The Table and The Shelf
[22.1]
Four Objectives
God, our heavenly Father, commissioned His only begotten Son to complete four major objectives. They were (1) fulfill the law, (2) bring salvation to the world, (3) reveal His Father and finally, (4) establish His church. This chapter will focus on a critical element of number four (4).
[22.2]
The Church
Christ became the spiritual cornerstone of His spiritual house and the foundation that was laid by His apostles. There could be no other foundation for it than the one He laid. Upon this foundation alone, God would establish His church. Its upper structure would consist of living stones standing side by side, closely fit together and the gates of Hell would not prevail against it.
1 Corinthians 3:11-12
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
Ephesians 2:20
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
1 Peter 2:5
5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:9
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Matthew 16:18
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
[22.3]
Unity, The Elusive Butterfly
As the body of Christ, we are called to be the living stones of His church. We are called to be a royal priesthood, God’s own special people, molded together into one great holy nation. Christ alone stands as head of His church, high priest of His chosen priesthood and King of His everlasting holy nation, but like Herod’s temple, we’ve been brought down. Each stone separated from the other and our weaknesses have been exposed by our disunity.
[22.4]
There are but three primary ingredients necessary to achieve unity.
[22.5]
Christ’s plea for our unity is central in His well known prayer found in the seventeenth chapter of John’s gospel.
John 17:11
11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
John 17:20, 21
20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
How can the world believe if we’re all fragmented?
[22.6]
Many Attempts, No Results
Many godly men have tried to bring unity to the body of Christ. Unity abides among the spiritually mature and cannot be achieved by the sole effort of any one man. Luther tried, as did Calvin, Zwingli, Wycliff, Tyndale, Wesley, Williams, Knox, Spurgen, Moody and many, many others. Each contributed new light but failed to bring any greater unity to the body of Christ. Controversy and contention followed each ray of new light and with it came further division. Again and again unity was sought but remained elusive; it soon became obvious that something was missing; we had failed to lay a foundation where unity could survive. What was lacking?
[22.7]
Unity can only survive among those few brethren who are yielded and mature enough to let God have His way. If we allow our doctrine to freeze in place, there remains no further opportunity to grow; we become the “frozen chosen”. Too many of us have become pillars of the church. We believe that our doctrines are the very standard of biblical truth. We become unwilling to examine our beliefs any further or to seek any truth yet unknown. We’ve become unteachable and, like the pillars of the church, we can no longer be moved.
[22.8]
Only brethren with spiritual maturity rejoice when the light of freshly revealed truth unveils the error in their own understanding. Such men are always in search of sound doctrine and never cease their quest for further biblical truth. They never close the door on new biblical revelation; they refuse to put book ends on their doctrinal understanding, they leave their hearts and minds open to divine revision and new revelation.
[22.9]
The doctrine of such men only strengthens in the light of newly discovered revelation. Think of it, allowing our doctrine to change and grow; what a concept! Others seek only to be stroked like a cat, desiring others to applaud and confirm their present list of beliefs.
[22.10]
Unity will only come when we are mature enough to set our ego’s aside and seek it with all our hearts. It will only come to those hearts that are totally surrendered to Christ, who cry, “not my will, but thine”. It will only come when we realize that next to loving God, this is the most important of all doctrines. It will come when we surrender completely to Christ and become crucified with Him.
[22.11]
Sheep Or Goats
There are many who are ready to discuss doctrinal issues but, are they seeking truth or just looking for someone to defeat in the heat of argument? Sheep follow the voice of their shepherd but goats just want to but, but, but. That’s what goats do, they butt. But what about this, but what about that, but what if, etc. We should first qualify each seeker and separate the sheep from the goats, engaging only those who are truly searching for truth. Some discussions are futile. It is next to impossible to build a foundation upon sand, foolish to cast pearls before swine and a waste to pour new wine into old wineskins.
[22.12]
The word of God is as solid as a rock. If we enter into discussion with anyone who does not believe in the integrity and inerrancy of scripture, we have no common basis for agreement, no standard to guide our search and no chance of finding unity. It would be as though we were attempting to build a unified foundation on shifting sand. We must first believe that if it’s in the bible, we have God’s word on it.
2 Timothy 3:16
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
[22.13]
If those who challenge us, do not believe that the New Testament writers were guided flawlessly by the Holy Spirit, what common basis can there be for further discussion? If our challenger does not believe that the apostles of Christ were Spirit appointed and Spirit anointed to operate in His power and authority how can we reach any common conclusion? (See chapter five, “Commissioned By Christ”)
1 Thessalonians 2:6
6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:8
8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:
John 20:21
21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
Acts 2:42
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
[22.14]
If the bible is not without error, then we can’t trust it for truth. If the recorders of the New Testament scriptures wrote without God’s complete inspiration and their own intellect was allowed to invade it, human error and personal opinion would thoroughly pollute the text, making it an unacceptable standard but, that didn’t happen (2 Timothy 3:16)! Any attempt to introduce sound doctrine into a discussion, where biblical truth is in question, makes as much sense as casting pearls before swine.
[22.15]
Further, confusion and pollution often results by attempting to integrate the old covenant with the new. Old covenant examples are valuable and viable only when they support the tenants of new covenant teachings, along with their examples and/or traditions. We must remember that though the new covenant was sealed at the cross and prepared in the hearts and minds of Christ’s disciples, the church did not begin until the day of Pentecost. The church could not begin without a divine teacher, guide and comforter. It could not begin without the power of God.
Matthew 16:18
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Acts 2:38-41
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
[22.16]
Debating scriptural truth with anyone who attempts to mix old covenant practices with the new covenant of grace will do harm to both. Most of the old is based on law and reveals the exploits of a particular ethnic people. The new covenant of grace is based on new and better promises and encompasses God’s universal kingdom. Any attempt to mix these two covenants can only result in damaging each like pouring new wine into old wine skins.
[22.17]
Some self proclaimed truth seekers believe the church to be an unfolding revelation, one designed by God to meet a changing society’s needs from generation to generation. They feel that the changes brought to the church since the apostolic period are God inspired and reflect His desire to meet the constantly evolving generational needs of His church.
[22.18]
Though this may sound good, this position denies the headship of Christ by placing man in authority. It outdates the New Testament church and upholds the idea that man has been inspired by God to improve upon God’s apostolic plan. It renders the New Testament as useless as yesterday’s newspaper. It suggests that God put man in a position to update and finish the work He left undone. Such an understanding can only be the product of human pride and arrogance and we know where that comes from, don’t we? Such individuals no longer hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Compare today’s church with the New Testament church and ask yourself if today’s institutional church is closer to God and more unified or further away and more fragmented than the New Testament model.
[22.19]
Not Able To Bear It
1 Corinthians 3:2
2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
[22.20]
Paul said, “I have fed you with milk and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.” When it comes to searching together for truth, many become so obsessed with being right that truth no longer matters. These immature sisters or brothers center on only one thing. They desire to win the debate, prove their smarter than anyone else and impress others with their superior knowledge even if truth becomes the victim. Their vanity, pride and precious ego become all important. Their immaturity will not allow them to admit error and accept criticism or they have not been properly equipped with the evidence necessary to support a rational change in belief. They are at this point in their growth simply unable to bear it. Our prayer should be:
“Lord, save us from those who believe they’re blessed with the knowledge of all truth and deliver us into the hands of those who still seek it.”
[22.21]
Agreeing To Disagree
Is agreeing to disagree the best we can do? Agreeing to disagree is different than accepting brethren with flaws. Agreeing to disagree is the same as accepting division, this we must never do! If we believe the doctrine of another is flawed, because it’s different than our own, we should allow for the possibility that it’s our doctrine that needs adjusting. We should open up our hearts and minds to examination, while we honestly consider the position of our challenger.
Acts 18:24-26
24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
[22.22]
Please take note that this man, mighty in the scriptures, this man of eloquence was able to be taught and corrected by a couple of Christian tent makers. Now that’s maturity!
[22.23]
What God Wants
Let’s look at what God wants from us.
1 Corinthians 1:10
10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
This is what God means by unity and nothing less will do!
[22.24]
The Errors Of The Past
1 Corinthians 1:11-13
11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
12 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.
13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
It would seem that the only thing we learn from history is that we don’t learn from history.
[22.25]
How Far Have We Come?
1 Corinthians 2:1-3:9
2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3
3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
After reading the above, we can only conclude that we haven’t grown up yet. Can we please stop arguing? If we must behave like children then like children, let’s learn to get along, to play nice, to learn new things from each other.
[22.26]
We are children so, as immature children, let’s exemplify the best qualities of a child as shown below.
1 Corinthians 14:20
20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
Matthew 18:3
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
[22.27]
Let’s examine the message of this verse. Except a man become as a little child, i.e. become converted, have the heart of a child, he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3). We must be ready to become, to be changed and humble ourselves as a child.
[22.28]
The Scalpel Of Truth
We cannot and should not attempt to discuss doctrine unless and until we have a relationship strong enough to withstand the debate. We must be sure we share the common bond of love, the common purpose of unity and a common respect and recognition of biblically based, sound doctrine before we enter into the potential trauma of spiritual surgery. Some times, being right can be destructive. Truth, like any sharp instrument, must be handled with care.
[22.29]
The Operation
John 17:17
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Hebrews 4:12
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Truth is the sharpest of all instruments, it can cut into our souls like a scalpel cuts through flesh. What profit is there if we cut deep into a brother with the scalpel of truth, remove the error but, leave him bleeding to death from the surgery?
[22.30]
If we correct our brother but do harm to our relationship, we have corrected a small problem but created a greater one. The doctrine of brotherly love and unity is second only to the commandment to love the Lord our God. In our zealousness to correct our brother’s error, we often fail to recognize that our relationship was not strong enough to withstand the trauma and instead of unity, we are left with a broken relationship. How important is relationship?
Ephesians 4:1-3
4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Philippians 2:1-5
2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
[22.31]
From The Shelf To The Table
There will be times when two or more brethren reach an impasse even though they sincerely seek the truth. What happens then? We must trust God and believe He will break the impasse if, we continue to examine ourselves, insisting on nothing less than complete unity.
[22.32]
When it becomes clear that no further progress can be achieved through continued doctrinal discussion, the doctrine should be taken off the table, i.e. the table of debate, and put on the shelf, i.e. the shelf of patience and tolerance. Don’t forget however, that it’s still unfinished business and should be returned to the table as often as necessary until unity has been achieved.
[22.33]
We should never continue to argue any issue redundantly. Going over the same points again and again, will likely bring negative emotions into the discussion. Such emotions can injure our Christian relationship. Instead, we should put the subject doctrine on the shelf and resolve to study and research it further. At a future date and time, we should return the unresolved doctrine to the table, along with the results of our study and research, and see if a change has taken place. We should continue this practice until complete doctrinal agreement has been achieved and God glorified through our unity.
[22.34]
Foundational Truths
Without a common belief in the truths listed below, the search for doctrinal unity will yield little if anything. Among bible believing brethren, certain truths must be considered as foundational. These foundational truths exist to sift all doctrine, to measure and test whether or not it is sound and fit for teaching. If any doctrine contradicts these, it must be regarded as not worthy of consideration.
[22.35]
There should be agreement among each Christian and church on the following issues of truth:
[22.36]
There are brethren that are mature and others that are immature. Immature brethren seek to reveal the flaws in another’s doctrine but refuse to consider the possibility that their beliefs are incomplete or wrong. The text found below appears to be as applicable today as it was when it was written.
Matthew 7:3-5
3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
[22.37]
Differences In Translations
Some prefer to debate the accuracy or integrity of their favorite translation, i.e. King James, New King James, New International Version, New America Standard Version, Revised Standard Version, etc. We can thank God for the Greek and Hebrew dictionaries attached to the Strong’s Concordance. What was once only understood by the Hebrew or Greek scholar can now be obtained through these dictionaries or other material now available to the general public.
[22.38]
Because of this, seeming differences in the various translations can be researched for clarity and, through this clarity, agreement can be reached. Some believe that we should only use one translation and feel all others fail to carry God’s true message. There are undoubtedly many perverted translations designed to favor one group or doctrinal position but the translations previously mentioned, I believe, are faithful enough to the truth to be counted as worthy for instruction, though each of us may have a favorite.
[22.39]
There are enough doctrinal issues to debate without adding translations to the debate as well. With liberal doctrine comes liberal translations and it will soon become necessary to make conservative choices in our selection of a good translation. As long as the translations used are true to the oldest approved Greek and Hebrew manuscripts, let’s not make them another object of contention. There are, at present, more important issues to resolve.
[22.40]
The Fundamental Imperative
Read carefully, this may be the most important thing discussed here, the very heart of the matter. The fundamental imperative is a commitment that each mature Christian makes with himself and his fellow brethren; a commitment not to limit his or her individual beliefs, nor exclude, for any reason, further revelations of biblical truth. Each Christian commits to surrender to revision any previously held doctrinal position in the light of newly received biblical truth. Each commits themselves to seek truth constantly, and to never allow themselves to be deceived into believing they need search no further.
[22.41]
Man Cannot Live By Bread Alone
Matthew 4:4
4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
John 6:12
12 When they were filled, he said unto his discples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
We need to “gather up the fragments that remain”. Why?
[22.42]
1 Corinthians 13:9
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
Because we know in part and we prophesy in part.
[22.43]
Ephesians 4:13
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
How long will it be necessary to gather up the fragments? “Till we all come into the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the son of God unto a perfect man (complete #5046), unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”
[22.44]
Pastor John Robinson, before leaving Holland for the New World, spoke to the Pilgrim Fathers and said:
“Brethren, we are now ere long to part asunder and the Lord knoweth whether I shall live ever to see your faces more; but whether the Lord has appointed that or not, I charge you before God and His blessed angels, to follow me no further than I have followed Christ. If God should reveal any thing to you by any other instrument of His, be as ready to receive it as you ever were to receive any truth by my ministry; for I am very confident that the Lord hath more truth and light yet to break forth out of His holy word. For my part, I cannot sufficiently bewail the condition of reforming churches that are come to a period in religion, and will go no further than the instrument of their reformation. The Lutherans cannot be drawn to go any further than Luther saw, and the Calvinists, you see, stick fast where they were left by that great man of God, who yet saw not all things. This is a mystery much to be lamented; for though they were a burning and shining light in their time, yet they penetrated not into the whole counsel of God, but were they now living, would be as willing to embrace further light as that which they first received.”
[22.45]
The Upper Room
God is asking each of us today if we are mature enough to receive a miracle, one that we can only receive through maturity and love. It lies within us, today, here and now, in this spiritual upper room, to experience a unity, agreeing to dedicate ourselves to the pursuit of doctrinal unity, a unity that has eluded the church for almost two thousand years. Are we mature enough to accept this commitment?
[22.46]
No longer will we remain content to agree to disagree but resolve rather to stay in the pursuit of unity, agreeing only to agree and that, without compromise. We must resolve to work this through from table to shelf and shelf to table until we, by God’s grace and the leading of the Holy Spirit, are able to all speak the same thing and be completely united, having the same mind and the same judgment, i.e. opinion. Let’s examine God’s will once more.
1 Corinthians 1:10
10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
[22.47]
Because it’s stated in God’s word, we know His will and because it is the will of God, we must therefore believe that, in Christ, it’s possible. If it’s God’s will, and possible, then anything we do that’s less, can only be considered as disobedience.
[22.48]
Hand-me-down doctrine has attached itself to our heart from our earliest days in the faith. It came through trusted sources that we loved. It has become a part of us and we have embraced it in our fondest memories, like a child’s security blanket. But it’s time now to realize that, when we were children, we spoke as children, we understood as children, we thought as children; but when we become mature adults, it became necessary to put away childish things (1 Corinthians 13.:11).
[22.49]
Changing long standing beliefs is like tearing roots from our heart; it hurts but if we are ever to grow in truth, we must be willing to suffer this pain. We must undergo this surgery if we are to be conformed to His image, the image of Christ.
[22.50]
Every popular mainline doctrine is thought to be supported by some basis in scripture. We know that the scriptures are not ambiguous; therefore they do not disagree with each other. How can the church then hold different beliefs? Yet we do. This being so, our understanding of them must be flawed. When we see scriptural texts that appear to be in conflict, we fail to understand how they can be compatible but if we dig a little deeper, open the doors of our minds to new possibility, not allow the prejudice of previously held, hand-me-down, doctrine to interfere, we’ll find these texts can, in truth, co-exist.
[22.51]
We must allow ourselves to be persuaded by the greater weight of biblical evidence even if its weight contradicts the sacred cow of our previously held sentimentally preferred belief. We, by faith, will soon realize that the impossible is possible; that we are strong enough to change and that we have enough love of Christ to follow His word no matter where it leads.
Luke 18:27
27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
Philippians 4:13
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
John 14:15
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
[22.52]
A Holy Nation, A Royal Priesthood
(1 Peter 2:5, 9) This is a new day and we are about to do a new thing. We must gather up all the fragments. None of the revelations or spiritual gifts we’ve received should be lost or wasted. Let’s put all our fragments into the same basket.
[22.53]
Communication And The Work Of The Ministry
The computer has provided a tremendous ability to send modern epistles to each other by e-mail. This avenue of Christian correspondence should not go unnoticed or unused. Each house church should maintain faithful contact with local, national and international assemblies.
[22.54]
Small, portable recording machines have made it possible to exchange newly composed, church music, music that we should be sharing with each other. The best of it will survive, as it should, and the rest will fade away. Can you imagine your assembly singing new hymns written in Ghana, Nigeria or perhaps, India?
[22.55]
Being faithful to answer each and every valid email received from a Christian source has in itself become a ministry for one of our most faithful church members. She loves the friends and contacts she’s made around the country and around the world. She makes it her mission to answer each within three days, never letting any pass unanswered.
[22.56]
Another female member of our assembly has made it her mission to document and store all new music in our computer files. She further makes it her responsibility to publish it so that we, as a church, can share in its message and spirit.
[22.57]
There are those within our church assembly that are gifted in playing a musical instrument and there are those who would like to learn. This too provides a ready-made ministry for those who enjoy sharing what God has given them. Those willing to share should make it a point to pass on whatever training they can and schedule an appropriate time to provide these lessons to others.
[22.58]
Those on our active e-mail list of sister assemblies we think of as our family circle, even though, in this life, we may never meet. Those individuals who remain faithful to this ministry are true knights of the Lord’s table. If an assembly fails to reply, we don’t give up on them, we continue to write until we’re convinced they no longer care to communicate.
[22.59]
Sitting among us are brethren gifted in music. Sitting among us are composers, poets and artists. There are singers and writers, teachers and counselors waiting to be released into ministry. We have needs for all such gifts. We need a continuous flow of short stories for children and young adults. We need parables to illustrate biblical truths and poetry designed to tell a story or inspire those who hear it. We need artists who can draw or paint, illustrating the stories that others have written or telling a complete story on canvas, a story without words. We need new music with messages of praise, commitment and adoration.
[22.60]
Some will say, I am neither story writer, painter or poet, what can I do? Perhaps you’re better at telling a story than writing it or perhaps you’re simply able to clip news articles, stories or parables that others have written. Perhaps you can share those fragments or pass them on for others to share. Gather up the fragments.
[22.61]
It should be understood that within any single assembly, the gifts, talents and skills within, are to be shared freely among those who have need, those unable to provide them for themselves. In this way, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, auto mechanics, computer techs and many others are brought into ministry as well as those who can provide professional skills like doctors, nurses, lawyers, etc.
[22.62]
We need those who can expand the Deacon’s book by providing additional viable resources that can be utilized in the service of our fellow brethren (see chapter 20 of “Sound Doctrine”, i.e. “The Servant of Servants”, paragraphs [20.13] through [20.16]).
[22.63]
Some needs are gender specific and require qualified men or women to fill them. Older men should be called upon, if qualified, to teach or counsel other men in areas of marriage, financial management, adolescent behavior, addiction and sexual containment.
[22.64]
Likewise, the older women who are qualified should be encouraged to teach or counsel younger women in the caring of children, homemaking, financial management, marriage, addiction and proper sexual behavior. Older women should encourage other qualified adult women to teach God’s word to women and adolescent girls. Those with a special ability to relate and teach young children should be mentored and equipped to meet the spiritual needs of these little ones. The unity, love, power and miracles of the New Testament church are waiting for us. All we need to receive them is to return to the simple, loving New Testament church of the apostles. The only question that remains is, are we willing to make the trip (Romans 11:29)?
[22.65]
Warning
The things mentioned here in this chapter, represent only a beginning; the Lord will bring to mind many other things. Some of us will hear these words, become excited for a time and slowly slip back into complacency. Some will be changed for a time but slip back when they discover that others are not willing to make this journey with them. Some will follow but discover their ranks have been reduced by resistant brethren. Though reduced in number, the brethren, which put these things into practice, will be blessed beyond their expectation. Others will consider this proposal to be a utopian dream, a fantasy held in the mind of an idealist, a dreamer. Such men will debate it when it is introduced and reject it without giving it serious consideration, never realizing the full potential of the vision they’ve rejected. To them I leave the final words of a well known poem.