A popular but false Gospel is contradicted by Jesus, who warned that things will not always be pleasant for true Christians.
“You will be arrested, punished, and even killed. Because of me, you will be hated by people of all nations. Many will give up and will betray and hate each other. Many false prophets will come and fool a lot of people. Evil will spread and cause many people to stop loving others. But if you keep on being faithful right to the end, you will be saved.” (Matthew 24:9-13 CEV)
This is not exactly the kind of message that will build a big, popular church, but it will build a church that is based upon truth rather than hollow lies, and it will build lives that can endure to the end. I dream of a church that is committed to Jesus, no matter what.
Virgins
Don’t be surprised if the church that God builds through you contains both foolish and wise members, those who take extra oil of the Holy Spirit in their vessels, and those who don’t, who will be told on that day “Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.” (Matthew 25:12 ESV) Warn them, and preach to them to “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” (vs 13) I dream of a church that shakes in its boots when it hears the parable of the wise and foolish virgins.
Talents
Warn them also that God gives various amounts of spiritual deposits from heaven, similar to five, two or one quantities of gold. Warn them that God expects a profit from these spiritual deposits and those who do nothing will be punished. “For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away.” (Matthew 25:29 NASB) I dream of a church where everyone is using their talents.
Sheep and Goats
Warn the church also not to just be concerned with salvation and blessings for themselves, but to feed the hungry and thirsty, welcome the foreigner, clothe the naked, visit the sick, and go to the prisoner. “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25:40 NIV) What of those who do not help the needy? “And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (vs 46 NKJV) I dream of a church that treasures Jesus’ values and is not swayed by politics.
Costly Giving
Teach the church that not every gift must be for the poor and needy, but also giving extravagantly to Jesus is appropriate. Let’s not be like the disciples who said, “It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.” (Matthew 26:9 NLT) Giving to the poor is balanced with a woman’s generous gift to honor and bless Jesus. He said, “I tell you the truth that wherever in the whole world this good news is announced, what she’s done will also be told in memory of her.” (Matthew 26:13 CEB) I dream of a church that is extravagant in giving.
