Is it possible to be a faithful church member, believer, giver and still be lost? Is it possible to preach, sing in choirs, teach Sunday school class and miss the rapture? Paul faced the possibility of this matter with great sobriety. 1 Corinthians 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
In the end, Jesus revealed that many will say to Him, Matthew 7:22 “Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
The answer to the aforementioned questions is “yes.” The functions of “doing ministry” must be borne from a faithful heart. We must BE disciples of Jesus Christ, not just members of a local congregation. We must DO the works of Him that sent us while it is day. We are CALLED to spread the Gospel and live apart from the world. Anything less is a half-hearted approach to the call that God has placed upon our lives.
The issue at hand has plagued a million congregations over, as they supplant complete consecration to the Kingdom for church attendance. Our minds and bodies must be brought into subjection. It is not enough to simply believe the doctrine, we must live it. Our value systems speak louder than our intentions. A declaration of belief is menial if there is no evidence of it in our lives.
The tragedy that lays before the masses is that many will find out too late that they have been rejected by the Lord Himself. We cannot afford to have known this holy way and then abandon the word that brought us into this marvelous light. Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
Therefore, let us serve the Lord with ALL of our hearts and minds. Let our words reflect the Spirit of the Lord and let our ambition be for the sake of the Kingdom of God.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole
