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Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins
What's Right With the Church?
The church for which Jesus died, for which He paid the price of His “precious blood,” is exactly what God wanted it to be and what He intended it to be. His plan for the church was just what was needed in the world of the first century and in the twenty-first century as well. Her commission and purpose is clearly set forth for us, and that purpose is just what this world needs today.
Is it possible for those of us who make up the local church to lose sight of God’s instructions for the church, and depart from those clear intentions? Of course, and God knew and anticipated that problem, and gave us the means to get back on the right course.
We recognize the need for each Christian to be committed to Christ. We realize that evangelism has not been as important to us as it should be. We have known some who would abandon the biblical plan and work of the church. We know of our need to be more aware of the needs of our brethren. But there are also many positive things for us to be aware of today. Consider the following things that are “right” with the Lord’s church today.
Respect for God’s Authority
We will never be the force for evangelizing the world if we are not fully respectful of the authority of God, Colossians 3:17. Many today are becoming more aware of this need, and are asking, “What does the Bible say?” This is certainly an encouraging thought, for the religious world at large seems more interested in big numbers and a good image than in following Christ and giving Him the pre-eminence He deserves. As we honor God’s Word, and “seek first the Kingdom of God,” Matthew 6:33, we are on the right path, following in His steps. We will always be right to respect God’s supreme authority.
God’s Blueprint for Success
God’s view of success is quite different from that of man. We are not required to be “successful” as men might judge, but to be faithful to Christ. Yes, we are to “preach the Word,” 2 Timothy 4:2, but the heart of the hearer must be willing to listen and to respond. Jesus’ parable of the sower, Mark 4, reveals this principle. When we plant and water, God will give the “increase,” 1 Corinthians 3:6. The question significant at this point is, “Am I doing my part to reach the lost?” That will have to happen for things to be “right” with the church.
“Fields White unto Harvest”
Today, many people are searching. Opportunities and open doors are everywhere if we will but look for them. Today’s rampant wickedness has even motivated some to seek a life in which righteous living is respected.
Accounts of terrorism, murder, rape and kidnapping tear at our hearts today. How can we do something about this? We have the perfect solution, the only true antidote to such wickedness—the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Love of Brothers and Sisters
What’s right with the church? We have brothers and sisters who care for us, love us, look for ways to help us. Jesus said it this way: “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.
Our neighbors, our family, our friends need what we have. This is what some call the “badge of discipleship,” this “love one to another.” When we love one another we seek the other’s best interests, not just our own. We warn others of dangers, we provide loving correction when they stray from the “way of life.” This can be a powerful motive to serve God.
A God of Grace and Love
The “gods” created by men are often objects of terror. But in 1 John 4:8 we read “God is love.” Not only is His nature that of love, but His love moved Him to provide a way of redemption, forgiveness and the hope of eternal life, Titus 3:4-7. He is not our adversary, but our friend and comforter. The world needs to know of this God of love and mercy, and we have the genuine privilege of revealing Him to them.
Shining “As Lights in the World”
It was Jesus who said to His disciples, “Ye are the light of the world,” Matthew 5:14. Years later Paul told the Philippians they should “shine as lights in the world,” 2:15. This is both our obligation and our privilege, to reflect the light and love of God to the world about us. When the church is doing so, the world can see that there are many things about the church of Christ that are “right.” Let’s keep on shining.
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“Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and not tried.”
“The trouble with some of us is that we have been inoculated with small doses of Christianity which keep us from catching the real thing.”
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It's "Cool" To Be Bad
There is a group of people living in this world right now that are a ticking time bomb. It is said that if these people had the opportunity, they would “eat you alive.” They live among us today, always looking for a chance to take over and rule (just kidding). These people are teens. But seriously, here is a brief look at some of the things involving them. First, we will look at the bad influences and pressures that teens face. Then we’re going to look at how parents and older people can help.
In 1 Corinthians 15:33 we read that bad companions corrupt good morals. Young people today face many tough trials and temptations. These days it’s “cool” to be bad. It’s “cool” to be the guy that rebels and laughs in the face of authority. Some may think it is not so bad, but they don’t realize that it all leads to bigger and worse things.
Teens are faced with struggles for popularity. They think that they have to do things to fit in and have friends. They need to realize that Jesus is the best friend we could possibly have. Just look what He did for us in Luke 23:33-46. He was beaten, mocked, spat upon, and killed for every one of us. The world tells them that they have to be good looking be known by everyone to be “worth anything. This drives them to do stupid things that will either ruin their reputation or make them “cool” in the world’s eyes, but filthy in God’s eyes.
These are things like sexual immorality. We see in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 that this is condemned. It’s a terribly sad fact that the media and other predators are telling teens that it’s okay to be sexually immoral. It seems that you can’t watch television, listen to the radio, or go to a movie without the subject being portrayed like it’s okay.
Teens emotions are dramatic, and they may try to solve these problems by turning to drugs or alcohol instead of the Bible. Far too often teens have turned to suicide. One in every 13 teens in American attempt suicide every year, and 8,000 of them are successful. They turn to suicide for many different reasons. Maybe they are struggling with a terminal illness, or they didn’t make the sports team, or they feel guilty, or they are constantly being ridiculed for something.
For those who are Christians, problems may cause them to question their faith. They might blame or question God. “Why, God, does everything happen to me?” Many of these kids just need someone to take their problems to, someone to push them in the right direction, and that’s where parents and older people can help lead them to the Bible.
Young people need good Christian influences. They need someone to take them into the Bible and show them the way they should deal with their problems. You can take them into the book of Job and show them that someone who lost everything, yet stayed true and loyal and obedient to God and eventually got back all those things, plus so much more (Job 42:10-17). There is no better favor you can do for them than to correct them when they sin. They won’t always welcome or like it, but it’s doing them good nonetheless.
Older Christians need to provide a good influence for the younger ones. So much of the way they learn is what they get from the things you do. The strength of the young is a crucial issue for today and in the future of the church.
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