What Keeps a Church From Being Transformed? (Part 4)
These are serious times for the American Church. According to church growth specialist Leonard Sweet recently, 75% of American
churches are dying and 24% of churches in the USA are plateaued. As we consider the words of this passage and align the
American congregation’s current condition with that, we are chilled at the possibility that we are witnessing the results of this
passage before our very eyes.
CHURCHES THE REFUSE TO TRANSFORM RISK THEIR DESTRUCTION
While we blame our pastors or mega-churches for the cause of our demise, it is obvious from Scripture that the main reason is this
refusal by the bulk of the local church’s membership to allow transformation to occur in their lives. We must look at such a refusal to
transform as tantamount to insulting the Lord of the Church. Welcoming the fresh work of God is the only appropriate conduct for any
child of God.
Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your
lampstand from its place--unless you repent. Revelation 2:5 (NKJV)
The pain of Jesus’ heart moves to the consequences of our failure. Jesus provides us with the motivation to return – a bit of stern
parenting. As we consider Jesus’ words, let His broken heart reach yours! Jesus focuses out attention on our one great failure here
…
These are words to take to heart. The essence of existence as a local church is for its members to have a close and vital relationship
with Jesus. In the process of being close to the Master, we are all changed – transformed.
In other words, transformation happens when churches – as a body – remain close to the Lover of their souls! If the majority remains
busy and distracted, neglecting the overtures of the Lord Jesus can bring the ultimate in discipline.
© 2007 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith. All rights reserved.
These are serious times for the American Church. According to church growth specialist Leonard Sweet recently, 75% of American
churches are dying and 24% of churches in the USA are plateaued. As we consider the words of this passage and align the
American congregation’s current condition with that, we are chilled at the possibility that we are witnessing the results of this
passage before our very eyes.
CHURCHES THE REFUSE TO TRANSFORM RISK THEIR DESTRUCTION
While we blame our pastors or mega-churches for the cause of our demise, it is obvious from Scripture that the main reason is this
refusal by the bulk of the local church’s membership to allow transformation to occur in their lives. We must look at such a refusal to
transform as tantamount to insulting the Lord of the Church. Welcoming the fresh work of God is the only appropriate conduct for any
child of God.
Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your
lampstand from its place--unless you repent. Revelation 2:5 (NKJV)
The pain of Jesus’ heart moves to the consequences of our failure. Jesus provides us with the motivation to return – a bit of stern
parenting. As we consider Jesus’ words, let His broken heart reach yours! Jesus focuses out attention on our one great failure here
…
- Not returning and restoring the relationship – This failure of neglect is church-wide. The leadership had failed to notice and to
rectify this congregational loss. Now, Jesus scolds them: “or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from
its place--unless you repent.” The “lampstand” is a metaphor for the church itself. Jesus is threatening the local church (and
their leadership) that, despite intense ministry and a vigilant defense of the faith, without a close and vital relationship with
Him, there is no reason to exist!
These are words to take to heart. The essence of existence as a local church is for its members to have a close and vital relationship
with Jesus. In the process of being close to the Master, we are all changed – transformed.
In other words, transformation happens when churches – as a body – remain close to the Lover of their souls! If the majority remains
busy and distracted, neglecting the overtures of the Lord Jesus can bring the ultimate in discipline.
© 2007 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith. All rights reserved.
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