Do North
The Faithful Church
July 14, 2013 • Jumaine Jones
The church in Philadelphia was commended for their deeds and faithfulness. Unlike most of the other seven churches, there was nothing ill that had to be addressed. Likewise, there are followers of Christ who are faithful, walk upright, serve, avoid sin, and who God uses in might ways. This should serve as an encouragement for them. God promises to provide and protect for the church in Philadelphia.
The Dead Church
July 7, 2013 • Jumaine Jones
The church in Sardis had a reputation for being alive, but in actuality they were dead. They are equivalent to churches and people that appear to be thriving from the outside, but are spiritually dead on the inside. God charged them to wake up and strengthen the things that remained.
The Tolerant Church
June 30, 2013 • Jumaine Jones
Jesus commended the church in Thyatira for the fact that their good deeds increased throughout the years. Yet, they tolerated Jezebel who was a false prophetess. We live in a day and age where churches have become tolerant of teachings and behaviors that break the heart of God. God address the remnant who remains faithful and declares that He would grant them authority.
The Deceived Church
June 23, 2013 • Jumaine Jones
The church in Pergamum was commended for not denying the faith. However, they allowed themselves to be deceived by false doctrine: the teaching of Balaam and the Nicolaitans. They embraced false teachings that declare that God will bless them and cause them to prosper. If they were to turn away from false teachings God would grant them favor.
The Fallen Church
June 9, 2013 • Jumaine Jones
The Ephesians church had fallen from the faithful church it once was when the Book of Ephesians was written. Though they persevere, didn't tolerate evil, and put false teachers to the test, they neglected to do the works they loved at first. They became known for what they hated than what they loved. The letter admonished them to remember, repent, and return. If not, they would loose their influence in their community and world.
What is Church?
June 2, 2013 • Jumaine Jones
When people think of the word “church” many things come to mind: a building, experience, event, opportunity for personal advancement, target market, etc. In the mind of the early church, only one thing came to mind: a people who was centered around the cause of the gospel. Throughout the years, the church has strayed from what God truly intended it to be. Bill Hybels says, “There’s nothing like the local church when the church is working right.” The direction of the church should always be due north. At the end of the day, it was, is, and always will be about Jesus Christ.