Someone's Getting A Letter!

Someone's Getting a Letter!

If the Apostle Paul were on a missionary journey in America today, it's sobering to consider whether our church would receive a letter, and what that letter might say. Paul’s epistles were a mixture of encouragement, correction, and instruction tailored to the spiritual condition of each church. He celebrated faithfulness and growth but was also unafraid to call out sin, division, and apathy.

1. A Call to Examine Ourselves

In 2 Corinthians 13:5, Paul writes, “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves. Or do you yourselves not recognize that Jesus Christ is in you, unless you fail the test?” Paul encouraged believers to reflect on their faith, actions, and motives. If he were to visit churches today, he might start with the same encouragement, are we truly living as reflections of Christ? Do we measure up to the standard of faithfulness, love, and obedience set by Scripture?

2. Encouraging Faithful Churches

Some churches would likely receive letters like the one to the Thessalonians, where Paul says, “We always thank God for all of you, making mention of you constantly in our prayers. We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work produced by faith, your labor motivated by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3).

For churches committed to preaching the gospel, serving their communities, and living out their faith, Paul might celebrate their faithfulness and encourage them to persevere. He might commend churches where members are bearing each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) and making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20), urging them to remain steadfast in the face of cultural opposition.

3.Warnings Churches Against Division and Compromise

Paul often addressed churches that struggled with division, complacency, or compromise. For instance, the church at Corinth was rich in spiritual gifts but marred by internal strife and moral failings. Paul rebuked them, saying, “For it has been reported to me about you... that there is rivalry among you” (1 Corinthians 1:11).

If Paul wrote to some churches in America today, he might also address divisions along denominational, political, or racial lines. He might challenge churches to stop tolerating sin under the premise of “cultural relevance,” similar to his words to the Galatians: “You were running well. Who prevented you from being persuaded regarding the truth?” (Galatians 5:7). He would rebuke lukewarm churches, much like Jesus did in His letter to Laodicea, saying, “Because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:16).

4. A Call to a Mission and Action

Paul was passionate about spreading the gospel, and his letters often urged believers to take the mission of Christ seriously. He might write to churches in America today, asking, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news” (Romans 10:15), but follow with, “What are you doing with the gospel you have received?”

In many churches, Paul might challenge us to move beyond comfortable routines and into active service. Are we reaching the lost, feeding the hungry, and loving our neighbors? Are we equipping believers to carry their faith into their workplaces, schools, and communities?

Practical Encouragement for Today

Paul’s letters were practical as well as spiritual. He might encourage churches to live simply and generously, in line with 1 Timothy 6:18, which says, “Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share.” He might remind us, as he did the Colossians, to set our minds on things above, not earthly things (Colossians 3:2).

What Would the Letter Say to Your Church?

The real question is: how does your church measure up to God’s Word? Would Paul commend your church for its faith, love, and hope? Would he rebuke it for complacency, division, or compromise? Would he find a congregation living out the gospel in unity and power, or one distracted by worldly concerns?

In short, Paul’s hypothetical letter to any church would be a call to action, repentance, and faithfulness. As 2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness.” The question for each of us is whether we are living in a way that aligns with God’s truth.

This challenges us to ask: Are we the church Paul would praise? If not, what needs to change so we can glorify God and fulfill His mission? May we live and worship in such a way that any letter to our church would be filled with gratitude, encouragement, and hope for the future.