THE SEVEN LETTERS OF CHRIST

THE SEVEN LETTERS OF CHRIST
a message series

by
Pastor Paul A. Coleman

presented at
Hatch Bend Baptist Church

Links to synopses of each message:

LOSING THE FIRST LOVE

OVERCOMING TRIALS

OVERCOMING COMPROMISE

OVERCOMING CORRUPTION

OVERCOMING DEAD RELIGION

OVERCOMING BARRIERS

OVERCOMING APATHY

OVERCOMING APATHY

Apathy is one of the biggest problems for churches in the US. Our nation was once known as a Christian nation. Now, our own president proclaims to the world that we are not a Christian nation. While US churches enjoy the greatest resources in the world, they have been in steady decline for forty years. What does God think of our apathy? We will find the answer in Revelation 3:14-22. This passage records a letter dictated by Christ to the Apostle John, for the ancient church of Laodicea, a church that was also crippled by apathy.

If our churches are to be healthy, we must overcome apathy. In Christ, we can overcome apathy. To overcome apathy we must understand: The Characteristics of Apathy, The Causes of Apathy, The Consequences of Apathy, The Conquest of Apathy

First, to overcome apathy we must understand…

The Characteristics of Apathy (vv. 14-16)

Jesus contrasts His own faithfulness as the “faithful and true witness [martyr]” with the horrible apathy of the church of Laodicea. Apathy is lukewarm. They were neither cold nor hot, completely indifferent. Apathy is loathsome. Jesus said He would “vomit” them out of His mouth. Their apathy made Jesus sick.

Over time, we sometimes loose the zeal we once had for Christ. We begin to loose interest in church, witnessing and personal devotion. We need to stir up the fire we once had in our souls for Jesus, and serve Him faithfully.

Second, to overcome apathy, we must understand…

The Causes of Apathy (vv. 17-18)

Where does this apathy come from? From Jesus’ words we may learn two causes of apathy.
Self-reliance is a cause of apathy. The Laodiceans were relying on their wealth and technology, rather than on Jesus. They thought once they were saved, they didn’t need Jesus anymore. Self-deception is a cause of apathy. Their physical prosperity masked their spiritual poverty.

We need to stop relying on our grand buildings, budgets, schools and programs and begin relying on Jesus. Without Him we can do nothing. We need to look beyond the exterior, and take a good hard look at our spiritual condition.

Third, to overcome apathy, we must understand…

The Consequences of Apathy (vv. 19-20)

Jesus told the church of Laodicea of two consequences of apathy. Discipline from Christ is one consequence of apathy. The true child of God who goes astray will face the discipline of the Lord. Sometimes we need to be taken out to the spiritual woodshed and put back on the right track. He loves us too much to let us continue in the destructive pattern of sin. Distance from Christ is another consequence of apathy. Jesus stated that He was at the door, knocking, waiting to come in and fellowship with those whom He had died to redeem. He is speaking to church folks, not lost pagans. They did not lose their salvation, but their apathy had separated them from fellowship with Christ. Their love of the things of this life had caused apathy to set in and push Christ out. What a sad commentary.

We need to be zealous, to be committed to Christ. We need to repent, to turn from our sin and apathy. We need to allow Jesus full access and control of every part of our lives. When we do, He will come in and spread the banquet table before us, and feed our starving souls.

Fourth, to overcome apathy we must understand…

The Conquest of Apathy (vv. 21-22)

In the last two verses, Jesus speaks of promises for those who overcome. These verses teach us two things about overcoming apathy. Overcoming apathy is possible. It is only possible in Christ, but it is possible. This promise is extended beyond the church of Laodicea to “the churches.” Overcoming apathy is powerful. The one who overcomes is promised the opportunity to sit with Christ on His throne – a position of power and prestige.

Are you tired of playing church? Do you want to be a part of something that is meaningful, something that will change lives and change your community, something that will last forever? Repent of any apathy in your life. Open up your heart to Christ and give Him control. Invite Him to take away the apathy, and restore the zeal in your heart once more. It is time to wake up, get up and get going for Jesus!

To learn more about how to follow Jesus, click here.

To find a good church where you can grow in your faith, click here.

This is a synopsis of a sermon presented on 6-28-2009 at Hatch Bend Baptist Church, by Paul A. Coleman.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Baptist Statesmanship

Fighting among SBC ranks seems to get most of the press these days; however, I read an article on the Baptist Press Blog that reported great Baptist statesmanship by none other than Dr. Duke McCall, former president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. McCall spoke at the sesquicentennial service, during which the new Duke K. McCall Pavilion was dedicated. Although Dr. McCall is known as a moderate, and acknowledged that he did not agree with everything that the current conservative leadership of the seminary does, he encouraged all alumni and friends of the seminary to rally together and support the seminary. It is important to note, Dr. McCall is regularly listed in The Tie, the seminaries quarterly publication, as a financial contributor to the seminary - he practices what he preached.

This conservative Southern Baptist appreciates Dr. McCall's statesmanship. More of us should learn from his example.

2009 SBC Annual Convention: Hypocritical About Homosexuality?

During the annual meeting, the SBC voted to dismiss Broadway Baptist Church, in Fort Worth, TX because the church has practices which seem to endorse or approve of homosexuality. The SBC also passed a resolution condemning, among other things, President Obama's naming June Lesbian Gay and Transgender month. Also, the SBC passed another resolution condemning ENDA (Employment Non-discrimination Act - a pro-homosexual bill), hate crimes legislation (which seeks to silence speech against homosexuality) and overturning the military's "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy (which prohibits military personnel from 'coming out of the closet'). The SBC also highlighted a ministry to homosexuals. How is ministry to homosexuals consistent with the SBC's stand against homosexuality?

It is consistent for the following reasons:

The SBC's ministry to homosexuals is designed to help them escape that lifestyle, not embrace it. The SBC rightly calls homosexuality a sin, and encourages its member churches to help their members overcome their sinful condition, just as they would for people engaged in any other type of sin. Since any and all sin is detrimental to a person's spiritual health, sins should be forsaken, not embraced.

Broadway Baptist Church was dismissed for affirming homosexuality among its members rather than help its members overcome their sinful condition. The church's policies are contrary to the expressed teaching and practice of the SBC. The SBC was acting consistently with its stated beliefs.

The SBC was also acting consistently with its beliefs when it passed resolutions condemning actions by our elected leaders which violate those beliefs.

Was the SBC hypocritical about homosexuality? No.

SBC 2009 Annual Meeting: Elections, Award, and GCR

According to the Baptist Press Blog, Dr. Johnny Hunt was re-elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), running without opposition. John Mark Toby, pastor of Beacon Hill Baptist Church, Somerset, KY was elected first vice president of the SBC, gaining more votes than Ken Render, the other nominee for the position.

The inaugural HCSB Award was given posthumously to Fred Winters, pastor of First Baptist Church, Maryville, Ill. Winters was shot and killed while preaching in his church earlier this year. Dr. Thom Rainer gave the award to Winters' wife, Cindy.

In the evening session, the motion presented by Dr. Albert Mohler was adopted, authorizing the president of the SBC to assign a task force to study how the SBC can work together more efficiently to fulfill the Great Commission, and present its findings to the SBC annual meeting next year in Orlando, FL. A motion to assign this task to NAMB and IMB failed.

SBC Annual Meeting: Controversies Addressed Out Of the Gate

The first session of the 2009 Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) in Lousiville, KY is over, and the next one is about to start. Although this writer is not attending the meeting this year, the following comments are made based on observations of the meeting over the Internet. Throughout the annual meeting, comments will appear on this blog.

During this morning's session, two of the most controversial issues leading up to the convention were addressed. The first motion was presented by Dr. Albert Mohler, President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, serving as a messenger from Highview Baptist Church in Louisville, KY. Dr. Mohler moved that the SBC create a task force to study the Great Commission Resurgence (GCR) and bring recommendations to next year's annual meeting. It was not surprising that the motion was made; however, it is interesting that it was the first motion presented during the annual meeting. The messengers will likely vote on the motion later today. Dr. Morris Chapman, President of the Executive Committee of the SBC, and Dr. Johnny Hunt, President of the SBC, presented their arguments against and for the GCR in their respective addresses to the convention. Dr. Chapman has openly opposed to the GCR for some time. Although his motives are to protect the SBC, it appears he wants to keep the status quo, believing further changes to the SBC are not needed and are perhaps dangerous. Statistics released by LifeWay on numerous occasions would indicate that the SBC has been in decline for some time. Clearly, some big changes need to be made for the good of the SBC. To do nothing would be dangerous. Besides, no one knows what the outcome of the study will be. The task force may side with Dr. Chapman after all. Why be so defensive?

The second controversial issue was the action to end cooperative fellowship with Broadway Baptist Church (BBC) in Fort Worth, TX. BBC has been the subject of several Baptist Press articles because the church reportedly allows homosexual members, and has placed them in positions of leadership in the church. After interviewing leaders from the church, the Executive Committee of the SBC brought the motion today to end cooperative fellowship with BBC. Critics will likely argue that the SBC has overstepped its authority and violated the autonomy of the local church. Critics who make such claims must remember that the SBC is autonomous as well, and may choose to associate with churches as it sees fit. To try to force the SBC to associate with churches or entities that violate its values, is to violate the autonomy of the SBC. The SBC acted correctly in ending fellowship with a church that is clearly in violation of SBC teaching and practice.

OVERCOMING BARRIERS

There are many barriers to spiritual growth in the world today. In fact, anything that holds us back from following Jesus has become a barrier to our spiritual growth.

From the beginnings of the church, Christians have faced barriers to following Jesus; however, those barriers may be overcome. A good example is the letter to the ancient church in Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7-13). This is the sixth of seven letters to the ancient churches of Asia Minor, dictated by Jesus to the Apostle John on the Isle of Patmos.

In this passage, we find four barriers to spiritual growth Jesus helps us overcome: 1. The Barrier of Opportunity 2. The Barrier of Persecution 3. The Barrier of Trials 4. The Barrier of Motivation

Jesus can help us overcome the …

Barrier of Opportunity (vv. 7-8)

Sometimes circumstances seem to be a barrier to our spiritual growth – the right opportunities just don’t seem to open up. Sometimes we don’t take the opportunities He gives us. Jesus helps us overcome these barriers as we: Trust God’s sovereignty. Jesus (God incarnate) is the One who opens and shuts. Jesus opened the right door for them. Don’t trust human strength. They had “little strength.” Keep God’s Word. They kept His Word, in spite of circumstances. This is why Jesus opened the door. Keep trusting Jesus. They did not deny Jesus, in spite of circumstances. This is also why Jesus opened the door.

I have seen downtown churches in big cities are dying, though hundreds of people live across the street. The opportunity is there, yet the churches refuse to reach out to the people around them.

There are a lot of people living around us, that we have not yet reached out to. We need to take the Gospel to every home in our community, no matter who lives there. As long as there is one person who has not heard the Gospel, there is work to be done.

Not only can Jesus help us overcome the barrier of opportunity, He can also help us overcome the…

Barrier of Persecution (v. 9)

Sometimes persecution by people seems to be a barrier to our spiritual growth. We allow others to intimidate us and make us stop following Jesus as we should. Wait on God’s justice. Jesus promised to make their persecutors bow down before them. He will take care of the persecutors in due time.

I can recall many occasions that I failed to share the Gospel with someone, because I was afraid of what they might say, or what they might think of me.

What will they say on Judgment Day, when they hear the words, “Depart from Me, I never knew you,” and they realize that their good Christian friend never told them how to be saved? What will they think then? May God help us to never shy away from sharing our faith, or doing what is right, for fear of what others may say or do!

Not only can Jesus help us overcome the barrier of opportunity and the barrier of persecution, He can also help us overcome the…

Barrier of Trials (vv. 10-11)

Sometimes trials can be a barrier to spiritual growth. Something bad happens that hinders our walk with Jesus. We need to realize: 1. God’s Word gives us endurance. They had kept Jesus’ command [word] to persevere [endure]. It was a matter of obeying Jesus’ word. 2. God protects His children. Jesus promised to keep them from the hour of testing that is to come upon the earth. Followers of Jesus don’t have to fear the end of the world. 3. Hold fast – it won’t be long. Jesus said He was coming quickly. It wouldn’t be long. 4. Hold fast – don’t lose your reward. Jesus told them to hold fast so that they would not lose their crown. We cannot lose our salvation, but we can lose our reward.

There are many people who have experienced some sort of painful trial in life. As a result of that trial, they became angry with God, and stopped living for Him.

Jesus can help us overcome the hurt caused by trials in our lives. Get into His Word – there is strength there. Accept what has happened, and let it go. Begin to trust God again, and see what He will do in your life.

Not only can Jesus help us overcome the barrier of opportunity, the barrier of persecution and the barrier of trials, He can also help us overcome the…

Barrier of Motivation (vv. 12-13)

Why bother? Those who overcome will receive a place of honor. Jesus promised to make them a pillar in the temple of God that will never leave. They will permanently dwell in the presence of God. Those who overcome will receive a name of honor. Jesus promised to write on them the name of God, the name of God’s city and Jesus’ new name. They will be identified with God forever.

I can ask my kids to do some chore around the house, and sometimes get a less-than-enthusiastic response. If I offer them a cookie, however, I get an immediate response. It just takes the right motivation.

The Christian life is not a drag. Jesus has promised us abundant life in the here-and-now, and eternal life in the hereafter. My best life is not now; my best life is yet to come! This life is pretty good! The great rewards Christ has promised should motivate us to be faithful to Him.

What barriers hinder your spiritual growth? Opportunity? Persecution? Trials? Motivation? Something Else? Trust Jesus to help you overcome the barriers in your life.

To learn more about how to follow Jesus, click here.

To find a good church where you can grow in your faith, click here.

This is a synopsis of a sermon presented on 6-14-2009 at Hatch Bend Baptist Church, by Paul A. Coleman.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

OVERCOMING DEAD RELIGION

It is possible for churches and individuals today to be spiritually dead without realizing it. The result is dead religion. There are three ways to overcome dead religion.

First, to overcome dead religion, we must: Stop pretending. (vv. 1-2)

Jesus very bluntly addressed the problem in the church of Sardis.

Jesus mentioned their good reputation – “…you have a name that you are alive…” (v.1) They had a reputation for being alive.

Jesus mentioned their poor reflection – “…but you are dead…” (v.1) They were, in fact, dead spiritually. Why was this church considered dead? Jesus said, “I know your works,” (v.1) but He had “not found [their] works perfect [complete] before God.” (v.2) Their works did not demonstrate real faith. (See James 2:17-20) Their faith was not reflected in their works.

Pretending is not enough. Saying something is true doesn’t make it true. If your faith is real, it will change who you are and the way you live. What does the way you live say about your faith? Is it real?

Second, to overcome dead religion, we must: Be watchful. (vv. 2-3)

Jesus instructed the church at Sardis to be watchful in several ways:

Strengthen what remains. Even that was about to die, and needed to be strengthened quickly.

Remember what you have received and heard. They had once heard and received the Gospel. They needed to remember that.

Hold fast. Not only did they need to remember, but also to do it and hold to it.

Repent. They needed to turn away from their wickedness.

Avoid Christ’s wrath. Jesus told them the consequences for failing to watch. They needed to act quickly to avoid it.

Jesus is saying to those who are spiritually dead, “Look out!” You need to repent and surrender you life to Jesus before it’s too late.

Third, to overcome dead religion, we must: Encourage the faithful. (vv. 4-6)

Jesus took time to encourage the faithful in Sardis.

The faithful are still there. There were a few, even in Sardis. God has His faithful remnant.

The faithful will walk with Christ in white. The white garments represent the righteousness of the saints. (See Rev. 19:8, 14) Once again, real faith produces good works.

The faithful are worthy. They are worthy, because Jesus declares them worthy.

The faithful are written in the Book of Life. Their names will never be blotted out.

Christ will confess their names in heaven. Jesus will confess the faithful before God and the angels.

There are many bad guys, and bad situations in this world, but I have good news – in the end, Jesus wins! Whoever is on His side will share in His victory! Are you on His side?

To learn more about how to follow Jesus, click here.

To find a good church where you can grow in your faith, click here.

This is a synopsis of a sermon presented on 6-7-2009 at Hatch Bend Baptist Church, by Paul A. Coleman.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

OVERCOMING CORRUPTION

Corruption is nothing new. It has been found in churches all the way back to biblical times. A good example of such a case is found in Revelation 2:18-29. This is a letter given by Christ, to John the Apostle for the ancient church at Thyatira.

Before we look down our noses at other churches, or pat ourselves on the back because those things aren’t happening here, we need to watch out. No one ever sets out to be corrupt. It happens slowly, over time. If we are not careful, the same thing that happened to them can happen to us.

First, we should respond to corruption by: Acknowledging good (vv. 18-19)

Jesus acknowledged their good works. Also, Jesus noted, “…the last are more than the first.” (v.19)
Jesus acknowledged their good motives. Their motivation was “love.” (v.19)
Jesus acknowledged their good service. The word “service” is translated from the same Greek word from which we get the word “deacon.”
Jesus acknowledged their good faith. They had problems, but they were still people who believed in Jesus.
Jesus acknowledged their good attitude. They had “patience” (perseverance, endurance).

Acknowledge the good work of others, even if they are not of your denomination. We can applaud the good work of other groups or individuals. We can even participate in their work as long as it is done in a way that does not compromise our testimony.

We must let people know what we are for, just as much as what we are against. Encourage the good, just as Jesus did.

The second way we should respond to corruption is by: Rebuking corruption (vv. 20-23)

Jesus rebuked their corrupt discipline. Jesus rebuked them “because you allow [tolerate] that woman Jezebel…” (v.20) Instead of tolerating her, they should have expelled her.
Jesus rebuked their corrupt doctrine. Jesus rebuked them because they had allowed “that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce my servants to…eat things sacrificed to idols.” (v.20)
Jesus rebuked their corrupt morals. Jesus rebuked them because they allowed Jezebel to “seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality.” (v.20)
Jesus rebuked their corrupt mind. Jesus rebuked her because He “gave her time to repent…and she did not [was not willing to] repent.” (v.21) A refusal to repent moved this church from compromise to corruption.
He warned them of the consequences. Jesus told them He would throw Jezebel “into a sickbed” and send her cohorts “into great tribulation unless they repent of their deeds.” (v.22) He also told them He would “kill her children [physical or spiritual] with death” so that “all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts.” (v.23) Finally, He said, “I will give to each of you according to your works.” (v.23) Actions have consequences.

You can’t play with sin. You cannot compromise with it. If you let it stay, it will destroy you every single time.

You cannot fight one sin with another. You cannot solve sin by committing violence against people who are committing the sin. Only God has the authority to judge and take vengeance. However, you do not have to allow the sin to be tolerated in your church, or in your home!

The way to fight sin is through evangelism and discipleship. When people get Jesus in their heart and start living for Him, they will stop living in sin. We are fighting a spiritual battle for the souls of men, women, boys and girls. We must use spiritual means. When the heart is right, the rest will follow.

The third way we should respond to corruption is by: Encouraging faithfulness (vv. 24-29)

Jesus encouraged the faithful people. Jesus addressed those in Thyatira who “do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan,” and told them “I will put on you no other burden.” (v. 24) Yes, there were still some faithful people left!
Jesus encouraged a faithful procedure. He told them, “hold fast what you have till I come.” (v.25) Those who are faithful, remain faithful.
Jesus encouraged with faithful promises. To those who overcome, who live for Jesus until the end, He promises to “give power over the nations.” (v. 26) They would share in the power the Father has granted to Christ. (v.27) He also promises to give them the “morning star,” which is Christ Himself. (v. 28; Rev. 22:16)

Be faithful, even if others are not. Stick to your guns. Don’t give up or give in. Stand up for what you believe.

Overcome corruption in your life. Acknowledge good. Rebuke corruption. Encourage faithfulness.

To learn more about how to follow Jesus, click here.

To find a good church where you can grow in your faith, click here.

This is a synopsis of a sermon presented on 5-31-2009 at Hatch Bend Baptist Church, by Paul A. Coleman.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.