HAVING EARS THAT HEAR

I Was Just Thinking About – HAVING EARS THAT HEAR.

In a technological world where all kinds of information is available in written form and electronic devices, what does one really hear, know and do with the data received? Data is used as a basis for reasoning, discussion and calculation. In modern times, it assumes there will be dialogue with an individual or group rather than a monologue that would inform but be unable to discern whether  there is any measurable and applicable understanding.

In the religious sector of the culture, there is a voluminous amount of information that is stated or written about all areas of church government and lifestyle choices. It leads one to be curious about how many churches and denominations are there in the world. It is estimated there are 34,000 Christian denominations in the world. Worldwide, the estimate for the number of church buildings is 37 million. Protestant Christianity makes up the bulk of different denominations – 9,000 main-stream and 22,000 independent. Many of the churches are stand-alone congregations, several of whom share essentially common beliefs but with little or no mutual association with one another.

These estimates are a sad commentary on how far churches have departed from the prayer of Jesus Christ, John 17:20-21, “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” It also misses the point of Paul’s admonition and prayer in Ephesians 4:3-6, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;  one Lord, one faith, one baptism;  one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

There is also the words of Jesus Christ as He walks in the midst of the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3. A phrase that is attached to the churches is a summary of the expectation of Jesus Christ for those who name His name, “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” The words of the Head of the Church address the danger of abandoning the first love one had for Christ and His Church (Revelation 2:4); allowing fear to replace faith when ties of suffering are closing in on one’s life (Revelation 2:10); Carelessly allowing false teaching and doctrines to infiltrate (Revelation 2:14-15); the tolerance of immorality within the Church (Revelation 2:20-24); the reality and presence of complacency, lethargy and lifelessness (Revelation 3:1-2); laziness, incorrect assessment  and indifference that has allowed for a group becoming lukewarm in terms of the truth of God and His mission for His people (Revelation 3:15-17).

Only one of the seven Churches is commended by Jesus Christ. His words of encouragement to the Church at Philadelphia is: “I know your deeds. I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name” (Revelation 3:8).All of the churches here His words: “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

WHAT IF the churches of our day gave heed to the scrutiny and words of Jesus Christ, would it affect them in any way? Would they desire to “repent” and get on the pathway of Jesus Christ for His Church? Is the Church you attend the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ or controlled by strong natural leaders who are allowed to influence the direction, mission and ministry of the local Church? Should you attend and continue to support a Church that is dying and in a terminal state? Why, or why not?

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.