me so He can do MORE through me.
We are all extremely busy, but let’s slow down long enough to sit at the feet of Jesus. Mary did this in Luke 10 while Martha was busy with preparations. Remember how Jesus responded to Martha’s complaint? “There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it…”
Let’s do the same.
After all, this is the best way to avoid a “nevertheless.”
You will benefit from it.
RockChurch will benefit from it.
The Kingdom will benefit from it.
Focused on Jesus,
~PC
