There is no more glorious institution in the world than the Lord's church. For it was in God's mind before the world even came into existence; "To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:" (Ephesians 3:10, 11).
Furthermore, it is in the church that God is glorified, "Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." (Ephesians 3:21).
While this is one of the most clearly stated missions of the church in the Scriptures it is also one of the least obeyed. We know that this was the Lord's mission while He was on the earth for He stated, "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10). As the Lord was praying to the Father in John 17:4 he said, "I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do." Christ has finished his work in saving man. He finished it when He purchased the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28).
Today, salvation is found only in the church, "And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." (Acts 2:47b). One can only enter the church by obedience to the Gospel, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of god unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16).
Before Christ ascended into heaven, He told us to spread the gospel throughout the whole world, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15).
These words were the Apostles marching orders. One might say that this command was given to the Apostles only and is not meant for us today. This is not true, for Christ said that part of this preaching was: "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you..." (Matt 28:20). Yes, the command to go into all the world was meant for us also.
One might say that it is not possible for us to spread the gospel to the whole world. Well, the Apostles did: "But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world." (Romans 10:18).
If the Apostles could spread the gospel through all the earth in their day and time, why can't we do it today in view of all of the technological advances we possess? Of course, this does not mean we will save the whole world.
The parable of the sower teaches us that not all will obey the gospel and that many of those who do obey will not remain faithful (Matthew 13:18-23). Our task is to teach and exhort men to obey the gospel. In doing this we save ourselves by obeying our command to preach the gospel.
Not only are we to save those who are lost but we are to build up those who have obeyed the gospel. We see this brought out in several places in the New Testament. "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers" (Ephesians 4:29).
Paul tells us that rather than letting evil words, that can do great damage, come out of our mouths, we ought to build one another up with our words. "Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? We speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying" (2 Corinthians 12:19). Here, Paul told the Corinthians that everything that he did was for their edification.
In Romans 14:12-15:3, Paul is dealing with being scrupulous. A "scruple" is one's personal belief about a given subject based on his understanding of the Scriptures. Paul was dealing with the matter of eating meats that had been offered to idols. Some people felt that it was wrong to eat it and some (including Paul) did not.
However, Paul said that rather than exercise his right to eat that meat he would honor his brother's wishes so that he did not cast a stumbling block in front of him. He says in Romans 14:19; "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another."
"Not forsaking the assembling 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 10:25).
By assembling together as a group of believers, we build one another up and encourage one another. For myself, I can say that it discourages me when I see some who find other things more important than worshiping God. That person is not putting the kingdom of God first (Matt 6:33) and is not edifying the saved.
Paul was one who practiced this often; "For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;" (Rom 1:9). Prayer works; and by praying for one another, we can build each other up.
There are some people who are just impossible to please. Rather than supporting the work of the church, they are bitter and complain about every little thing. Some criticism is necessary, and helpful at times, but when it is all that comes out of one's mouth, it becomes sin.
I feel that this congregation is very good at edifying one another and you are to be commended for it. However, let us always strive to be better.
The third major mission of the church is benevolence, or rendering assistance to those who are in need. God has always had compassion for those who are unable to provide for themselves. "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." (James 1:27). God is not suggesting that we simply go and visit a widow or orphan and render no aid.
Actually, the word "visit" in James 1:27 means to render aid. Go through your Old Testament sometime and see how many times God made provisions for widows and orphans. Here are a few: Exodus 22:22; Deuteronomy 10:18; 14:29; 24:19-21; 26:12.
"As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:10). This does not say that we can only help Christians, as some teach, but that we are to help all men.
Galatians 6:10 says that we should do good as we have opportunity. It will not always be possible for us to help everyone we meet who is in need. However, there are certain opportunities which we are all presented with every day of which we should take advantage.
You've probably all heard the saying, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." By helping those who are in need we will also open the door to fulfill our command to save the lost.
-- Ralph Price --
|
|