WHOSE CHURCH IS IT?

I was told a story years ago of a fellow in the Burnsville town square who asked an old farmer, “Where is the Church of God?”  He nodded toward the First Baptist Church and said, “That is Preacher Jones’ church.”  He then pointed to the Presbyterian church, and said, “That’s Preacher Smith’s church.”  He mentioned the Methodist church and said, “That is Preacher James’ church.”  Scratching his head, he replied, “If God’s got a church around here, I don’t know where it is!”

It is incorrect for a pastor or member to speak of the church as “my church,” though we understand what they likely mean. However, if they believe it is their church, it is more than incorrect—it is iniquity!

Paul writes of Christ, “And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.” (Col.‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬‬). 

Preacher, or Deacon, or Ladies’ Mission Leader, nobody died and left you in charge!  Jesus did die—but also arose—and He is in charge!

Consider, THE PROMINENCE OF OUR FAME. It is a natural tendency—this business of self-promotion. That is rooted in the depravity of our sin nature!  When we want to be the celebrity and think we are capable of dominating the church, it is possible we will make headlines. Yet, at the Judgment Seat of Christ, it will all prove hay, wood, and stubble to be burned into oblivion. That is—if we are saved. Such pride may indicate we are unregenerate and then we will face a worse fire!

Let us seek instead THE PREEMINENCE OF GOD’S NAME. “In all things…[that] He may have the preeminence.”  It is not about our fame, but His name. The glory of God is to be the driving force of the ministry and the devoted focus of the church. May we die to self in order to lift up Christ. Let our humiliation spotlight Christ’s exaltation. Just resign today from being the head of the church you serve.  Jesus alone is worthy of being the Head and He can run things a lot better than we can!

GLORY EXHIBITED

We’ve heard it said, “A picture is with a thousand words,” so rather than just trying to say a definition of glory, let us see a demonstration of glory.  Look at Deuteronomy 5:24:

“And you said: ‘Surely the LORD our God has shown us His glory and His greatness, and we have heard His voice from the midst of the fire. We have seen this day that God speaks with man; yet he still lives.’”

The Jews had seen His glory and were in awe of it.  They had heard God’s voice and were amazed by it.  God’s presence had been so over-powering, they were surprised they were not consumed by the fire.  Such is the wonder of His glory.

The clearest expression of that glory was in the Living Word, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14).  In every way, Jesus displayed the glory of God.

That glory was manifested on the mountain in a majestic manner. Picture this:

“Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.” (Matt.17:1-3‬). There was glory exhibited!

CHRIST UNVEILED

 

Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man….  (Revelation 1:12-13a)

Artists through the years have tried to capture the image of Jesus Christ on canvas.  The Bible never tells us what the Carpenter of Nazareth looked like then, but we know what He looks like now—for John saw Him and was overwhelmed.  In the first chapter of Revelation we behold Christ unveiled.

Consider His WORTH (v.11a).  Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet.  He is the first and last letters and all those in between.  Twenty-six letters are used in the English language to form all our words.  That's all you need—Jesus is all you need.  His worth is also suggested in Rev.1:13 where He is "girded about the chest with a golden band."  Gold is a precious metal, the symbol of riches.  John falls, deeply sensing his own unworthiness in the presence of One so worthy.

Hear His WORD.  Throughout the text, stress is laid upon what the Eternal Word of God is saying.

He speaks with A TRUMPET VOICE (v.10).  One cannot read this without thinking of 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 where the trumpet of God sounds.  Just as He cried with a loud voice before the tomb of Lazarus, "Lazarus, come forth!" so the saints who slumber will arise.

It is also A THUNDEROUS VOICE (v.15b).  John heard the thundering waves dashing on the rocks of Patmos.  The voice of Christ drowned out the surf.  “John, these waters may separate you from human companionship, but your Heavenly Companion will never leave you, nor forsake You!”

His is A TESTING VOICE (v.16b).  The test of true faith is the Word of God.  "He who rejects Me, and does not receive my words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day."  (John 12:48)

However, it is also A TENDER VOICE (v.17b).  I am most grateful.  These are words of grace that dispel all fear.

Christ speaks with A TRIUMPHANT VOICE (v.18).  Keys stand for authority. Acts 2:24 says, "And God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power." The hymn expressed it,

Death could not keep its prey, Jesus my Savior;

He tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord.

Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o'er His foes.

He arose a victor from the dark domain, and He lives forever with His saints to reign.

Note His WALK (v.13a,20; 2:1).  He walks among His people.  It is a walk where He is sifting us and evaluating us.  His feet are as brass in a furnace (v.15a).  This is a picture of judgment.  He is going to confront His churches in chapters 2-3.

Observe His WORK. 

He is THE INTERCEDING PRIEST (v.13).  His robes are those of the High Priest who went into the temple and stood before the golden lampstand, and so we see Jesus in an even greater way.  He ever lives to intercede for us.

He is THE INTERROGATING JUDGE (v.14-15).  Here are the piercing eyes of the Ancient of Days. You can't pull the wool over those eyes!

He is THE ILLUMINATING LIGHT (v.16b).  He is the Light of the world.  

He is THE INVINCIBLE KING (v.18).  He holds the keys of authority as King of kings and Lord of lords!