Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

A previous article (March 15, 2001) emphasized that one who is saved are added to the Lord’s church and obligated to join himself to other saints in a local church for collective worship and service to God. This poses the need for a person to find a group of saints with whom to labor and work. How does one find the Lord’s church in today’s world?

In order to find the Lord’s church, one must know what that church is like. In this article, we shall look at the identifying characteristics of the Lord’s church as revealed in the New Testament. By learning these marks, one will recognize the Lord’s church when he sees it. Let’s consider the following identifying marks of the Lord’s church.

1. The Lord’s church was established in the city of Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost following the resurrection of Jesus. The Lord’s church was established in fulfillment of divine prophecy. In approximately 700 B.C., the prophet Isaiah (2:1-4; with parallel prophecy in Micah 4:1-3) foretells the establishment of the Lord’s house. In contrast to its desolate condition at his time, the prophet foresaw a time “in the last days” when the Lord’s house would be exalted above the mountains. At that time (a) “all nations” (in contrast to Jews only) would flow into it; (b) the word of the Lord would go forth from Jerusalem; (c) the kingdom would not be expanded by military force, for it is a peaceable kingdom.

Daniel also foretold the establishment of the kingdom. In chapter two he saw a vision of four coming kingdoms — Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Grecian, and Roman. As his vision described the events to transpire during the fourth kingdom, the Roman kings, he said, “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever” (2:44). The Lord’s kingdom was (a) to be established in the days of the Roman kings, (b) to be an eternal kingdom, and (c) to be a kingdom that included men from all nations. Later, he had another vision in which the establishment of the kingdom was foreseen: “I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like  the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed” (7:13-14). In this vision, Daniel sees the kingdom established when “one like the Son of man” comes “with the clouds of heaven” “to the Ancient of days.”

Moving forward in history to the time of Christ, we should not be surprised to see divine prophecy fulfilled in the establishment of the kingdom. After that John was put in prison, Jesus preached “the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:14-15). This was the right time. It was in the days of Tiberius Caesar, the Roman king (Luke 3:1). The gospels speak of the imminent establishment of the kingdom throughout their pages: the kingdom is “at hand” (Matt. 3:2; 4:17); but, it is to be established during the lifetime of those who then lived. Jesus said, “Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power” (Mark 9:1). After his resurrection, Jesus told the apostles that they would receive “power” when the Holy Spirit was come upon them (Acts 1:8) and that they were to tarry in Jerusalem until that “power” (Spirit) came (Luke 24:49). 

When Jesus died, the kingdom had not yet been established. Shortly before he ascended to heaven, the apostles asked, “Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). Jesus then ascended into heaven — one like the son of man came in the clouds to the Ancient of Days and was given dominion, in the language of Daniel (7:13-14). The disciples had been instructed to return to Jerusalem to await the coming of the power when they would receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 2 relates the fulfillment of the promise: the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles, they were endued with power from on high (the Holy Spirit) to preach the first gospel sermon announcing salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ. In his sermon, Peter announced that the last days had come (Acts 2:17; cf. Isa. 2:2 — “it shall come to pass in the last days”). The time for the kingdom to be established had arrived. For the first time the Apostles preached salvation through the blood of Christ. Three thousand obeyed the gospel that day and, significantly, Luke adds, “the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47).

From that time on, when the kingdom was spoken of, it was spoken of as in existence (Acts 8:12-13; 28:23, 31; Col. 1:13-14; Rev. 1:9). It is variously known as the church (Matt. 16:18), the house of God (1 Tim. 3:15) and other terms. The word “kingdom” is also used to describe heaven as the final abode of these in God’s kingdom on earth (2 Pet.  1:11).
The first cardinal point about the church is to know that it was established in the city of Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost following the resurrection of Christ. Any religious group that traces its origin to any other place and date is not the Lord’s church.

2. The names by which the church is called. There is no one exclusive name by which the Lord’s church is called in the Scriptures. It is described by a number of terms, any and all of which are scriptural names by which to call the church. Here are some names (the list is not complete) by which the Lord’s church is called in the New Testament;

    Churches of Christ (Rom. 16:16)
    Church of God (1 Cor. 1:2)
    Kingdom of God (Acts 8:12)
    House of God (1 Tim. 3:15)
    Church of the Living God (1 Tim. 3:15)
    Kingdom of God’s Dear Son (Col. 1:13)

However, the Scriptures condemn calling the church by names that are unauthorized. The church at Corinth suffered fragmentation because groups rallied around men, calling themselves after men’s names. Paul wrote, “Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Cor. 1:12-13). The point is this: One should not be called by the name of one who did not die for him and into whose name one was not baptized! There is no difference in the people at Corinth who were condemned for calling themselves after men (“I am of Cephas,” “I am of Apollos,” etc.) and the modern practice of calling oneself Lutheran, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, or Episcopalian. Both are equally wrong. If the name of the  church of which you are a member is not found in the Bible, it is not the Lord’s church. Check to see if the name of your church is in the Bible!

3. The worship of the church. God has legislated how the church is to worship, otherwise there would be no condemnation of idolatry and other forms of illicit worship. The Lord requires that his saints assemble on the Lord’s day, the first day of the week, to offer its worship (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Rev. 1:10). This marks a change from the worship practice of the Jews who assemble on the Sabbath (Saturday) for their worship (see Exod. 20:8). The items to be performed in worship are the following: (a) Teaching apostolic doctrine (Acts 2:42; 20:7); (b) Prayer in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:42; John 16:23-24); (c) Breaking of bread, or the weekly observance of the Lord’s supper (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:17-34); (d) Congregational singing (1 Cor. 14:15; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16); and (e) Taking a contribution (1 Cor. 16:1-2). 

The worship of the church has been changed in numerous ways. Unauthorized items of worship have been introduced including such things as burning incense, lighting candles, baptizing babies, and using the rosary. The music of the church has been changed from congregational singing to a choir or using a semi-professional band; prayer is offered in the name of Mary rather than Jesus; the Lord’s supper is observed once a year instead of weekly; apostolic doctrine has been replaced with anecdotes and stories; free-will offerings taken on the first day of the week are replaced by tithing and several contributions being taken at every assembly of the church. If the church you attend does not practice the five items of worship each Sunday, it is not the church of the New Testament.

4. The organization of the church. The church is organized according to a pattern revealed in the Scriptures. First of all, one notices that there is no inter-congregational organization that ties local churches together under some denominational organization, such as is done in the Southern Baptist Convention, and the organizational structures of most Catholic and Protestant denominations. Each local church is autonomous and independent.

The church is organized under elders and deacons (Phil. 1:1). God reveals the qualifications of the officers in the local church in great detail (1 Tim. 3:1-13; Tit. 1:5-11). A plurality of elders also called bishops, overseers, and pastors who meet the qualifications revealed in Scripture are to oversee or govern the local church (Acts 14:23; 1 Pet. 5:1-3). Deacons are special servants of the church, whose qualifications also are revealed in Scripture, who implement the tasks the elders decide need to be done. The absence of any reference to officers in the universal church and any listing of their qualifications is strong evidence that these things did not exist in the first century church.

There is no earthly, universal head of the church, such as a pope, for Christ is the only head of the church (Eph. 1:22-23). There are no cardinals, arch-bishops, or bishops in the denominational sense in which one man oversees a diocese of churches. The local preacher, called the “pastor” in some fellowships, does not oversee the local church. Women do not serve in leadership roles in such official capacities as pastor, deacon, Sunday school superintendent, and such like offices (1 Tim. 2:14-15). If the church you attend is not organized like the one you read about in the Bible, it is not the church of the New Testament.

5. The conditions for membership in the church. On what conditions can one hold membership in the local church? The same act that saves one’s soul is what adds him to the universal church (Acts 2:47). In many cases, a person who is converted in a local area is rather automatically considered a member of a local church. This may blur the distinction between the local church and the universal church to some people. Truthfully, one joins the local church by agreeing to work together with a group of saints, to submit to common oversight, and to pool one’s resources to do a collective work. When Paul came to Jerusalem, he joined the local church (Acts 9:26); when Phoebe moved to Rome, Paul commended her to the saints in Rome (Rom. 16:1-2). Hence, one becomes a member of the local church when he expresses his desire to be a member and the local church accepts him based on its judgment that he has obeyed the gospel to be saved from his sin, is living a life of moral purity, and is loyal to the commandments of the Lord.

When churches impose allegiance to a creed book as a condition for membership or require that one tell his “better felt than told” experience, they are requiring more than and other than what the Bible requires for church membership. When a church receives into its fellowship and allows to maintain in its fellowship those who are living immoral lives, they are no longer the fellowship that Christ identifies with (1 Cor. 5:1-11).

6. The mission of the church. The mission of the church can be divided into the following categories: (a) evangelism (1 Tim. 3:15); (b) edification (Acts 20:32); and (c) benevolence for its own members (Acts 6:1-6; 11:27-30). These are the only works God has given to the church. When churches become involved in building hospitals, colleges, orphan homes, old folks homes, family counseling programs, entertainment activities (Valentine’s Day party, New Year’s Eve celebration, July 4th fireworks display, etc.), aerobics, CPR training, and such like programs, it has departed from the mission God gave his church to perform, and is no longer like the Lord’s church as revealed in the Scriptures.

Conclusion

There are other things that could be said about the Lord’s church, but these should help one to find the church that Jesus established in the community in which you live. If there is no church like the one found in the Bible, a person should start one. Remember that God has established and built only one church and that you need to be a member of it in order to be saved. May God bless your quest to find the Lord’s church or to start the Lord’s church in your community. 

6567 Kings Ct., Avon, Indiana 46123 mikewillis1@compuserve.com

By Donnie V. Rader

When one becomes a member of the church, he is then a part of the Lord’s army. He is a soldier; a Christian soldier. No, not a soldier in a carnal battle, but one who can “stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:11). It is a spiritual warfare. The apostle continues, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (v. 12). The same writer wrote in another book, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” (2 Cor. 10:4). Though not a carnal battle that would receive attention on the evening news, our battle is just as real as any other.

This fight is not just for preachers to wage from the pulpit and on the printed page. This battle is for elders too. But, again, it is not just for the leaders in the church of our Lord. This is a war to be fought by every child of God. Our text will bear this out. Thus, we as soldiers must put our armor on and prepare to do battle for we can be sure that Satan will do all that he can to destroy the Christian and the church.

Ephesians 6:10-20 reveals that those “in Christ” are armed to stand against the forces of Satan. To be effective we must focus our attention upon our adversary, our armor, and our aim.

Our Adversary

Our adversary is the devil. Peter said, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). The church and Satan are on a collision course. One writer has said that the church has an enemy that is hell-bent on its destruction. However, we sometimes forget that there is a fight, that Satan is real and that he is seeking our destruction.

Our enemy is not the Lord. If we are not careful we can find ourselves contending with the Lord himself. There may be times that we want to argue with him over his requirements and commands. We may resist his guidance and correction thinking every restriction is too much or is some kind of punishment. We can easily forget that his commands (however pleasant, difficult, or restrictive) are for our good (Deut. 6:24).

Our foe is not ourselves. Here again, we forget our real enemy and thus turn and fight with our own brethren. Sometimes it is nothing more than a personality clash or contention for the sake of just getting our way. I wonder if some brethren start a quarrel over some insignificant matter just to have a fight since no one else will fight with them. When such is the case we have obviously lost sight of our adversary. When unnecessary strife broke out between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot, Abram said, “Let there be no strife . . . for we be brethren” (Gen. 13:8). Brethren shouldn’t be enemies. Yet, when they are, they will destroy one another (Gal. 5:15).

We have a common adversary. The Lord’s enemy, the church’s enemy, mine and yours are all the same. So, let’s not fight in different directions. The Devil is wise enough to know that if we have some weakness, cowards, or gaps in the front line, he is winning the battle. Let us fight together. Let us present a fortified and united front and make our attack.

We must fight against any and all of his wiles. Satan uses many schemes and cunning devices. He will use anybody and anything he can to accomplish his purpose. He may use some of our own brethren or friends. If so, we must fight against them as they are being used of Satan. If what they practice or teach didn’t originate with God, then it is of the Devil and we must oppose it. We can’t sacrifice truth because they are brethren or friends. Paul rebuked Peter as he had been influenced of Satan (Gal. 2:11-14). The prophets of old were found contending with the people of God. In the New Testament men of God fought every threat to the children of God. For Paul “it had been . . . a fight between Satan-inspired Jewish and pagan vice and violence; against Judaism among the Galatians and others; against fanaticism among the Thessalonians; against contention, fornication, and litigation among the Corin­thians; against incipient Gnosticism among the Ephesians and far more among the Colossians; against fightings without and fears within; and last but not least, against the law of sin and death operating within his own heart” (William Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary, Exposition of Ephesians 274).

Our Armor

In our text Paul alludes to the armor of the ancient soldier which was necessary to defend himself and make his attack. More than once Paul says we must put on the “whole armour” (panoply) of God. We are not prepared until we are completely armed. Should we be lacking just one piece of the armor the Devil is sure to win at least over that soldier.

Paul’s picture in Ephesians 6:10-20 of the Christian’s life is not that of mere enjoyment or ease. It is one of work and hard conflict. Let’s consider the pieces of the armor.

1. “Stand therefore, having your lions girt about with truth” (v. 14). The soldier wore a girdle (sash or belt) that served to tie up his garment or long flowing robe so he could travel and run. It was also used to carry his sword, money, pipe, and writing instrument. Thus in parallel, the truth holds all things in place and preserves the soldier.

2. “. . . and having on the breastplate of righteousness” (v. 14). The breastplate was a coat made of metal rings, plates or scales that covered the soldier, front and back from neck to the thighs. Obviously, it was a protective piece of armor. Our breastplate is “righteousness” or right living. When we are moral, holy, devout, and pure, we have on our breastplate. “Words are no defence (sic) against accusations, but a good life is” (William Barclay, The Letters to the Galatians And Ephesians 217).

3. “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (v. 15). To be ready for battle the soldier must have his sandals on and greaves strapped below the knee to protect his legs from danger. A soldier whose feet were not shod was not ready at any time for battle. This I take to refer to our readiness to carry the gospel to others. Paul himself was ready to preach the gospel (Rom. 1:15). In Romans 10:14-15 attention was focused upon the feet of those that preach the gospel indicating that they are  messengers who are eager and ready to take the gospel message to others. With his feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, the soldier is borne safely through the obstacles in his way.

4. “Above all, taking the shield of faith . . .” (v. 16). The shield was a must for the ancient soldier. He would strap a shield (about two and one-half feet wide by four feet long) to his left arm to protect himself from the spears and darts that were hurled at him. Some of the darts were dipped in tar and set on fire and then thrown at the enemy. Without the shield the soldier was sure to suffer. Our faith serves as our shield to protect us from the “fiery darts of the wicked” (v. 16). When we lose our faith or it becomes weak, we are like the soldier who becomes a coward and throws down his shield and runs back (Heb. 10:35).

5. “And take the helmet of salvation . . .” (v. 17). The helmet was a defensive part of the armor worn to protect the head of the soldier. The hope of eternal salvation protects and preserves us through all the battles of life. Were it not for that assurance we would have no reason to endure the hardships of the soldier (2 Tim. 2:3).

6. “. . . and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (v. 17). The soldier carried a short sword much like a dagger. It was an offensive part of his armor. He used it to make his attack on his enemy. The word of God is our sword. The Bible is not compared to a soft feather that is to be used to tickle the ears of men. It is a sword! Its purpose is to prick the hearts of men. It must be used to destroy error and slice sin to pieces. We must bring the sword out of its sheath and put it to use cutting away at the efforts of Satan. “To be strong is our duty, to be weak is our sin” (Pulpit Commentary Vol. 20, 258).

7. “Praying always with all prayers and supplication . . .” (v. 18). Many commentators and other writers only list six parts of the armor from our text. However, prayer is very much a part of the armor of those in Christ. While Paul does not continue his use of the metaphors in verse 18, it is still a very important part of the armor. Without prayer we have not put on the panoply of God. Prayer strengthens our faith and calls for the help of God. We have access to the greatest power of all through prayer.

The bottom line of the armor of God is faithful adherence to the plan of God. Those who are diligent in their efforts to serve the Lord are armed in Christ to stand.

Our Aim

1. To abide (“to stand”). Our text says that we are to put on the whole armor of God in order “to stand against the wiles of the devil” (v. 11). Two verses later the writer says, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (v. 13). To stand means to hold your ground. In battle the army tries to hold its ground and not lose any territory. In our war with Satan we must not allow him to make any advances. So, we stand our ground. But, we can’t stand and compromise at all. We cannot compromise on morals, sin, innovations or the doctrines and sounds of men. We can’t be indifferent toward the Lord’s work and still hold our ground. The apathetic army always loses ground.

2. To attack (“to speak”). In the last verse of our text Paul asked that brethren pray for him that he may “speak   . . . as I ought to speak” (v. 20). We cannot sit idle. We must attack. It is possible that “not only in this or that particular battle but the entire war will be lost unless we exert ourselves” (William Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary Exposition of Ephesians 271). As we use our sword to make our attack we must remember to speak as we ought to speak. We must speak: (a) As the oracles of God (1 Pet. 4:11). First and foremost our message must be true. We must speak “according as it is written” (2 Cor. 4:13). (b) The whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). No part of God’s revelation should be held back. (c) Using great plainness of speech (2 Cor. 3:12). Hints and vague generalities will not do. If something needs to be said, we need to say it plainly. John the Baptist was such a spokesman (Mark 6:14-18). Neither should the gospel be clouded by our feeble efforts to make it sound deeper or more impressive. May our listeners be impressed, not with the messenger, but with the simplicity of the message. (d) Boldly (Eph. 6:20). We must present God’s message without apology or great concern about how it will be received. Amos was just that kind of messenger in the Old Testament (Amos 7:10-17). He refused to bow to the pressures of the people. His intent was to preach God’s message whether or not Amaziah, the king, or anyone else liked it. Paul and the other apostles had the same attitude (1 Thess. 2:2). When we shy away from some area of the gospel because we think it will not be well received we are unfit for the Lord’s army (Gal. 1:10). (e) Fearfully (Jas. 3:1). We should realize the tremendous responsibility we have to handle the word properly and those we teach (2 Tim. 2:15; Eph. 4:15).

Only those “in Christ” are so armed to stand and speak. “Soldiers of Christ arise and put your armour on . . .”

408 Dow Dr., Shelbyville, Tennessee 37160-2208 donnie@

By Greg Groves

How many times have you wished the world were different? Fellow Christians have expressed that view to me. They want God back in schools and the guns and drugs out of them. They want our leaders to be God-fearing people with morals. They want the world to learn the truth of God’s word and not the doctrines of men. However, when it comes to doing something to bring about these changes, they will inevitably back off.

More and more Christians seem to be more wishbone than backbone. They wish this or that was different but refuse to set about to change it. We need to remember the words of Paul to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2: “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” To be ready in season and out of season means that he (and we) are to preach the word whether the conditions are favorable or not.

Many are afraid of hurting someone’s feelings or losing a friend if we stand for the truth. I am not saying we should go around condemning people. However, when the opportunity to take a stand for truth presents itself, we should seize it. We are going to offend some if we are standing for what is right but fear of offending should not stop us from doing what is right.

If we want this country to turn around, we have to stop wishing for it and start acting to bring about that turn around. We have to make the decision to stand up for the truth, to preach the word in season and out of season. Make the decision in your life to have more backbone and less wishbone.

201 N. Fulton St., Butler, Missouri 64730

By Stan Adams

In Hebrews 5:12-14 we read of a condition that can afflict a Christian spiritually. The condition is spiritual stunted growth. The writer says, “For when by reason of time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that uses milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

The writer wants us to know that it is normal for Christians to grow and is indeed expected. No Christian can please God and stay at the same level of growth. But, sadly, we see many in the body of Christ who have been members a long time, but have not become teachers, but have rather regressed into infancy and stopped growing. How sad and pitiful it is to view stunted growth physically. How much more pitiful it is to see elders, deacons, preachers, and other members who cannot discern good and evil. I have always labored under the impression that the qualifications of elders and deacons demand a level of understanding and maturity in the gospel that is above the average. Why is it then that elders and deacons are sometimes the weakest sort when it comes to spiritual knowledge and discernment? It is sad but true that many who should be leading Israel have need of going back and establishing the first principles of Truth in their minds. Take a glance at some of the things that are going on, brethren.

    1. Preachers teaching that there is no Hadean realm (see Luke 16). 
    2. Elders allowing a Christian lady to teach men in a class (see 1 Tim. 2:12)
    3. Deacons condoning worldly behaviors like social drinking, dancing, and immodesty (see Gal. 5:19; 1 Pet. 4:3 and 1 Tim. 2:9). 

Brethren, these things ought not to be!  Many times the only leadership ability some seem to have is their desire for it. Paul told Timothy of this sort in 1 Timothy 1:7: “Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.” Preachers are to “preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:1, 2), study (2 Tim. 2:15), and commit the things learned to faithful men (2 Tim. 2:2).

Elders are to be “apt to teach (1 Tim. 3:2) and not a novice (1 Tim. 3:6). They are to be able with sound words to “exhort and convince the gainsayer” (Tit. 1:9). Deacons are to “hold the mystery of faith in a pure conscience” (1 Tim. 3:9) and be blameless and proved (1 Tim. 3:10). Elders and deacons are to be men who “watch” for dangers and ward them off before they become issues in the flock. What reason is there for a sentinel or watchman who stands on the wall and watches the enemy come right to the front gate before he sounds an alarm? Dangers must be watched for and brethren armed before errors become an issue among the flock they rule over. This is all part of ruling well. All of these qualifications indicate that those who would serve the Lord in the role of elders and deacons need to have a level of spiritual knowledge and maturity beyond the new convert and average member. Sadly, this is not the case everywhere.

One of the reasons for the downfall of God’s beloved Israel was the fact that the leadership (priests, prophets, kings), did not take seriously the grave responsibility God had entrusted to them. Malachi 1:10-14; 2:17 and 3:8, 13 tell of this sad time in Israel. From the time the children of Israel crossed the Red Sea and awaited Moses on the mount, there has been a challenge to God’s leaders to stand firm. Aaron did not. He bowed to the wishes of the masses, which is the path of least resistance, but certainly sinful in his case. Bowing to the masses by God’s leaders is still going on. Too often we hear of brethren placing more emphasis on “growing the church” than on sound, faithful teaching and preaching. Churches are not strong because of how many attend. They are not strong because of the number of committees and groups they have organized into. They are not strong because of how much the contribution is, or how many baptisms and restorations they have had. Churches are strong only when they abide in the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9). When every Christian realizes that  growth is expected by God and that lazy, apathetic, dormant Christianity will not please, then growth in a local congregation can commence effectively. 

Brethren, we need to know the Word. We are told to study it (2 Tim. 2:15) and that it is able to “furnish us completely unto every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). The gospel is the “power of God unto salvation” (Rom. 1:16). Ignorance will destroy the Lord’s work (Hos. 4:6). Let’s resolve to study, learn, and root ourselves, so that we are not like those of Hebrews 5 who have no firmness in Christ. Root and ground yourself in the basics of God’s word, so you can graduate to the strong meat of the gospel. Do not be a spiritual baby. Grow up in knowledge, especially if you intend to preach or lead. 

5020 Forest Creek Dr., Pace, Florida 32571 stanadams@pcola.gulf.net