Rev. Ray and Pat Amos
Psalm 137:1-4
FROM THE REMNANTS
“By the rivers of Babylon—there we sat down
and there we wept when we remembered Zion.
On the willows there we hung up our harps.
For there our captors asked us for songs,
and our tormentors asked for mirth, saying,
“Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”
How could we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?”
I believe that the church is alive and strong, and that its best days are on the way. The gates of hell cannot prevail against it. The empty tomb means that death has no power over it; and history declares it to be unstoppable. The great cloud of witnesses prove that its race will be won. Its work cannot be denied, and its Love will not fail.
How do we reconcile this wonderful truth with the struggling churches we know today? The landscape is collecting more and more empty church houses where glad singing once was heard. The thundering voices from revival fires are cooling, and tear drops are not staining the altars as they once did. Some of us have memories of churches in their most glorious days, but the Pentecostal fires have become sleeping embers in the night.
The thing that discourages some is the same things that gives me hope: attendance is down to a remnant for many congregations. God has always accomplished great things from the remnant of his people. The ones that hold on when others let go, who stay onboard when others abandon ship. The few who keep praying, singing, and watching for God to do a new thing with the old, old, story. I have preached in several churches lately, and often to the remnant. Their presence, their worship, their Love for God is enough for hope. Hope that God is going to fan the flame once again. That the church will again be the burning bush from which God speaks.
The hymn writer wrote that the name of Jesus would stir the slumbering chords again. On that day let the redeemed Lord rejoice and be glad. Child of God, don’t give up now, hold on. Preacher, keep on preaching: God called you and only God can tell you when it is enough.
Weary singers, take your harps out of that willow tree; you can sing the Lord’s song anywhere. The church is of God, so give Him praise! Blend your voices in triumphant song:
“The church of Jesus constant will remain. Gates of hell can never against the church prevail. We have God’s own promise, and that cannot fail.”
Grace and Peace, Rev Ray
“Link to YouTube Video –
The Church Will Remain
