Daily Archives: October 26, 2018

Weekly Devotional 10-29-18 A Vast Difference

Weekly Devotional 10-29-18 A Vast Difference

As we read through chapters 2 and 3 of the Book of Revelation we soon discover a great contrast. In those chapters, Jesus Christ, the founder of the church (See Matthew 16:18), judged what He observed happening within the church. He then commissioned His servant John to write in a book (on a scroll) that which He observed. Seven churches were selected as a cross-section of the entire church to be alerted to, and understand, that even though Jesus was in Heaven He was aware of what was going on in the church. Jesus commended the church for those things that edified the entire body of believers and that also glorified Him. However, He also condemned those things that caused harm within the church and that which blemished His name.

We should note that Jesus’ message was to church members, a.k.a. Christians. It was not a message to unsaved persons. Jesus’ intention for the church was that it be pure and undefiled so that it could be an example and a witness to the world. He had, during His first advent, said to His disciples, “13You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16 NKJB). This was and is true of all believers.

His purpose, while He walked on earth, was to glorify God the Father. This is His purpose for the church, too. But, this isn’t possible if believers have lost their first love for Jesus, the love that we had for Him when we first understood His love for us. We must maintain moral and spiritual purity. We must not give license to false teachers. Additionally, we must have a zeal for Jesus that puts Him at the center of all our activities.

There is a vast difference between believers who walk in the power of the Holy Spirit and those who deny his authority over their lives. If we walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, we will be a light unto the world and we will be the salt of the earth. On the other hand, if we deny the authority of the Holy Spirit we will find ourselves susceptible to our old natures, and yes, the suggestions of Satan who is the enemy of God.

Lord, help us to cling to you.
stevelampman@comcast.net stevelampman.com
Transforming Power; The Work of God on Behalf of Man

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