THE CHURCHES BIGGEST ENEMY

Any idea what the churches biggest enemy is?

Perhaps it could be apathy. What about affluence or as Kath and Kim call it “effluence”. Have you thought of religion? Then there is shallowness. What about shepherds who do not look after the sheep? Surely it must be denominations and the power and authority they spawn. Division amongst churches? Devotion to programmes instead of people. The clergy/laity divide. Church being a spectator sport rather than everyone contributing. Full time paid ministers who are expected to do all the work ending up doing all the work. Lack of vision. A lack of interest in the needs of those who are unbelievers. Picking and choosing what parts of the bible we will believe. Believing that Christianity is there for what I can get out of it.

Makes you think doesn’t it.

If the bible is to be believed the biggest enemy of the church is….being lukewarm. What makes a church lukewarm? It says that it is rich and does not need a thing. When a church thinks that it has ‘arrived’ the next step is luke warmness.

What happens when a church is lukewarm? God says he will spit it out of his mouth. The Greek word means to ‘vomit’ you out of my mouth. To prevent this happening, the church needs to be hot or cold.

Funny isn’t it. God would rather the church was cold than lukewarm. I guess if it is cold it can be warmed up and it doesn’t mean that it thinks it has arrived. Being lukewarm means that the church is arrogant as that is what you become if you think that you have arrived.

Better still, that it was hot, on fire for God then anything can happen.

The lukewarm church is wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked and the sad thing is that it doesn’t realise it. It is described as shameful nakedness.

What is the cure? One simple word and that is repent. In today’s present climate that is going to be difficult because repentance is not in vogue at the moment. Our gospel tends to be come to Jesus and you will live happily ever after. Come to Jesus and have your sins forgiven and Jesus will make you prosperous. Accept Jesus into your heart for a long and prosperous life.

Repent! What’s that?

The final word to the lukewarm church goes like this “to him that overcomes….” Sounds like a bit of a battle has to take place. A battle to overcome arrogance and shameful nakedness. Could leave you a bit frazzled, but I am sorry to have to tell you there is no other way. Where do you want me to put the first incision?