Church

The Ideal Congregation (Pt. 3)

Posted on by Bob Mathews

The ideal congregation faithfully attends and supports the various public services of the church, whether the occasion be Bible study, worship, or other worthy efforts such as gospel meetings or related events.  The inspired penman wrote, “and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works: Not forsaking the assembly of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:24-25).

Motivation to obey this biblical mandate is abundant: By so doing, one (1) obeys the command to study (2 Tim. 2:15), (2) better possesses the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5), (3) is better able to always give an answer for the hope within us (1 Pet. 3:15), (4) has opportunity to express thanks to and faith in our Father (Phil. 4:6; Heb. 11:6), (5) is more diligent (2 Pet. 1:5), (6) is better able to grow spiritually (2 Pet. 3:18), (7) may deepen fellowship with brethren (1 Cor. 12:14), (8) is edified (Eph. 4:12), (9) may exorcise the love of the world (1 John 2:15-17), and (10) will be present in the habitat of the Lord (Matt. 18:20).  Though mandated biblically, let us assemble regularly because of our responsive love unto the Lord (1 John 4:19) which anxiously compels us unto good works (Eph. 2:10).

The ideal congregation responds positively when encouraged to better learn the truths of the will of God.  Our spiritual screen must ever allow the fresh, gentle breeze of God’s word to penetrate deeply into the whole of our spiritual house.  The attitude of the Ethiopian eunuch in relying on others as they were  qualified to guide him is worthy of our  imitation (Acts 8:30-31).  Our spiritual screen must also be strong enough to  prevent pests of error from entering our personal and congregational fellowship (Eph. 5:11).

To better develop an openness to learning truth both in breadth and depth, we must view ourselves as students truly in need of a greater measure of knowledge of God’s word.  We must be committed to growing beyond spiritual infancy (Eph. 4:15).  Such commitment, if not accompanied by decisive action designed to achieve and maintain spiritual growth, will be impotent in its impact in our lives.  We must both plan and implement if genuine success is to be realized.  Additionally, timely self-evaluation will enhance and support our personal efforts in expanding our knowledge of the will of God.  Our full individual and corporate potential can indeed be attained as we open our minds to the wonder of his Word.

As Christians, our desire should be to better ourselves each day because that is what our God deserves from us. Hopefully, these are a couple more ways we can work together towards that goal.

The Ideal Congregation

Posted on by Bob Mathews

   Religious ideals may be desirable and profitable as we fulfill our godly mission.  Many of us have probably developed a mental portrait of the ideal eldership, the ideal body of deacons, and perhaps even an ideal minister.  We may have ideals relating to our corporate worship and methodologies employed in reaching out to our community.  As members have ideals concerning these things, it should be understandable that elders and ministers have a portrait of the ideal congregation.

     The ideal congregation has a Christ-centered life.  Jesus said, “and I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32).  As we are drawn to Christ, He is the focal point of those so drawn. Accordingly, our activities in various contexts throughout our Christian life will be governed by the will of Christ.  We will ask, “What would Christ have me do?”  We will develop a pattern of increasingly being unsatisfied with the wisdom of men unto which we must not turn in matters wherein the Lord has legislated (1 Cor. 1-4). As well, the priorities of Christ will increasingly become our priorities – our personal priorities (Matt.6:33).  A new direction and set of priorities will emerge from the rubble of a prior sin-stained life (John 14:6).  As these and other spiritual growth areas develop in our growth unto perfection, I trust that we will invariably be thus led to draw all men unto the Christ who is now truly the center of our lives. Yes, the fulfillment of personal evangelism finds its root in the seed of a personal Christ-centered life.

The ideal congregation has a positive attitude about the work of God.  The apostle Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil.4:13).  This attitude, far from being occasional in its occurrence, and limited in its scope, should permeate the whole membership consistently over time.

This positive context is generated by members who are truly men and women of faith.  Maintaining a strong faith in the Person and work of Jesus Christ becomes the springboard unto positive-mindedness.  Such can only be achieved in accord with a healthy relationship with the Word of God (Romans 10:17; 2 Timothy 2:15).  Additionally, men and women of faith progressively believe in the power of the gospel to radically change and positively reform one’s own personal life and the lives of those about us (Romans 1:16-17).  Without this realization, our willingness and inclination to achieve and maintain a positive outlook concerning the probable success of our spiritual labors will be invariably diminished.  Knowing that the spiritual destiny of the world hangs in the balance, let us follow the example of Paul (1 Cor.11:1) and in a positive manner address the challenges of our spiritual labors.

Over the next few weeks, this topic will be expounded upon and discussed because we should all be striving to be the kind of members that God wants in His church. Whether a minister or an elder, we are all members and all need to strive to be what God desires and deserves. Hopefully, for you, these lessons will help you better know what God wants from you and how you can go about fulfilling your role as a member of the church.

A Broken Spirit

Posted on by Bob Mathews

  Words are often powerful (ref. Rom. 1:16). They bring to mind scenes which may lift the soul to wonderful heights or cast one down to depths of despair. “A Broken Spirit,” mere words, does both for me. These words remind me of the spirit joyfully broken as one penitently responds to the grace of our Lord. They also bring to mind the spirit wounded and sorrowful because of the weight of life’s burdens and challenges.

The Psalmist said, “The Lord is near to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Ps. 34:18, NASB). Yes, the Lord establishes and strengthens His fellowship with those allowing the Word of His grace to break, ever so painfully, the bands and bonds holding us apart from Him as sin’s power dictatorially governs us. Similarly, the Psalmist added, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise” (Ps. 51:17). I trust and pray that our spirits are mutually lifted and encouraged in contemplation of the positive divine response to penitent and fully obedient hearts.

The above cited passages speak of “A Broken Spirit” in a positive manner. They lead us to seek out such a spirit, ultimately producing spiritual healing and security in Christ. They demand that we be broken in order to be whole. Yet, “A Broken Spirit” may describe the spirit shattered by forces and circumstances beyond personal power to control and withstand. They may describe a besieged child of God whose strength of faith has failed him in his hour of crisis. These words may describe you or me as we face personal spiritual challenges.

The Psalmist, speaking of the Lord, said, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Ps. 147:3). The wise man said, “A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken” (Pr. 15:13). The Lord is ever aware of our condition of heart and tenderly cares for us as we endure wounds which potentially may break our spirit of faith.

Children of God throughout the Lord’s church face the real possibility and danger of experiencing a broken spirit as one wrestles with personal spiritual challenges. A lifetime of observations suggest such danger is ever present, potentially impacting the strongest personal faith. The spirits of godly elders and the newest babes in Christ may be so impacted. None of us are exempt from the forces bringing about such dire results. A number of brethren no doubt know of specific cases illustrating well the point at hand.

A broken spirit may be the result of external evil forces outside the body of Christ. On other occasions, it may result from internal forces within the fold of God. The latter may be more dangerous, if only because we are ill-prepared to be so impacted by those esteemed so highly as brethren. Yes, we are sometimes hurt more by those we love.

How may this happen? Without assuming a full understanding of such issues, the following scenario may be suggested. Members of the church are not always on the same spiritual page. Sometimes, our doctrinal and judgmental differences are pronounced. We may be growing at variant rates. Our level of tolerance and patience with those of lesser spiritual knowledge may be lacking substance. We may be reactive and fearful. Tradition may hold us in its grip. Our dream and vision for the work of God may vary significantly from that of others.  Personality conflicts may be significant.  Conflict resolution may not be our forte. Power struggles may surface openly. We may fail to work through our challenges. Instead of speaking softly, we may be carrying a big stick. We fail to consider the delicate spiritual state of other children of God. Things are said and done.  And it happens: We inadvertently break another’s spirit. Their dedication and faith is seriously damaged. They will likely, never be the same again. The marks left behind are indelible.

Brethren, each of us, from the least to the greatest, have a godly responsibility to nurture one another (Eph. 4:11-16). There will be times when either positive or negative discipline should be administered through proper channels. May we be blessed with a measure of wisdom which allows each of us to pursue the good and right while protecting rather than breaking the spirit of brethren of like precious faith. Our Lord will surely hold us accountable for the destruction of those left in our charge and care. May we protect their spirits as we protect our own. Surely this will glorify the Lord and His church and influence the world to reevaluate the body of Christ.

You can’t say “Gospel” without “Go”

Posted on by Bob Mathews

The Bible clearly affirms that Christians in general have the corporate and personal obligation to carry the Gospel to those around us.  This mutual obligation is ours for a handful of reasons. First, because we must shod our feet with the preparation of the Gospel of peace (Eph. 6:15). Second, because saints must be equipped for the work of ministry (Eph. 4:12). Third, because we must shine as lights in the world (Phil. 2:15). Fourth, because we must always be abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58), knowing the Christ came to save the lost (Luke 19:10).

The condition of the world demands timely attention to this task, knowing that the god of this world, Satan (2 Cor. 4:4), has deceived the world (Rev. 12:19).  Thus, the world is in spiritual darkness (Eph. 6:12), in wickedness (1 John 5:19), evil (Gal. 1:4), condemned (1 Cor. 11:32), and without God (Eph. 2:12).  This dire portrait of the world cannot be properly addressed by the wisdom of the world (1 Cor. 1:21) but must be addressed through the Gospel of Christ. Christ is the one who came into this world to save sinners (1 Tim. 1:15), is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2), and is the Savior of the world (1 Jn. 4:14).

Yes, the world needs to be convicted of sin (Rom. 3:19) and to be reconciled unto the Father (2 Cor. 5:19).

This needed reconciliation cannot be achieved separate from the receipt of the Gospel.  The character of the Gospel message supports this premise, as the Gospel is marked by the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 2:7), of the grace of God (Acts 20:24), of the kingdom of God (Matt. 4:23), the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16), the means of the spiritual begettal (1 Cor. 4:15), the means by which one partakes of the spiritual promise (Eph. 3:6), and the means by which one is called unto the fellowship of God (2 Thess. 2:14).  One cannot be pleasing to God, having not obeyed the Gospel message (2 Thess. 1:8).

The reality is this:  The Gospel is hid to those who are lost (2 Cor. 4:3) and it must be published to those not having heard the pure, unadulterated message of God (Mark 13:10; Rom. 15:20).  May we possess the attitude of the Apostle Paul and recognize that the Gospel must not be hindered (1 Cor. 9:12), especially by our failure to support our own congregation with evangelistic efforts every way we possibly can. May I encourage each member of this congregation to do his or her part in supporting the evangelic effort by simply inviting the community or friends to visit our services. Spreading the “good news” does not have to be difficult. While getting a bible study with someone is a great thing, inviting them to church is always a step in the direction of helping them find God. Don’t leave the “go” out of the gospel message. If we desire all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth just like God does, then we have to do our part to help spread the glory of God.