A Desire to Grow

Every congregation that I have ever been privileged to work with as the preacher has expressed the desire to grow numerically. This is good but other things are just as important and ought to be considered also. Not only should each congregation have a desire to grow in numbers but each church ought to desire to grow spiritually as well. One thing for sure, a congregation in its plans and desires must not do one good work while ignoring other works of equal importance. The religious leaders (i.e. leaders of the Jews) had a problem of this very nature as Luke points out – cf. Luke 11:42, “But woe unto you Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and every herb, and pass over justice and the love of God: but these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” (ASV)

CORRECT MOTIVES:  Whenever any decision by the congregation is made regarding programs and objectives that will increase the membership it is well to remember the statement by Paul – cf. Colossians 3:17, “And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, (do) all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (ASV)

This statement by Paul encourages disciples to make sure that the Lord approves any action engaged in by the church. Regardless of the apparent good that a suggested program might do to bring in more numbers to the assemblies, if it is unauthorized by the Lord it must be rejected. Our motives in seeking greater numbers must be pure and scriptural, the increase in the size of the membership is good but if we work purely for selfish reasons our labors will be unacceptable – cf. 1 Corinthians 1:29-31, “that no flesh should glory before God. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”

May each Christian put forth maximum effort to build up the membership, remember though, growth consists in more than numbers alone. Real growth consists in numbers, in spirituality, and in maturity. Growth is a desirable concept for the congregation but growth without proper direction and motives cannot be successful. Each congregation may grow but it should grow in all areas noted in our study. As Peter encouraged the Christians to do in – cf. 2 Peter 3:18, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him (be) the glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (ASV) Whenever a congregation is growing it ought to be evident that the membership is growing numbers, in spirituality, and in maturity. The Lord is pleased whenever a church is growing, as it should. We surely have a desire to please our Lord, don’t we? May we each contribute of our time, money, and effort so that the church will grow as our Lord and Master would have it grow.

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Imitate Jesus Christ

The apostle Paul called upon mankind to imitate himself (I Corinthians 4:16, Philippians 3:17), others who served God (Hebrews 6:12, 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9), and the Churches of God (I Thessalonians 2:14).  However, hear his ultimate call: “Imitate Jesus Christ!” (I Corinthians 11:1).

Paul addressed the Thessalonians in I Thessalonians 1:6, noting they imitated Jesus Christ.  Though persecution came to them, they joyfully embraced the inspired Word of God.  Three verses earlier, Paul praised them for three behaviors: their work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope.  By these, the Thessalonians demonstrated unity with Christ.

To students of scripture, the words imparted to James by the Holy Spirit, “Even so, faith, if it has no works, is dead, by itself”, do not bring surprise.  To those who believe Christ accepts them even with their lack of service, a sad ignorance exists.

Galatians 2:16 – “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”

A man can do nothing by his own design to justify himself in the sight of God.  The law demonstrated this fact.  Man’s justification comes from Christ’s faith.  Christ lived the Law of Moses without bringing its curse upon Him (Deuteronomy 27:26).  What He did (John 5:30) and the blessings He brought upon all mankind (Genesis 22:18) came only through obedience to God.  Jesus trusted God the Father and His works demonstrated His Faith.  Man’s faithful obedience earns nothing, but as in all ages, men who walk by faith shall live (Hebrews 10:38).  They live through the faith of Jesus the Messiah.  They live faithfully when they imitate Jesus Christ.

When Jesus declared in Matthew 16:24 that man must “deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me”, no one believed they would live a life of ease.  Jesus labored while upon the earth.  Jesus found persecution around every corner.  He let his disciples know they should expect the same (John 15:18-20).  Still, Jesus declared the labor done in obedience to God was easy and light (Matthew 11:28-30).

John 17:22-26 – “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.  O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.  And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

Jesus demonstrated the labor of love.  God loves Jesus.  God loves the world.  Jesus desired we experience the same love so we might be one with the Father.  Jesus states very clearly in John 14:15, our labor demonstrates our love toward Him.  When we engage His labor of love, we imitate Jesus Christ.

Jesus exemplifies the steadfastness of hope which the Thessalonians employed.  Through Jesus work of faith and His labor of love, He knew He would die being rejected by those He came to save and do so through great suffering (Matthew 8:31).  Yet, He had hope.  On the day of Pentecost, Peter spoke of Jesus’ hope prophesied by King David over a thousand years before.

Acts 2:25-28 – “For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in Hades, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.  Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.”

Clearly, Jesus hope rested in the Father that He would not remain in the grave.  He completely believed in the joy of being again with the Father and experiencing the glory of Heaven again (John 17:5).  Those washed in the blood of Christ hold to the hope of resurrection as Christ himself experienced resurrection (I Corinthians 15).  On the final day of the earth’s existence, those who imitate Jesus Christ will rise to meet him in the clouds (I Thessalonians 4:17).

The apostle Paul, following the steps of Jesus, provides a pattern for everlasting life (I Timothy 1:15-16).  He commends the Thessalonians for walking in the pattern.  Within the pages of scripture, “the faith which was once for all delivered” (Jude 3) exists that all men might strive to obtain it.  Passages such as Ephesians 5 and others provide a very clear picture of what it means to engage in a work of faith, a labor of love, and the steadfastness of hope.  In their simplest form, they declare “Imitate Jesus Christ”.  Pick up the Bible today and learn to walk the footsteps of God.

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Are There Apostles Today?

In the Bible, we read of the apostles.  They were the closest of the Lord’s followers.  But, what made an apostle or what were the qualifications that made one into an apostle?  And, are there apostles today?

First, all apostles were required to have seen the risen Christ so that they could preach a resurrection of which he had himself been an eyewitness (1 Corinthians 9:1; Acts 4:33; Acts 1:8).

Second, an apostle had to be called and commissioned by the risen Lord directly: Hand picked (Luke 6:13; Acts 9:3-6; 13-15; Galatians 1:1).

Third, each was given the Comforter or Holy Spirit (John 14:26) and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4).

Now, can anyone claim these things today?  No.

Also,  there were distinctive signs that apostles had which proved they were apostles.  Jesus gave them the ability to perform miraculous signs (Matthew 10:1-2; Acts 2:43; Acts 5:12).  Paul said that the “signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds” (2 Corinthians 12:11-12).  And, the purpose of these miracles was to confirm the word of God (Mark 16:20).

Can anyone claim these things today?  No.

But, what about those who claim that they are apostles today?  Is there such a thing?  In 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, Paul said that there were “false apostles” who transformed (made or called) “themselves into apostles of Christ.”  In fact, the Apostle John said that there were apostles who were tested to see if they were apostles and were found to be liars (Revelation 2:2).

Can anyone claim to be an apostle today?  Yes.

Does that make them a true apostle?  No.

Conclusion: There are no apostles today because they had to see Jesus after He arose from the dead and no one has.  The last person to see Jesus was the apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 15:7-9).  There are no apostles today because apostles had to be hand picked and since Jesus does not appear to people today, He is not hand picking anyone.  There are no apostles today because no one has the miracle working power of an apostle.  The apostles were able to heal any physical condition on the spot including recreating body parts and resurrecting from the dead (Acts 3:1-9; Acts 9:36-42).  No case was too difficult.  But, no one has this type of miracle working power today.

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Increased Knowledge Brings Increased Responsibilities

One of the important by-products to study is increased knowledge regarding our relationship to God and to our fellow man. We are suggesting that increased knowledge is a good thing and that study is a worthy pursuit by any and all Christians,  cf.,  2 Tim 2:15,  “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”   The spiritually of each Christian increases as more and more spiritual information is placed into the brain as a result of study, hearing the Word of God expounded, etc.

 OUR APPRECIATION OF OUR GOD

 As one engages in a profitable study of God’s Word one is made aware of God and His greatness in many aspects. God is truly remarkable in that there is none like Him or any that comes anywhere close to Him in greatness pertaining to everything, cf., Gen 2:4. “This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created. When the LORD God made the earth and the heavens” (NIV)     Josh 2:10-1-2, “For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.” 2 Sam 22:31-33, “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God? God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.” (KJV) Our appreciation of our God is enhanced greatly as we learn more about Him through hearing and studying His Holy Word. We are therefore encouraged to place ourselves in a students position so that we may learn more from others as they teach God’s Word, (e.g.,  gospel meetings,  special classes,  lecture programs, etc.) and we are encouraged to study more privately because of the benefits that we know will be gleaned thereby.   Peter the great apostle of Christ stated this truth at the close of his writings, 2 Pet 3:18, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (KJV)

Through study and the continued acquisition of knowledge we may someday have the complete confidence in God that the writer of the 23rd Psalm expresses in Ps 23:1-6, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”

APPRECIATION OF OUR NEIGHBOR

The greatest commandment according to our Lord is:   Matt 22:36-38, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. The second greatest commandment according to our Lord is: Matt 22:39, “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” (NIV)

CONSIDER THIS, ALSO:

According to Jesus we are to  “love our neighbor as ourselves.” There is a great deal contained in this instruction by our Lord notice some of the consequence of loving our neighbor.

1.    If we love our neighbor we will always act charitably toward them in whatever human interaction we have with them.

2.   We will not lie to our neighbor but we will always be honest and truthful in our interactions with them.

3.    We will be the first to offer a helping hand or a prayer whenever they are suffering grief, or misfortune.

4.    Above all,  we will share the gospel message with our neighbor.  There is no greater expression of care for another than to share the gospel with them.  If they refuse to accept the gospel message their sin is on their own head.

5.    Invite your neighbors to worship God with you as you have opportunity in your conversations together.

6.    Always be a good example for them to observe, remember this, you may be the only example of a true Christian that they have to follow, don’t blow it!

INCREASED RESPONSIBILITIES

Jesus taught that increased knowledge brings about increased responsibility,  please note the following passages of Scripture:   Luke 12:48, “But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.” (KJV) The parable of the talents recorded in Matthew 25:15-28 also indicate that the individual that possesses the greatest talents (abilities) will be responsible for more than those with less.  The important point in the parable of the talents though, is; each individual is to use whatever abilities they possess in the Lord’s service.  If one has abilities and does not use them surely he is not fulfilling his responsibility to God or his neighbor.

We will all be fulfilling our responsibility to God if, as we learn God’s will we put it to practical use in our life.   From our study, it is apparent that when we learn more and more of God’s Word we are required to put that new knowledge to good use, not only in our life but in the life of others around us.  It is evident that as we learn more of God’s Word we will appreciate our relationship to God and our neighbors better.

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Waiting at the End of the Road

My day didn’t start out very well…while eating breakfast and watching the news a commercial came on T.V. for an event for children that was going to take place. I was reminded of days gone by and the innocence of childhood. As the conversation and memories my wife and I shared together progressed I was quickly confronted with the pain and heartache that comes when those innocent children grow into adults and make sinful choices. What can we do with (or for) those we love and cherish who turn their backs on righteousness and choose a life of sin?

I am sure that you would receive almost as many different answers to this question as the number of people to whom you would ask it. Yet in a couple of conversations I had with men I love and respect; this one common thought continued to permeate. Sometimes all we can do is be there for them when (and if) they come home.

There could be no more relevant story to this situation than the parable of the Prodigal Son. In Luke 15 Jesus tells a story that has repeated itself countless times over the centuries and I believe will continue to for as long as mankind is allowed to continue on the earth. A son, who takes all that has been given him, leaves home and wastes it in sin. Placing ourselves in the shoes of the father I can’t help but think that he daily prayed for his son. He must have walked out to the edge of the road daily and stood for hours hoping to see his boy return just over the horizon. Before his son left he did all he could do and now all he could do was be there for him when he returned home.

But also consider that the father also had other responsibilities to tend to each day. Another son to care for, a home, a business…he did not let his sorrow and grief overcome him to the point that he was negligent in his own duties. I am sure that those around him knew of his concern for his lost son. But he did not let those concerns affect his relationship to those around him. And when the boy “came to himself” what a joyous reunion took place. The willingness of the son to repent and come home and the fact that the father was there, waiting for him when he returned, both contributed to the successful reunion.

Some may ask even today, “Where is God?” The answer to this too is found in our parable. He is where He has always been. Waiting for us at the end of the road to come home. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Where is He? Waiting at the end of the road for you to come home. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

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