What Would Jesus Write to Rolling Hills Community Church?

In the book of Revelation, Jesus peels back the curtain of heaven and allows the apostle John to take a look.  Yes, the book of Revelation is about eschatology (the end times), but it is also a very powerful and practical message to God’s church.  The church is the Body of Christ and Jesus is very concerned about His church.  In Revelation 2-3, Jesus writes to each one of the seven major churches in the Asian province at that time.  To each church Jesus commends the good and points out the areas which are potential pitfalls.  He makes allowance for repentance and calls His people to be wholly committed to Him. 

From Jesus’ words to these churches come seven challenges to you and me as we enter this New Year:

Challenge #1 – Remember your First Love

(never forget life is all about Jesus – keep your love and passion for Him) – church in Ephesus

Challenge #2 – Be involved in the Global Glory of God

(address suffering in the world – go on a mission trip, sponsor an orphan, adopt, help someone who is going) – church in Smryna

Challenge #3 – Take the Next Step in your Spiritual Journey

(read the Bible through this year, join a Community Group, Discovery or Disciplines class, biblical study tour of Israel) – church in Pergamum

Challenge #4 – Address Compromises in your Character

(sexual impurity, anger issues, any questionable areas – impacts your life and God’s church) – church in Thyatira

Challenge #5 – Carve out Time to Pray

(find time every day to pray because prayer is the evidence you are spiritually alive) – church in Sardis

Challenge #6 – Find a Place to Serve

(whether on Sunday mornings, Habitat, Saturday Serve days, mission trips) – church in Philadelphia

Challenge #7 – Give back to God Financially

(practice biblical tithing as a mark of your spiritual maturity in Christ) – church in Laodecia

As I read Jesus’ words to each of these churches, I thought, “What would Jesus write to Rolling Hills Community Church today?”  After much prayer, here is what I think Jesus would say…

            “I know your deeds – your love for Me, your love for one another, and your passion for the least, the last and the lost.  Never lose your heart for Me or for the orphans and the poorest of the poor of the world.  Yet, I say this to you – you have not arrived.  I have given you a new home, not so you can become complacent, but so you can flourish.  You have a great foundation – a new building, a great staff team and so many amazing people.  Now, build on that foundation for My Name and My Glory.  Stay true to the vision I have given you – to Reach Out by impacting your community and the world, Grow Up by maturing in your faith and staying steadfast in your character, and Give All because I have blessed you so that you will be a blessing to others.  To whom much is given, much is expected.  I love you, My church!”

For more details, read Revelation 2-3 and watch the podcast of the Sunday morning worship service on January 3, 2010, at Rolling Hills.

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