The Compromising Churches
When Jesus told John to write to the seven churches (Revelation, chapters 2-3), some were commended, yet they had lost their first love. John didn’t just write to those churches; the message was meant for churches of all times.
It is obvious that there is nothing new under the sun; the difference is things have got progressively worse and sin will continue to escalate, until Jesus returns (Matthew 24:4-8).
So, how has the church (body of Christ) compromised?
The Word of God has been watered down; new translations to suit whoever is writing, and whoever the reader may be. If you want to be entertained, go to some churches. There isn’t a thing wrong with singing and musical instruments, if it is true praise, and God gets glorified.
On the other hand, we must remember that Jesus Christ is our Model to follow. For instance, did you read where Jesus did certain things to arouse His followers; Jesus did not play on their emotions. He taught them biblical principles. And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them (Matthew 5:1-2). The church has weaned away from its foundational roots. They have left their first love.
Different churches compromised and the consequences that would result from it
1) Ephesus – Good work; Labor and patience, had labored and did not faint. Found the apostles to be liars, yet Jesus had something against because they had left their first love; hey were warned to repent or its candlestick (light) would be removed (Revelation 2:1-8).
2) Smyrna – was the persecuted church, the period of great persecutions; Jesus told the to hold on (Revelation 2:8-11).
3) Pergamos – Jesus said they held fast to His name, had not denied His faith, Yet He had things a few against them because they held onto the doctrine of Balaam, and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, accused of promoting immoral behavior, other things which Jesus hated. He warned them to repent…. or else…. (Revelation 2:12-17).
4) Thyatira – They triumphed over Baalism and Nicolaitanism; there was a believing remnant. Yet Jesus had a few things against them. They allowed Jezebel to teach them (it was the spirit of Jezebel) that was allowed in the church; they committed fornication (spiritual adultery). (Revelation 2:18-29).
5) Sardis – the period of reformation movement for the reform of abuses in the Roman Catholic Church ending in the establishment of the Reformed and Protestant Churches (there was a believing remnant) that walk with Jesus in white (Revelation 3:1-6).
6) Philadelphia – the true church (Revelation 3:7-13).
7) Laodicea- the church that thought they had it going on; they thought they were rich, and they did not need anything, but they were spiritually impoverished. Jesus’ warning was for them to look at themselves and repent (Revelation 3:14-19).
Do you see any of these things happening at the church you attend; if so, remember that the leaders of congregations' main focus should be teaching biblical principles. The Word of God should have preeminence (first place) over everything, and anything else should be on the back burner.
Whatever is done in the church should always point (bring attention) to Christ, which also means what a person is wearing. The Lord is calling for His church to repent and surrender to Him.
Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org
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