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Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins
Getting a Church Back on Track
If there is one thing that characterizes many religious groups today it is that they are divided. Not only divided, but fighting, both in their own individual locations and denominational organizations, but also in the secular courts of the world. One religious leader stated that the “rebels care nothing for the Bible or church law.” I don’t know much about “church law,” but “the Bible” ought to be the first, last and only court of appeals in any dispute.
We know that division strikes often within the Lord’s church, and that such division can render Christ’s body a crippling blow. “Rebels” in any organization have the potential for destruction or building… depending on the reasons for rebellion. Some, seeing the church go astray, rebel against the rebels. Often, that fighting is even more destructive. How can a congregation of the Lord’s people get back on track, back to where they were when they faithfully taught and practiced genuine New Testament Christianity?
Leaders Must Lead and All Must Follow
When Israel got “off track,” leaving the truths of the Lord for their own preferences, God spoke to their “shepherds” and asked them why they had not taken care of their “flocks,” Ezekiel 34. A congregation does not usually go astray if their shepherds are doing their job diligently. If they are to return to the “old paths, wherein is the good way,” Jeremiah 6:16, the shepherds must lead them, watch over them, protect them from predators, and guide them in the way of truth (see Titus 1:5-11). It is so easy to get caught up in the everyday things of life (paying the bills, keeping the yard mowed and the air conditioning set where everyone wants it) that shepherds can forget they are to be spiritual leaders, leading the flock to “green pastures” and watching out for “wolves” that threaten the flock of God. Shepherds (bishops, elders) must provide sound, sober, biblical leadership.
Not only is there a burden of leadership on the shepherds, there is also a mandate for members: “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you,” Hebrews 13:17.
Without biblical leadership, the flock wanders, becoming prey to those who “rebel” against God’s truth. However, without willing followers, God’s “ship of faith” is in danger of sinking into the mire of division. There is equal need for leaders and followers.
Truth Must be Honored Above Opinion
There is room for opinion in many areas, but when God has authorized His way, we must be willing to honor and obey that truth and be willing to stand in defense of it (see Philippians 1:17). It is usually the opinions of men that take the church on that journey of rebellion, and only proper attitudes toward God’s truth will heal the wounds of that rebellion. Some want their opinions to have equal weight with God’s truth, but therein lies the source of heresy. When God’s people submit to truth, they can sail a safe course, winning souls for Christ, preaching the truth in love, considering “one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching,” Hebrews 10:24-25.
Patience and Loving Care Must Prevail
Solomon was right when he wrote, “A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger,” Proverbs 15:1.
Yes, voices raised in anger, even in what some call “righteous indignation,” can destroy every attempt to keep the “ship” afloat. Those who preach must do so with love and patience (see Ephesians 4:15, Galatians 6:1). Those who lead must do so with God’s truth and the best interests of their people uppermost in their minds and actions. A congregation does not get “off track” in a week, and it won’t get back “on track” in a week. But it can be done. It has been done, more than once, and can be done again if we truly love God and the souls of men—both in and outside the Body of Christ. The results are well worth the efforts expended.
I recently visited with elders of a congregation that came back from the throes of division and rebellion. I once was a member of that congregation, and I know there are many who want to do what is right, what the Lord has authorized. Will there still be some battles that must be fought? Yes, and truth must be taught again and again. Can other congregations do the same? Yes, if there is the courage to lead and the humility to follow. God’s way is always best.
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“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another,”
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
“Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you,”
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It Was His Birthday
It was grandfather’s birthday. He was seventy-nine. He got up early, shaved, showered, combed his hair and put on his Sunday best so that he could look his best when they came.
He skipped his daily walk to the town café where he always had coffee with his cronies. He wanted to be home when they came. He put his chair on the sidewalk so he could get a better view of the street where they would drive up to help him celebrate his birthday.
At noon, he got tired, but decided to forego his nap so that he could be there when they came. The rest of the afternoon he spent near the telephone so he could answer it when they called.
He had five married children, thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. One son and daughter lived within ten miles of his place. They had not visited him in a long time. But today was his birthday, and they were sure to come.
At suppertime, he left the cake untouched so they could have dessert with him. After supper, he sat on the porch, waiting.
At eight thirty, he went to his room to prepare for bed. Before retiring, he left a note on the door: “Be sure to wake me when you arrive!”
It was grandfather’s birthday. He was seventy-nine.
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