The Question Of Salvation: The Danger Zone, Continued
I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.
Revelation 3:1-3 (NKJV)
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Revelation 3:6 (NKJV)
The passion of Jesus for us, His church, is beyond measure. Thereupon, note His seven Love Letters in Revelation Chapters 2 and 3. Five church groups have entered the danger zone. Why did He write Them? Jesus wants His family in Heaven.
I encourage every Christ follower to ponder these imperative Letters. Ask God which messages might be for you. Certainly, some are and/or your church kin.
On top of the deal-making or breaking behaviors, mentioned in our Lord’s Letters, reflect upon other Gospel warnings taken from Christ’s Personal ministry.
Disregarding ⅔ of the Bible: 'He said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead' ' (Luke 16:31). While Christ fulfilled all Laws and prophesies, the Old Testament is crucial to know!
Denying Son or Spirit publicly: 'Whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father Who is in Heaven' (Matthew 10:33). *
Remaining fruitless as a seasoned saint: ' 'For three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?' But he answered and said to him, 'Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down' ' (Luke 13:7-9).
Refusing our Father’s invitation: 'They all with one accord began to make excuses... For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper' (Luke 14:18,24).
Being unprepared or losing our fire: 'Afterward, the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you' ' (Matthew 25:11-12).
Meeting God without the King’s covering: ' 'Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness…' ' (Matthew 22:12-13).
Getting lazy or harming fellow saints: 'The master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth' (Matthew 24:50-51).
Hiding the talents God has given you: 'What he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth' (Matthew 25:29-30).
Saying one thing, but doing another (leading Christians in the wrong direction): 'Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!... You also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness... Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?' (Matthew 23:27-28,33).
The Question Of Salvation: The Danger Zone, Continued (Part 9)
* When Peter denied Christ, he was not yet filled with the Holy Spirit. I believe this warning is for Spirit-filled believers who publicly deny His Truth.
NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.