A Moment With Pastor Fred

Our senior saints are studying Revelation on Wednesdays. We’ve been looking at the 7 churches found in Rev 2-3. A few weeks ago, we discussed the church at Sardis. The glorified Christ looked at this church and pronounced it dead. We don’t know what caused its death but Chuck Swindoll offers 5 potential church killers:  

Worship of the past. Looking at the past and talking about “the way we were” – is sure killer. Our focus must be on the here-and-now and future.

Greater concern with cosmetics than with character. While maintaining our facilities is important as a good testimony, being more concerned about the physical while neglecting the spiritual is a sign of trouble.

Love of tradition over love for Christ. I like traditions – ask my family, but when traditions become immovable rocks, they only suffocate. The way we did church in 1967 hopefully was relevant then – but it’s no longer relevant today.

Inflexibility and resistance to change. We stand without apology for the authority of God’s Word. However, as culture changes, we must adapt without violating Scripture. When churches fail to change, they eventually die.  

Losing evangelistic zeal. Turning inward on ourselves to maintain status quo is a no-no. Vance Havner used to say, “The church that isn’t reaching out is passing out.” Our proposed strategic plan addresses outreach.  

In two weeks we will discuss that plan. Leadership is doing all it can to push forward to the glory of God in the years ahead. I urge you to come.