RENOVATION – 1 of 3
We’ll pick up on the MISNOMER theme soon, but first, three on RENOVATION.
To renovate, is to tear out the old and replace it with the new. It is typically resisted by those who find security in things as they are but met with enthusiasm by those who envision something better. It often leads to replacing something that has been useful to us. It is costly, and there is usually some mess in the process, but in the end we’re glad we did it.
For hundreds of years the organized church had been the bastion of faith and morality. It had preserved Christianity through the centuries and has carried the Gospel to the Nations. We will forever owe a debt of gratitude to those who have gone before us in that era of the Kingdom of God. But this is a new Day.
WARNED
In Mt. 5:13-16, Jesus charged the Church to be salt and light, and warned of the consequence of failing to do so.
He and the Apostles called us to be separate from the world but the difference is often hard to see. They forbade us to love the world and the things of the world, but we do. They warned us to be alert to the Day, but we are not.
The consequences are unavoidable. Our failure to embrace our salt and light responsibility in a Day when they are more desperately needed than ever, is calling those consequences to descend upon us as part of what God is doing in these Last Days.
THE SHAKING
Storm clouds are gathering, and distant thunder is heard by those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. Renovation is coming. What can be shaken will be shaken, and much of what we know as “church” can be shaken. The wheat will be separated from the chaff. And the sheep from the goats. And the merely religious, from authentic followers of Christ.
Part 2 tomorrow.
Ken Stoltzfus
Kidron, OH
March 8, 2021
CLICK HERE for a printable PDF
This is the word that I received about this time last year — maybe April.
Haggai 2:6-8
For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. 7I will shake all the nations, and they will come with all their treasures, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of Hosts. 8The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, declares the LORD of Hosts. 9The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former, says the LORD of Hosts. And in this place I will provide peace, declares the LORD of Hosts.”
and Hebrews 12:26-29
At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”
Glad to be able to read your posts again — getting emails now. Take Care. Press on soldier!
Thank you my sister for your encouragement. It is obvious from the lack of Facebook responses that this isn’t a popular subject but it’s pressing on my heart and I need to say it. Let’s be praying for God’s people, that more would be open to Him in this Day. God bless you! Ken
I think many are afraid and do not know what to say or do. Honestly, I even feel that way at times…and it is scary and uncomfortable.
There has not been much discipleship to prepare us — it’s been more about “doing” than “abiding”. I’m just learning how to abide now — just started reading “The True Vine” by Andrew Murray. Are there any Teachers like Murray in Wayne County?? I feel like I’ve been drinking milk for many years -and just now getting a taste of meat for the first time. It’s mostly my fault — I need to be more disciplined in spending time alone with God and He can teach me. We’ve relied to heavily on the IC – and not the HOLY SPIRIT.
Lord have mercy on us.
Keep seeking Him. You’re certainly on the right path. The first thing is to recognize that we have a need, and you do, and the second thing is is seek Him, and you are. He knows!