## What Would Jesus Say?

## Revelation 1:9-20

WWJD has become quite a phenomenon. We find it on decals, bracelets, sweatshirts, and posters. Many people know what it means, whether they know who Jesus is or not. What Would Jesus Do? But this morning, I want to suggest another acronym. My suggestion is this: WWJS for What Would Jesus Say?

Read: Revelation 1:9-20

The apostle John records the words of this revelation while in exile on the small island of Patmos just a few miles off the shore of Asia Minor (which is present day Turkey). Jesus Christ spoke words of exhortation and challenge to seven local churches.

These seven churches have been identified by some as representing seven periods of time in church history. Perhaps, but I think that we need to consider them as being seven distinct congregations that represent characteristics of many churches in all ages, even today.

So what would Jesus say to us today? What message might He have for this local church? In His message to these seven churches, He repeatedly stated, "…I know thy works…" and He would go on to commend them, but then He would say, "…I have somewhat against thee…"

- Ephesus - had lost their first love (2:4)
- Smyrna - needed to remain faithful in the midst of persecution (2:10)
- Pergamos - compromised doctrinally (2:14)
- Thyatira - failed to discipline some unruly members (2:20)
- Sardis - they were a dead church (3:1)
- Philadelphia - needed to awaken to open doors of ministry (3:8)
- Laodicea - were lukewarm and self-satisfied (3:15-17)

Today I wonder what would Jesus say was wrong with Grace Baptist Temple? What areas would be commended and what would need correction? Allow me to offer some thoughts on this today. What would Jesus say?

I. He Would Say There Is Nothing Wrong With Our Facilities.

A. Buildings.

1. I realize that we do not have high vaulted ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows.

2. But, our buildings are more than adequate.

3. We keep them clean and comfortable for all who will come for services.

4. There is nothing wrong with our buildings.

B. Location.

1. My first impression when coming to Grace Baptist Temple, over twelve years ago was that it was in the middle of nowhere.

2. However, as I began to learn about the area, I realized that we were in a growing area of Bloomington.

3. We are very visible to thousands of people a day who pass by.

4. The West Side of town is where much growth and expansion is taking place.

5. There is nothing wrong with our location.

C. Space for expansion.

1. We have more rooms than we have Sunday school classes.

2. We have purchased the farm behind us to provide plenty of additional space for parking or future buildings.

3. There is nothing wrong our space, we have plenty.

II. He Would Say There Is Nothing Wrong With Our Message.

A. Sunday School.

1. We have dedicated and qualified teachers for our classes.

2. We have an excellent curriculum that is doctrinally sound.

3. We have activities and programs to enhance each of our classes.

4. The Bible is clearly taught for each age group.

B. Church.

1. The sermons are straightforward and clear in presenting the gospel message to the lost.

2. Biblical principles are taught to challenge believers to continue to grow in Christ.

3. Our music varies in style and arrangement, but it is Christ-honoring and is presented with conviction.

C. Programs.

1. From youth meetings to prayer meetings the goal remains the same.

2. Present the gospel message, proclaim biblical principles, and lift up the Savior.

3. Our mission is to reach the world with the message of the Christ of Calvary.

III. So What Would He Say To Us?

The biblical definition of church is not a building, not a location, not a program, but it is an assembly of baptized believers who come together to worship our Lord. So what the Lord has to say, He has to say to each of us individually.

A. We have lost our burden.

(Eph 4:11-12) "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; {12} For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:"

1. The work of the ministry does not just take place within these walls.

2. The work of the ministry is also what we do when we are not 'in church'.

3. It has to do with the impact that we have upon the world we live in.

4. It is when we rub shoulders with a lost and dying world who need to know Christ.

5. For many of us, we have lost that burden.

6. We are satisfied to 'come to church' instead of 'being the church'.

7. We don't pray…we don't study…we don't witness.

B. We have lost our vision.

1. Jesus told the church at Philadelphia that He had set before them an open door.

2. The possibility for effective ministry in our community is wide-open, but we can't see it.

3. All too often, our focus is upon what we want to do…our life…our family…our careers.

(John 4:35) "Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest."

4. It isn't that we do not know how to reach the lost, we have lost our burden and our vision for what God wants to do through this church.

C. We have lost our commitment.

1. We refer to our meetings as services, but there is little serving involved.

2. Many want to come to be served, rather than to serve.

(Mark 10:45) "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."

3. It isn't because of a lack of ability…it is a lack of commitment on our part.

4. What is the basis for serving the Lord?

a. Not in order to receive recognition.

b. Not out of fear to avoid retribution.

c. But out of love because of what our Lord has done for us.

d. Out of gratitude and appreciation for His marvelous grace.

e. Jesus told Peter, "If ye love me…feed my sheep."

(Mat 25:40b) "…Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

I have folks come to me from time to time to let me know what this church needs. We need this or we need that…I believe what we need is for each one of us to listen to what the Lord is saying to us. "I know thy works…I have somewhat against thee…" We need a renewed burden for this lost world; we need a renewed vision for what God can do; and we need a renewed commitment to get involved in serving Him.