Secure our spiritual boarders

In the news lately you have a lot concerning our southern boarders and the children that are coming across in hopes to live in America. I do not want to present myself as heartless and no compassion for those who live in substandard conditions and trying to improving their life but we must look at the big picture. I want to make a couple of comments on that topic and then relate to our spiritual condition of today's church. First, in order to establish stability and freedom we must be a nation of laws. Unless we enforce the laws of the our country then it will only be a matter of time that we will not be a nation where people will want to come to in order to improve their lives. In regard to our laws we cannot pick and choose which laws we want to follow and which ones we want to ignore. There will never be agreement on that so the result will be chaos. Second, an open boarder that lets anyone in will alter the culture where they begin to live. One of the big concerns of this recent activity is the increase of sickness and disease. There is also the concern of the increase of crime and drugs entering our country. Third, if we tolerate this activity then we are doing a huge disservice to all who enter our country by following the proper procedure. They spend time learning our constitution and laws, begin to learn English and become a productive citizen of our great land.

Now to the lessons to protect our spiritual boarders of the church. First, Jesus said He would build His church. This means we are to function based upon the teachings of Jesus. We are not allow to pick and choose which teachings we like to follow and which one can be ignored regardless of the reason. Jesus does have an open door policy but not a open boarder policy. By this I mean one cannot come to Jesus unless I want to deny self and pick up cross and follow Him. Jesus also asked the question: why do you call me Lord, Lord and do not do what I say. When we follow Jesus and His ways there is great freedom and stability. Second, the church is to affect the community's culture and not the other way around. The American church has compromised too much already. I am not saying every church but as whole the church looks more like the world then the world looks like the church. I am not dealing here with the outward appearance but the inward character of the church. We are to take on and develop the character of Jesus Christ. Third, it is important for all who come to church to spend time to learn the Bible and develop the ability to hear the voice of God. This is to be a place to encounter God so we do not just know what the Bible teaches but are strengthened by the power of God and encouraged by one another to love and serve God. This ought to result in people living a life of service to build one another up in love. Ephesians 4:16 “the body will grow and build itself up in love as each part does it works.”

Hebrews 12:1 “...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Unless we protect our spiritual boarder there will not be a lot to protect. Jesus is coming back for a church without spot or wrinkle. This calls for discipline and due diligence as we live out our faith in Jesus Christ.

Pastor John