THE CHURCH is not Dead ...the Wayfarer 1/19/15

THE CHURCH is not Dead
 1/19/15

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”

(Matthew 7:12) 

The Church is far from dead! It cannot and will not die, though it often seems to be on life support in ICU as we watch the news of the day and all the continual harangue referencing all the negative aspects of our world.

Many times I have referenced the fact that it is my personal belief that we have entered the time of sorrows prophesied by Christ, and referenced as well the reasons I feel this to be true.

The truth of that belief does not alleviate the necessity to continue to be whom we profess to be, and to live in the light of what was given us through the teachings of our Lord that led to his crucifixion.

Hidden costs was touched on, but perhaps not as well covered as needed in a previous offering, as  one of these mentioned  in reference to the taxes that are totaled up only at the checkout of whatever store or business is being patronized, thus making the total cost of any item far greater than that posted.

The same holds true in all aspects of life.

There is a, “hidden,” cost for actions as well as those things purchased across the counters.

That cost may be seen immediately, or in most cases will also manifest itself at “checkout”.

Each solution offered to each problem encountered has its own hidden cost.

Each political promise, each new law is filled with consequences that must eventually be paid for in some manner.

Each “pleasure”, each “escape” has its own consequence and hidden cost.

Oftentimes this cost is seen only after the “purchase” has been made thinking the cost to be negligible, but the tax, once seen is prohibitive and far more expensive than the purchaser has realized.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

(Romans 6:23)

The taxes or “hidden costs” must and WILL be collected!

Take note, however of the promise that accompanies the warning given us in this verse from Paul’s letter to the Romans.

Just as was done and mentioned in the first part of this sermon, there was and is someone willing to assist with, and assure that that cost is paid in full, if we are willing to accept the proffered assistance that was given through the blood of Christ.

That assistance must be requested, and its cost too paid by the one in need…

Redemption does not come without repentance!

That repentance must include the willingness to heed the warnings given and the guidance given by the one giving that mandatory assistance.

Yes, we are still required to:

“Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”

The Church is not dead, nor is the salvation necessary to become a part of it.

Despite the fact that many have forgotten the purpose of that Church while on earth, there are enough still alive and well and remembering that that purpose includes the single commandment left us by Christ Jesus, and the promotion of His gospel as He asked, teaching the world, any and all willing to listen and learn the means to find the that purpose, including the single commandment left us by Christ Jesus.  learning the means to find the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE, given us through Christ Jesus.

It is taught, not with words alone, but with actions.

As also previously noted, all actions have consequences.

The consequences of following the teachings of Christ are the rewards promised by HIM of eternal life for those who accept Him.

The proof of that acceptance, lies not in words, but in those actions as well!

Yes, we are in a terrible world, with terrible things constantly happening around us as was prophesied by Christ.

We have choices in our reactions to those things around us.

We may choose to “Put on the full armor of God,” as Paul indicated was needed, and take the weapons that are given us through the TRUTH, or we may allow those terrible things to force us to forget just who, and what we are required to be,  as proof of that redemption that has been given for the repentance that has been professed, thus negating that profession by having chosen the same actions that we see in others that lead to those “terrible things” that are happening.

I pray that the choice is to recognize that those things are only an indication that the Master’s Plan is coming to its fruition, and cause to give praise for what we know to be the end result of that plan, remembering the admonition to endure, and that we have all the ammunition and weaponry that is needed already given us by Christ. 

We need to raise our hands and voices in praise, and let our lives reflect the love that has been commanded of us, not spiral down into the depths of depression because of those who refuse to meet that simple requirement of repentance.

I pray that we remember that we are chosen as tools to effect the salvation of as many as possible, to reach those still reachable and teach those still teachable by both our words and our Lives.

As this sermon was preached, the scripture found in Matthew 25:31-46 was referenced.

I would ask that all take the time to read this short passage for yourselves, and carefully consider what is being paid, what has already been paid, (if the assistance offered is accepted), and that close attention be paid to exactly what that cost entails.

I would also, again direct the reader to Revelation chapter 20 with the emphasis placed on the 11^th through the 15^th verses.

The 3^rd Chapter of Revelation holds great import to this particular sermon as well, and emphasis is placed once more on verses 14 through 22.

I ask that if you consider yourself Christian, you take the time to read these passages, and reflect on exactly where you measure up in regard to what is being asked of us, not by man, not by any government, but, by none less than our Savior Christ Jesus.

Once these readings have been done, there remains one more that demands attention:

“And behold, I come quickly: and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end, the first and the last.”

(Revelation 22:12 & 13)

The Church is far from dead, and will not die. The proof of this lies only in our actions as we await the return of our Lord.

I remain that same simple sinner saved by grace through faith in that Savior, wayfarer and soldier in this world, armed to the teeth with the weaponry given me by my Commander. I ask that you too join in the battle that has long been enjoined, whose outcome is assured by that same Commander.

Even so come quickly Lord Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:12 King James Version (KJV)

¹² For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Amen and Amen

the Wayfarer