ARISE AND SHINE CHURCH
One of the saddest things in life is losing a close relationship. It can because of disagreement, offense taken, wounds inflicted, deception or maybe just the separation of miles due to a move, and a failure to stay in constant contact. Years can pass so quickly. We are reminded of the broken relationship by a song, a picture or an object. We long to reconnect.
As a pastor for over 40 years, I have also seen the Word of God divide friendships. That may be a shock at first glance but it is a Biblical truth proclaimed by Jesus:
34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.36 And a person's enemies will be those of his own household.37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
(Matt. 10:34-39)
The Christian life is one of full surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and complete obedience to the Word of God. Following Jesus is easier when He is taking you where you want to go. It becomes problematic when He is leading us where we do not want to go. Religion with no personal cross is the preferable path of many. A cross is uncomfortable, painful and leads to death. All Christians must die and be born again. That’s not a popular gospel but it is THE GOSPEL.
My heart has been broken many times for individuals I love deeply who have chosen to walk away, not only from the church I pastor, but from the truth of the gospel. I take it personally and I grieve and it never goes away. I think that’s how it should be for me as a pastor. Each individual is precious to God and to me. I carry a burden for each soul God allows me the privilege to shepherd as a pastor. Pastors are not perfect and that certainly includes me. I have appreciated the willingness of my church community to love me and forgive me and trust me again.
Among the wonderful qualities of the church, it is a community of love, forgivness, healing, hope and deep friendship. The local church needs to remain Christ centric. Popular culture influences our economy, our educational systems, our media but it has no impact on the truths of scripture. These truths are timeless and unshakable. The Bible prophesied there would be a time in the last days call the Great falling away.
Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of [a]Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of [b]sin is revealed, the son of perdition,
(II Thes. 2:1-3)
We are seeing this in our day. The stages of it have been visible for sometime. We have seen the rise of Biblical ignorance brought on by the refusal of generations to take personal responsibility for their spiritual growth. As young people would leave the church to go to college they found they were unable to support their Christian Faith upbringing when questioned by unbelievers. They had no foundation for their faith because they were ignorant of the teachings of the scriptures. We have witnessed the deconstruction movement that started in culture tearing down the boundaries of civics and history. Sadly some who grew up in Christian homes adopted this cultural deconstruction revolution and applied it to their faith. Tearing down Biblical boundaries like the Ten Commandments, attending church, worshiping God, surrendering to the Lordship of Jesus Christ over their lives. They announce they no longer believe.
Although it can be disheartening to watch what is happening in the world around us it is clear in scripture that this must happen so that the church will awaken, arise and welcome home those prodigals who will return.
60 Arise, shine;
For your light has come!
And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.
2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,
And deep darkness the people;
But the Lord will arise over you,
And His glory will be seen upon you.
3 The Gentiles shall come to your light,
And kings to the brightness of your rising.
4 “Lift up your eyes all around, and see:
They all gather together, they come to you;
Your sons shall come from afar,
And your daughters shall be nursed at your side.
5 Then you shall see and become radiant,
And your heart shall swell with joy;
(Isaiah 60:1-5)
We are seeing this happen in our church and I am hearing about it from other pastors across the nation. God is moving in powerful ways and the great return has begun. Generations who once tasted the goodness of God and turned their backs to try the world are now returning. There is nothing the world has to offer that can replace the Love of God, the Peace of God, the Hope of salvation, the freedom of forgiveness or the joy of true Christian community.
So let us arise and shine! God is moving!