This drive to become morally and spiritually neutral has left the church weak and easily driven by the emotions, threats, trends and whims of the world. Instead of being transformed and not of this world, we don’t look any different than the rest of this decaying land. The church at Laodicea no longer exists because Jesus vomited them out of his mouth. It is very easy to remain neutral regarding the topic of sexual sin because it makes us uncomfortable but if we don’t take action we too will be as extinct as this first century church.
Thorn in the Flesh
Stolen Water
Do you want to be healed?
We are all the man by the pool. We believe we can be healed by our own means and just need a little help so we can adjust our attempts. “I got this” is often the mantra I hear from men recovering from sexual sin. They have forgotten about their brokenness, time has passed, things are going well and now their “I” is growing back. They have returned to the sin of self-reliance before their relapse even occurs. In many of these cases, when the relapse occurs, a “worse thing comes upon them.”
Where are you going?
Pursuing holiness and sexual purity each day is difficult to perform in a land which promotes self-reliance and the hedonistic pursuit of happiness. We need His word and Spirit to direct each step of the way. We need fellow travelers to encourage and challenge us when the journey becomes overwhelming.
Insufficient Funds
You Are Dismissed!
1 King chapter 12 tells the story of King Rehoboam who rejected the advice of elders and dismissed them only to seek the advice of his peer group. We live in a world full of people like Rehoboam. We dismiss the council of elders, God’s truth and basic common sense while seeking the advice of the world, immature peers and secular humanist.
Jesus' Children
We live in a time when many churches eliminate the offensive scriptures and paint Jesus as a first century hippie flashing the peace sign and singing “all we need is love.” The Gospel message is the good news of God’s plan to save the world. It is also offensive because it offends our sinful nature.
Rumble Strips
Church Cake
The Western church for years has focused upon the church building, programs, entertainment, music and comfort. Our churches have become social gatherings filled with cliques of people who look and sound alike. Jesus’ Church is one which is centered upon Him and outwardly focused upon spreading the good news of His love and salvation.