Church Splits: Could they be the judgment of God?

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     Has your church split? Ours has. More than once. We used to think that it was 'their fault.' We used to think we were right, and if it hadn't been for 'them' our church would be happy and healthy today. Happy and healthy. 

No. 

Our church was suffering the same malady as is the rest of the Church in America: The Ephesus Syndrome.

 

 

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:

The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lamp-stands, says this:
‘I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false; and you have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake, and have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.(Rev. 2: 1-4, American Standard Version)

     It does not say that they have lost their 'first love' but, that they have left their first love. A deliberate act of betrayal and apostasy. Our first love is Jesus, his teachings and his commands. The church was once the herald of the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ. But over time, the church in America has forgotten her direction. She has lost her focus on her calling and turned her back on the world. She has closed her mouth to the lost, sequestered herself behind her walls while she 'worships' on Sunday, and becomes again like the world Monday through Saturday. She, we, have become the Apostate Church. If you are offended by these words, that's good! But, don't let your emotions keep you from hearing God's rebuke. Repent and do His works again.

    Remember, the church in Laodecia:

"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this:
‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” (Revelation 3:14-21, American Standard Version)

     So, don't go feeling all superior to those whom you think are to blame for the split in your church, for you were judged also, and found wanting. A church split could very well be the result of judgement by God. Remember the scripture which speaks to this:

'For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? (1 Pet. 4: 17-18, American Standard Version)

     Oh, yes, and you who think your church is immune to God's judgment:, don't be so sure.

Be Brave: Be obedient.