Trenton church of christ
What;s Right With The Lord's Church
FEB 05 What's Right With the Church? Don Walker
The church for which Jesus died, for which He paid the price of His “precious blood,” is exactly what God wanted it to be and what He intended it to be. His plan for the church was just what was needed in the world of the first century and in the twenty-first century as well. Her commission and purpose is clearly set forth for us, and that purpose is just what this world needs today.
Is it possible for those of us who make up the local church to lose sight of God’s instructions for the church, and depart from those clear intentions? Of course, and God knew and anticipated that problem, and gave us the means to get back on the right course.
There are lots of things that need to be corrected or improved in the Lord’s church, in Trenton and all over the world. We recognize the need for each Christian to be committed to Christ. We realize that evangelism has not been as important to us as it should be. We have known some who would abandon the biblical plan and work of the church. We know of our need to be more aware of the needs of our brethren. But there are also many positive things for us to be aware of today. Consider the following things that are “right” with the Lord’s church today.
Respect for God’s Authority
We will never be the force for evangelizing the world if we are not fully respectful of the authority of God, Colossians 3:17. Many today are becoming more aware of this need, and are asking, “What does the Bible say?” Almost every week , we are blessed to meet with someone who is seeking to know “What does God want me to do?” This is certainly an encouraging thought, for the religious world at large seems more interested in big numbers and a good image than in following Christ and giving Him the pre-eminence He deserves. As we honor God’s Word, and “seek first the Kingdom of God,” Matthew 6:33, we are on the right path, following in His steps. We will always be right to respect God’s supreme authority.
God’s Blueprint for Success
God’s view of success is quite different from that of man. We are not required to be “successful” as men might judge, but to be faithful to Christ. Yes, we are to “preach the Word,” 2 Timothy 4:2, but the heart of the hearer must be willing to listen and to respond. Jesus’ parable of the Sower, Mark 4, reveals this principle. When we plant and water, God will give the “increase,” 1 Corinthians 3:6. The question significant at this point is, “Am I doing my part to reach the lost?” That will have to happen for things to be “right” with the church.
“Fields White unto Harvest”
Today, many people are searching. Opportunities and open doors are everywhere if we will but look for them. The Tri-State Bible School, the Beyond the Bars Jail ministry and many other chances to contact lost souls are there for us every day. Today’s rampant wickedness has even motivated some to seek a life in which righteous living is respected.
Accounts of terrorism, murder, rape and kidnapping tear at our hearts today. How can we do something about this? We have the perfect solution, the only true antidote to such wickedness—the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Love of Brothers and Sisters
What’s right with the church? We have brothers and sisters who care for us, love us, look for ways to help us, right here in Trenton. Folks who are seeking the best for others before they seek out things for themselves. Jesus said it this way: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another,” John 13:34-35. What a great blessing that is!
Our neighbors, our family, our friends need what we have. This is what some call the “badge of discipleship,” this “love one to another.” When we love one another we seek the other’s best interests, not just our own. We warn others of dangers,