By Evangelist John BJ Hall
I had a conversation with an older Christian the other day. He was a 74 year old Christian War Horse who was still going strong. It was so encouraging to hear of his excitement for the things of the Lord. He witnesses on a regular basis. Not just dropping a tract in the restroom at Walmart. He builds relationships with people and shares his faith out of the bond that he has built.
Why is it that so many people have allowed the fires to smolder and even grow cold in their spiritual lives? I think about what Jesus said to the seven churches in Revelation. The call of the Lord was for them to stay on track, or in the case of some, to get back on track.
The first thing we need to draw from this is that it is a WAKE UP call to the churches. It is like He is telling them to stay vigilant like a home owner who is aware that he could be robbed at any time. Paul said it this way in 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NASB) “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” We should not be lulled into spiritual doldrums.
Then we see a cry to HOLD ON. One of the problems in the church today is that we don’t seize what is already ours. At one point Paul said we should “Hold fast that which is good.” Retain it! Don’t let go! Don’t pull away from what God has already given you. The writer of Hebrews had it right when he said, “BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH; AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM. (Hebrews 10:38 NASB)
Our Lord also told the seven churches to KEEP THEIR FIRST LOVE. We get so sidetracked by the things of the world. We become so excited about our favorite football, baseball, or basketball team. We act like they are the most important things on the face of the earth. Yet in church we have our eyes on the clock. Heaven forbid if the pastor preaches a little long. When was the last time you were as excited about church as you were your favorite sports team? Well my friend, THAT’S too long. I think of the Words of our Lord in Matthew 24:12 (NASB77)
“And because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold.” He was in fact speaking of the days in which we live.
Another issue is plaguing us today as much or more than in days of old. We are enjoined DON’T COMPROMISE WITH SIN. If there has ever been a subject that fits our time, it is this. There were two areas of concern. They are still true today. First, Idolatry. But you say, “We don’t have idols today!” Then what about that sports team. Or how about politics. Anything that comes between you and Almighty God is an idol. It could be your pets, your children, your recreation, ANYTHING that keeps you from God. Oh, but you say, that’s why I don’t go to church. You know, the hypocrites! Then they have become your idols.
But the second issue is sexual impurity. This is rampant in our society, and we are even welcoming it into God’s house. Second Corinthians 11:3 (NASB) states it clearly. “But I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.”
All of this leads to a final statement. WE ARE TO BE FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH. If Christ was so faithful to us that He would and did die for us, then how should we then live?
Tough times lay ahead, warned Jesus, so be prepared to suffer, even to the point of death. Many times I have rehearsed what I would do if it came down to a choice between preserving my life or confessing Christ. If pressed, I would, by His grace, point to my forehead and say, "Put the bullet right here!"
Or would I? Would you?
We need to brush away the dead coals and stack fresh wood. Let Jesus and His Holy Spirit dry out the kindling. Let them light that fire in your soul once again.