Aaron Summers

4 Dangers From the Inside

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My wife picked up an apple the other day.  It was the green kind that she likes.  She took the sticker off and washed it.  It glistened.  It was one of the prettiest pieces of fruit.  When she bit into it, though, it was a different story.  It had gone bad on the inside even though its appearance was good.  The psalmist writes,

Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders,but the real danger is wickedness within the city.

— Psalm 55:10

The danger for the church today is not the media attacks or moral groups allegations. The danger for the church today is from within her own fellowship. We are being betrayed by our own brothers.  Those who have chosen to follow Jesus by faith are called to be different.  While this is not always an immediate change there is to be movement toward holiness.  When there is not the church is in trouble.  We see this in 4 dangerous ways.

  1. The people of the church are looking like the world.  In a desperate attempt to “fit in” and “be all things to all people” we have forgotten that we are also called to be set apart.
  2. The people of the church are acting like the world.   20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.  Ephesians 4
  3. The people of the church are deciding like the world.  We base most of our decisions on our finances and feelings when we are supposed to be people of faith.  Why are we ignoring God in our decisions?
  4. The people of the church are responding like the world.  Revenge is the MO of our day.  You talk about me and I will spread stuff about you.  You hurt me and I will hurt you.  Eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth mentality is inappropriate in the covenant of Jesus where forgiveness is to rule.

 

If those who follow Christ are no different from those who do not then where is the urgency to place faith in Christ?Christians have the better life.  Why are we trying to remove all appearance of it?  You have been given new life, not to squander, but the enjoy. Why would those who have been set free once again lock themselves up?

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