Tag Archives: evangelism

No Love in Your Feet

12 Monday Oct 2015

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, ,

The local church is a body of individual believers. Those who have been baptized into the Lord Jesus for the forgiveness of sins stand in a saving relationship with the Lord God. This saving relationship is a relationship that one is NOT to keep to him or herself, but is to take into the world and teach it to others. The reason for this is obvious.

On the other hand, there are those who will allow that relationship to die with them; they simply won’t take this message to others because, for one reason or another, they don’t want to. It can be said that those who express love to the Lord and refuse to do this have more love in their minds than in their feet and actions! The Scripture speaks to those who have a disconnected love like this…..

In the book of Judges, there was a generation who loved the Lord greatly, demonstrating this love in many ways, but one among them was in teaching the following generation the importance of love and obedience to the Lord. The third generation, however, never got the same message. Perhaps it was because they were not taught; maybe it was because they were taught but they did not allow the teaching to take root. Whatever it was, the Scripture says, they chose “not to know the Lord” (Judges 2:10). I suspect there is little doubt that some made a conscious choice to refuse the Lord’s way, but knowing the nature of people (and it really changes not), the likelihood of the older generation not teaching the younger generation like they should have been taught, that is, the love and severity of the Lord is even greater.

This is a constant reminder to each of us in this current generation. If we do not teach, and by teach I mean, if we do not take the time to inculcate the youth with the love and severity of the Lord, then the servants of Satan will gather hold of them quickly. Let us the love of God in our minds connect to the love of God in a feet and let us be a people of action, work, and teaching. RT

 

Why Churches Grow (2)

30 Wednesday Sep 2015

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

Why do churches grow! Not long ago I wrote a short article on this, giving thought to two points by brother Mont Whitson’s article in 20th Century Christian on “Why Some Churches Grow” (Feb. 1957). I received a reply to that article wherein a brother asked me to consider in a second article the other four points. This article is a result of that request.

To briefly note, in the first article I considered Whitson’s points (1) when there is the spirit of love, unity and understanding people within and without see something to be a part of, (2) the church grows when the members within are willing to work.

The other four points he addressed are (3) when leaders are men of character, reputation, vision and zeal, (4) the local preacher sets a high spiritual tone, (5) the local church plans for the future and (6) the church will grow where God is honored, Christ is preached, and the Holy Spirit plays an important role in the lives of the disciples.

Let us consider, briefly, each.

When leaders are men of character, reputation, vision and zeal. The wisdom of character and reputation are so obvious to the thinking person that little needs to be said. Yet, much needs to be said! The reason for this is because we each know the failings of our own hearts and the life each lives is a direct reflection on one’s own name, family and, most importantly of all, the Lord’s name. If the name is bad what influence is available? When the reputation is intact, then the mind is free and open, unclouded by failings to see what lies ahead. That which is in the heart makes it way out of the heart (cf. Proverbs 4:23).

The local preacher sets a high spiritual tone. This point that brother Whitson made is ambiguous to me. I take from his words that the preacher should be charismatic and nonjudgmental. It is likely I don’t understand him the way he intended to express himself. I would, however, like to take his term “high spiritual tone” to speak about a high spiritual tone in relation to what man considers spiritual. There is a “part” of man that is not material, or incorporated within all the material flesh that gives us form, shape. That part of man is the immaterial, the soul (spirit) of man that seeks for greater things than this life offers. No naturalist can offer any encouraging words along this line, but Jesus can! Thus, a high spiritual tone addresses that which is greater than what is offered in this material realm, a message that speaks to the heart of who (and what) man is.

The local church plans for the future. Without a vision (destination) where is the traveler going? Brother Whitson wrote of the church meeting today’s needs from yesterday’s planning. If there is a meeting of today’s needs tomorrow the church is continually behind. The thrust behind his remark is with regard to the infrastructure of the church. Not only is the church patterned after the New Testament order, but there should also be adequate provisions for Bible classes, teachers, benevolence, mission programs, etc. With these in place the local church gives itself an opportunity to grow spiritually and numerically.

The church will grow where God is honored, Christ is preached, and the Holy Spirit plays an important role in the lives of the disciples. The local church worships an audience of One (God). In this worship there is an exaltation of His word implemented in the lives of those who hear it preached each occasion that it is preached. This includes the saints and the non-saints. The importance of this can’t be missed. All-to-often the people of the audience want their way implemented rather than God’s way. Whatever “good” intention might exist with such a sentiment, it is a bad decision, and God is hardly honored when man presumes on that only which only belongs to the Lord.

It is a challenge for each local congregation to grow numerically; we experience this in east-central Illinois. While our numerical growth pales in comparison to some, our spiritual growth can surely excel.

 

The Limited Commission with Practical Applications (Luke 10:1-20)

14 Tuesday Oct 2014

Posted by in Bulletin Article

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

As the apostles had been chosen by the Lord for special instruction and a special commission, the seventy that had been chosen might represent the larger spectrum of the disciples (Luke 10:1). One man wrote in regards to this: “In addition, the marching orders for the seventy are by their very nature applicable to every Christian” (Michael Wilcock, The Message of Luke, p. 120). The seventy that had been chosen needed to be made aware of a number of things.  First, they had need to understand the mission that was ahead (10:2). They had to understand the harvest was great, but the workers were few. Consequently, an unfair load would be placed on those who love the Lord, engaged in this “business.” The burden of this load meant they could very well have been forgoing comfort and leisure (Wilcock, p. 119).

Second, they also had to understand the dangers that were lying squarely in their path, and even those that sprung from the brush to attack (Luke 10:3-4). There are quite a lot of people today who embrace Christ for reasons that are not all that substantive. For instance, one reason some embrace Christ is because it brings the promise of peace. The promise of peace is very much biblical and accurate (Romans 5:1), but that peace promise is one’s relationship between the saved one and the Lord; many, however, look upon it as peace from afflictions in life. Without clearly understanding this, the parable of the soils fits aptly (Matthew 13).

Some practical applications to this we can make. The message we take with us in our hearts and behaviors is the life of Christ. Let us be sure we tell people that He came, and He is coming again (Judgment Day). Until He comes, though, we want to communicate that He established an institution wherein all the saved are “collected” into His godly body, the church (Eph. 1:22-23). The “collected” ones in this body are called out of this world to be holy. Since man has altered the teachings of Jesus relative to this body, the Lord’s saints are sent out to preach, seeking to restore that which the Lord originally taught. It is not a good thing when any part of that which the Lord taught is altered or corrupted.

What Have I Done? (2)

23 Friday Aug 2013

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

,

In the bulletin last week we gave a summary article of the sermon of the previous week (8/4). We reminded ourselves that the word EVANGELISM is not a word that pertains only to the leaders of the congregation, but involves us all. We considered a part of an acrostic: E – ETERNITY (2 Corinthians 5:11). V – VENGEANCE (Romans 12:17-21)! A – ASSURANCE (Acts 17:30-31). N – NADAB & ABIHU (Leviticus 10:1-2). G – GOSPEL (Romans 1:16-17). This week we want to finish the acrostic.

E – EXHORTATIONS (2 Timothy 4:1-5). When Paul left Timothy in Ephesus, he left him with the charge to teach no other doctrine; Timothy was faithful to this charge. Now, at the juncture of life when Paul was prepared to leave this world behind, he gave exhortations to Timothy to preach the word of God, and do it faithfully. For a preacher, for a Christian, no better charge can be given.

L – LAW & LIBERTY (James 1:25; Galatians 6:2). The exhortations that come from God’s word are words that pertain to God’s law; it gives liberty to all who obey it. It would be a mistake to think that God’s word is not God’s law simply because some people fear the notion of “legalism.” Legalism practiced is compliance to an outward idea, with no inward movement or motivation that has its origin in love of God.

I – IMMINENT (Revelation 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2). The law that gives us liberty also gives us clarity concerning the actuality of the Lord’s return. When the Lord comes He will come as a thief in the night, and if we are fortunate to be alive when He comes, we shall all see Him. On the other hand, we won’t be fortunate at all when the Lord comes and we aren’t prepared to meet Him. Life has a frailty component to it; unprepared, it will be a fearful experience!

S – SALVATION (Acts 2:36-47). The precarious nature of life should encourage us to give consideration to the Lord’s salvation. It may be that many will refuse to do such, and if so, it will be at their own peril. There is coming a day, however, when those in Christ, those who are faithful to His word will enjoy the pleasures of His salvation that He offers to the obedient.

M – MAJESTY (Jude 24-25). The Lord is glorious in all His ways; we may not understand them to our satisfaction, but that He is in control encourages us to put our trust in Him. Whatever good may be seen in another person, it does not compare with the majesty and holiness of the Lord. Paul said that he knew in whom he believed (2 Timothy 1:12), and the faithful Christian does as well.

To all this we can make some applications. Let us consider but a couple. Take inventory with regard to yourself (2 Corinthians 13:5). It is the mark of good business practices to know one’s inventory. When a product quantity is low, procurement of additional inventory keeps happy customers from going to other stores to purchase what one should have on the shelf. Have you considered whether or not you are “low” with regard to something spiritual? It will surely be a wise thing to consider. Pray vigorously (1 Thessalonians 5:17). A faithful Christian prays often because of Him who is the author of life. One not only prays because of Him who is the author, but to Him also. A man may have great ability and navigate the course of life with much success, but with all the success he may muster – what then? In closing, a Christian knows before whom he will stand, and because he knows this he seeks to evangelize with each breath. RT

Exhibit Evangelism

21 Wednesday Aug 2013

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

,

Exhibit Evangelism comes to a close today. Through Friday afternoon there were enrolled in Bible study correspondence courses just over 320 people. How many of those who enrolled will complete the studies—only the Lord knows. Perhaps, however, if there are some who pause and then set it aside, there will be an occasion in life that reminds them of their enrollment, and when things are not so good, there will be an internal reminder of this Bible study. Some may continue from curiosity, but some will complete it because there is a strong desire to seek the Lord’s will in their respective lives. Whatever may be the motivation, please continue to pray that those who did enroll take the time to hear the Lord’s word. Additionally, again this year, the adults were very much encouraged by the young people who worked at the Illinois State Fair; they did a great job! RT

What Have I Done?

14 Wednesday Aug 2013

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

                Last Sunday our morning lesson was with regard to the question: “What have I done?” It was a question that gave some attention to our individual interests and allegiance to the Lord in relation to the promotion of His cause. This article intends to share a brief review of some of those things we talked about.

When we reflect on our own efforts here at Highway, it should be of some concern that our numerical growth has not manifested itself as it ought to have. Yet, before some corrective action should be extended to the congregation, the congregation’s leaders ought to do some reflective thinking themselves. People willingly submit themselves to leaders (elders) if those leaders are genuinely interested in the Lord’s way, promoting His cause, and taking the lead in these areas. Have the elders and the preacher been exemplary in this?

As a reminder to help us all be properly reflective, our lesson focused on the acrostic EVANGELISM. Many churches of the Lord are doing good works, and we are not falling behind in that area at all; but with Jeremiah’s urgency we need to impress on the populous the Lord’s coming judgment. Jeremiah’s urgency in getting Judah/Jerusalem to see the errors of their ways fell on deaf ears. With this before us, let us consider, in part, our acrostic.

E – ETERNITY. Paul knew well what the Lord said about that which every man will experience; we all shall stand before the judgment seat of Christ, and knowing such things (as Paul knew them then), we should be trying to impress on people that  it will happen. Paul said it this way: “Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade me” (2 Corinthians 5:11).

V – VENGEANCE. So easy it is for each of us to stand in the Lord’s judgment seat and render some sort of judgment against another; you surely have done so, just as I have.  It is not ours, however, it be in a seat that only belongs to the Lord. What we can do, though, is make it as clear as the day is bright, that if one refuses the Lord’s love, then that judgment seat one desires to be on occasionally, will be the seat before which we will stand (Romans 12:17-21)!

A – ASSURANCE. It is appropriate to encourage people in life’s difficult living with words of assurance that all will be better, but have you given assurance to others that there is a judgment day? This does not occur as it ought because many who call themselves Christians either don’t believe it, or they put it back in the recesses of the mind, trying not to think about it. Paul did not shy away from a message that people needed to hear; neither should we (Acts 17:30-31).

N – NADAB & ABIHU. To a great many people the names of these two men stand in infamy; unfortunately, there are many more people who don’t know who they once were and exactly for what they are known. These two sons of the High Priest (Aaron) took it upon themselves to relegate the proper worship of the Lord as something that authorized them to alter. This deadly mistake they made resulted in the Lord taking from them an opportunity to repent! It is a deadly thing to trifle with the Lord’s way and word (Leviticus 10:1-2).

G – GOSPEL. God’s good news as seen and heard in Jesus was Paul’s strength and message to a people that did not want to hear it. We may not be able to preach and teach like Paul or Peter, but that which we can do we should be doing. God power is to reign in us (Colossians 3:16); when it does, the Lord’s glory will shine through to all interested in seeing it (Romans 1:16-17).  RT