How does a Christian find a worthy congregation in which to place membership and to call a church home? Many people today look for entertaining worship services more than being servants of God Most High. Many “churches” today say, “Just send us your money, and we will pray for you!” Even the Scriptures warn, “For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths.” This warning begs the question, “How do we maintain sound doctrine and listen to the truth?”
These questions have been boldly chosen for discussion in today’s lesson. God’s children do not get to choose who God’s children are. God chooses His children, and He often sees things differently than our merely human senses. God can see and judge the human heart, even when we effectively deceive ourselves. God is looking for followers who fit the ‘suffering servant’ model Jesus displayed in his earthly life, rather than white-washed walls who honor Him with their lips, yet their hearts are far from Him.
God is the Creator, and His children are known by their fruit. Every good and faithful servant bears fruit worthy of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and his sheep know his voice, and they come when called. Will you come? Bearing fruit? Why not now?
Grace & Peace, Charles.