A recent visitor graciously complimented us, saying that Dripping Springs “is a good, strong church.” I think his compliment was sincere, and I also think he is right. This congregation is strong, and we are growing stronger.
I was taught as a boy not to get too carried away with myself if a compliment comes, but to use that occasion to make sure it is true and a compliment – not just flattery. It is always wise to be honest about ourselves, not accepting compliments without appropriate self-examination.
There was a church in the first century at Sardis about which the Holy Spirit said, “you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead,” Revelation 3:1. We will always need to look at our opportunities and how we are meeting them. It should not be enough for us to be considered a “strong church” without our honest introspection.
What does it take to be a “strong church” in the eyes of God? Consider the following:
Every Member Growing
In nearly every facet of life, an institution is only as strong as its weakest link. It is true in athletics, politics, warfare, and – in the church. There is a clear mandate in the Bible that every Christian must grow, must be stronger as time passes. Every member!
Take a look at yourself; are you stronger in your faith today than last year? Have you truly grown as a Christian?
“…but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” 2 Peter 3:18.
Other Bible passages, such as Ephesians 4:15, 2 Thessalonians 1:3, and 1 Peter 2:2, make the same demand upon us.
The old adage is still true that says, “ A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” Every Christian must grow to his/her full potential.
Reinforced By Homes That Are Strong
Nations are painfully aware that “as goes the home, so goes the nation.” We may not, as a nation, give sufficient attention to this point, but we know that the home is the real fabric of any society.
Such is also true of the church at large and of each local congregation of Christ’s church.
Strong homes begin with strong parents. If Mom is a “weak” Christian, the children are very likely to be weak as well. If Dad never prays, never reads His Bible, his offspring are likely to follow his example. This is true, and we all know it.
Mom, Dad – begin now to lead your children to Christ, and fulfill your role in His Kingdom! Take it from me – and from the Bible – you will never regret it!
Standing Fast In The Faith
When a church – any church – leaves Christ and His word to follow modern ideas of men instead of Christ, they are no longer Christ’s church. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 16:13 that the Lord’s church must not drift with the wind, must not stray from the right path:
“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” KJV
The apostle Peter says much the same in 1 Peter 5:12. There will always be those who want to find an “easy” way, a way that demands less of us. And, they will find it – but not in the Bible. Jesus warned about those who would choose the easy way, and the consequences of such choices:
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it,” Matthew 7:13-14.
To be strong we must hold fast to God’s truth, never wavering nor compromising.
Strong In Evangelism
Jesus came to “seek and save that which is lost,” Luke 19:10. It follows that if we are to follow in His steps, we must be willing to sow the seed, find, and teach the lost. The demand is made upon every Christian, not just elders and preachers.
Do we care if our friends and neighbors care not for spiritual matters? Do we care that they have “no hope” for eternity?
We are presently giving a measure of support to eight preachers and one student. It is our privilege to do so, but every Christian has the responsibility to take Christ’s gospel to the lost. What about you? Are you helping in this area of responsibility?
Love For Others – Willing to Serve
You can tell when there is love and fellowship among brethren. You can also tell when we are willing to serve Christ and to give ourselves in service to God and to others. That is when we begin to have success in every area of our work.
Let’s determine we will grow, build strong homes, stand fast in the faith, take the gospel to the lost, serve and love one another! Then we will be an even stronger church – the Kingdom of God!
