Mid-Week Messenger

Mar 6, 2025

Greetings Everyone

The first few chapters in the book of Revelation contain messages for seven churches. While much of the book of Revelation is symbolic, these churches were actual, physical locations and congregations. For the most part, the messages that the apostle John were to deliver contain a mixture of encouragement and chastisement. The first message was to the church in the city of Ephesus, the same church that received a letter from Paul which we call Ephesians. John is to tell them, “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.” (Rev. 2:2-5a)
                                                                                                                What were they doing well? They were bearing much toil, tumult, and testing against all false doctrine. They were probably experiencing some sort of persecution and had signs of vitality amidst adverse conditions. That sounds like a faithful church! But that is not all that makes up a faithful church. The first love was lost, or abandoned, over a long period of time even though outwardly everything appeared great. In the second chapter of “Pastor, Jesus is Enough”, author Jeremy Whitebol, gives three ways this can look in any Church.
                                                                                                              The first is Focus Shift: From Jesus to Me. The focus of any church ceases to be about the person and work of Jesus, rather it becomes about how much the church serves and appeals to my personal understanding of how something should be and work. This is the underlying heart beat of consumerism which is one of the highest values of our culture. We ask ourselves “Does this church work for me and everything I need? Does this church spend money on the things I want them to, or have programs that serve me?” We see this in our culture don’t we? The church at Ephesus was not divided be denomination or style, but make no mistake, that didn’t mean it was at risk of divisiveness. When the focus of the church changes from Jesus being glorified in everything division over personal complaints and demands soon follows.
                                                                                                          The second shift is Attitude: From Serving to Being Served. This attitude is the inevitable outcome of focus drift. A very wonderful missionary Leslie Newbingin once commented that the hermeneutic (interpretation) of the gospel in the unbelieving world is found in the way the local congregation of a church loves each other. People around us understand the love of Jesus by the way we love each other. Sacrificially serving one another is a sure way to show others the power of the gospel. Expecting everyone to serve us is a sure way to kill a church, and show others we don’t really worship a Savior who came to serve others.

The third shift is a power shift: From Prayerful Dependance to Manufactured Results. This is another trap the church often finds itself in, especially our Western American church. We love immediate results with measurable metrics. The church at Ephesus had good endurance with what seems like measurable results, but their love for Jesus was cold. It is possible to be pragmatic to a point of Spiritual death. I think of churches who only invest in things if they can see results right away, or of churches who let the culture dictate their belief and practice. They argue that this is what should happen now because otherwise we won’t get people here or a certain group will leave if we don’t do this or that. There is no prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit to use faithfulness to God’s Word, prayer born ministries and a commitment to Biblical principles.
These are dangers, but what is the solution? It has always been, and will always be cultivating a love for Jesus and His instruction in our hearts. How? I think taking an inventory of our hearts desire, constantly asking ourselves questions like, “How is Jesus being magnified in our church? Do my words and actions make Jesus look more beautiful? How is this building up and helping the Bride of Christ? What is my hearts desire in my relationship with people at church? Am I here to worship Jesus and be ministered to by His Spirit, or get something from someone?” Take your heart inventory before this Sunday, or everyday. Oh Lord, may it be that when we loose our first love, we are quick to confess and repent!
Ben Melli

Week At A Glance

Sunday, March 9th 

9:00 Adult Bible Study – Chapel

10:00 a.m. Worship Service

Monday, March 10th 

5:30 p.m. Bell Choir Practice

7:00 p.m. Choir Practice

 Tuesday, March 11th   

7:00 a.m. Men’s Bible Study and Breakfast

Wednesday, March 12th

5:30 Deacon’s Meeting

6:00 p.m. Youth Group Meeting

6:30 Session Meeting

Thursday, March 13th 

10:00 a.m. Bible Babes

 

Please Note:

  1. We will have a question and answer session on March 9th, following worship service, to answer questions or concerns about the packet that was sent out regarding the new Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. 
  2. There will be congregational vote on changes to the Articles of Incorportation and Bylaws March 23rd following worship service. 

 

EVENTS CALENDAR

LENTEN DEVOTIONALS AVAILABLE ON SUNDAY: One per Family Please

Let the music and lyrics of Christian tradition guide you through the forty days of Lent toward the joy of Easter.

 

Inspired by hymns and songs that span generations and cultures, Lord Show Me the Way invites you to grasp the spirit of repentance and conversion this Lent. Learn anew how to set your eyes and heart on reaching the life-saving waters of Baptismal renewal that we will embrace when Easter comes.

 

Each daily devotion offers a reflection on a hymn or song of praise and worship, a short prayer, and a question or insight to ponder throughout the day. Let the Spirit move you along on your journey of faith as you reflect and pray with moving hymns such as “Down to the River to Pray,” “Amazing Grace,” “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say,” “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,” “’Tis Good, Lord, to Be Here,” “What Wondrous Love Is This,” “Were You There.”

 

An audio recording of each song is easily accessed via a QR code at the end of each devotion, and the complete lyrics of each song are printed in the back of the book for easy reference.

DIRECTORY UPDATE 2025

If you are not in our church directory and would like to be, or need to update your info, please email the church office. And don’t forget to let us know if you would like to be added to the Mid-Week Newsletter list.

CONTACT US

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