Have you ever found yourself running through the routines of life without much thought put into it? You know you hustle into class with your attention a mile away? Or with a thousand different things on your mind. You hope the preacher hasn’t prepared one of those long sermons. You have a softball game to get to, a picnic planned, a bike ride, or an afternoon at the lake. All good family activities.
I suppose we have all done that at one time or another. Life can be hard to leave at the door on Sunday mornings. Our minds are cluttered with distractions. But can I challenge you to take a moment and breath, and to slow down and ask God to help you prepare. Before you head out the door, or maybe in the car, ask God to help you get ready for worship. Simply say, Lord thank you for loving me. Thank you for carrying me when I couldn’t stand. Lord, thank you for saving my marriage, and thank you for giving me my job. Father, thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for walking with me through the valley of death when my enemy was all around. Thank you for carrying the load when I couldn’t. These simple words will help you dump the things in life that aren’t really that important. And when you arrive at the doors of the building, you will be ready to help others see what God has done for them. If they need a shoulder to cry on, you’ll be ready. If they need someone to rejoice with, you got it. And your Father in heaven will smile down from heaven and accept your worship as a sweet aroma. Not because of perfection or imperfections, but because of an honest heart.
No God is not seeking perfectionist. Or those who think they can do it on their own. He’s seeking an honest and pure heart. In Matthew 15:8 we read of those whom Jesus said, “’These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me”. Church let’s check ourselves this morning, and make sure we are not just giving God lip service but that our hearts are fully engaged. Then our sacrifices will be acceptable and rise before Him as a sweet aroma. And this is Jesse Walker with the Glenwood Church of Christ.
Many years ago, Jesus was asked, what is the greatest commandment. To which he replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30.
The Greek word for love that Jesus used is well known in the verb form of AGAPE. It is a love that is based upon choice. The child of God is to freely choose to love God and to love others. They are to delight in God’s holiness. And that love is to spread outward to others. Christians are to seek the best for others. Which means, we must be able to see the best in them.
We are living in times that can make this incredibly challenging. With the growth of social media and the usage of smart phones. Did you know in a study done in 2021, that 46% of American’s reported that they spend 5-6 hours a day on their phones. And for most it’s not just playing Candy Crush. Do you realize, for many that’s more time than they spend with their significant other. They hold their phone more than they hold their spouse. They talk to their phone more than they do their mate. Can you see where that is a problem?
As more and more Christians spend long hours online, they are easily caught up in today’s political wars. It would do Christians good to remember what the 9th Commandment says in Exodus 20:16: “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.” When you log online, and say something about others, are you spreading gossip? Can you be sure when you click the “like” button that it’s a true statement? When you share it, are you sharing the truth? Or is it partial truth? Is it just a little white lie? Is that okay with you? I urge you to be incredibly careful. Ask yourself honestly, how much of the news do you know to be true. I mean you heard it yourself, you seen it yourself. Were you present when what your posting, re-posting, sharing, commenting on, was said or done? Here’s an eye opener for you, (not really) you probably already know this, or should know this, all news agencies/outlets are formed to make money. Here’s a fact you should know too, controversial news makes more money. Controversial news posted online gets more clicks. Sells more adds. You get the picture. You’re not going to stand before God and say, but Fox news said, ABC news said. Jesus is going to say, I said do not commit slander. Next time you go to send out that email, to retweet that comment, you might want to listen to the word of God. “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”
But Lord when did I commit slander. When was I a false witness. When you reposted that article without researching thoroughly the facts. When you posted that nasty tweet about some politician you disagree with. When you sent out that email trail to all your friends making fun of someone’s disability. The rest of the story in Deuteronomy 19, is let it be done unto you about what you were hoping was done to the other person. In other words, may others tell stories about you. May they try and tear down your reputation. May they make fun of you. May you be stalked and sought out because of what your tongue so loosely spoke, or fingers so easily typed. Ouch!
What do you think God will do to those who are spreading misinformation? Is he going to wink at our failures? Is he going to give us a pass because we were so compassionate about our side of the story? Be careful, the Apostle Paul was full of conviction when he was having Christians killed. His conscience was clean. But he was dead wrong. And if he hadn’t met God, and repented of his sins, he would be rotting in hell.
But Jesus, what is the greatest commandment. “Love”. You mean it hasn’t changed in 2023. Come on Jesus, surely you know our times are different. These are drastic times that call for drastic actions. Yes, my child, you are correct. You should love even more. You should care even deeper. And remember, the greatest of these is love.
If you haven’t heard it yet today, may I be the first, I love you as a child of God is to love. I care about you. I want the best for you. Why? Because I love God, and he has told me to love my neighbor. How can I say no to that? Reminds me of Joseph in Genesis 39:9, “My master (meaning her husband) has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” The next time you’re tempted to spread that loosely typed article or make that ugly comment, ask yourself, is this done out of love? If not, how can you do such a thing and sin against God. And this is Jesse Walker with the Glenwood Church of Christ.
As the apostle Paul penned his second epistle to the evangelist Timothy, he faced an uncertain future. Even as the epistle began, the issues of life and death occupied the mind of this preeminent servant (2 Tim. 1:1) who probably gave his life for the cause of Christ soon after writing to Timothy (2 Tim. 4:6). In what was, seemingly, Paul’s last inspired communication to his beloved Timothy (2 Tim. 1:2), Paul emphasized truths not only dear unto himself but as well placed an emphasis upon those things which must be done after his departure in order to secure the church in succeeding generations. Paul, as a spiritual father to Timothy, looked longingly to the immediate and distant future with a protective eye. He would not leave Timothy without direction as Timothy faced the challenges of the day without the wisdom and guidance of the great apostle. In this most intriguing context, the beloved apostle admonishes the young evangelist concerning several things, including his teaching responsibility. Paul did not leave this world before he laid foundational stones which support the church very well to this very day.
In a review of 2 Timothy, we note the consistency flowing from the pen of Paul as he continually entreated Timothy to focus on his primary objective, the teaching of the Word of God. A quick reading of the text evidences this observation: Paul admonished Timothy to:
(a)Stir up the gift of God in him. 1:6
(b)Not be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord. 1:8
(c)Hold fast the form of sound words. 1:13
(d)Put them in remembrance. 2:14
(e)Rightly divide the Word. 2:15
(f)Be apt to teach. 2:24
(g)Instruct those who oppose themselves. 2:25
(h)Preach the Word. 4:2a
(i)Do the work of an evangelist. 4:5
Additionally, Paul presented himself as both a preacher and a teacher (1:11) in whom the Word would not be bound (2:9). In the spirit of 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul leaves himself as an example after which Timothy may pattern himself after Paul’s departure.
Perhaps one of the most compelling admonitions of the entire epistle was gracefully presented in 2 Tim. 2:2. With a protective eye on the future of the church and a genuine interest in the souls of men, the apostle Paul looked beyond the immediate and personal labors of Timothy and focused on the potentially broad impact that he may have in his own generation and in generations yet to come. The apostle vividly saw the value of preparing others to spread the Word along side men such as Timothy as well as after such passes the scene. Here the apostle Paul said, “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2:2; NASB).
Our congregation faces the same challenges today that were faced so courageously by first century Christians. Our present need of teachers is as important for our congregation as it was for the area where Timothy labored so long ago. If the membership of a congregation fails to meet the challenge of teaching those under its care and guidance, they will surely answer to the Lord. May we as members conscientiously review and tap into our genuine potential and seriously consider making a firm commitment to be a part of the teaching of God’s Word to those that will come after us.
This past week, I spoke on the good shepherd from John 10 and discussed the sheep in that parable. I came across this article and thought it may be a fitting exercise to partake in. Hopefully, everyone will look at this and go through the questions with an honest and open heart. If the results show you to be a sheep, then keep pressing on. If they show otherwise, please don’t be disheartened or hardened by the news, but take it as an opportunity to start making changes for the better.
Scripture uses goats and wolves as analogies for what we are not to be, and sheep to describe what we are supposed to be. Ideally, we are to be sheep, not goats. Sheep follow the shepherd, goats do not. Wolves are out to fill their own egos often at the expense of sheep. With that in mind, reflect personally on these questions:
Are you a Goat, or do you have goatish attributes?
Do you agitate others in the flock?
Do others agitate you easily?
Do you always have to get to the root of every problem in the church?
Do you fight feelings of disagreement or resentment toward your shepherds (or those above you?)
Do you have trouble making it to every assembly?
Do you have problems listening to the word preached?
Do you find yourself constantly butting the system, trying to find your way out of the flock or just exempting yourself?
Do you have trouble when you are admonished or corrected by the shepherds (or other leaders)?
Are you a Wolf, or do you have wolfish attributes?
Do you have an inward drive to have a chief seat of high position in the church?
Do you find yourself bothered if you have to do what others in the flock are doing?
Are you drawn into strife and carnal things easily?
Have you been in trouble with church leadership and haven’t seemed to be able to work it out?
Do you have problems submitting to shepherds (or those above you)?
Are you trying to defame your shepherds or other leaders and draw others to follow your way of doing things?
Do you talk negatively about your shepherds or other leaders?
Have you become sly, sneaky, and deceitful in your attitudes and actions?
Do you gather security from other people who support your views?
Are you a Sheep, or do you have sheepish attributes?
Do you hate strife, malice, dissension, arguing and doctrinal debates?
Do you enjoy still waters – submitting to your shepherds (or those above you)?
Do you attend assemblies or gatherings at every opportunity?
Do you love to hear God’s word preached?
Do you hunger after truth from the Word?
Do you receive admonishing and correction from your shepherds (or leaders) easily?
The ideal congregation understands and appreciates the biblical work of elders. The apostle Paul said, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine” (1 Tim. 5:17). This admonition will go unfulfilled if we fail to both understand and appreciate the work of our elders.
The biblical work of elders weighs heavily upon men holding such responsibility. The innate nature of the responsibility requires the eldership to function as overseers (bishops, Acts 20:28). As overseers, they watch and protect the flock under their charge as they exercise administrative oversight over the affairs of the local congregation. This body of overseers also functions as shepherds (pastors, 1 Pet. 2:25). As shepherds, they care for the general spiritual well-being of each and every soul under their charge. Therefore, when a body of qualified elders fulfills their godly responsibility in a qualitative manner, they truly function as the presbytery (1 Tim. 4:14) and are deserving respect for their maturity of experience as they function as an eldership.
Elders continually face challenges which are weighty and consequential. These men, though perhaps of great spiritual stature, have feet of clay and will on occasion disappoint even the best of us. May we have the courage to firmly stand by their side, assisting them in addressing any challenge that may come their way, and spiritually embrace these men and their work. Thereby, we will lend them support when they need us most. Let us, as men of old, lift up the arms of “Moses” as the spiritual battle is engaged. By so doing, we may change the destiny of our people. May the Lord richly bless our elders.
As we close this series, let me throw out one last medley of characteristics that mark the ideal congregation.
The ideal congregation understands and appreciates the work of deacons and preachers. Biblical terminology portrays deacons as special servants and preachers as bold proclaimers of the Word of God. Consistent therewith is the requirement that deacons first be proved (1 Tim. 3:10) and for preachers to “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:2, KJV).
The ideal congregation maintains a clear distinction from denominationalism and receives godly correction. The first century church in Corinth was plagued by division (1 Cor. 1-4) and modern-day denominationalism has no biblical authority for its existence, varied doctrines, flawed worship, and misguided fellowship (Col. 3:17). Separation must be maintained between the Lord’s body and false religion (2 Cor. 6:17). Furthermore, godly correction should be well-received and valued as such as administered in a godly manner for godly purposes (1 Cor. 5; 2 Cor. 2:5-8). As God’s children, we are in need of his chastening (Heb.12:5ff).
The ideal congregation respects the individual judgments of its members in matters outside the scope of the system of faith (Rom. 14). Opinions and personality differences should not be divisive. The apostle Paul made the point well when he said, “Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind” (Rom.14:5b).
In summary of all that has been said in this series, the ideal congregation studies, applies, and lives by the Word of God. May the Lord bless our people as we so do!
The ideal congregation works well with others and strives to deepen godly fellowship with other faithful though imperfect members. Paul’s working relationship with the Philippians is set in a positive light and provides an example for us (Philippians 4:3). John expressed interest in promoting godly fellowship as he addressed first century Christians (1 John 1:3).
Working well with others contributes to deeper and stronger fellowship among faithful children of God. Those who have achieved a quality working relationship with their co-workers do not place an emphasis upon personal power, prestige, influence, or position. Generally, their personal needs become secondary to the welfare of the body of Christ. Rather, these seek the position and work for which they are best suited in the local congregation (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Matthew 25:14-30). Through such efforts fellowship is promoted and qualitatively impacted.
A further strengthening of our fellowship may also be achieved through joint activities designed to provide opportunities to both understand and appreciate one another. Additionally, by seeking a common understanding of spiritual issues and developing a kindred spirit and like-values, we may very well avoid spiritual pitfalls which have the capacity to challenge the strength and quality of our fellowship. May we have the courage to invest much labor in the maintenance and improvement of our godly fellowship.
The ideal congregation lives peaceably with others. The apostle Paul, in admonishing Christians in Rome, said, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men” (Romans 12:18). Though the attitudes and actions of others may impact our personal contexts unfavorably, we yet have obligation based on divine instruction to employ our full capacity to promote peaceful co-existence among others, including those who may not appreciate us personally.
In living peacefully among all men, may we see the wisdom in never allowing any judgmental issue to generate division, especially in the lord’s church (Romans 14). Some have expressed the fear that we may , on the one hand, intellectually and theologically recognize the wisdom and righteousness of this course while, on the other hand, we fail to regularly practice that which we know to be right in these matters. May we as well never allow personal pride to hamper relationships in our search for peaceful co-existence. Though peace is a wonderful and biblical goal to fervently pursue, may our allegiance to the word of God never be sacrificed in the pursuit of peace. If we cannot maintain peace with men, though seeking it, let us maintain reconciliation and peace with God through faithfulness unto His Word. After all is said and done, peace with all men will be within our reach when the mass of society, including faithful Christians, truly commits themselves to faithful Christian conduct. May the Lord bless us in our search for peace.
The ideal congregation responds in a positive manner to the plans of its leadership, especially when a congregation is led by an appointed godly eldership. Christians were exhorted to “obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: For they watch for your souls, as they that must give account…” (Heb. 13:17). On the one hand, we must obey our elders both in matters of faith and matters of judgment as such concerns the work and well-being of the local congregation. On the other hand, may our elders have the courage and vision to plan the work of the congregation so that unity, truth, and the mission of the church are supported and fulfilled.
To achieve and maintain the above aspirations, we as members should establish and nurturea trusting, respectful relationship with our elders. The effort required to do so must be reciprocal, all parties making their best effort to work well together. Additionally, may we respond to leadership plans by seeking out an active role in the actual implementation of the work. If improvements are needed or desired in our cooperative efforts, may we employ well-timed constructive criticism whose only goal is to assist in improving our work. In this manner we will bring a greater measure of glory to both the Father and the church as we struggle together to do the work of the Lord.
The ideal congregation practices liberality in both attitude and action, especially as such relates to the planning, organization and implementation of individual or congregational spiritual labors. The apostle Paul, in commending liberality, encouraged the brethren in Corinth to sow bountifully (2 Cor. 9:6) and to “ lay by him in store as God hath prospered him“ (1 Cor. 16:2). He set before the congregation the sacrificial liberality of the Macedonians to motivate them unto similar action (2 Cor. 8:1-7).
Liberality may be rightfully exercised in contexts that may not involve financial interests and be equally important and impacting. May we as the people of God better learn the art of liberality in mercy (Col. 3:12) and compassion (Matt. 18:21-35), thereby relieving others’ affliction as prompted by a heart that is truly touched by their distress. May we better develop loving concern for all men (Rom. 13:8) so that we better imitate our heavenly Father (Eph. 5:1; John 3:16). May we exercise liberality in the commitment and use of both our time and our talents in the work of the Lord (Matt. 25:14-30). Such liberality is wisely exercised in all good works that the Father demands of us individually. In order to successfully attain the worthy goal of liberality, may we be as the Macedonians who first gave themselves unto the Lord (2 Cor. 8:5). Only then may we prosper as we never have before.
The ideal congregation is receptive to visitors and outsiders. A classic example of failure in being receptive to outsiders is recorded in Galatians 2:11-14. It says, “But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, rearing the party of the circumcision. The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, “If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?”” Paul withstood Peter to the face because he withdrew and separated himself from those who differed ethnically. Fear motivated Peter to so conduct himself and his example led others to follow in his steps. A personal error began to affect others in the congregation.
Our receptivity to outsiders, whether they differ ethnically or in some other meaningful manner, will be enhanced as friendliness is the norm rather than the exception. A spirit of friendliness should be extended from each member to each and every individual who graces our assemblies with their presence and support. As we set various prejudices aside (Acts 10:34-35), our receptivity to outsiders will be further developed. Additionally, may we realize the value in actively seeking to establish relationships beyond the bounds of clannishness and personal cliques so that we create multiple opportunities to broaden our field of acquaintances and friends, thereby opening ourselves to growth in our reception of outsiders. May we value each soul as highly as our Lord who freely died for all.
The ideal membership sets an example for others in Christian living. The apostle Paul exhorted the evangelist Timothy to “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers…” (1 Tim. 4:12a). Paul’s exhortation also detailed general and specific areas wherein our example should be developed, including our speech, manner of life, love, spirit, faith, and purity (1 Tim. 4:12b). Since our Lord is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34-35), each individual Christian must strive to follow the Pauline exhortation to which reference was made above.
As we set an example for others in Christian living, we should influence our families unto greater and better service to God (Eph. 6:1-4). The impact of such successful efforts may not be measured except in eternity. Included in our efforts to spiritually impact our families should be wise and timely efforts to lead our spouse to be a faithful Christian. Though difficult, the potential good is certainly worth our investment of time, energy, and concern. Additionally, may we also gain the courage to influence other Christians to improve their service in the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 11:1). By efforts such as these we may perhaps become a Nehemiah in our own time!
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 hungers and thirsts after righteousness. Jesus said, “Blessed are they that hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Mt.5:6). The security of the blessing pronounced resides in the security of Jesus’ promise that each one so hungering and thirsting shall be filled. The providential care of our Lord assists in bringing this promise unto fulfillment. Such is truly a wonderful promise, knowing that if we pursue righteousness as we ought, the Lord has given his word that our spiritual appetite for righteousness will be satisfied.
The righteousness spoken of here involves the divine plan of righteousness that results in a personal verdict of righteousness. This righteousness is nothing less than that which is in accord with the norm and standard of right, the objective revelation of the word of God. To hunger and thirst after righteousness suggests a deep-seated craving which compels one to go to great lengths to fulfill its demands. Invariably, one thus becomes a diligent student of the word (ref. Acts 17:11). May we be emboldened to trust in the Lord’s promise and thus be motivated to hunger and thirst after righteous- ness as we have never done before!
The ideal congregation desires to be all that one can be, individually and congregationally. The apostle Peter exhorted first century Christians to “add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness charity” (2 Pet.1:5-7). When obeyed, this exhortation assists in developing full maturity in both attitude and daily living.
Fulfilled maturity requires one to seek to live up to his potential. The parable of the talents (Mt.25:14-30) illustrates the necessity and the value of so doing while demonstrating the danger of personal failure. The example of the poor widow who gave all her living to the treasury (Mk.12:41-43) deserves our consideration and imitation. She truly fulfilled her individual potential. Additionally, we will not be content with past achievements, either individually or as a congregation, if we hope to reach full maturity. Paul remembered his past while properly relating to his past and the future (Phil.3:13-14). He pressed on! As we seek to be all that we can be, let us do so courageously with unyielding and confident faith, being servants of both God the Father and those about us (Romans 6).
These are just a couple more aspects to consider about the ideal congregation. Next week I’ll pose a couple more for all of us to chew on. May God be with us and bless us all on our Christian journey!
