Things We Can Lose

Good Morning,

This morning, I am addressing a subject that will probably end up in our pulpit at one point: “Things the Church or the Christian Can Lose.”  Although we cannot lose our salvation, once we have been born again, there is much we can lose. I urge Christians to be very careful not to forfeit the great possessions that come with a close walk with God.

Joy

The Psalmist wrote, “Serve the Lord with gladness;” Paul said, “Rejoice in the Lord alway;” and Jesus said to the Father, “And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.” (John 17:13)

Many believers only find hallow and temporary joy in their possessions, their money, or their position; but Jesus provides true joy.

Shout

Hearing Christians shouting at a ball game is common. Hearing people shout at the television, correcting the referee or some player who made a bad decision is also funny to watch. Sadly, many Christians have lost their shout. They can listen to sermons and wonderful Christian music, and never utter an “Amen” or a “Praise the Lord!”  Something caused the Christian to lose his shout.  We can observe any secular event, whether it be music, drama, or athletics and know that an audience response is common. We think a shout is more Scriptural, perhaps than applauding, but whatever the response, do not lose the excitement of being in the house of God. God’s house ought to be filed with “Amens” and “Praise the Lord” ringing throughout the church service.

Song

Another tragic loss in many Christians is their song. David said the Lord has “…put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God…” Paul wrote to the Colossians and Ephesians about singing and exhorting one another with song. The Christian life is one that should be filled with singing and rejoicing. Show me any young person who is following a certain crowd of teenagers, and they will have songs that go with that crowd. The child of God who experiences the new birth and closeness to God will find the songs of Zion dear to his heart and near to his lips. Allow me to urge you to relax, sing out, smile, and enjoy the thrill of singing with the people of God.

Sweetness

Many a Christian has found himself with a bitter spirit. The warmth and the sweet and gracious attitude to “love your neighbor, as yourself” kind of Christian living, somehow escaped him. There was a day when he humbly bowed his head to trust in Christ, knowing they were unworthy sinners, and certainly unworthy of the mercy and forgiveness of God. Then something happened, perhaps several somethings, and a critical spirit, a bitter heart, a spirit of judgment, or something from the world came into their lives and robbed the child of God of the warm sweetness that comes from knowing they have been accepted in the beloved.

These are just four of the many things the child of God can lose. How are you doing in these areas? Has this corrupt world robbed you of the precious possessions that Jesus gave you? Perhaps, today would be a good time to seek to draw near to Him, and to get right in those areas that are wrong. God may reveal to you the need to separate from certain people, situations, or circumstance that have drained the song, the joy, the shout, or the sweetness from your Christian life.

Pastor