Showing posts with label Church. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Christians love to return, bringing their friends with, to churches that exalt Christ and properly feed the sheep (so to speak), rather than fleece the sheep. Sadly, some keep returning to churches that twist the word and fleece them.

I say choose to be spiritually discerning and healthy as you follow the Lord.

Be born again if you are not. Scripture does not explicitly identify one local church or denomination as "the devil's favorite"; rather, it warns that false teachers and spiritually compromised churches do sadly arise in many places (See Acts 20:28-31; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Galatians 1:6-9).

Likewise, externally religious practices, investments (the exotic garb), the rituals with ornamentation, the incense are not condemned merely because they are external; the Bible simply condemns sin. i,e,, trusting in outward religion and.in their dead inside religious leaders while neglecting true faith and obedience to God's living Word (Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:8-9).

Q: DOES THE DEVIL HAVE HIS FAVORITE CHURCHES AND DENOMINATIONS? I THINK HE DOES.

The ones that ignore or teach contrary to what the Bible teaches. The ones that deny Essential Christian doctrines and what the word really teaches.

THOSE ARE THE ONES TO DITCH AND AVOID. PRAY, respectfully APPEAL (if no change, run don't walk)

SO, WHAT'S THE ENEMY'S FAVORITE CHURCH LIKE?

1.) IT LOOKS SPIRITUAL, SOUNDS SPIRITUAL, BUT IT HAS LEFT TRUE SPIRITUALITY BEHIND. Some embrace beads, kissed statues, ornamentation religious aesthetics, investments incense & religiosity. Who has all that helped?

2.) IT REPLACES OBEDIENCE WITH SO-CALLED RELEVANCE. It tries to reach the world but forgets to obey God. THE GOSPEL ALWAYS HAS BEEN RELEVANT AS IT CALLS US TO OBEDIENCE.

3.) IT PREACHES GRACE WITHOUT REPENTANCE OR SAVING FAITH IN CHRIST ALONE. It offers forgiveness but
never calls for a changed life.

4.) IT CELEBRATES ATTENDANCE MEMBERS MORE THAN TRANSFORMATION. When individual Christians grow spiritually, they bring their friends. Biblical healthy churches grow bigger--God alone saves and adds to their number. Many dead religious churches don't address the real needs of people and they shrink. Another worldly churches measure success by mere numbers, not by new hearts on fire for Jesus.

5.) IT AVOIDS OFFENDING THE FLESHLY NATURE OR WORLDLY AND CARNAL ATTENDEES. It downplays sin to keep people comfortable and coming back to give. It gives an over emphasis to you giving to support the ministry. False teachers fleece the flock while true shepherds fee the flock.

6.) IT ENTERTAINS INSTEAD OF EQUIPPING THE SAINTS FOR WORKS OF REAL MINISTRY. It keeps people coming WITH ALL KINDS OF EXOTIC TRENDY TACTICS, but never sends them out to win people to Christ, domestically or across oceans.

7.) IT HONORS LEADERS MORE THAN THE LORD. It builds platforms for people instead of altars to God. (I like it apart from all the padding on the back and bragging about men.. when the minister after the time of worship simply says: Open to a certain book in the Bible and starts his sound verse by verse expository edification and evangelism).

There is a chiastic structure, or concentric circles, to these seven letters. Notice how the first and last churches are the least healthy; the second and sixth churches seem strongest; and the middle three are mixed. We will see that there is first a commendation to Thyatira, and then a corrective word.

According to one scholar, “All of the letters deal with the theme of faithfulness to Christ in the midst of an often-threatening pagan culture” (Greg Beale, Revelation: A Shorter Commentary, 54). This is particularly in Thyatira prone to spiritual compromise in tolerating sin.

Come as you are. Remember Jesus' words in Verse 19: “I know your works.” Verse 20: “I have this against you.” Verse 23: “I am he who searches mind and heart.” Verse 25: “until I come.”

"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me." ~ Jesus, Rev. 3:20

In Revelation 2-3 we see that judgment begins at “the house of God” (1 Pet. 4:17). Yes, Jesus deals with the seven local churches before He deals with the lost people of the world. Liney and I are about to sail where these churches were. They illustrate the good and the bad in local churches everywhere around the owrld and in every age. We all need heart to heart fellowship upwards first and then outwards with other growing believers. If you were looking for a church to join, which of these seven would you select and why?

Ephesus (2:1–7). There is so much good in this church that we are surprised to discover they had left (not lost) their first love. The honeymoon was over (Jer. 2:2)! No amount of separation, sacrifice, or service can make up for your lack of love toward the Lord. The word Nicolaitans means “conquer the people.” Apparently a group in the church lorded it over the people and promoted a separation of “clergy” and “laity.” (See Matt. 21:20–27; 23:1–12.)
Smyrna (2:8–11). The name Smyrna comes from “myrrh,” which is a bitter herb, a suitable name for a church facing persecution. Would the believers be fearful or faithful (v. 10)? Suffering can enrich us, even if we think we are poor; and what people think is riches might turn out to be poverty (3:17)! What difference does it make if people slander you so long as you have the Lord’s approval?
Pergamos (2:12–17). These believers held to the faith even when it might have cost them their lives. But they were too tolerant of false doctrine and were in danger of having the Lord declare war on the church. Balaam convinced Israel to compromise with their unbelieving neighbors, disobey the Lord, and indulge in immorality (Num. 22–24). Being willing to die for the faith is no substitute for living the faith.
Thyatira (2:18–29). Verse 19 gives you the impression that all is well in the church, but keep reading! Like the saints in Pergamos, the believers in Thyatira tolerated sin in the church. Idolatry and immorality usually go together, and Jezebel personifies both (1 Kings 16:29–34; 21; 2 Kings 9:30–37). Not everybody in the fellowship was guilty of sin, and the Lord did not warn them. Instead, He encouraged them to hold to the truth and be faithful.
Sardis (3:1–6). This church had a great reputation, but close examination showed that its ministry did not live up to its name. In fact, the church was ready to die! What was the cause? Many of the people were defiling themselves by compromising with sin (2 Cor. 6:14–18; James 1:27). The “Book of Life” contains the names of all living persons; and when a person dies without Christ, the name is blotted out. Believers have their names in the Lamb’s Book of Life and can never be blotted out.
Philadelphia (3:7–13). The name means “brotherly love,” and Jesus had a special love for these people (v. 9). Weak as they were, they were given an open door of service; and the Lord urged them to take advantage of it. When God opens a door for you, nobody can shut it; but you can ignore or neglect it.
Laodicea (3:14–22). This church did not know how bad off it was! It was a working church, but its service was lukewarm. The members lacked spiritual enthusiasm. It was a wealthy church, but it was really poor—and did not know its own sad condition. Worst of all, the Lord was outside the church trying to get in! If only one member would yield to Him, the church could be changed.
God’s people must be open and honest with the Lord and humbly submit to His spiritual diagnosis. No church or Christian is so far gone that He cannot bring renewal, but we must be willing to repent and return to Him.

Hey there, Overcomer. Notice how each of these messages of Christ to the different churches ends with a good promise to the overcomers. Who are the overcomers? They are not an elite religious group in the church but they are true reborn believers who have trusted Christ by faith (See 1 John 5:1–5).

No matter how unspiritual a local assembly or denomination may become, Jesus will always show honor to those who belong to Him. Yes, if they are faithful to His Spirit and written Word. Remember how the promises to the overcomers follow Old Testament history, from the Garden of Eden (Rev. 2:7) to the kingdom throne (3:21).

So, what Kind of Church Does Christ Commend?

Jesus never measured a church by its size, its popularity, its budget, or its entertainment value. He measures it by its faithfulness to Him. Throughout Revelation 2-3, Christ walks among His churches, praising what honors Him and exposing what has drifted from His truth. His concern is not outward success but inward reality.

Every believer should prayerfully ask: "Is my church becoming more like Christ—or merely more like the culture?"

What are Marks of a Church That Has Drifted from Biblical Faithfulness

1. It preserves the appearance of religion while neglecting genuine spiritual life.

A church may possess beautiful architecture, elaborate ceremonies, impressive traditions, or polished productions, yet still lack humble obedience, heartfelt worship, and a passionate love for Christ. Religious activity can never replace spiritual reality.

Jesus warned:

"This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me." (Matthew 15:8)

God has never desired empty ritual. He desires hearts surrendered to Him.

Scriptures: Isaiah 1:11-17; Isaiah 29:13; John 4:23-24; Matthew 23:23-28.

"The greatest enemy of true Christianity is often religion without Christ." — Anonymous

2. It substitutes cultural relevance for biblical obedience.

The gospel has never needed to be reinvented. Every generation needs the same message: repent, believe the gospel, follow Christ, and obey His Word.

A church should speak the language of its generation without changing the message entrusted to it.

Paul wrote:

"Preach the word...in season and out of season." (2 Timothy 4:2)

The church's mission is not to mirror society but to lovingly confront it with God's truth.

Scriptures: Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 1:6-10; James 1:22.

I say that the church must never lower God's standards to gain the world's applause, numbers or bucks. Get rid of the overemphasis. Let the Bible and Holy Spirit emphasize what God wants emphasizied ..as you move through a letter or text.

Believer, it's time to return to expository teaching and simply relying on the Holy Spirit rather than adopting worldly marketing tactics or watering down the Bible's message.

3. It offers grace without true repentance and saving faith in Christ alone.

The Bible proclaims salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Yet the same grace that saves also transforms (Titus 2:11-14).

Jesus' first recorded sermon began:

"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 4:17)

Biblical grace never excuses sin; it rescues sinners from it.

Scriptures: Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:38; Acts 20:21; Titus 2:11-14; James 2:17.

Billy Graham often reminded audiences:

"The cross shows us both the seriousness of our sin and the greatness of God's love."

4. It measures success by crowds instead of changed lives.

Crowds are easy to count.

Disciples are harder to make.

God rejoices whenever people are saved, and healthy churches often grow numerically (Acts 2:41, 47). Yet numerical growth alone is never proof of spiritual health. Jesus commissioned His followers to make disciples, not merely gather audiences (Matthew 28:18-20).

A thriving church is filled with believers who increasingly love Christ, obey His Word, serve others, and share the gospel.

Scriptures: Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:42-47; Colossians 1:28.

Barna Research has repeatedly found that regular church attendance alone does not necessarily produce biblical discipleship; intentional spiritual formation, biblical teaching, prayer, and active obedience are far more closely associated with spiritual maturity.

5. It avoids confronting sin in order to keep people comfortable.

Love tells the truth. Speak the truth in love or shut up (praying silently), Kurt.

Faithful shepherds warn because they care.

When churches minimize sin to avoid offending people, they withhold the very message that leads to freedom.

Paul instructed Timothy:

"Reprove, rebuke, exhort, with complete patience and teaching." (2 Timothy 4:2)

A church that never speaks about repentance eventually loses the joy of redemption.

False shepherds exploit God's people for personal gain.

Faithful shepherds lovingly feed God's flock with God's Word.

Scriptures: Ezekiel 34:1-16; John 10:11-15; Acts 20:28-31; 1 Peter 5:2-4.

Charles Spurgeon wrote:

"Feed the sheep, and the Good Shepherd will supply the lambs."

6. It entertains spectators instead of equipping servants.

The church is not a theater where a few perform while many observe.

It is a training ground where every believer is equipped for ministry.

God calls pastors and teachers to prepare His people for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11-16).

Healthy churches send people into neighborhoods and nations with the gospel.

Their greatest victories are not what happens on Sunday morning, but what happens Monday through Saturday as believers live on mission.

Scriptures: Matthew 9:37-38; Matthew 28:19-20; Ephesians 4:11-16; Acts 1:8.

"The church exists by mission as fire exists by burning." — Emil Brunner

7. It exalts personalities instead of exalting Christ.

When celebrity becomes central, Christ is gradually pushed to the margins.

Paul confronted this very problem:

"What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants..." (1 Corinthians 3:5)

Faithful pastors point people to Jesus, not themselves.

There is something refreshingly beautiful about a pastor who simply prays and opens God's Word saying,

"Please turn with me to today's passage..."

Then, verse by verse, he (CIA with context, sound interpretation, and wise applications) moves through.. explaining the Scriptures, exalts Christ, strengthens the believers, and pleads with unbelievers to reason with God.. yes, to be reconciled to God through Christ.

That is timeless, and healthy ministry from a saved pastor.

I love to talk about Jesus most and about His bride. He saved me, no church did.
Read more...
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Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 1:29-31; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Colossians 1:28-29.

John the Baptist said it best:

"He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30)

How can I recognize a healthy church?
Church culture in our culture..it's a thing.
What contributes to the culture of a church?
Do ya have questions about the Church (Many Qs)?
What does the Bible really say about church growth?
What does the Bible say about church-hopping? Are you shopping?
Are there characteristics of a healthy church?
Is the 9 Marks series biblically sound?

Need a Picture to Help ya Remember?

Imagine two orchards.

One hangs artificial fruit from every branch. From a distance it looks impressive, but no one is nourished.

The other tree quietly draws life from deep roots. Season after season it bears genuine fruit that feeds hungry people.

Hey Sport, Jesus is not looking for nice leaves or churches decorated with artificial plastic fruit. He wants your whole heart and faithfulness. He wants each of us bearing fruit. He wants you living forever in heaven. Yes, come now as you are. Here and now come to Him asking for His free forgiveness. Here is good for that repentance. KnowGod.org

Christ is looking for sinners, and for churches filled with growing people who abide in Him and naturally bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit (John 15:1-8; Galatians 5:22-23).

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Luke 19:10

Christ's Desire for His Church

Jesus is not impressed by religious performance.

He seeks hearts that love Him.

He builds churches that faithfully proclaim His Word, boldly preach the gospel, make disciples, pray fervently, serve sacrificially, and glorify God alone.

May every local church strive to be both faithful to Scripture and fruitful in ministry, lovingly reaching the lost while steadfastly standing upon the truth.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21)

Remember the hymn "Trust and Obey" -- it reminds us:

"Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."

Take time to prayerfully read Revelation chapters 2-3. There Christ Himself evaluates seven churches. All of His words in the Bible remain the perfect standard for us and for every local church. He, the Father, His Holy Spirit, and the whole Bible are what we each need.

REMEMBER HOW JESUS WARNED US ABOUT THE THINGS THAT COULD EXTINGUISH THE PASSIONATE FIRE OF OUR HEARTS, AND ABOUT THINGS THAT COULD BE BAD FOR HIS CHURCH.

He loves His church and we are to love His church as well. Pray for your pastor and church. Take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly" (Luke 21:34).

The cares of this life can numb our hearts and cloud our minds, pulling us away from the things of the Spirit. Let's keep our love for Jesus burning brightly and steadfastly.

WHAT IS THE CONDITION OF YOUR HEART TODAY? Does your love for Jesus burn brightly there, or has your love for Him waxed cold?

OF COURSE MUCH MORE COULD BE SAID ABOUT CHRIST'S LOVE FOR HIS CHURCH AND LOCAL FELLOWSHIPS, BUT JESUS DOESN'T REALLY GIVE A FLIP ABOUT THE POPULARITY OF A PARTICULAR CHURCH GROUP. HE WANTS HEARTS & SOUNDNESS. HE'S LOOKING OUT FOR YOUR BEST INTERESTS. HE WANTS FAITHFUL AND FRUITFUL CHURCHES. He desires faithful and fruitful born-again believers helping, equipping, loving, and supporting his sound (not manipulative, pressuring) soul-winning, disciple-making local churches.

Friday, April 24, 2026

You can increase in spiritual discernment close with Jesus and godly friends. I say go find a healthy local church and a sound spiritual pastor...

..yes, fully alive and not carnal, not religious, not all dead inside.

Is Jesus really your CEDM (Chief Executive Decision Maker) as Lord?

1) Many Real & So Called Christians (Posers) Deal with This Issue

Subproblem A: Why is it hard to find a healthy church?
Because Scripture says there will be a drift:

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine…” (2 Timothy 4:3–4)
“From among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things…” (Acts 20:30)

This isn’t surprising—it’s been prophesied about. Many gatherings keep the outward form but lose the power (2 Timothy 3:5).

Subproblem B: What defines a true, living church?
Don't water down the Message. Scripture tells us what a sound pastor and local church will regularly do:

Preaches the Word — 2 Timothy 4:1–2
Calls to repentance — Acts 26:20
Refuses ear-tickling — 2 Timothy 4:3–4
Practices loving correction — Matthew 18:15–20
Guards against false teachers — Romans 16:17–18
Defends truth — Titus 1:9
Centers on the Gospel — 1 Corinthians 15:1–4
Exalts Christ as Head — Ephesians 1:22
Has qualified leadership — 1 Timothy 3:1–7

And the living pattern is clearly shown in Acts 2:42–47: Word, fellowship, prayer, holiness, mission.

Subproblem C: What is the deeper spiritual issue?
It’s not merely genuinely “bad unbiblical churches”—it’s inner carnality vs. spirituality:

“Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” (Romans 8:8)
“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)

Many churches reflect what people want: comfort without cross, blessing without repentance, community without holiness.

But Jesus said:

“If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself…” (Luke 9:23)

2) What Are Your Three Catagories Of Real Enemies, Christian?

You stated this correctly—Scripture confirms:

The corrupt world system and worldly influences — 1 John 2:15–17
The old fleshly nature within — Galatians 5:17
The devil with demons — 1 Peter 5:8

“We do not wrestle against flesh and blood…” (Ephesians 6:12)

There are some just wars that do happen and unjust wars that go on and on.. but people here are not the primary enemies—deception is. Your old fleshy nature hinders believers, this world-system gets in the way and real lying demons try to distract and tempt people.

Locating. Yes, finding a healthy spiritual church that's balanced with godly men as pastors (who are born again in spiritual instead of carnally-minded) is not always the easiest thing to do. It can be challenging, but God can help us find healthy fellowship with Him and His people as we earnestly pray. Are you willing to drive a bit further past all the lame congratulations?

Hey, keep up the good work in looking for one as you follow Christ! He will answer your prayers and guide you.

Yes, pray earnestly for the right church, for the right Bible-based-fellowship, for on-fire, godly close friends in Jesus.

You and I really don't want close friends that are carnal or lost or religious or flat out worldly as our very best friends to counsel with. You and I want Jesus close, the very best of best friends. We want godly on-fire real Christians as our closest friends. If you are married (to a Chrsitian or non-Christian of the opposite sex) you really don't want someone else of the opposite sex (or someone "gay") to be your closest friend. That would not be wise.

It's about godly influences to and from you. Spiritual leadership is about influence.

Yes, may I say it again? Even more than all that, you want the living Jesus of the Bible to be your best friend and Leader, who's guiding you, providing for you.. who is really your Savior and Lord.

How can I unpack all this biblically for you because it matters!

Many so-called Christians and Christian churches are merely religious and led by spiritually dead (inside or carnal) men or by spiritually dead (inside or carnal) women.

They're more like centers for polished motivational speeches that make people feel good or they are entertainment centers that avoid talking about what's really needed and called for.. you know about Jesus, about inner conviction, and true repentance, honest confession, sorrow for sins committed, real contrition, saving faith -- yes, from hearing the sound Gospel message.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU'RE IN CHIRST, AND THEN IN A CHURCH THAT PREACHES THE WORD OF GOD.

Regularly go and be involved in a local church that:

EXALTS CHRIST, THAT PREACHES AND TEACHES THE BIBLE ACCURATELY.

CIA-style: Context, Interpretation, Application (wisely) 2 Tim 4:1-2.

That...

CALLS PEOPLE TO REPENT Acts 26:20.
DOESN'T TICKLE EARS 2 Tim 4:3-4.
LOVINGLY CONFRONTS SIN Mt 18:15-20.
WARNS OF FALSE TEACHERS Rom 16:17-18.
REFUTES FALSE DOCTRINES Titus 1:9.
IS FOCUSED ON CHRIST AND HIS GOSPEL 1 Cor 15:1-4.
MAKES MUCH OF JESUS Eph 1:22.
IS PASTORED BY A GODLY SPIRITUAL MAN 1 Tim 3:1-11.
WITH TRUTH EQUIPS RATHER THAN ENTERTAINS PEOPLE

Christian Church Pulpits are for exalting Jesus and preaching His Word, and they are not primarily for humor, trendy psychology, politics, or entertaining people.

Too many churches today are replacing and teaching the Word of God. Sadly, too many preach and teach doctrines of the world and of demons.

When was the last time you heard a sound message about dealing with your old fleshly nature, versus your new nature in Christ?

Your old nature wants things that are not good for you, or for others and that's why we are to deny ourselves and deny the cravings of our old nature.

That's why we are to die to our old worldly ways.. to our own ways. That's why we each are to seek first the Lord and His will for us, to seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, not our own kingdom!

It's so that all these other things that are really needed will be added unto us as we serve Jesus.

Sure, we still sin at times but hate all sins. We still blow it, though we try to avoid sinning and hurting God or others. We're not perfect, but we can mortify the works of our fleshly nature without hurting or killing our physical person..DUH..because that's not God's will either.

You know of our three main enemies in this corrupt world system here: the fleshly nature, the devil and demons. Some people make themselves into our enemies, but people are not really our primary enemies while here. That's why we don't war with flesh and blood. Some are drafted as soldiers in a war and they will fight enemies.

3) Why Fellowship Matters So Much

You’re right to emphasize who your close companions are:

“Bad company corrupts good morals.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)
“He who walks with the wise grows wise…” (Proverbs 13:20)

But even deeper:

“Truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son…” (1 John 1:3)

So the order is:

Christ first → godly fellowship second → ministry outward

If that order flips, compromise enters.

4) Leadership Matters (Sobering Reality)

Scripture is extremely serious about leaders:

“Not many of you should become teachers… we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1)

A church rises or falls spiritually based on whether leaders are:

Spirit-filled (Acts 6:3)
Word-grounded (Titus 1:9)
Christ-centered (Colossians 1:18)

Dead leadership produces dead churches, bottom line.

5) The Danger of Entertainment Christianity

Many “Having itching ears they will accumulate teachers…” (2 Timothy 4:3)

When the pulpit becomes a stage:

The cross gets softened
Sin gets renamed
Repentance disappears
Jesus becomes a life-enhancer instead of Lord

But Paul said:

“We preach Christ crucified…” (1 Corinthians 1:23)

6) The Call to Die to Self (Essential Gospel Reality)

This is often missing—but central:

“Our old self was crucified with Him…” (Romans 6:6)
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you…” (Colossians 3:5)

This is not self-harm—it is spiritual mortification by the Spirit:

“If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13)

7) What to Do Practically

You said it well—here’s the biblical framing:

Pray for discernment — James 1:5
Test everything — 1 Thessalonians 5:21
Abide in Christ first — John 15:5
Seek godly fellowship — Hebrews 10:24–25

And trust:

“He leads me in paths of righteousness…” (Psalm 23:3)

8) We Don't Need Strange Flame--Worldly Fire. Not Every Light Is Holy Fire From God

Not every spiritual light is holy flame,

Not every so-called spiritual voice exalts His name.

Some leaders and churches build on sand with polished speech,

Yet never bow to Christ, nor truly preach.

Where crowds are fed weirdness and fleeced but souls still starve, avoid

Where truth is too much trimmed, cut not clean, and carved—

There stands a form of religion, but zoe life is gone,

A church merely in name yet still lame, but not in God's Son.

But where the Word is feared and carefully taught,

Where hearts are pierced and sinners are sought and won,

Where Christ is really King, not just falsely displayed—

There lives the Church the Lord has made.

So seek not any comfort primarily, seek Him and carry the Cross,

Count fleeting unjust gain as holy loss.

For those who die to self shall see:

Christ all in all—worshipped in eternity. ~ @KurtwVs

9) Sound Godly Leaders Address All This

A.W. Tozer: “If the Holy Spirit were withdrawn from the church today, 95% of what we do would go on…”
Leonard Ravenhill: “The church has many organizers, but few agonizers.”
Charles Spurgeon: “The pulpit is the Thermopylae of Christendom.”
John MacArthur: “The measure of a church is not its attendance but its faithfulness to the truth.”

Are you spiritually strong in the Lord? How is it with your relationship with Jesus? Is He Savior and Lord of all, or merely Savior at this point?

Ask our generous God for Godly His Kind of Discernment

1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Hebrews 5:14
But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

Philippians 1:9-10
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

1 Kings 3:9
Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?

James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

1 Corinthians 2:14
The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

John 7:24
Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.

1 Thessalonians 5:21
But test everything; hold fast what is good.

1 Corinthians 14:33
For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,

2 Corinthians 11:13-15
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

Matthew 10:16
Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

1 Corinthians 12:10
To another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.

Psalm 119:125
I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies!

Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

1 Timothy 6:3-5
If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.

Hosea 14:9
Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.

Proverbs 2:1-5
My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,

Sunday, August 10, 2025

Be revived Christian, be revived and well church body.

The Bible gives presents us with an alive church. "They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to [a]prayer. 43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all the believers were together and had all things in common; 45 and they would sell their property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone had need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to [h]their number day by day those who were being saved." Acts 2:42-47 nasb

When A Church Stops Breathing, It Ain't Well. Pray And Try Resuscitating It By Good Example With The Word.

Is your small group well?

The surest sign a church is alive is not the size of its budget or the beauty of its building—it’s whether Christ is truly its Head (Lord and leading bibically. Col. 1:18), His gospel is clearly proclaimed (1 Cor. 15:3–4), His Spirit is obeyed (Acts 5:32), and His mission is pursued (Matt. 28:18–20). Where these are missing, the heart has stopped beating, even if the body still moves. Vance Havner once said, *“We are not going to move this world by criticism of it nor by conformity to it, but by the combustion within it of lives ignited by the Spirit of God.”*

Some churches die because they abandon the gospel and drift into being social clubs with religious music. Others still hold sound doctrine but lose their first love (Rev. 2:4)—content to “be right” while no longer burning to reach the lost. Still others fracture through division, with the result that Christ’s name is diminished, not magnified.

The book of Acts gives the antidote: a church “continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42), ministering to one another, and reaching out until “the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (v. 47). That’s not a quaint historical footnote—it’s God’s blueprint for every church today.

A Christ made alive and well church will major on five things:

1.) Worship & Prayer – Delighting in God, not merely singing about Him (Ps. 72:15).
2.) Biblical Learning & Application – Becoming like Christ by knowing and obeying His Word (2 Tim. 3:16–17).
3.) Fellowship – Genuine, sacrificial relationships that reflect heaven’s family (Acts 2:44–45).
4.) Service – Every believer discovering and using spiritual gifts to bless others (1 Cor. 12:4–7).
5.) Mission – near and far. Going, giving, telling, and praying to see the gospel reach every people (Matt. 28:19–20).

For the individual believer, the pattern is the same: daily Scripture, earnest prayer, real fellowship, and active witness at home and abroad. The Christian life was never meant to be a pew-warming hobby. Jesus Himself said He came “not to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45)—and He calls us to follow suit.

God, you can do it again. Revive each of us again - fill each heart with Your Holy Spirit of love and truth! Yes indeed, may each soul be rekindled with fire from above.

Does it kind of seem like your ministry has died? Revive in Him.

Why do some churches thrive while others die?

The true church is one where Christ is acknowledged as its Head, the Bible is preached and taught, and the way of salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ’s death and bodily resurrection, the Holy Spirit is obeyed in the leadership and the people, and the Great Commission is being carried out. Churches that don’t have these characteristics are dead already because they do not have the Holy Spirit at work in the members through faith in Jesus Christ. There are many such churches today, both small and large, which are, sorry to say, just social clubs. The true Christ is not honored there, and although there may be a lot of form, there is no substance. The supernatural has been sapped from their fellowship. In some instances, churches once preached the gospel of Christ, but then as time went on, they no longer did so. Of course, this is also sad. They have become dead churches as well.

Then there are churches where Christ is honored and the Bible preached, but they are content in themselves just to be that way. They are just existing. Like the church of Ephesus in the Book of Revelation (2:1-7), they have left their first love. They have good doctrine, but they have lost their passion for Christ to reach out to those needing the Savior. In this sense they are dead. They are content to be Christians, but there is no sign of God at work in their lives. Sometimes a church dies because there is a split in the congregation. Too many people leave, and the church can’t continue. This is also a sad state of affairs, and God is not honored. Some churches die because of the area in which they exist. Smaller churches in rural areas have to close due to changes in the population. In some areas, where smaller churches exist, and they have the same beliefs, they have joined together to form a larger congregation.

* Individual born again Christian, you and I need Him MOST. You need 1) Daily Bible reading, 2) daily earnest prayer, 3) candid fellowship [upwards and out with believers] and here is the outgrowth from your spiritual growth, 4) witnessing (at home domestically, and in other Lands too).

At the same time, the size of the church is not the issue. What is going on within the fellowship is the key. The characteristics of an alive and growing church are found in Acts 2:42-47 where the believers “were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” They were serving one another, and reaching out to those who needed to know the Lord, and the Lord was “adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” This tells us that the church has five purposes:

These five areas describe what the true church of Jesus Christ should be about today. The Holy Spirit must be obeyed in the local church in the leadership and the people. Prayer must be a vital part of the church, for without prayer, a church only operates in the flesh. People need to know and use their spiritual gifts. There must be a ministering to one another in the fellowship, a caring and sharing. There must also be a passion to reach out to those needing the Savior, fulfilling the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20. Yes, the church must know why it exists and what it is about.

Does It Seem Like Your Church Stopped Breathing?”

Beloved, the measure of a church’s life is not in its crowd size, its programs, or its budget. The measure is this—Is Christ truly the Head? Is His gospel boldly proclaimed? Is the Holy Spirit obeyed? Is the Great Commission pursued with fire? Where these are missing, the lights may be on, but the power is gone.

Some churches have traded the gospel for good manners, becoming social clubs with hymns. Others have sound doctrine but no burning love—just like Ephesus in Revelation 2, they’ve left their first love. Still others have split apart, leaving behind wounded hearts and empty pews.

Church, It’s Time to Breathe And Live Well Again

The question isn’t, “Is our church busy?” The question is, “Is our church alive?”

Christ—not tradition—is the Head of the church (Col. 1:18). Where He is not honored, the heart stops.

The gospel—not self-help—is our message (1 Cor. 15:3–4). Without it, we are just a religious club.

The Holy Spirit—not human strategy—is our power (Acts 1:8). Without Him, we can’t move an inch.

Some churches have form without fire. Others have doctrine without love. Some split and never recover. And some simply fade away because they stopped reaching the lost.

Jesus is the only one that saves the soul but we have a part in prayerful witnessing.

Years ago, a little church in Wales was down to twelve members. The roof leaked, the pews were dusty, and the offering barely kept the lights on. But one old deacon said, “Let’s pray until God moves.” They met every night for weeks—no gimmicks, no guest bands, just prayer. One Sunday, a young man walked in, trembling under conviction. He was saved. Then his friend came. Then their families. In a year, the church was packed—and the town was talking about Jesus.

Acts 2 says they devoted themselves to the Word, to prayer, to fellowship, and to reaching the lost—and the Lord added daily to their number.

So I ask you—will we be a body aka church that survives… or a church that breathes?

. Does it kind of seem like your ministry died? Why do some churches thrive while others die? Answer: The true church is one where Christ is acknowledged as its Head, the Bible is preached and taught, and the way of salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ’s death and bodily resurrection, the Holy Spirit is obeyed in the leadership and the people, and the Great Commission is being carried out. Churches that don’t have these characteristics are dead already because they do not have the Holy Spirit at work in the members through faith in Jesus Christ. There are many such churches today, both small and large, which are, sorry to say, just social clubs. The true Christ is not honored there, and although there may be a lot of form, there is no substance. The supernatural has been sapped from their fellowship. In some instances, churches once preached the gospel of Christ, but then as time went on, they no longer did so. Of course, this is also sad. They have become dead churches as well. Then there are churches where Christ is honored and the Bible preached, but they are content in themselves just to be that way. They are just existing. Like the church of Ephesus in the Book of Revelation (2:1-7), they have left their first love. They have good doctrine, but they have lost their passion for Christ to reach out to those needing the Savior. In this sense they are dead. They are content to be Christians, but there is no sign of God at work in their lives. Sometimes a church dies because there is a split in the congregation. Too many people leave, and the church can’t continue. This is also a sad state of affairs, and God is not honored. Some churches die because of the area in which they exist. Smaller churches in rural areas have to close due to changes in the population. In some areas, where smaller churches exist, and they have the same beliefs, they have joined together to form a larger congregation.

Our choices matter.

* Want to grow up into full spiritual maturity in Jesus Individual Christian? It's your decision. You need Him most, and 1) Daily Bible reading, 2) daily earnes prayer, 3) candid fellowship [upwards and out with believers] and here is the outgrowth from your spiritual growth, 4) witessing (at home domesticly, and in other Lands too).

At the same time, the size of the church is not really the issue.

What is going on within the walls of that church fellowship is the key.

Is it Christ-honoring? Is it biblical?

The characteristics of an alive and growing well church are found in Acts 2:42-47 where the believers “were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” They were serving one another, and reaching out to those who needed to know the Lord, and the Lord was “adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” This tells us that the church has five purposes: 1) Acceptable Biblical Worship/Prayer In Jesus' Name – We were created to give God praise and to have a personal relationship with Him through prayer (Psalm 72:15). 2) Learning the Bible & How to wisely apply truth – We were designed to become like Christ by seeking Him daily in His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 3) Fellowship upsards & outwards with other sold-out believers - We were formed to be part of God’s family (Acts 2:44-45). 4) Service of Jesus and dlcor other to meet needs as a witness/blessing – We were shaped to have a ministry within the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). 5) Mission Outreach – We are commanded to go (sent by a Christ & a local church to a people group) share God’s love and gospel (Matthew 28:19-20). These five areas describe what the true church of Jesus Christ should be about today. The Holy Spirit must be obeyed in the local church in the leadership and the people. Prayer must be a vital part of the church, for without prayer, a church only operates in the flesh. People need to know and use their spiritual gifts. There must be a ministering to one another in the fellowship, a caring and sharing. There must also be a passion to reach out to those needing the Savior, fulfilling the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20. Yes, the church must know why it exists and what it is about. Any church, large or small, honoring Christ, preaching and teaching the Bible, in tune with the Holy Spirit to minister to the congregation as well as to reach the community and the world, will be a vibrant church for Jesus Christ. A true follower of Christ can’t be a pew-warmer or a spectator. Christ came not to be served but to serve. We must do the same.

When a Church Stops Breathing
The surest sign a church is alive is not the size of its budget or the beauty of its building—it’s whether Christ is truly its Head (Col. 1:18), His gospel is clearly proclaimed (1 Cor. 15:3–4), His Spirit is obeyed (Acts 5:32), and His mission is pursued (Matt. 28:18–20). Where these are missing, the heart has stopped beating, even if the body still moves. Vance Havner once said, “We are not going to move this world by criticism of it nor by conformity to it, but by the combustion within it of lives ignited by the Spirit of God.”

Churches that pray much, love deeply, serve gladly, and proclaim boldly will not just exist—they will pulse with the life of Christ. Anything less is maintenance, not mission. As the hymn reminds us: “Revive us again, fill each heart with Thy love; may each soul be rekindled with fire from above.”

Breath again. Don't Stop.

But Acts 2 gives the prescription: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.” They served one another, reached the lost, and the Lord added to their number daily. That’s not nostalgia—that’s God’s blueprint for today.

The living church will breathe in worship, breathe out prayer. It will feast on the Word, not just snack on it. It will love one another with costly fellowship. It will serve, not sit. And it will go with the gospel to the ends of the earth.

And you, child of God—this is your call too: Daily Scripture. Earnest prayer. Real fellowship. Active witness. You are not saved to be a pew-warmer; you are saved to serve. Jesus Himself said, “I came not to be served, but to serve.” Look at the Word--Focus!

Ephesians 5:14 says, "Wake up, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you". This verse calls believers to a state of spiritual wakefulness and rebirth in Christ.
Colossians 2:13-15 explains that God "made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins... by nailing it to the cross". This highlights the new life believers receive through Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection.
Acts 3:19-20 instructs, "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord". This shows a link between turning to God and experiencing spiritual refreshing and renewal.

You can't be revived from you alone, Sport. God does that. Just make the decision to repent, to believe all His promises. Awaken, if you have never been born spiritually.. I mean, awakened from the dead spiritually. All the way, God's way.

New Birth is a free gift from God: Like the Prodigal Son who was "dead and has come to life again," believers are given new life through Christ.
God gladly gives Times of Refreshing: Spiritual refreshment and revival can come when one turns to God through repentance.
It's via Christ's Resurrection Power: Through Jesus' resurrection, believers are given new, everlasting life and are made spiritually alive, fulfilling God's promise of new life.

Church, it’s Time to Breathe and Live.. cuz You are Called to Life in Christ as Lord.

The question isn’t, “Is our church mere busy?” The question is, “Is our church alive and making an impact?”

Christ—not tradition—He alone is the Head of the church (Col. 1:18). Where He is not honored, the heart stops.
The gospel—not self-help—That is our Message (1 Cor. 15:3–4). Without it, we are just a religious club.
The real Holy Spirit—not human strategy—is our enabling power to witness (Acts 1:8). Without Him, we can’t move right even an inch.

George Barna reports that 42% of practicing Christians haven’t shared their faith in the past year. Friends, that’s not revival—that’s survival. Sadly, many have settled into spiritual spectator mode.

Some churches have form without fire. Others have doctrine without love. Some split and never recover. And some simply fade away because they stopped reaching the lost.

Again, Acts 2:42–47 shows us what a living and well church looks like:

Devoted to teaching. Devoted to prayer. Devoted to fellowship. Devoted to mission. And God added daily to their number.

A.W. Tozer said, “If the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from the church today, 95% of what we do would go on and no one would know the difference. If He had been withdrawn from the New Testament Church, 95% of what they did would stop and everybody would know the difference.”

So let me say it plainly:

If prayer is missing—we’re gasping.
If the Word is neglected—we’re starving.
If fellowship is shallow—we’re drifting.
If service is absent—we’re idling.
If mission is ignored—we’re dying.

You, believer—this starts with you. Daily Bible. Earnest prayer. Real fellowship. Bold witness. D.L. Moody said, “The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to Him.”

The living church will…

Pray until the fire falls so to speak.
Love until the walls fall down.
Preach the Word until the lost are found.

I really want it truthfully said of us—“The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

Are you awake and like breathing spiritually?.. praying, praising Jesus, confessing sins, repenting

Think about it, Inspect, Evaluate.. Is Your Church Breathing?

Is your church alive—or just busy?
Is Christ the Head—or just a figurehead?
Is the gospel burning—or buried under programs?
Is the Spirit leading—or are we running on fumes?

Acts 2 says they devoted themselves to the Word, to prayer, to fellowship, and to reaching the lost—and the Lord added daily to their number.

So I ask you—will we be a church that survives… or a church that breathes?

He's Got Your Back, When the Breath Comes Back

Is your church breathing—or just going through the motions?

Psalm 85:6 says, “Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?”

Revival isn’t about merely filling pews—it’s about God filling hearts. Spiritual growth happens inside individual Christians who can't help but to go tell their friends and then the church gets filled with hungry people.

In 2023, Lifeway Research found that only 32% of churchgoers read their Bible daily. Friends, how can we expect the Spirit’s wind if our sails are down?
Leonard Ravenhill warned, “We do not need a new definition of Christianity; we need a new demonstration of Christianity.”

Last year in Ohio, a small-town church decided to stop waiting for visitors and start going to them. They knocked on doors, invited neighbors to dinner, prayed over people in their driveways. In six months, their Wednesday night prayer meeting tripled, and people started showing up early for Sunday worship—hungry for God.

Isaiah 57:15 reminds us: “I dwell… with the contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.”

Church, here’s the call:

Repent -- right there where you and I have cooled spiritually. Lukewarm is lame!
Return to the Word -- that's where the growth comes from.
Reignite in prayer -- like you mean it, because we really do.
Reach out to open people with the Gospel. Put a hook in every opportunity. Cast a net every time you can.

Charles Spurgeon said, “A genuine revival without joy in the Lord is as impossible as spring without flowers.” Let’s be a people where the flowers bloom again—and may it be said of us, as in Acts 4:31, “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God boldly.”

Lord, revive us again.. According to Psalm 85:6–Acts 4:31 -- send Another Spiritual Awakening. Use us to point people to Jesus!

Want Some More Revival and Awakening Verses?

Acts 3:19-20 (ESV)
Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus.
Isaiah 55:7 (ESV)
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Ezekiel 37:2-6 (ESV)
And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and behold, they were very dry. And he said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.”
Jeremiah 24:7 (ESV)
I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord, and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart.
Ezekiel 18:32 (ESV)
For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so turn, and live.”
Psalm 80:18-19 (ESV)
Then we shall not turn back from you; give us life, and we will call upon your name! Restore us, O Lord God of hosts! Let your face shine, that we may be saved!
Isaiah 57:15 (ESV)
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.
Hosea 6:2 (ESV)
After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him.
Lamentations 5:21 (ESV)
Restore us to yourself, O Lord, that we may be restored! Renew our days as of old.
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV)
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert”.
Joel 2:25-26 (ESV)
I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter.
Romans 13:11 (ESV)
Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.
John 11:25 (ESV)
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.
Psalms 22:27 (ESV)
All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you.
James 4:8 (ESV)
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Psalm 119:25 (ESV)
My soul cleaves to the dust; revive me according to your word.
Luke 15:24 (ESV)
For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.
Colossians 2:13 (ESV)
And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses.
1 Thessalonians 5:6 (ESV)
So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.