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Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins
Strong in the Faith?
Weakness is almost always met with contempt. Weak leadership will devastate a business, a nation or a family. Surely we realize that strength is a necessary quality of anyone who claims to be a follower of the strongest of all, Jesus Christ.
But what does it take to be strong? How can Christians be strong? How can Christ’s church be strong? How can I be strong enough to withstand the pressures of life in a secular society?
Every Christian growing to full potential
Growth is required for Christians. Each of us must “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,” 2 Peter 3:18.
Look back at the last five years. Have you grown as a Christian? Really? In knowledge of God’s Word? In the qualities a Christian needs? Or did you reach a place where you quit growing, and settled for little or no growth? Stronger? or Weaker?
Homes strong enough to stand the test
We know that the home is the fabric of any society. We also know that families are failing in America, and even in the church. Children are truly a blessing, and no greater blessing can come to children than godly parents who love their children and teach them the ways of the Lord.
Parents need to assume leadership in the home once again, Ephesians 6:1-4. We need parents who are faithful Christians, and who love one another. We need parents who lead their children in prayer and Bible study. The home must be a bastion of strength.
Christians who “stand fast in the faith”
Early Christians discovered that serving God had a price. Jesus said that being His disciple requires this: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me,” Luke 9:23.
Our community likely will not agree with us. Having strong convictions is rarely popular today. Weak convictions will not result in genuine respect, but rather in scorn and disdain. Israel received strong preaching from Hosea and Amos, but they rejected the truth they heard, Hosea 4:6, 13:9. We must practice what we preach, and never apologize for God’s truth.
A spirit of service among brethren
When Jesus observed His disciples arguing among themselves, He told them: “He that is greatest among you shall be your servant,” Matthew 23:11.
We expect to see selfishness in small children, because they are children, but we also expect them to grow out of it. Maturity as a Christian and as a person eventuates in a willingness to serve others, not merely self. When this attitude of service permeates the church, we will not only be strong, but our influence will be seen throughout the community.
Warmth, friendship and fellowship
Jesus said something significant on this very point: “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.
We often see the term “family” used to describe the relationships that exist within the body of Christ. When Christians love one another they will exhibit that love by their actions and their attitudes. Thus they are bound by a powerful strength that keeps the temptations of Satan at arms-length. When problems come to us, that love helps us help each other, to give strength to each other, and motivates us to make the redeeming power of the Gospel available to others.
A strong emphasis on evangelism
How can a congregation be described as “strong” if they do not emphasize taking the Gospel to the lost? Indeed, that is the very responsibility given to God’s people today:
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world,” Matthew 28:19-20.
It was not so long ago that we were spoken of as being one of the “fastest growing religious groups in America.” No one says that today, and we should be ashamed. Yes, evangelism must begin at home, and when men and women are willing to go into the fields, we should help them. Support those who preach to the lost. Teach your neighbor. Both are part of being “strong in the faith.”
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“So let it be in God’s own might, we gird us for the coming fight, and, strong in Him whose cause is ours, in conflict with unholy powers, we grasp the weapons He has given—
The Light and Truth, and Love of Heaven.”
“True strength lies in the submission which permits one to dedicate his life, through devotion, to something beyond himself.”
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint,”
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"Does It Really Make a Difference?
(Part 4 of 4 parts)
WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE HOW WE WORSHIP GOD? Many proclaim, “What matters in worship is what is in the heart.” And there is no question but that heart-felt worship is the only kind God will accept. But the word of God also shows clearly that God accepts as worship ONLY what He authorizes. A good example is found in Lev. 10:1-2. Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, were priests of God. They were honest and sincere, but they “offered strange fire before the Lord which he had not commanded.” The result: “They died before the Lord.” On the spot, no probation period and no parole. The problem with Nadab and Abihu was exactly the same as that with many people today: they wanted to worship God in their own way! Their attitude was likely, “What difference will it make?” but it made a difference. They found that out.
Jesus, accused of transgressing the traditions of the Jews, told them, “This people honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain do they worship me, teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men,” Matt. 15:8-9. Worship devised and chosen by men today is no more acceptable to God than it was then. Some would have the Lord’s Supper on Thursday or some other day of their choosing, but the Scriptures authorize only the first day of the week, Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-28. “Why not use instruments of music? What difference does it make?” God’s answer is found in Leviticus 10 (see above). God no more authorizes instruments of music in the worship of Christians today than He authorized the fire offered by Nadab and Abihu. Shall we worship God as He authorizes, or shall we do what WE want to do? In all sincerity, if we really want to please God in our worship, we will do it His way!
Every question above, and others like them, should be settled by what God has said in His Word. It must be by the Lord’s authority. It must be His will, not mine nor yours. Then, when we are confronted with a choice, and the question arises, “What difference does it make?”, we will go to His Word to find what He wants. For we shall know that the difference it makes is eternity.
Clem Thurman,
Gospel Minutes
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