The Falling Church

            This section has been a struggle for me to write; but so very necessary. Even as I was well into it, the Lord put a check in my spirit to start over.

            Much of the dialogue in our site is a blunt, straightforward, no-nonsense approach to believing and living as the true Christians that we claim to be. We are all in the same boat together—a ship battered by the waves, such as in Matthew 14. Do we have the faith to get out of that boat, and walk on the water toward Jesus, who calls us?

            As I set forth these truths to share with you, I continually wonder why God chose me for this task. We do know that God often chooses very unique individuals! Yet my years on this earth have known stumbling and falling, as much as many individuals have known. I am slow to learn, and am eternally grateful for the grace of God; through Jesus’ blood, which is my only source of hope for eternal life. Out of my gratitude for this unspeakable gift, I give to Christ every bit of myself in obedience. It is indeed a step of faith to obey, without questioning. We walk by faith, and can not expect to understand every part of God’s unsearchable wisdom. Before going on from here, please take a few moments to prayerfully surrender yourself to the Lord; that He will quicken you to understand and receive the truth. This is by far the most difficult time the world has ever known; judgment is shortly to come. We live in these times, and so have gotten “used to it.” (Matthew 24:12) Pray that the Lord will awaken you from this slumber, while there is still time.

            Church was a very big part of my early Christian life. Saved as a young teen, I was active in my denomination on a district level—as well as my particular church. Nor was my involvement simply religious format—I daily spent an hour in devotions and worship before the scheduled activities started.

            Many, many others are much more deeply tied to their church. I know of one man, at age 60, who has attended only one church his entire life. This can easily become a habit without spiritual foundation. Ultimately, one grows to accept anything within the church walls as being of God. The social routine of church has led to a comfortable, spiritual sleep.

            You grow to love your fellow members—instead of contending for the Word, there is unconditional acceptance of all who attend. This comes from new age teaching, not the Word of God. Here is where it has gone wrong…

            The great commission given by Jesus, who instructed the disciples to go into the world. (Matthew 28, Mark 16) He also promised that the signs and miracles would follow them. Today’s organized churches invite the world into the church; as a consequence, the organized church has been corrupted and became worldly. Consider II Corinthians 6:14-18

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers:  for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. II Corinthians 6:14-18

A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Titus 3:10

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:  Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:6-8

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us….And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. II Thessalonians 3:6,14

If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not unto your house, neither bid him God speed: II John 10

            It is important to know that God never wanted the world to come into the church. In so doing it has become a corrupt tool of Satan, designed to steal real faith in Christ. The New Testament churches are bodies of believers who were saved, and came out of the world.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:  old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. II Corinthians 5:17

            Think about how much the organized church tries to be like the world; to be loved, popular, accepted. It shows films, puts on plays, offers “contemporary” worship, and entertains while baby-sitting at Vacation Bible School. All the while it defies Christ by not going into the world; but brings in spiritual death—by allowing anything to walk through its doors. Does this sound unfriendly? The New Age teachings that now dominate churches have brought great destruction. This corruption was welcomed by church leaders who should have known better!

            What about unity? Christian unity is precious in God’s sight. Unity itself is very cheap, and easy to come by! False religions meet in unity all the time—does this secure for them eternal salvation?

            One of the most powerful “unity” passages is found in John 17:20-23:

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us:  that the world may believe that thou has sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one even as we are one:  I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou has sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. John 17:20-23

            Yet consider the backdrop of these words:  Jesus was with His disciples alone in the upper room! Not even Judas Iscariot was still there! God calls on us to be separated from the world—perfect and holy through Christ.

            So here it is:  Our Lord Jesus instructs His followers go into the world to “teach all nations” and “preach the gospel to every creature.” As they believe and are baptized, they shall be saved. Only after this happens will they be joined to the true church—then Biblical unity is achieved, only in the body of Christ! The organized church today is attempting unity with whoever walks through their doors; and even outside those doors, they attempt unity with the world by showing how worldly they (the church) still are! Becoming “all things to all men” (I Corinthians 9:22) does not mean returning to sinful worldliness! If any man be in Christ he is a new creature! We are not of the world, even as Jesus Christ is not of the world! (John 17:16) Brethren, be very careful with whom you are spiritually joined. Even if they are family, or “nice people,” this will not achieve salvation. (Romans 3:10-12) Remember Matthew 10:34-39 as well.

            What I have noticed, is the remarkable emphasis being given to church attendance. What about repentance, the naturally sinful state of each of us, the need for salvation through Jesus’ blood? Instead, we hear things like, “what church do you attend?” “Do you attend church?” “Would you come to our church?”

            Today I encounter many professing Christians who actually declare church attendance to be necessary for salvation! Several things come to mind when considering these individuals, and viewpoints.

            The first is, of course, the antichrist. He poses as God, and demands worship. There will be a world-wide, unified church under the antichrist. (all worship him; Revelations 13) Second is the influence of Catholicism. The Catholic Church claims to be above all (even God’s Word), and that salvation only comes through their church. That influence (ecumenical) has been pushed, to where many (even non-Catholics) accept this doctrine. A third is the book of Galatians. This book was written to believers who had stumbled back into religious traditions, and a works-based salvation.

            Also consider the nature of churches. Many varied religions have their own versions of a church. Mosques, temples, synagogues, and more—all have unified congregations and devout attendees! God has called us to be a peculiar people. (Deuteronomy 14:2, Titus 2:14, I Peter 2:9) Church based religion is not unique or Christian!

            Our Heavenly Father looks at the heart, and yearns for a close daily walk with each one of us. As it was in the beginning with Adam and Eve, so Jesus wants it to be now. The striking warning is about false religion or Christianity (another gospel). Matthew 7:21-23 is about the spiritually deceived, and verses 24-27 tell us how it came about. We must build our spiritual house on the true Word of God, or we will not stand under trial.

            Without Biblical support, all I have written is only the opinion of a man. The Word of God must be our final authority in all matters of faith and practice. Remember that the church referred to in the Bible is the body of Christ, and spiritual in nature. (John 4:23,24) Yes, congregations gathered together for worship, prayer, and fellowship. These groups did not specifically erect buildings for this purpose—they knew the truth of Matthew 18:20! And only the true believers, saved out of the world, came to these gatherings. (as instructed through Christ)

            So today there is the true church, (few and scattered) and the organized church (many and widespread). Unfortunately, it is almost now universally accepted that the organized church is the true church.

            As a matter of record, God never required a church or churches. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jacob (Israel), Joseph, Moses, Elijah, Job, Daniel:  all these men of great faith had close relationships with God almighty, and no church attendance was needed!

            Even the temple was no church! The temple, which followed the tabernacle, was the place for the Ark of the Covenant—which symbolically housed God’s spirit. I say symbolically, because the Holy Spirit did not only dwell in the ark. The people were separated from God by a thick curtain, and this veil was rent the day Jesus died.

            It was over 3,000 years into creation when this temple was built. It is also significant that this idea came from David, and was not initiated by God. Just look at the response God gives to David’s idea.

That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains. And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee. And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying, Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in? Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle. In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel spake I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people Israel, saying, Why build ye not me an house of cedar? Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel:  And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth. II Samuel 7:2-9

            We are shown how God loves to dwell with His people, and this means more to Him than any extravagant building. Even after the temple’s construction, the Word is careful to point out how limited this idea is! I Kings 8:27, II Chronicles 2:6, 6:18, and Acts 7:48 all repeat the truth; God is not contained in any man-made structure! All the powerful experiences Solomon had in regard to the temple, could not keep him from falling away.

            Looking to the last days though we find evil, there is still plenty of religion left to go around. When asked about the end of the world, Jesus says this first; “Take heed that no man deceive you…” False Christs, false churches, false religion will be flourishing! Matthew 24:4,5,11,23-26; Mark 13:5,6,21-23; Luke 21:8; Revelation chapter 13, all are scriptures attesting to the falsely religious nature of these last times. Aren’t churches flooded with millions of “sincere,” God-fearing people? Don’t they all say, in near unison, that all are saved and going to heaven? Why does our world continue to deteriorate? Why does the Bible say that few will find the path to heaven?

            Isn’t it common to find that the Lord is “really moving” in almost everyone’s church? Do they not also joyfully tell how they want the Lord to move? Yet the first step in this is repentance, and accepting the Lord’s rebuke. Our faithless generation continually denies this aspect of God. (see section on Godly Chastening)

Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light. As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him. Shall not the day of the LORD be darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it? I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts. Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols. But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. Amos 5:18-24

            Joel 2:1,2 and Zephaniah 1:14,15 also confirm these thoughts. Churches today tend to preach a feel-good gospel of prosperity, largely based on the corrupt Bible versions. True salvation is reflected through scriptures such as Luke 18:13:

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.     Luke 18:13

            We can not continue trying to mold Jesus into what we want Him to be! If He has saved you through His blood, believe and reverence Jesus as the Lord God almighty according to His Word!

            So what else does God’s Word say on the subject?

For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one That prepareth his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary. And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people. II Chronicles 30:18-20

            Here we see heart condition above ritual—this is what our God has always wanted.

To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:  But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. Isaiah 1:11-20

            This passage begins with the Lord’s disgust for the religious ceremonies of His people. It shows that we must repent, and act like it. (This shows that works go with grace) It also tells us we will be rewarded of punished based upon our obedience.

Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness. Isaiah 48:1

            These are God’s people, who say all the right things—but still are not pure within. Sound at all like Matthew 7:21?

Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. Isaiah 58:1,2

            More examples of spiritual blindness! See how they seek the Lord, and “delight to know” God’s ways—but they are lost. Let the Lord chasten you, that you may be re-built in His image.

Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return. I hearkened and heard, but they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle. Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD. How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain. The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them? Jeremiah 8:5-9

            Here again, God’s people backslide and refuse to acknowledge it. The Lord brings punishment, but they refuse to accept it. And insult upon injury—claiming the law of the Lord is with them, though they have rejected it! Isn’t this as those using the many revised “bibles”? This practice is defended, when it should be repented of!

Then he brought me to the door of the gate of the LORD's house which was toward the north; and, behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz. Then said he unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations than these. And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD's house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east. Ezekiel 8:14-16

            Tammuz is the sun god, the religion of ancient Babylon. December 25^th is his birthday! God allowed Ezekiel to see exactly what was happening:  God's priests, in the Lord's house, were actually worshipping another god. Remember Ecclesiastes 1:9, that there is nothing new under the sun. It is happening now, and has happened before.

Woe unto them! for they have fled from me: destruction unto them! because they have transgressed against me: though I have redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against me. And they have not cried unto me with their heart, when they howled upon their beds: they assemble themselves for corn and wine, and they rebel against me. Though I have bound and strengthened their arms, yet do they imagine mischief against me. They return, but not to the most High: they are like a deceitful bow: their princes shall fall by the sword for the rage of their tongue: this shall be their derision in the land of Egypt. Hosea 7:13-16

            A false relationship with God—that is listed here. Though once legitimate, they are now fallen and sinful. These are God’s people, and we are become as they were.

Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Matthew 15:7-9

            Here Jesus is directly pointing to the Pharisees (church leaders) as hypocrites. They pray, and worship, and say very good-sounding words—but they are lost. The conclusion?

Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. Matthew 15:14

            Be careful that high esteem for your church leaders won’t lead you into eternal damnation.

            Mark 9:38-40 is being listed here as a reminder that church attendance is not required for salvation. Here is related an encounter with another follower of Christ; but one who was ministering outside the circle of Jesus’ disciples. Remember that no building can contain God, and that He works in the hearts of men.

And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. Mark 11:15-17

            Is this the “love of Christ” you’ve been taught about? It seems there is a time to stand against such evil, spiritual corruption. Big business is exactly what most churches are these days! We actually need no more than what Jesus has provided for us—the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit. (II Timothy 3:15-17; I John 2:28)

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. II Corinthians 11:13-15

            Satan appears as an angel of light? Satan’s ministers (false apostles) seem as ministers of righteousness? Remember our enemy’s clever disguises! In these last days, these deceitful church leaders easily make up almost all of the clergy. They, too, were misled and deceived—and now pass those deceptions on to their congregations as Biblical certainties. Had I stayed on with my denominational training, I would have been lost as well.

            Hebrews eleven is known as the faith chapter, as it briefly alludes to the lives of our spiritual forefathers. Pay special attention to verses such as 13, and 38. These were not comfortable positions, but it was the heart of God’s will! No buildings or religious traditions concern the almighty—only the incredibly personal, “peculiar” relationship our Lord has with each of His children! Consider the following from I Corinthians 1:26-29:

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:  But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. I Corinthians 1:26-29

            Where is the pomp, and grandeur? When Jesus arrived on earth (that night), only the shepherds were told! Why not church leaders? Why not Caesar? God is not a respecter of persons, and we must follow Him in this! Undue respect for anyone will ultimately lead to deception. (even unintentionally) Our one standard must be the Word of God.

            True followers of Christ will also be cast out by their professing “brethren.” (Perhaps not always, but very often) As we have seen, the last days hold a falling away, and a departing from the faith. Yet churches will still be plentiful! The vast majority of professing believers will accept the antichrist as the true Christ—and that the millennial reign will have come. This will lead these “brethren” to reject the true followers of Christ, regarding them as rebels and trouble makers. Check out the following;

I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not. Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed. Isaiah 66:4,5

            These verses are a good description of the falling church, and it’s reaction when the rapture hits, and they are left behind. To tremble at God’s Word automatically means that you take it as it is—you do not alter it to be more comfortable! How can we tell the almighty His business? Jesus is perfect and faithful in the preservation of His Word.

            Luke chapter 4:14-29 is another great happening recorded about the church or God’s children. Read what happened to Jesus in His own home town church! People are still the same, and reject God’s conviction and/or chastening because it is uncomfortable. (the truth can be!) My encounters with churches or believers today reveal an almost universal rejection of Godly chastening. To that the scripture responds:

If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Hebrews 12:7,8

            John chapter nine reveals another church-rejection that was suffered. Here we find a blind man when Jesus healed on the Sabbath. Of course, any labor done on the Sabbath day was strictly forbidden—even healing. The church leaders were inquiring about this event, and went to the man’s parents.

His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:  But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him. John 9:20-23

            Note their fear of being rejected, which outweighed standing for the truth! They kept unity; but clearly an ungodly unity.

            Then the Pharisees returned to questioning the man himself, and we read the following;

The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing. They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out. John 9:30-34

            Please know that it is absolutely normal for God’s people to be outcast from those claiming to be His. Consider John 16:2:

They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. John 16:2

The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Matthew 10:24,25

            All this evidence should a) help you to reject church attendance as necessary to salvation and b) strongly question the teachings of your church. (through the Word) Each person will give their own account to God—you will not be able to lay responsibility on someone else.

            Other scriptures that reveal the vanity of religions are Isaiah 5:12,13; 29:13,14; 56:10-12 (church leaders); Jeremiah 5:30,31; 23:16,17 (false prophets); Ezekiel 5:5,6; 13:3-10 (false prophets). The book of Galatians was written to a group of new believers who were backsliding into religious ceremony and tradition. Please read the entire book, but a few verses to focus on are 1:6, 2:18, 3:1-3, 4:9-11.

            The churches of Revelation chapters two and three deserve some special attention. Jesus directly addresses these seven churches, and these lessons’ are of incalculable value to us today. Dispensationalists love to say that these churches represent ages, or periods that the true church has gone through. God’s Word, however, does not tell us that n any way—it is a teaching that adds to the Word, confining scriptural application to each life. In other words, if you are taught that these churches are ages, you might only pay attention to the last one (Revelation 3:14-22); believing the other churches referenced will not apply to you. Always let the Holy Spirit guide you into understanding god’s Word—not the vain teachings of man’s misguided ideas. Therefore, it is best to regard the instruction to these seven churches as applicable throughout the body of Christ today.

            Only two of these seven churches are spoken of favorably. The church in Smyrna (not Delaware!) is in chapter 2:8, and Philadelphia in 3:7.

            Smyrna is known for being persecuted, and is basically instructed to hang in there! Though put to death in the body, their souls will be saved.

            Philadelphia “…hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” (Revelation 3:8) Because of this, they received a promise in verse 10;

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Revelation 3:10

            Some have made the mistake of equating this passage with an early rapture; but such is not true. Frankly, dying and being with the Lord is vastly preferable (Isaiah 57:1; Philippians 1:21) to enduring life on earth—especially at the end. As we point out in our rapture section, passages such as Luke 17:24-30 clearly indicate that the blessed hope (I Thessalonians 3:16-18) will occur very shortly before the final battle and judgment of Armageddon.

            It should be noted that Jesus warns and admonishes each of the seven churches about falling away. Yes, even the two favorable churches! Satan is powerful and deceptive, and will be even more so in these last days. There is no eternal security; we must each take up our cross daily and follow the Lord.

            The Ephesus church initially receives a number of compliments from the Lord (Revelation 2:2,3). Yet verse five clearly shows that they are fallen, and must repent. If they do not, their candlestick (in heaven) will be removed—you get the picture! Does this again remind you of Matthew 7:21-23? There are so many religions and churches with good works—but unless it is founded truly on Christ (the rock—the Word of God), it will fall far short.

            Pergamos also receives positive feedback, but is then rebuked for the sins they have fallen into. These must repent, or they will be left for judgment with the rest of mankind at Armageddon. (Revelation 3:16-19:15)

            The church at Thyatira follows the same pattern of compliment, then rebuke. Repentance is ordered, and consequences revealed if they do not. Yet Revelation 2:24 reveals that not all the members of Thyatira had fallen; some true believers yet remained.

            Today it is a common thought that numerous true believers exist within every Christian church. This thought is not true. As one who also used to believe the same, I now know that many churches have no Christians in them. If you found a church with ten, that would be very high. Obviously, only Jesus will know the true condition of each soul. There may yet be several churches who live and believe the Word in truth. But we will soon come to know the utter truth of Matthew 7:13,14:

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:13,14

            Another thing is also amazing:  many churchgoers, when confronted about the false teachings/falling away, absolutely will agree with you! But in the next sentence will adamantly maintain that their church is not one of them! (They somehow were especially exempt!) Just the same—have you ever been to a funeral where the deceased was not going to heaven? Our love for another doesn’t validate their credentials before God!

            Sardis (Revelation 3:1-5) is rebuked from the start, and told to repent. This church, though, also has a few who are still right with the Lord. (verse 4) Please remember that our personal relationship with Christ is the only vital circumstance. But even with a few true believers, it does not change the fallen state of the church overall. (Ezekiel 14:20)

            The final church (Revelation 3:14) names a certain group, not a specific city with a church; the Laodiceans. In so doing, this is a unique group. The rebuke is noting a type of professing believer directly. Yes, our churches in America and western Europe fit this description pretty well. (in general)

            These people are spiritually lukewarm; a vile condition to Christ who would rather have us cold or hot. (verses 15,16) I would call it hypocrisy, or a pretending, comfortable “Christianity.” We must be sold out for Jesus, loving the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. (Luke 10:27) Jesus points out the differences between their own view of themselves, and His view. (verse 17) The only acceptable way to approach this one is through Godly chastening with repentance. (verse 18,19) Revelation chapters two and three bring to light some serious shortfalls within churches. And those shortfalls have eternal consequences.

            What then, is the conclusion of this matter? To church or not to church, seems to be the question! Aaahh, if only every issue were plainly black or white! In this case one’s own spiritual maturity will be an inhibiting factor.

            This watchman is here to warn you of the approaching judgment. The Lord is calling you to repent. Return to God’s Word (KJV), and humbly seek Him in all that you do. Hold up your church’s teachings to the light of God’s Word. Pray earnestly, that God will show you the differences and provide direction. Do share the truths you’ve been blessed to see. How they are received reveals much about another’s spiritual condition!

            It is likely that you will be led to “come out and be separate.” This may be difficult; but being saved is an other-worldly condition, with different values. Do not let church involvement become a spiritual snare to you, no matter the close family and friends you may lose. God is able to bless and sustain you without the trappings of formalized religion.

            You may also be getting the idea of making your church a mission field. If you are discovering new truths, and waking out of your “slumber,” it is only natural to share with others whom you thought were on the same spiritual journey. Confronting your pastor can be most enlightening! How long that course is pursued should be a Holy Ghost leading—no person can determine it for you. Frankly, we are not asked to linger, but to move on.

            When Jesus was here in the flesh, these were His words on the matter:

And when ye come into an house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. Matthew 10:12-15,23

            Our Lord asks us to witness and share the truth. When we have done that, our part is done (completed, finished, over). Salvation is, after all, a work of the Holy Spirit. We are told plainly to share:  then if we are not received, we must leave. Mark 6:10,11 and Luke 10:10-12 echo this instruction. Nor is this the only place such teaching is found.

Thus saith the LORD unto this people, Thus have they loved to wander, they have not refrained their feet, therefore the LORD doth not accept them; he will now remember their iniquity, and visit their sins. Then said the LORD unto me, Pray not for this people for their good. When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them: but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence. Jeremiah 14:10-12

            Also see Jeremiah 7:14-16, and 11:10,11,14.

            You may continue in your organized church believing that you are witnessing, or showing love. The truth is that you are showing compromise, and not taking a stand. You will be like every other hypocrite who professes Christ, but doesn’t live like it makes a difference. We are called to “come out,” and not to be comfortable. We are to be Holy, not yoked to unbelief. We are a peculiar people, not a popular one.

            In Matthew 5:29,30, Jesus told us to go so far as to pluck out our eye, or cut off a hand, if it meant missing out on Hell. Wouldn’t you also cut off the dead weight of the false teachers in your church? Don’t allow earthly affection to come between you and heavenly gain!

            Remember, I can not tell you how, when, or if you should make that break. But time is very, very short. Please be certain that you are walking uprightly in Christ.

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. John 14:23

He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. John 12:48

P.S. You may want to ask the following; What about fellowship? Do I have to go it alone? Doesn’t the “body of Christ” imply more than one member?

            The answers here are not easy ones to adhere to. Salvation is brought to each individual, as per their own repentance in response to Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. Your first duty is obedience (see Luke 17:10, 18:13) to the Lord. There are times that following Christ may leave you alone. Scripture certainly points to periods of isolation for some of God’s servants. (Moses, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Jonah, Jesus, Paul) I do believe that the Lord will provide you with at least one other person. Here I am thinking how the disciples were sent out in two’s, and each group of two was the “body” of Christ.

            Always pray that God will lead you, and diligently study the Word of direction. As you share, the Lord may lead you to a group of believers (if you had to leave your church). You may also group together with like-minded people and start your own fellowship time. Remember Hebrews 4:15,16, which tells us to boldly approach the throne of grace. God will supply your every need.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14