The Church's Love For Christ/ Message to The American Church

The Church's Love For Christ/ Message to The American Church Acts 19.1-22, Ephesians 3.14-21, Revelation 2.1-7 Churches are born and they develop and unfortunately many end up in need of correction, to return to their roots and become a vibrant light again. This is a message the Church in America needs. Many places are need of renewal. The Pastors need to be renewed. The Churches have lost something that they need to regain. Churches go through stages. The Ephesian Church is the one and only church in God's Word we can see from its inception, an epistle written to it and a message from Christ to it in that stage of needed correction. It spanned approximately 40 to 45 years Interestingly often when churches are studied these days you see the tracing of its attendance and finances but seldom is the issue Jesus had with this church addressed. It is ALL important: Love. When I am asked, “How is the flock?” or “How is the church doing.” Most are looking for a numerical or financial answer. Let me humbly say that is why the Church in America is a mess. It is success is viewed solely on attendance. This is poor evaluation. I had someone tell me recently about how many people are coming to their church. Why are we counting? That particular church has had a lot of problems and I know personally that some treacherous things have been done by its leaders. The attendance does not make up for these dastardly deeds! The Ephesian Church had, in the words of Christ to it, forsaken its first love. Before delving into this let's go back to its beginnings to see what it was before this message of Christ Jesus was given to it. What was its first love? 1. The Ephesian Church was born in a great move of God. Acts 19.1-22 Water baptism of believers and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit were in its early days. John the Baptist spoke of both. Jesus did as well. In fact His final instructions before He went into Heaven in those last days before the ascension contains both. The account in Acts 19 of the beginnings of this church start with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Some have called this The "Ephesian Pentecost". By v.10 we are told that everyone in the Province of Asia heard the Word of the LORD. The gospel was explained to everyone, to each person, so they could understand it... the Baptism with the Holy Spirit which Jesus spoke about in Acts 1 to empower the church to share the gospel. The apostles needed this to carry out  Jesus' command to go into the all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. They needed this to be witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. We do too! Speaking of the ends of the Earth, please pray for Pastor Liton Roy in Bangladesh. He has asked for prayer as they hold various outreaches and attempt to feed 200 children in November. Photos The Baptism with the Spirit gave (gives) instantaneous power and boldness, vision and the ability to speak God's Word with great boldness. God confirms His Word with miracles, signs and wonders. So this church in the city of Ephesus was used by God to evangelize the entire province. Being filled with God's Spirit gives power and over a period of time there is the fruit of the Spirit which develops. That fruit is love. Interesting that this move of God affected the economy there! Verses 23-41 Paul wrote to them about the importance of love within the church 2. Paul, the apostle, prayed for their growth in love. Ephesians 3.14-21 Rooted and established in love- v.17 Power to grasp the enormity of the love of Christ.-v.18 to know this love and be filled with all the fullness of God -v.19 knowing the unknowable, His love higher than the heavens, reaching to the sky! This is the most important thing in the church. Is there love? This is reflective of God. Sound doctrine is very important. Prayer as well. Fellowship and Breaking of Bread with love all around. By the time John receives The Revelation of Jesus Christ with the message to this Church at Ephesus some 30 years have passed and Jesus after commending them for their deeds, hard work and perseverance, not tolerating wicked men, testing would be apostles, enduring hardship and not growing weary- they were a very good church, ahead of many, yet- 3. The Ephesian Church had forsaken their first love. - Revelation 2.1-7 first= in time and place and rank. Out of their love for Christ they had their priorities in good order- correct order- their motive and actions were on target. We know they were strong witnesses- they held to the truth. the Word of the LORD spread widely and grew in power. Acts 19.20 What happened?! that Christ told them this! Simply could have been their heart was not as affectionate for Him as in the beginning. What were the early days of  our church like? No building, Main Street Memorial Building, Smith Street What brought us together in 1945? What holds us together in 2025? This Church loves one another! * A group of you around Siggy last Sunday after church * The love you have for the pastors * The love around the tables after church * You look out for one another throughout the week. * You take care of the elderly and sick Mirielle calling me Wednesday afternoon to check on Margot Sue going with me to see Pastor Johnson on Tuesday. Mary texting me to see how Margot was. Robert going with me to see Pastor Johnson on Friday. * You care about other around the world * You care about others in the Parking Lot on Monday Night and Friday Afternoons feeding the hungry. * Prayer Meetings… we have prayer warriors here. Is God calling you? What happened in Ephesus? Perhaps other issues became more important than witnessing- spreading the Word. It could be that they had become bitter and angry- perhaps they had gotten caught up in getting rich quick schemes? Remember Paul wrote to Timothy, “…who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. I Timothy 6.5 The height from which they fell - Love is the highest place a church can come to. You cannot improve on love! Perhaps God's Word and prayer wasn't as important as it once was- maybe they stopped teaching about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit- we have all seen that happen. Jesus gave them a solution Remember- Repent- do the things you did at first. Acts 19 This is to a church but it could easily be applied to you, personally. Are there things that you had going when you first met Jesus which have grown dim? My eyes are dry My faith is old My heart is hard My prayers are cold And I know how I ought to be Alive to You and dead to me But what can be done For an old heart like mine Soften it up With oil and wine The oil is You, Your Spirit of love Please wash me anew With the wine of Your Blood Repent requires humility. Admitting I was wrong. Changing direction. I am so thankful for the return to prayer in this fellowship. It is going on 7 days a week here in some form. Wonderful! We are holding fast to the Word of God. Let’s be like Psalm 123 1-2-3! 1  I lift up my eyes to You,
    to You who sit enthroned in heaven. 2  As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master,
    as the eyes of a female slave look to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the LORD our God,
    till He shows us his mercy. 3  Have mercy on us, LORD, have mercy on us,
    for we have endured no end of contempt. 4  We have endured no end
    of ridicule from the arrogant,
    of contempt from the proud. Humility is a fruit of love.

God’s Word of Encouragement

God’s Words Of Encouragement Acts 18. 9 One night the LORD spoke to Paul in a vision:“Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10 For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” 11 So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the Word (Logos=Jesus) of God. We all need encouragement from time to time. In times of challenge we need it all the more. My Coach, Paul Limmer, built great track and Cross Country Teams in Bellmore because the man knew how to encourage his runners. He believed in us before we believed in ourselves. I employed his technique when I coached Little League. He included everyone, the very talented and those with little ability. When it comes to running the Christian Race, working for the LORD, we all need to hear from Heaven once in a while. Psalm 46.1 Monday night Sink down, relax Sometimes that Word from the LORD is all we need. He gave Paul what he needed for this time. He does the same for us. Rebecca often prays for “that Word” from the LORD that people need.. Paul received it. It is for us too. I would venture to say we all need this today. * Don’t Be Afraid “Fear not” or “Do not be afraid” is 365 times in the Word of God. In this case of Paul, the Apostle it was fear of physical harm coming to him. In our case it is how our culture has changed from being fairly Christian to opposed to our faith. Take Sundays… 60 years ago, even 50. Today it is the majority. Fears Common to Man * Fear of Getting Old What is going to happen to me as I age? Where am I going to end up? In God’s Hands Psalm 48.14 For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end. * Fear of the Future With all the changes we are facing today how will I adjust to the future? Change is definite. We see it happening each day. I know Who holds the future! Each day ordained for me. * Fear of being desolate. What happens if I use all my money and cannot support myself? A friend of mine wrote yesterday: ***How many more foreclosures will add to the 18 pages they already have due to the tax reassessment ( supposed to be done every 5 yrs and hasn’t been done in 40yrs) plus the electric Bill and in cases have seen people with a 300% plus bills compared to 3 months ago ? I hope it’s a warm winter***** * Fear of starving or being out of food Matthew 6.33 I have been young, and now I am old and I’ve never seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread. * Fear of being Abandoned I am losing friends and family. Will the few left leave me too? What if relationships I have now are no more. Hebrews 13.5 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever abandon you,” We will never be abandoned by the LORD! You need to hear that today! * Fear of Death Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me. He comes to us in Death’s Valley in so many ways! Many! Mark 5. 35 While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the Teacher anymore?” 36 Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Jesus’ words to us about death whether they are raised from the dead or not. Have faith! A Christian’s view of death * Our last enemy I Corinthians 15.26. Final battle * Our wonder, our transport when Jesus we see! * Those who believe in Him will never die John 11.25 Death does not have the final say over the Christian. In fact we face it and then we see Christ! * What we see/ What they see * Our last heartbeat, our last breathe in God’s Presence! John 11 God’s Son is glorified through it. -v.4 21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die; 40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” 43 When He had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” * Keep On Speaking Do not stop doing what God has called you to do. Paul was sent to Macedonia. Acts 16.9 His call was reaffirmed. God will do that. He does through encouragement from others. What God calls us to do He encourages us to keep going. Opposition will come. Judases will arise once in a while. If God be for us who can stand against us? * Don’t Be Silent Places on Earth where it is against the law to preach the Gospel: China this week: China detains dozens of underground church pastors in crackdown -Reuters Hebrews 13.3 Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. When I pray for the Church in China I try to feel what some of my fellow pastors are feeling there in prison. Then there are Countries like Nigeria where Christians are being slaughtered this week. Reports from multiple human rights and religious freedom organizations confirm that Christians in Nigeria are being targeted and killed, particularly by extremist groups in the country's northern and Middle Belt regions. The violence has intensified in recent years, making Nigeria one of the deadliest places in the world to be a Christian, according to advocates.  * I am with you God is present in our down times. He promised He would never leave us nor forsake us. He is our refuge and strength Our strong tower Proverbs 18.10  The Name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. * No one is Going To Attack or Harm You. Not in all cases Acts 20.23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. Pressure, affliction, straits No physical suffering but mental anguish, stress, which we can, by His Grace, turn it over to Him. * He Tells us Things We Do Not Know. “I have many people in this city” Proverbs 3.32 He takes the righteous into His confidence. His secret counsel The LORD will show you things and tell you things that are just between you and Him. This is to help you serve Him. I love the way He does this… Yesterday, something came up in conversation in front of Target. What I had suspected was proved true. I didn’t ask. I just listened. God took me into His confidence. I have not shouted it from the rooftops but I am praying about confronting someone, here in Bay Shore. Mark 4. 11 He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you…” What a blessing! Then there are secrets like this one with Paul. That must have been so good for Paul to hear. God has people here! In this church, in His Church in Bay Shore, on Long Island… in this world!

Be A Berean

Be A Berean Acts 17.10-12 Paul the Apostle left Thessalonica and traveled to Berea. This was done at night. He was snuck out of the city to escape persecution. He still had the scars from the severe flogging in Philippi. He did the same things with the Bereans as he had always done. He went to their synagogue. His pattern was, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1.16 The success in Berea was greater than Thessalonica. There was a reason for this... actually several: The Bereans were of Noble Character: Well behaved, Good. The Greek word used in Acts is eugenesteroi, which comes from eugenes, from which we derive the personal name "Eugene." Originally, it meant "wellborn" and implied nobility. Later, it described those of a generous spirit, who are open-minded toward truth, not prejudiced, hostile, or suspicious of others, but give others a fair hearing. It is interesting to see the different characteristics in the various churches. The Thessalonians believed false reports about the Return of Jesus, that it had already taken place. That would not have happened to the Berean Church. They would have reached that conclusion for themselves. For over 40 years here I have gone through the Bible, chapter by chapter, many years verse by verse. We have not had problems with false doctrines when they have been floating around. This is a church which moves on to maturity. A few of the false doctrines floating around: * God wants everyone to be wealthy and healthy. * The Rapture is going to happen in 1988. * The LORD is coming in 1994 * We need to get prepared for Y2K because all kinds of horrible things will happen at midnight on December 31, 1999 * Our fillings are turning to gold! * You cannot meet as a church during COVID Churches differ The Philippian Church was generous, very generous with giving to the Apostle Paul.. The others did not. The Corinthians were into the spiritual gifts. They also tolerated immorality worse than the pagans! The Galatian Church was falling for the lie that you had to become a Jew before you came to Christ. Look at the 7 Churches in Revelation! The Church at Ephesus lost its first love. The Church at Laodecia put Jesus on the outside. It didn’t feel it needed Him because it was increased in goods and wealth. Jesus’ assessment was that it was miserable, poor, blind and naked! What should the church be like? Since Jesus is building it it should represent Him. Jesus asked His Disciples, “Who do men say that I am?” Matthew 16. 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” There are John the Baptist Churches today. They yell “repent.” They go after the corruption in government. They see many baptized. Today we have a convergence of pastors going to Washington, DC Interestingly Jesus did not send His followers to Rome to bring reforms. The city He was concerned about with His followers was Jerusalem and that they did not leave until they were baptized with the Holy Spirit. I have received a few invitations to the Presidential Inaugurals in our nation’s capital. I have not gone. I did go to Albany to pray years ago in an opening session of the Senate. It was nice, a lot of driving but memorable for me, not sure about our Senators, although I was told they appreciated my comments. My prayer is recorded in the permanent record there. There are Elijah Churches today. They do mighty deeds. Many would say that they are on fire. They stress miracle, signs and wonders above all. They can fly higher than an eagle! They dazzle the mind and impress many. They celebrate things with great fanfare. If you go there you will find that they believe that the whole Island is repenting and coming to the LORD. They go beyond the Scriptures. There are churches like Jeremiah. They cry a lot. They lament over sin and the destruction it has brought on the nation. Songs are in a minor key. They are depressing churches. They talk more about the bad news more than the good news. You will weep if you go. You will not be offered much hope, other than being told you just need to hold on until Jesus comes back. These churches have strange vision. Jesus asked His Disciples, 15 “But what about you?” He asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” There are churches that are like Jesus. Like Him, there is nothing in their appearance that would attract people to them. They are not “Attraction Churches”. They are strong in the faith and compassionate. They are in the Word and the Word is in them. They lay down their lives for others. They are a House of Prayer for all nations. They are filled with the love of God. They love Jesus deeply. They are so refreshing. Those churches are marked by love. You are going to hear how wonderful Jesus is rather than how great the church is. People in love with Jesus are not looking elsewhere. They have found the Pearl of Great Price. The Bereans were into the Word. They knew the Scriptures. They checked out if what Paul was proclaiming was true. * The Bereans are considered as noble because they listened to the preaching of the Gospel with open hearts as they pursued God and His whole truth. * May you have an open heart. In this time of great change in the world and Church. In the sunshine and the rain. We need both to make flowers grow. In the seasons of the year and life. The Bereans held the Word of God in high esteem. They understood the commitment to the Apostle’s teaching as stated in Acts 2.42. They listened to it and made sure it lined up with Scripture of the Old Testament. * When obeyed it follows that they would be committed to Breaking of Bread, the fellowship and to prayer. They Apostle’s teaching is a continuation of what Jesus began to do and to teach among the Twelve. * The character of a nation, a group of people, a denomination, a church’s character will be known by the place it holds the Word of God in its heart and life. Always hold the Word of God along with His Name high in your life. Hide it in your heart. I wish Paul had written a letter to this church. It would have been one full of commendations. May we be that kind of church! Commended by God. You cannot have a church like Jesus without them knowing the Word of God. John 15. 7 If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. His Word abiding or remaining in you. And wonderful things happening between us and Him. A church that remains in His Word and prays. The Church is being built by Jesus. It reflects Him to the world. We are the Body of Christ. * What man commends/ What God commends We have the letters of Paul to the churches. We have the messages of Jesus to the 7 churches in Revelation. If we were have a letter written to us what would it say? I can hear Jesus say, “Continue in My Word!” * The Bereans were model seekers/ believers They were eager to learn. Take hold of it. Receive it like a grant. Embrace it. Zeal We need to diligently search the Scriptures daily. Marinate yourself in it. We should be people of one Book. All other books should be read in the light of the Word of God. I am concerned because that is not so today, even among so called believers. Our relationship with the Word of God is one of embracing it, being zealous to keep it, receiving the gift of it with thankfulness. What a gift we have been given! * The Benefits of Being A Berean: * A humble faith * A Heart for God * I will praise You, O LORD, with all my heart; before the "gods" I will sing Your praise. I will bow down toward Your holy temple and will praise Your name for Your love and your faithfulness, for You have exalted above all things Your name and Your Word. * A knowledge of God’s Word * A perspective of where we came from Genesis 1 and where we are going Revelation * A Firm and Sure Foundation Matthew 7. 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the Rock….and that Rock is Christ. * Hope I Peter 1. 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable,through the living and enduring Word of God. * 24 For, “All people are like grass,
    and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall, 25 but the Word of the LORD endures forever.” And this is the Word that was preached to you. * Psalm 138.2 Your Word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Psalm 119.89 The Word of God is our sole basis for truth and error. Testing the Scriptural Teaching To see if what is being proclaimed is true. To see if what I believe is accurate. * You didn’t hear from Bereans: “Wow! What a great message! What an awesome speaker. I could listen to that man preach all day! What a great preacher!” May God help us move away from such childish thinking across the Body of Christ! * Here is Paul’s Testimony: I Corinthians 2.1 And so it was with me, brothers, When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness with great fear and much trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. * The Bereans were a people who held Scripture in such a high regard that it became their daily pursuit, their source of truth, the only reference book or material they would read in search of what is true. There is no record of any letter to the Bereans. * Sifted Getting the wheat separated from the chaff Pulling out the truth Examined Checked out his quotes from the Old Testament. Judged Is it reasonable? Is it right? Listening to the Word of God put them in the Word of God daily. Prove all things. Hold fast that which is good. Be a Berean! One word on searching the Scriptures without having Christ: John 5. 39 You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about Me, 40 yet you refuse to come to Me to have life. Christ in us as we study the Scriptures. If you don’t have Him within you don’t have Eternal Life. Have a plan of reading the Bible, God’s Word. I have changed mine over the years. Now I am slowing down to take more in. Be disciplined. Enjoy. Celebrate. Stick to your plan until God changes it. The Sunday Morning Message Listen to men of God expound the Word of God. Check out everything you hear from the Scriptures. Be a Berean!