If we could ever blend the enthusiasm for world evangelism that has arisen in the past twenty years with the basic Bible stance of years gone by the church of the Lord would be even stronger. To do this we must have parents who deeply saturate their children with the cultural environment of Christianity (Eph. 6:4). We need elders who lift up their eyes and view the teeming millions that are ready for a spiritual harvest (John 4:35). However, those same elders must be careful to keep the sheep the Lord already has away from the wolves who teach false doctrine. (Acts 20:28-32)! Then, when the new converts come along, as the result of passion for lost souls, they must be properly fed a balanced diet of solid Bible messages (Eph. 4:20-24; I Peter 2:1-3). Sadly, though, we lack solid elders and godly parents in so many places today. We also desperately need bold, courageous gospel preaching everywhere (Acts 20:20-27) that builds within old and young alike proper regard for the sacred text. The strength of the church can best be seen in those who allow Christ and His word to richly indwell them (Gal. 2:20; Col. 3:16-17).
Some brethren think we are strong when we raise a million dollars for physical buildings. However no such emphasis can be found in the New Testament. When we give millions to spread the gospel-and we could if we quit trying to be “fashion models” in clothes, cars and jewelry-then we will be like the first century saints (II Cor. 8:5). The strength of the church lies not in pampering and entertaining of youth but in challenging them to study fervently and serve ardently in the Master’s cause. Paul told Timothy to preach the Word (II Tim. 4:2). Today young men who are called “youth directors” are told to take their subjects on a ski trip or “load up for a ride to an amusement park.” Such things do not make the church strong spiritually!
The church will be strong when we are not ashamed of the gospel (Romans l: 16). Yes, when we are so zealous for Truth that the world-and weak brethren-call us fanatics Did not Paul say in I Cor. 4:9-11 that the apostles were “the filth (garbage) of the world”?
The Lord demands that we be faithful (Rev. 2:10). He also warned that when the world speaks well of us we are in bad company (Luke 6:26). In the beauty of Ephesians 3:21 we are told to glorify God, in the church, by Christ Jesus, forever. Let us diligently strive to accomplish that noble aspiration. May the Lord’s church be stronger because we cared!
-Johnny Ramsey
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