A group of pastors got in contact recently, asking for input at an upcoming conference on the subject of re-igniting our passion for Christ.
Their letter concluded by saying that they were worried that their churches were becoming like those at Laodicea and Ephesus, mentioned in Revelation, lukewarm and losing their first love. But theirs are not the only churches in this condition. My experience is that in the more doctrinal churches there appears more correctness than devotion and in churches where there is more excitement in Sunday worship this often seems more to do with that particular church culture than genuine love for Christ.
I felt that this was too serious a matter to postpone to a conference and could not help feeling personally convicted and that I needed to put some initial thoughts into this column. What are the reasons that heart-felt affection for Jesus is far scarcer than it should be?
The re-emergence of heavy shepherds
What would you think if you received a letter from your church leaders that read like this? ‘Are church members …