RIDING THE RANGE FOR JESUS OR FENCE RIDING

image courtesy photobucket.com

It is a toss up between whether the Church needs the most encouragement or correction.

I lean toward the correction side for some reason, possibly because I took a page out of David's book.

1 Samuel 30:6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people space of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters; but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

I like this verse for it has to do with every day life and the problems therein. David knew what to do in that situation and he looked to GOD for strength for the moment.

The church at Laodicea was characterized by lukewarm ness, something GOD hates and will not tolerate.

Revelation 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

Revelation 3:16 So because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth.

This is akin to coughing up luggies it’s so icky.

There are many words that describe the Laodicen church but neutral, a state of insincerity and hypocrisy having made peace with the world's system and still claiming to be totally faithful to GOD.

One thing to keep aware of is GOD doesn't buy it and it is (in GOD'S sight) a despicable state to be in.

Surface wise everything looks great but underneath things are rotten.

Such a man never applies the truth to himself.

Strange that it is put in stark contrast either being saved or unsaved is better than to be in this ambivalent condition. It is like being a drug induced state where you feel as if everything is great and you are doing just fine.

Ephesians 5:18 Stop getting drunk with wine, which leads to wild living, but keep on being filled with the Spirit.

Something I used to hear as a kid was, "Either come in or go out but shut the door." This is what GOD is saying either get in (hot) or get out (cold).

A kind of being self satisfied instead of Spirit edified. The language of Revelation is quite severe because it is dealing with harsh realities.

GOD doesn't accept compromise and even though HE is a GOD of grace in the end each must measure up to HIS standard.

The church age was ushered in by tongues of fire, and people were filled with the HOLY SPIRIT. As one man described his Spirit filled condition; I guess it must have leaked out, hence the need for a continual coming back to the fountain for a spiritual refreshing.

There is no such thing as an ambivalent relationship with GOD nor will there be. It must be "All in," and nothing else!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqJQv5gH5Gg

This post has been linked to Michelle’s Thought Provoking Thursday