The Temporal Church

There are various lists of churches in America based upon membership size, denomination, location/state, media representation, worship popularity, principle speaker’s fame and others factors. I find these interesting as comparative glimpses of “The American Church”. They all seem to be described and distinguished by secular characteristics and perhaps this is the easiest practical means of comparison. However, how would Yeshua’s list of churches look? Fortunately, we have His list in Revelation chapter 2 through 3. Most surprisingly there is no mention of the senior pastor/preacher. Of course Yeshua evaluates what is important, such as what churches are believing, actually doing in service, and obedience to God, as opposed to developing a brand, worship style/following, extent imitated, and popularity. 

Granted it is very difficult to perform a spiritual evaluation when only temporal measures are available. Why is this and does the question beg the conclusion that something is terribly wrong and missing? I believe the leadership of the Holy Spirit is the key to Yeshua’s evaluation of His church. He says, “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches….” (Revelation 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22) Our focus is too much on men. We are to have leaders, but just as Moses was the most humble person our leaders are to be most humble. Moses could be trusted by God to give Him the glory and he was severely chastised, when he failed. (Deut. 32:51-52) Moses set a good example when he hid his shining glorious face from the people after sharing what God had instructed him to say. (Exodus 34:33-35) Imagine if those who led the church were as humble to shirk notoriety, fame, or credit that is due to God and the Spirits gifts. Moreover, I can find no example in scripture of a sole teacher regularly conforming church gatherings into a lecture before an audience. In fact, scripture describes an entirely different picture with each member prepared to bring their gift to the gathered congregation. (1 Cor. 12; 14)

Redesigning the worship service according to scripture is insignificant if the congregation is not Spirit led. “Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.” (Romans 8:8) The unseen Spirit of God desires to inhabit all His people, but there must be faith. When revival does come it is resisted, squelched and stopped by the agendas of men. However, God is fully able to bring about His will, His way. Even today, He is separating the temporal church from the Spirit led church. As we move further toward the return of Yeshua, the church of that generation will be like the first century church. (John 17:20-23. also see post “Modern Decline and Centuries Rising”, 7/20/2023) Then the whole world will know that God loves us.