"We finally found people we were comfortable with and that were comfortable with us". REPENT!
"When the church became too worldly we decided to do like they did in the early church, and start kind of a communal type of community of folks that believed the same way we do". REPENT!!
"I love Gospel Music" ...where do you go to church? "Oh I don't but there are enough churches in our town to suit just about anyone's taste". (but not his). REPENT!!!
How about we get together on Sunday for a simple time of Song and Bible sharing? "We have so much to do, it is just not part of our schedule". REPENT!!!!
How about we just do church like we always have and not be concerned about our inability to connect with people on a level that makes God's Love... make sense? REPENT!!!!!!!
ONE EYED -- limited peripheral and circumspect vision - focused on self want and need.
ONE HORNED -- Self is our king -- "ME" reign forever!
FLYING -- no time for others.
PURPLE -- Crowned and robed King!
PEOPLE EATER -- devouring and excreting people (fairly disgusting but if you get the picture you
may catch the rest of this week's thought). - they are only part of our lives until we have no use for them.
Revelation 2: 12-17
And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, (Ms..."perhaps"- for love of reward) who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, (Victor's over people - People Conquerors) which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, a and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
There are hidden treasures within this passage in Revelation - describing not only the historical Church,a Church age, but also "church/personal" characteristics that can can devastate our walk with Christ and the lives of others:
Balaam --- this is related to a belief that "perhaps" God doesn't really mean what He says and this hinges on our comfort.
Nicolaitans --- an attitude that values people with no consideration for their value to Christ ( use an abuse).
Repenting of these (repent means that that we turn from the "perhaps" and the "abuse" and allow our minds to be subject to His Word... Agree with God!
This agreement --brings the following:
1. He provides "New" strengthening (Manna) "what is it" from Him...His mercies are new every morning ... sustaining food for the Soul.
2. He gives you a White Stone --- this is the stone that establishes his Choice for YOU.
3. In this Choosing -- He provides a fresh Name that out of His love for you ... He calls you.
PEOPLE called by His Name ... let your hearts and minds rise up to His desire for you.
Love God, love people ... hate sin.
Don't become a purple people eater ... please.
You are called for better things!
HLFA
Jeff
check the youtube below.
http://youtu.be/X9H_cI_WCnE
