“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:13-16
We all would agree that the culture has become more immoral, more violent, and more hateful and offensive over the past few years. So what has happened to the church as light and salt in the earth?
It is high time for the church to wake up and see that the church has very little impact on society. It’s not supposed to be this way! If the church understands the present time: that it is high time to awake out of sleep we would began to see an impact in culture (Rom. 13:11).
The Book of Revelation speaks of Christ’s future triumph over the forces of evil and His recreation of the world for the redeemed. Ultimately, the book, and the world end in a final victory for truth and goodness and righteousness.
John was instructed to write down what he’d seen, what is now and what will take place later (Rev. 1:19). To write down the mystery of the seven stars: “the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches” (v. 20).
The things which you have seen includes those things revealed to John prior to addressing the seven churches of Asia. In Chapter 2 and 3, John was directed to write to every one of them according to their present state and circumstances. Each of the seven churches, Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatura, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea were admonished and encouraged.
To the church of Laodicea, Jesus had strong words. The church felt that they had acquired riches and wealth, and didn’t need anything. They were proclaiming the victory and blessings, however Jesus was not impressed. He responded: “you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked“ (Rev. 3:17). He then counsels the church to buy from Him gold refined in the fire, so they can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so they can cover their shameful nakedness; and salve to put on their eyes, so they could see (Rev. 3:18). Because Jesus loves the church, He rebukes and disciplines it to be earnest and repent.
At the end of each these words were given to the church : “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Is the church willing to listen to what the Spirit is saying to the church today?
Blessings,
Dr. Francine
Note: All Scripture is taken from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.
BEYOND CHURCH WALLS 