"Strengthen that which remains"
It's like a nagging (in a good kind of way) sentence that keeps playing over and over: "Strengthen that which remains". I know it's a verse, in Revelation, I believe. I started a blog for things like this.
And another thing:
I love my pastor and his wife dearly. But I see my church falling apart. People are leaving and it's very disheartening. He's an older man from Oklahoma, very kind and very wise man. I told him the other day that I'm committed to him and his wife. I'm not as committed to Reno Nazarene, but I am to him as a pastor. I begged him to never stop having "church" (although I really meant fellowship) even if it dwindles down to a tent with no more than 7 people in it. He assured
me he would never stop as long as he's still breathing.
Next door to our church is a thriving Universalist church. Its parking lot is always too full and its people have to park in the streets. They welcome all faiths and even have some witches borrowing their building. Every Sunday after our church is over, I watch people come out of the church next door, happy and smiling, wearing their Sunday's best.
As an usher who takes head count, I see our church getting smaller and smaller. Our pastor preaches straight from the bible with no holds barred, yet in a humble manner, allowing for the Holy Spirit to do His thing. I also know we have people who are trying to force their RELIGION (yes, religion) on others, which is chasing people off. Also, the Emergent doctrine tries to creep in, but it never seems to take hold, thank God.
Strengthen that which remains??? Not much remaining. Unless that's referring to me because my own fire is going out. Last night I watched our fireplace burn down into smoldering embers. I said to God, "That's my heart." I suppose that makes me lukewarm now.
Anyway, thanks for letting me rant. I need to "go down the hall" so I'll TTYL.
- M
This part I didn't post in Yahoo Groups, but I will here. Here are the related verses:
Rev 3:1 And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
Rev 3:2 "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.
Rev 3:3 "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.
Rev 3:4 "You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
Rev 3:5 "He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
Rev 3:6 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."'
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