Category Archives: Evangelism

Should We Be More Tolerant?

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We preachers have just been much too hard on thieves and thievery. We have spent way too much pulpit time condemning theft when we could have been preaching on understanding, love and tolerance for thieves. We have instead insisted upon telling people that stealing is a sin and that they shouldn’t behave that way.

Now, I know what the Bible says about stealing. One of the ten commandments given to the nation of Israel was “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15). Of course, the Law of Moses was fulfilled by Jesus and we don’t live under that law any more. Still, the gospel of Jesus Christ as revealed by the inspired apostles and prophets of the New Testament also condemns theft. The apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians that any thieves should stop stealing (4:28) and he actually told the Corinthians that thieves would not inherit the kingdom of heaven (1 Corinthians 6:10)! Paul seems to have believed that stealing was a sin, but then he probably also hated thieves, don’t you think?

If someone steals a car, I guess the proper thing to do is to avoid referring to that person as a “thief.” Identifying someone by their conduct has never helped anything, has it? It’s just the way that people who considered themselves to be “morally superior” put others down. The person who stole the car probably couldn’t help it anyway, since we all know that some folks are compulsive thieves. Besides, the Bible is an old book and we are a more enlightened people now.

The reasoning offered above is seen to be ridiculous when applied to stealing. Does anybody actually believe that preachers who identify theft as a sin therefore hate thieves? Is it “discrimination” to identify someone who steals as a “thief”? (Actually, it is – by the general meaning of the word “discriminate,” i.e., to make a distinction between different things, people, etc. Modern society, however, has attached such an unsavory connotation to the word that ANY discrimination is seen as undesirable). Unfortunately, the same kind of argument is routinely used to defend other kinds of immoral behavior and to attack those who speak out against such behavior.

I personally have had enough of “political correctness.” Note the craftiness of the homosexual movement which portrays any criticism of homosexuality as “discrimination” tantamount to racism. Those who identify homosexual behavior as sinful are classified as “bigots” who hate homosexuals. Never mind that the Bible identifies homosexual behavior as “vile passions,” “against nature,” “shameful,” “error” and “debased” (Romans 1:26_28). Never mind that forgiveness of sin and eternal salvation is available to ANYONE who will turn from his sins and seek divine grace (Acts 17:30_31; Titus 2:11_14). I recognize that there are individuals who are hateful toward homosexuals, but to assume such of everyone who disapproves of that lifestyle is no more reasonable than suggesting that disapproving of thievery 4 implies the hatred of thieves!

“Political correctness” is often used to hide the truth about certain kinds of behavior. For instance, there are those who argue that it is improper, even hateful, to refer to those who enter our country illegally as “illegal aliens.” “Alien” simply means that they are not citizens (which is true) and “illegal” simply refers to their method of entry into the country, i.e., in violation of United States immigration law (which is true). The political lobby for illegal aliens has learned well from the homosexual movement; the terms used in the national discussion of a subject can be half the battle!

Christians must not be afraid to stand up and identify what the Bible calls “sin.” That won’t make us popular with a large segment of the population, but, like the apostle Paul, our objective is to please God, not men (Galatians 1:10). Part of the reason that our society has lost its moral bearings is that religious people (I include the members of denominations) have become reticent to identify sin for what it is. At the same time, we must remember that the object of the preaching of the gospel is to encourage men and women to seek God. We must be plain, but not hateful. We must be firm, but not vindictive.

 

By Allen Dvorak

Bring in the New Year

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Lose weight.  Exercise more.  Quit some bad habit.  Read the Bible from start to finish.  The New Year is upon us, a time when we make plans about how we’re going to spend the next twelve months.  But one of the best resolutions you can make for 2017 is the decision to bring someone to the Lord.  That is not only a commitment that will change another’s life; in the process, you will start your own revolution.

Bringing someone to Jesus makes you take a closer look at the Savior.

I have found that there is no better way to get to know the Lord than to tell other people about Him.  Since you want them to come and follow Him as you have, you will seek to present His case in the most persuasive and convicting manner.

When you describe His miracles and wonders, you will have a better appreciation of His deity.  When you tell of His temptations, sufferings, and tears, you will have a greater grasp of His sympathy with the human race.  When you explain His sweat that fell as drops of blood and the nails that were driven through His hands and feet, you will have a more graphic picture of the destructive nature of sin.  And when you tell of His glorious resurrection from the dead, you will grow the anticipation of your own promised victory over the grave.  Help someone see Him through the eye of faith and watch how your vision for the unseen becomes even clearer.

Bringing someone to Jesus makes you take a closer look at the Scriptures.

No matter how many times you have read Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek”, those words will take on a new meaning when you see them in action.

It is that gospel that has the power to penetrate stone hearts and to break stubborn wills.  It is that gospel that causes hope to be realized with the news that “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness” (1 Pet. 2:24).  It is that gospel that brings people under the condemnation of their sin and provokes the response of “what must I do to be saved?”  It is that gospel that produces inexpressible joy over the forgiveness of sins like the eunuch, after he was baptized, “went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:39).  Show someone the passages that led you to the obedience of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It will only draw you closer to Him who authored that same message.

    Bringing someone to Jesus makes you take a closer look at yourself.  

If you want to point someone to Christ, then let them see Him living in you.  “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me” (Gal. 2:20).  Your life is no longer about you.  It’s about Him.

Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father Who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).  Who was more qualified to make that statement than He who practiced what He preached?  Jesus never took the approach of “Do as I say, not as I do.”  And He needs disciples who will follow in those steps of sincerity.  You can’t recommend a way of life that you are not willing to live yourself.   People have to see Jesus when they see you.  Not only will that allow you to be a good example to those you come in contact with, it will ultimately bring glory to God.

Live the life of a Christian.  Evangelism is as much about showing as it is telling.  The story of Jesus is too good not to tell.  It’s too good not to live.  You say you want a resolution?  Ring in the New Year by bringing someone to the Lord.

By Bubba Garner

We Preach Christ Crucified

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“We preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness” (I Corinthians 1:23). Let there be no mistake: Preaching “Christ crucified” is gospel preaching. The “word of the cross” is the power of God to save the lost (I Corinthians 1:18, 21; Romans 1:16). It reveals how God forgives sinners and what sinners must do to receive God’s forgiveness (Romans 1:17; 3:21-26; Acts 2:37). It must be preached.

The apostle Paul observed that when he preached at Corinth he“ determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (I Corinthians 2:2). Some hastily conclude that to preach Jesus is to preach only the life and death of Jesus and not the doctrine recorded in the inspired epistles by Christ’s apostles and prophets. We are told, in effect, that Jesus is more important than His doctrine. Yet, He is “the Truth,” which indisputably involves His doctrine (John 14:6; 7:16-17). Such minimizing of doctrine allows for the subjective interpretation of Scripture (“choose the doctrine of your choice”). Such a view affirms that Jesus approves of each person deciding what doctrine is important and what is unimportant. We are scolded when we teach there is one body of doctrine (teaching) that is truth for all (John 17:17). “Just preach Christ and leave others alone,” we are told.

In order to preach the “message of the cross” we must know what that preaching includes (I Corinthians 1:18, 21). Does it include the plan of salvation? Does it include principles of divine authority? Does it include the work and organization of the church? Does it include teaching about sin? Does it include instruction on human obedience? Does it include preaching the fulfillment of prophecy? The Scriptures answer“yes” to each of these questions. Let us see what it means to “preach Christ crucified.”

In Acts 8:5, Philip “preached Christ” to the city of Samaria. What did that entail? In Acts 8:12 we learn that he preached the “things concerning the kingdom of God.” Without question, preaching Christ is preaching about His kingdom, the church of Christ (Matthew 16:18-19). After all, the church is His body and fullness (Ephesians 1:22-23). How can one preach Christ and not preach about His body, the church? How can one preach Christ and not preach that He is the savior of His body, the church (Ephesians 5:23)?

When Philip “preached Christ” he preached concerning “the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 8:12). He proclaimed Christ’s authority; His right to rule our lives (Matthew 28:18-19; Ephesians 1:20-23). To fully preach Christ we must preach His authority. Preaching how the authority of Christ is established and applied in Scripture should not be denounced as not preaching Jesus. Just the opposite is true; we will preach about Bible authority when we preach Christ. Whatever we say and do must be supported by His authority (Colossians 3:17). And, by the way, His authority is revealed to us in “the word of His power,” His New Testament – “the word of the truth of the gospel” (Colossians 1:5; Hebrews 1:1-3; John 16:13; II Timothy 3:16-17).

When Philip “preached Christ” he preached baptism, since “both men and women were baptized” (Acts 8:12). This means he preached about sin and how sinners are saved (Acts 2:37-38, 40). This means he taught the plan of salvation when he preached Christ to the Samaritans (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 1:8; 8:1, 4). Those who believed the gospel obeyed it and were saved (Acts 8:12-13). We conclude that Philip preached the continuing responsibilities of faithful, obedient discipleship (Acts 8:13). None should object to preaching the responsibilities of discipleship (such as moral purity, Romans 12:1-2) as not preaching Christ. “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6-7).

When Philip “preached Christ” he preached fulfilled prophecy. In Acts 8:35, Philip “preached Jesus” from Isaiah 53:7-8, instructing the Ethiopian that Jesus fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy. The Jesus whom we preach is the suffering Christ of Old Testament prophecy (Acts 17:2-3).

The New Testament of Christ is the apostles’ doctrine that was preached in the first century (Romans 16:25). It is what lost souls heard, believed and obeyed in order to be saved from their sins (Acts 2:40-41). The gospel they preached was not their own; it was revealed to them by the Spirit of God (John 16:12-15; Galatians 1:11-12; I Thessalonians 2:13). It was the “word of the cross” then, and it continues to be the “word of the cross” today (I Corinthians 1:18; I Peter 1:22-25).

We will not make distinctions in God’s word where there are none. To “preach Christ crucified” includes preaching that Jesus fulfilled God’s prophetic plan to save sinners. It includes His life, death, resurrection and exaltation; it includes man’s faith and obedience; it includes the church of Christ and the authority of Christ over our lives. We must preach the “whole counsel of God,” the inspired Scriptures (II Timothy 3:16-4:2; Acts 20:27). To do less is not preaching Christ crucified to the world.

 

By Joe Price

Awkward

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[Editor’s note: Last Sunday evening’s lesson was received well, and the article from which the lesson was inspired is now submitted to you.]

Life can, at times, be awkward. Most of us have probably been in situations where we have felt uncomfortable or embarrassed by the action of another or even ourselves. Many of those times it may be over something so trivial that everyone laughs it off and someone says, “Well, that was awkward.” In this article I would like to suggest the possibility of Satan using our sense of awkwardness to further his cause. While the word “awkward” is not found in the Bible, Paul warns us in 2 Corinthians 2:11 to not be ignorant of Satan’s devices, and as we will see in this article, awkwardness may just be one of Satan’s wiles (Ephesians 6:11). Take note of two examples.

Awkwardness in Relationships

Generally speaking, things are most awkward when a relationship between two parties exists as opposed to when two parties know nothing of each other. For example, would I be embarrassed if I tripped and fell on my face in front of a complete stranger? Certainly, but I would feel even more awkward if I were to trip and fall on my face in front of someone I know because a relationship is present and there is the possibility of having to interact with this person again as opposed to a stranger whom I would likely never see again. In other words, the more you are acquainted with somebody the more probable it is that an ungraceful situation could unfold.

Having illustrated that awkwardness grows with a relationship, is it possible we ever shy away from a problem because of the potential for awkwardness and thus a strained relationship? For example, have you ever seen a brother or sister with sin in their life but decide to forego your Christian responsibility (Galatians 6:1) because you are certain that addressing the issue would be awkward and could cause you to lose that friendship?

 

The scene we read of in Galatians 2:11-14 must have been incredibly awkward for all parties involved. If we think it is awkward to talk with our brethren who are involved in sin, how do you suppose Paul was feeling as he was rebuking one of Jesus’ original and closest disciples? It could not have been easy to reveal Peter’s hypocrisy to his face and to those who were around, but the awkwardness did not prevent Paul from showing love to his erring brother. Had Paul allowed the uneasiness of the situation to stop him from speaking it is possible that Peter and Barnabas could have dragged more away with them. Let’s thank God for men such as Paul, and let’s pray for the courage to overcome awkwardness by boldly yet lovingly speaking to others. Awkwardness in talking to others concerning their sin will pass; eternal death will not.

“Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death a cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19, 20).

Awkwardness in Evangelism

All of us should want to teach others about the grace God has extended to all mankind. I believe the “golden rule” (Matthew 7:12) is a great principle for why we should reach out to the lost. Personal evangelism is something all of us should be involved in, and there are many different (and useful) ways to evangelize. Knocking on doors, handing out business cards, talking to neighbors and co-workers, sharing thought-provoking material on the World Wide Web, etc., are all wonderful ways to spread the good news.

However, do we every shy away from telling someone about Jesus’ life and death because of the potential for awkwardness? Anytime we reveal or share part of ourselves with someone, there is a potential for people to humiliate, mock, scoff, or ridicule us and our beliefs, and personal evangelism only maximizes those opportunities. Chatting with others regarding spiritual topics is not always easy to do especially when Satan can use our sense of awkwardness against us, but it is something we should want to do and must do.

From time to time we sing the hymn You Never Mentioned Him To Me. This hymn gives us an interesting perspective and leaves us with an important question: Are we telling sinners about the mercy and grace of God? It would be very awkward (and incredibly sad) to know we could have helped a sinner enter into a relationship with his Creator, but instead did not speak up because of the awkwardness it may have caused.

How do we overcome awkwardness? The answer is not to avoid relationships where we run the risk of having to confront others with their sin nor is the answer in avoiding spreading the Gospel that saves people from their sin. What is the solution then? We must first realize that it is a clever tactic Satan uses to get us not to act when we should. It can be a big temptation for some more than others but it can be overcome (1 Corinthians 10:13). Secondly, a genuine love for the souls of people will aid us in overcoming the awkwardness we feel in relationships and evangelism. For if we care for the souls of those around us we will speak despite the potential of losing a friendship or being ridiculed. May God help us all overcome!

Isaac Muñoz

Welcoming Newcomers

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The man was a newcomer in town. On his first morning he went into the local restaurant for breakfast. Around a large round table was a group of locals eating breakfast, drinking coffee, and sharing stories and laughs. He could tell he didn’t belong in that circle, so he quietly found a booth where he would eat alone. If one in that circle had gone over to him, introduced himself, and invited him to join the group, he might have accepted or politely declined, but he would have been impressed with the friendliness of the town into which he had moved and might have been inclined to return to the restaurant to speak again to the man who had befriended him.

On the Lord’s Day, he went to worship with the church. As he walked in
he noticed several groups standing together, enjoying conversation. He could tell they were close friends who had known each other a long time. He was hesitant to join any of the groups, so he quietly went to seek out a place where he could worship. When he came to the first pew, however, it was filled with notebooks and Bibles, so he knew that seat was not for him. He went on to the next, but there was a line of footstools, and so it went until he found a place in the middle of a pew that seemed not to be “reserved.” There were a few polite “hellos,” but his reception was hardly better than it had been at the local restaurant. He “just didn’t seem to belong.”

Does the Bible not speak of some who “just didn’t belong”? “My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ and say to the poor man, ‘You stand there,’ or, ‘Sit here at my footstool,’ have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?” (James 2:1-4). The poor man would know “he didn’t belong in that group.” But one does not have to be poor to feel that a group is not warmly receiving him.

Efforts to Correct the Problem

Some churches appoint “greeters” who stand at the door to welcome visitors. This no doubt is helpful. The visitor can recognize, however, that the “greeter,” no matter how warm and friendly he may be, is fulfilling a role given to him. Consequently
his good work cannot substitute for spontaneous warmth, friendliness, and concern on the part of the congregation as a whole.

Others deliberately “dress down” so that a visitor who comes in casual clothes will not feel uncomfortable. We appreciate the thought and are very respectful of brethren who are doing this, but we wonder about the effectiveness of this practice. After all, there are people who have been taught from childhood that when they go to worship, they should wear their “Sunday best,” and when they find the whole group dressed in jeans, they might wonder about their disregard for the occasion. We would also ask:

If a man in a suit showed genuine warmth to a visitor in jeans, would his warmth not communicate that he doesn’t judge others by the clothes they wear?

The Answer: Genuine Concern for Others

An incident that occurred several years ago provides the best answer. A young lady, a member of a denomination, had married a Christian. Having promised to attend services with him, she found a seat and immediately said, “I wonder whose seat we have.” “You don’t have anyone’s seat,” the lady seated in front of her said, “You are welcome here and you can sit anywhere you like.” “My heart just melted,” the young lady told me later. Is it surprising that a few months later she was baptized? Her husband now serves as a deacon.

Concern for others! Counting others better than ourselves (Phil. 2:3-4)! Leaving our little group of friends to welcome a visitor! Even going up to a visitor whom we see in the parking area, introducing ourselves, welcoming him, and introducing him to others! Giving up our “end of the pew” seat so the visitor doesn’t have to crawl over us. This is the answer.

By the way, our newcomer learned of another faithful church in town and went to worship with them the next Sunday. He was welcomed warmly and he soon asked to be received in the group. And the first church wonders why the church across town is growing while they seem to be stagnant?

Article by Bill Hall

Rock Music Packs the Pews

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Attendance sagging? Experiencing the “graying out” of the local flock? The Rev. Paige Blair can take care of your woes by rejuvenating the worship service where you attend! Her worship format will have the parishioners dancing by the altar! She has done “wonders” for some Episcopal congregations in the United States and the same revival could benefit your church!

Recent news stories have detailed a new strategy being used to re-invigorate stagnating congregations of the Episcopal denomination in this nation. Paige Blair, an Episcopal parish priest, has created a worship format which weaves songs by the rock band U2 into the liturgy. The objective of this strategy is to attract young people and social activists to congregations dwindling in size and aging in their demographics. U2 was probably selected as the rock band of choice for a couple of reasons. First, the lyrics of many U2 songs make references to the Bible and religion. Second, U2’s lead singer Bono is an advocate of efforts to alleviate global poverty and thus the band appeals to social activists.

If judged by increased attendance to eucharist services, these rock-n-roll worship services are a resounding success. Worshippers bothered by the volume of the music are offered ear plugs. Plasma-screen televisions, streamers in the “sanctuaries” and fluorescent glow sticks wielded by worshippers complete the ambiance of the worship service.

Not everyone is totally thrilled with these changes. Some of U2’s song lyrics apparently express doubt and anger about the fact that God allows human suffering. Some worshippers are puzzled by the use of U2, an Irish rock bank described as “traditional rock’n’rollers – they swear, drink and sing about sex.”

The Episcopalians are only doing on a small scale what mega-churches are doing on a larger scale. Find out what “un-churched” people want and give it to them in religious packaging. The Episcopalians are clearly amateurs in this arena. Think of the possibilities! Churches on the “go” could integrate some connection to current entertainment interests into “worship” services. We’ve missed “March Madness,” the recent college basketball tournament, but the NBA finals would work just as well. Surely we could find some basketball player with an emotionally-evoking religious experience to highlight each week in the sermon. The congregation could post game results in the bulletin and playoff stats on a large bulletin board in the auditorium. Worshippers could even develop closer relationships to one another as they speculate about which team will be eliminated this week. Just think about what could be done with NASCAR (instead of the twelve apostles, the young people could memorize the top twelve drivers on the circuit this week)! Don’t forget the “Football in the Fall” evangelism campaign! I wonder if we could get Hank Williams, Jr. to do a rendition of “Are you ready for worship?” that could be played before each worship service? Did I mention “American Idol”?

The marketing strategy of “give them what they want” employed by some churches is a far cry from the reverent, God-centered worship offered by early Christians. There is a complete paradigm shift from offering praise according to divine instructions to the entertainment and gratification of worldly “worshippers.” For many churches, it’s not about honoring God, but “packing the pews.” In the rush to fill church buildings, people forget to listen to what God has to say about acceptable worship (Colossians 3:17; John 4:24).

The church of the New Testament was not concerned with “marketing strategies.” The early Christians “went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). The apostle Paul identified the gospel of Christ as the “power of God to salvation” and wrote of his determination to appeal to the Corinthians on that basis only (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5). Apparently he did not understand the effectiveness of presenting biblical truths in the lyrics of rock and roll, but instead instructed early Christians to sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19). The “give them what they want” strategy will fill church buildings with bodies, but won’t produce spiritually-minded disciples of Christ (Rom. 8:29).

By Allen Dvorak

Causing the Church to Grow

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If you are interested in learning some methods that will guarantee an increase in church membership then continue to read this article, especially to the end. These methods will stir up interest and attract people of the community. I know they will work because the denominational world has been using them for years. Look at the results. These churches have seen their membership roles increase to the point that newer and larger buildings have to be built to accommodate the crowds. At the same times their leaders are also smart enough to realize that they must often change their methods in order to adapt to the changing world.

Many churches of Christ, who in time past, at least claimed to follow “The Old Paths” all the way back to Jerusalem are now using these same schemes with great success. You can know they are increasing by observing their large ornate buildings and multi-purpose centers. They have learned that in order to compete with the world, they must adapt to worldly standards. Following are some of the methods being currently practiced to increase their attendance and membership.

1. Let People Remain as They Are. This method tells people they do not have to change their lives very much. It would be great if they do so, but if not, accept them anyway. Ignore their sins. Let them remain in a sinful, sexually immoral relationship (either living together outside of wedlock, or an adulterous marriage). Let them continue to practice social drinking, swearing and so forth. Make sure no emphasis is placed on the demands of Jesus found in Lk.13:3, 5, “But unless you repent you will all likewise perish” or “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but

now commands all men everywhere to repent” Acts 17:30.

2. Let People Have Fun. The world loves entertainment and recreation, so the church needs to get involved in activities that will promote such activities. This will satisfy the physical cravings and at same time provide some type of religious atmosphere. It must work, for many churches have already or are presently building family life centers (multi-purpose buildings) which combine social and recreational activities. They cater to the physical side of man, but also offer something to those who seem to profess an interest in saving the soul. This country club atmosphere, combined with the glitter of Hollywood techniques will bring in the crowd. Evidently Paul did not know that this method would work when he wrote; “For the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” Rom.14:17, and “many walk of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is their shame – who set their mind on earthly things” Phil.3:18-19.

3. Appeal to Greed. Another method that can work to bring in the crowds is to tape $10, $20 bills under the seats of the church bus to be found by the one lucky enough to sit in those seats. Others offer door prizes, or have a contest to see who can bring the most new people in a set period of time, with the prize being a trip to some amusement park or ball game or some current video game, etc. Of course this method does away with the Biblical method of using the gospel of Christ as “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…for in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘the just shall live by faith’” Rom.1:16-17.

4. Believe What You Want. Don’t worry about having firm convictions. Don’t attempt to understand the Bible. Just believe in Jesus. Besides, you and I don’t have to understand the Bible alike. Everyone knows the book is too difficult to read so don’t read Eph.3:3-5 which teaches otherwise. People who believe this won’t have to be concerned with such scriptures as Jude 3; Eph.4:5 that teach there is only “one faith” which must be followed and defended as well as obeyed. Exhortations such as 2.Cor.13:5; 2.Tim.2:15 teaching people to search the scriptures to learn how to be approved of God are ignored.

By now you may be inclined to say, “But these methods are unscriptural.” You’re right, they are! Yet, you will have to admit they will stir up interest and bring in the crowds. Making the church secular like the world does draw crowds and increase membership but it won’t get people into heaven. One might as well join some country club or some other similar organization, for membership in them will be just as effective before God as being a member of a church that ignores God’s will.

The only way to build up the Lord’s church in a scriptural, God-pleasing way is to follow the methods laid down in the book of Acts. Beginning with Pentecost, the early church enjoyed great growth, first 3000, then 5000, then a great multitude. This growth was no accident. Read Acts 2:41; 4:4; 5:14; 6:7; 9:31; 11:24; 16:5; 19:20. One thing is evident from these scriptures, when the preaching of the Word increased, so did the church. The early Christians utilized the true power of God, “The Gospel of Christ” Rom.1:16. The solution to church growth is not new and updated human schemes, but a concerted effort to scatter the seed (the word of God – Lk.11:8) into honest hearts. Increase the scattering of the seed and the membership will also increase.

The early church was possessed of no “magic” that made people listen. But, the members were totally committed to that which they believed, Jesus Christ the only true hope for mankind. They preached Jesus as the only way to God. They were dedicated to this task. They were bold as they spoke. Yet, in the midst of all this also found time to serve God with gladness of heart. They rejoiced even while they suffered, yet, never developed the “martyr’s complex.” They knew they were not perfect people, but they still tried to truly “practice what they preached.” The world understood then, as it does now, that people are not perfect. They despise the hypocrite, but respect those who recognize their own imperfections and are consistently trying to do better. So, Christian, be consistent in your life. Remember, following the truth will not make the church like the world, it will make it different. This is what the Lord requires. Scatter the seed. Be committed and concerned. Preach the gospel to others.

By Thomas Thornhill