Why does it take “scolding” and a pilgrimage to remind Christians of their duty? Isn’t having relationship with Christ enough to keep us focused on what is right? People today don't really have a sense of personal sin or reflection. Society is becoming more selfish and hedonistic. The church is here to be the light in this world. Yet, we look more often than not like a flush under a bushel.
Take an evangelism for instance. Apostle Paul writes to the Church in Rome: “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!" (Romans 10:13-15)
How will they – the outsiders – believe if they don’t hear the preacher? Recently, at the elders meeting and then at the Board meeting, we were discussing Evangelism, emphasizing the fact that every activity of the church must lead to evangelism. Community services, CHIP, community choir, renting our facility to other people – everything should have one goal: lead people to Jesus, lead people to believe. These ministries are not “an end of all means” but only “means to a greater end”! If we just feed, clothe, counsel, heal, socialize and mingle – we have not accomplished the goal. We have made the first and second step toward the goal – but not the journey. Do not stop – lead all to hear the Gospel preached. The mid-week preaching series and Evangelistic seminars are designed to arouse people’s interest in Gospel and the Good News we have in Jesus. Come and bring the community. Take invitations and go call on people. Sad to admit, but Paul continues to say that even in the days of the first Apostolic Church “not all obeyed the gospel.” (Romans 10:16)
Some have been even upset lately about the board in the foyer inviting parents to consider importance and need of the Christian Education for our little ones. The Daily Telegraph of October 17th runs an article informing parents that primary school teachers will be required by new "sexual orientation" laws to make gay rights books available in class. Children would have to read books such as Hello Sailor, The Sissy Duckling and Daddy's New Roommate, which are on a Government-recommended reading list for challenging "homophobia". The regulations were due to come in this month but have been postponed until the New Year after officials were inundated with responses during a consultation exercise. What are your kids reading in that secular public school? What poster is hanging in your kids’ bedroom? What are you children listening to on their iPods? Maybe its time to obey God’s Voice and let them read the Bible in reading classes?
Having worked at Pioneer Memorial Church I learned Dwight Nelson’s principle of stewardship: simple as 1, 2, 3!!! It is imprinted on their local church tithe envelopes – yeah! custom designed just for their congregation!!!
- 1 – God’s Tithe i.e. Ministry
- 2 – God’s Church i.e. Budget
- 3 – God’s Children i.e. Education
What would it take for us as a church family to recognize our responsibility in the community we live? Scolding from the President? An appeal from the 3ABN TV screen? Or a pilgrimage to another Maranatha training session? Or maybe simply remembering that we are called by Jesus to be the light in this world, leading others to the Greatest Light ever, to the Source of all Light – Jesus, the Love of our lives!!! Don’t like changes? Jesus came that we may change, and be born anew. Remember: faith comes from hearing, and hearing – from the Word of God. (Romans 10:17)
No comments:
Post a Comment