Lesson 145:Having an Ear to Hear

Kentucky Chaplain J. W. Binion
5th KY Vol. Inf. CSA Co. D

Do you have ears to hear? In the Book of the Revelation our Lord addresses seven churches. To each He ends His discourse with the words, “He that hadth an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Today, more than ever before, we must have an ear to hear what the Spirit of God says to the church (the body of Christ – not a building). Modern day Christians need to re-examine their walk. I recommend reading the seven letters; studying what the Lord is saying to each church; hearing His words; and committing ourselves to HIS service. When one understands that Sunday worship is a small part of our Christian walk and that fulfillment of the Great Commission is our primary duty.

Reaching out to the lost, strayed, and confused should be our main focus. As one studies the teachings of the Christ, one will see that what I am proposing is Biblically correct. Today’s churches are so bent upon proving their interpretation of doctrine is the “right one” that they are falling into the seven categories found in the Revelation. Modern day Christians are concerned with adapting to 21st Century society and have lost sight of our ancestors’ message.

The chaplains of the Civil War era aimed at preaching personal salvation. Their focus was on finding the lost soldier and bringing him to the foot of the cross. They were not concerned with entertaining him or providing an environment in which he would feel socially acceptable. These warriors of the Lord’s army were preaching, not proving, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They spoke to the mercy of God, the saving grace of Christ Jesus, and the need to repent of one’s sins. Yes, they ministered to physical and emotional needs – BUT these were secondary to the urgency of salvation.

I pray that we will have an ear to hear the message of our Lord and dedicate ourselves to the completion of the Great Commission – let us hear and obey the most important general order – GO, MAKE DISCIPLES, TEACH.

Your obedient and faithful servant – Pastor J. W. Binion, Co. D. 5th KY Inf. CSA