When the name of Jesus is not spoken. When the Name of Jesus is not preached. When the name of Jesus is not shared. When no encouragement in Jesus is expounded. When the message of Jesus is not explained. When the life of Jesus is not modeled. When the reality of Jesus is not emphasized. When the darkness of sin is not contrasted with the saving light of Jesus. That is when a church is worthless.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. -John 15:1-6
Jesus is not speaking about unbelievers here. Jesus is speaking to those who “... Draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me....”(Isaiah 29:13). He is speaking to those who claim Christ, but do not bear the fruit of Christ. The walls of your Church are not a fortress against the onslaught of Hell, for it will burn too. Salvation and Heaven are not earned by time and sacrifice seated on the padded seats in a safe and temperature controlled church. How much time can you offer a God who owns eternity? What sacrifice is a few hours each week sitting in church half asleep thinking about your schedule, what your lunch will be or what the score is right now? Jesus did not suffer the pitiful human experience to be mocked, shamed, abused and tortured so that you could ‘honor’ Him with your presence for a few distracted minutes each week. And then, to sit through a church service that makes no mention of the name of Jesus. No acknowledgement of His sacrifice, of His life, of His supremacy, of His ultimate desire that none should perish. What is the point? If the name of Jesus is not exclaimed in church with great honor, reverence and joy then why bother? Do those who stand up front assume that all who warm the seats are saved? That all are abiding and growing in spiritual maturity? That all who walk through the doors are soul satisfied in Jesus alone? That all who regularly attend are calling on the name of Jesus intimately from their very soul? They are not. The Bible is clear- there are many who claim His name that are not saved.
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ - Matthew 7:21-23
This passage should put the fear of God into the hearts of every church-goer, every home study leader, every worship leader, every elder and every Pastor. As you sit in church, look around and think about the fact that not everyone sitting there is saved. Attending church, youth group, AWANA, home Bible study, Christian College, church retreats, men’s breakfasts, MOPS, or any other ‘Christian’ activity at best can help you know about Jesus. But we are charged to know Jesus. To know about Him, to know of Him, to claim a relationship with Him is not enough. We must Know Him. If we are not going to hear about Jesus (His life, His teaching, His suffering, His sacrifice, His crucifixion, His resurrection, and because of all of that, His gift to anyone who heeds His call to know Him) in church, then what is that church for? It is a worthless church. Not all churches, not all church leaders, just those who do not boldly proclaim the name of Jesus and Jesus crucified.
15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” -Revelation 3:15-22
The church in America has become like that church of Laodicea. Do you know Jesus? Have you heard the knocking? Have you heard His voice? Get off your padded pew and go open the door. Jesus is waiting.
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