The church, quite simply, exists to turn on a light. In the book of Exodus, the lampstand was one of the few pieces of furniture God commanded to be put in the tabernacle. He gave specific instructions as to how the lampstand was to be built, where it was to be placed and what it existed to illuminate. Except for God's own presence in the inner sanctum of the tabernacle, the lampstand provided the only source of light within the tabernacle walls. One priest's primary jobs was to make sure the light of the lampstand never burned out.
That’s not a hard application for us. Our job as believers is clear. We have to keep the light burning and the lampstand in its proper place. The church was intended to focus on just one thing --- JESUS CHRIST.
And I think sometimes we just get distracted --- and it is at that point we find ourselves asking: ‘Wait! Why is the lampstand over there? What are we doing fighting over things that really aren’t worrisome to God when there is a world out there waiting to hear about Him?'
I can’t imagine Jesus in heaven shouting: ‘CALLING ALL ANGELS! … Walt Disney is going to let those people into his park for the day, so I need you to rally some Christians to boycott that place.’
I can better imagine God pointing to the lampstand saying: ‘Who moved My light? Why are you focused on that? Bring the lampstand back over here where it belongs. Show them who I AM.’
I understand you have a right to an opinion on issues – and you should certainly bear convictions. But as far as the church is concerned, don’t ask us to move the lampstand away from its rightful position … because people need to see Christ first.
In the first century, Paul and Barnabas actually left the mission field to return to Jerusalem for an emergency meeting of church leaders. And the topic facing them in this instance was a wild one – circumcision.
I understand you have a right to an opinion on issues – and you should certainly bear convictions. But as far as the church is concerned, don’t ask us to move the lampstand away from its rightful position … because people need to see Christ first.
In the first century, Paul and Barnabas actually left the mission field to return to Jerusalem for an emergency meeting of church leaders. And the topic facing them in this instance was a wild one – circumcision.
Some leaders had voiced concern that the newly converted Gentiles weren’t being circumcised and they thought it was wrong to allow them into the faith without undergoing that important ritual.
Acts 15:7 says there was ‘much discussion.’ I would IMAGINE. Thankfully, there was a moment when a wise church leader named James drove home the point with a powerful one sentence answer: "It is my judgment … that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.” ( Acts 15:19)
We need people today who are willing to say: ’We are NOT here to make it difficult for you to come into the Kingdom. We want to make it EASY for people to find and experience God.’ And do you know how we DO that? We keep the lampstand shining on nothing and no one else but JESUS … so it will be easy to find Him.
And be blessed.
We need people today who are willing to say: ’We are NOT here to make it difficult for you to come into the Kingdom. We want to make it EASY for people to find and experience God.’ And do you know how we DO that? We keep the lampstand shining on nothing and no one else but JESUS … so it will be easy to find Him.
And be blessed.
4 comments:
Very good words Kevin. That lamp stays illuminated by remaining in Jesus. In John 15 Jesus says that we must remain in Him and His word must remain in us. I find it fascinating that the lampstand looks like a vine with branches....a great picture of the kind of "abiding" that Jesus was talking about.
PK....I liked your sermon today in so many ways...but the part I absolutely loved, was when you said "We are not BETTER than those who don't yet know Christ, but we are BETTER OFF. We are happy that He is in our lives."
It's unfortunate that so many people believe that a life with Christ is restrictive. I used to be one of those people, to a certain extent. My life is 100% better now. I could never go back to the person I used to be. There is nothing back there that I miss...nothing. I pray that my family and friends will find this gift that Jesus offers to all of us soon...before it's too late. He is coming back.
Kevin,
Loved the sermon today - thank God for you and God working through you. During your sermon I thought of how I came to know the Lord - Amway convention with 300 - 400 other people accepting Christ. I had the image of a fisherman's net and giving the power to Billy Graham or others to catch many, many fish at one time or in their life time. The fishing pole is what every man/woman has received. We may not be able to catch 100's or 1000's. Each one of us has the ability to use a pole to catch one fish at a time. God may call some of us to catch more but we all of us have the ability, resources, and desire to focus on 1 fish. We should always have our fishing poles out (work, play, neighborhood, grocery store,etc.). Can't catch a fish unless your line is in the water!
Jerry Bloodworth
JERRY:
Thanks for the good word.
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