Day 1576

Repent of Being a Church Connoisseur!

Ezekiel 33

Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Wednesday, July 10.

Are you called to be a church connoisseur? A connoisseur is a person who has an expert knowledge of something, especially the arts, and is qualified to judge and appreciate its quality. You are called to be an effectual doer of the Word, not a critic (James 1:22-25). Unfortunately, in the modern world of social media, church connoisseurs have a popular platform for their craft, causing weaker brothers and sisters to stumble, and non-believers to scoff at the muddied message of the church.

The prophet was reminded of his call in Ezekiel 33, to be a watchman who blows the trumpet, warning the people by raising the alarm that they are in danger. Yet, the prophet’s proclamations had become mere entertainment to the exiles in Babylon, so God encouraged him in Ezekiel 33:32-33, “Behold, you are to them like a sensual song by one who has a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument; for they hear your words but they do not practice them. So when it comes to pass – as surely it will – then they will know that a prophet has been in their midst.” God was encouraging Ezekiel to be faithful to His calling because the proclaimed Word does not return void.

Your church’s worship leaders and preachers are not called to entertain you or to please your churchianity sensibilities, but rather to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ through fervent prayer and faithful teaching (2 Timothy 4:1-5). If you find yourself wanting your ears itched by your local church, then repent of being a church connoisseur and be the church instead.

Seize the moment and respond to your local church services, not with critique of your fellow ministers, but as a fellow member of the body of Christ, faithful to your calling as an ambassador for Christ and minister of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

God bless you!

If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.

YOUTUBE:

If you prefer a video, Pastor Jerry reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.