I shared in the last devotional that some churches are lacking meat in their sermons, and they are a reminder of the below Wendy’s commercial from years ago. Is it time for us to ask our churches to provide more meat in their sermons!?
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Acts 2:42-43
The above scripture is a guideline for church health and growth. It was the apostles’ doctrine along with loving fellowships that won people to Christ. God in His mercy gave us instructions for success. Why do we think that we can do better than the early church? Obviously not every person who heard the message was saved. There were some who were offended enough to oppose them and accuse them of blasphemy.
We can conclude from scriptures in the book of Acts, that there was a reaction and a response to the gospel message. People either were saved and were added to the body, or they opposed the message. How many churches expect a response at the end of their Sunday sermon? How many churches offer an altar call for those who are ready to respond to the message? Do we believe our sermons are potent enough to bring about a response/repentance towards God? What if only one person came to the altar? Is that going to be humiliating? On the other hand, can we handle the opposition if some don’t agree with the gospel message?
having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2Timothy 3:5
Jesus specifically spoke about the Lukewarm church in the book of Revelations. Lukewarm food is generally not preferred. A lukewarm church has an appearance of nourishing people, but in actuality it is not giving them healthy food to grow and mature.
Paul told Timothy in the above scripture that those who have a form of godliness but deny the power of God should be avoided. Why is he making such a serious statement? Because this is an issue of life and death. If we make people think that they are doing well spiritually by attending church and not give them meat, we are robbing them of the power of the message of God. Over time, they will not be strong and equipped enough to withstand tough times, temptations, or persecutions.
Are we making people ready? Are people encouraged to live a repentant lifestyle that signifies transformation and change? Are they willing to take up their cross and follow Christ? Has their view of God become enlarged due to attending church?
I will continue with this subject in the next devotional.
