Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins

Short Steps On A Long Journey We are familiar with the old saying, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.” The Lord’s church has been on a journey of some 2,000 years, and we cannot know the ultimate duration of that journey. But each step, each decision has an impact on the ultimate destination. We like to think that we learn from our mistakes and not repeat them, but honesty tells us that we often repeat the same mistakes again and again. One thing we can agree on. What is called “Christianity” today is not a distant relative of what Jesus purchased with His blood 2,000 years ago, Acts 20:28. Take a look at the denominational world and tell me that it is what Jesus died for. You know better, for when compared with the Bible it falls far short of the mark. How and when did this journey get so far off course? It was not one step, but many small steps that brought us to this point of religious division. Note the following “short steps” man took. Persecution or Rejection It’s natural for humans to prefer acceptance to rejection. We want our neighbors to respect our beliefs, and too often that desire has motivated us to adjust our beliefs somewhat to the views of the many. Have we arrived at the point where our community image means too much to us? A Religion Of Convenience That began when man slowly became less knowledgeable of the Bible and did not realize it was happening, Hebrews 5:12. Then, when it became clear man must “study” for ourselves, that it was a personal matter, some decided it was “too much trouble,” which led to the next step. Dependence Upon Others “Why not hire someone to do our studying for us?” “Let them spend the time necessary to understand the Bible; then they can teach us. That will save us time and energy.” What came out of that, however, was a decline in our knowledge of the scripture. And – if that one to whom we entrust our faith rejects God’s truth and teaches their own erroneous beliefs – we are swiftly taking steps away from God’s way. Eventually that is a decision that can be fatal to our souls. Church’s Organization Corrupted Instead of “the saints…with the bishops and the deacons,” as seen in Philippians 1:1, new “offices” in the church began to emerge – such as “arch-bishop,” and “reverend”. The “clergy” that was created to study for us assumed authority that belonged only to Christ. One more step on that long journey to what we see in the religious world today. That “clergy” evolved into today’s “pastors,” took control of our congregations, and we hurried on down the road to apostasy and confusion, 1 Corinthians 14:33. Church’s Worship Was Corrupted The New Testament reveals the worship authorized by God. It was there that the object and purpose of our worship was to praise God, not entertain us. But when man decided to follow his own interests, the worship was “revised” to “juice it up a bit.” Some things were added to God’s authorized plan and many liked it better. That was just one more “green light” to continue further on that “journey.” There may have been no intent to abandon the instructions God had revealed, but when we substitute our own preferences for what God authorized, that was – and always will be – the end result. Christ’s Authority Ignored Since God gave the provisions of our relationship with Him it is our place to honor them. Had Christ simply said for man to “worship,” giving no instruction for that worship, we could have chosen our own form of worship. But He did give very specific instructions for our worship. When God gave His conditions of entrance into the kingdom of God, and when those conditions were stated by Christ and inspired writers, how could man think he could alter or revise them? As an example, when God said “sing,” Ephesians 5:19-21, where did any man obtain authority to add something else? Note these words: “Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him,” Colossians 3:17. This principle of “authority” is no stranger to us today. At the pizza parlor, the pharmacy, the mechanic’s shop, we have little patience with someone tossing in some unwanted mushrooms on the pizza, or the neighborhood pharmacist putting his favorite ingredient in our prescription, or the mechanic putting four new tires on the car – if they were not given the authority to do so.   Yes, they were just short steps, but each step led to another, and another. Take a look at the world of “religion” today, and you can see where those short steps took us. No, it’s not pretty! Carl Garner

The Value of Persecution Persecution is a reality of the Christian life. Paul ominously warned that “. . . all who would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). We expect persecution from the world. After all, Jesus said: “A servant is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). The more lamentable reality is this: Occasionally, hateful conduct comes from our own kinsmen in the Lord. Paul was not exempt from such malevolence; he wrote of being “in perils among false brethren” (2 Cor. 11:26).  For further illustration of this reality, read the apostle’s description of certain envious brethren in Rome who attempted to compound the apostle’s affliction while he languished as a prisoner, awaiting the disposition of his case before Caesar (Phil. 1:12ff). It is difficult to conceive of such ungodly malevolence. And, unfortunately, that noxious species is not extinct. As faithful children of God, however, we must learn to recognize the value of persecution, and even to rejoice therein – not ostentatiously, but in a quiet and humble way. Consider the following. Persecution allows us to share in a special fellowship with our Lord. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul catalogued a number of things he had to forfeit for the cause of Jesus. Such losses, however, he viewed as but “dung” (3:9 KJV), or “refuse” (ASV), that he might share the “fellowship of [Christ’s] sufferings” (3:10). The noble apostle even counted his “bonds” as a “grace” (favor) which God had bestowed upon him (see Phil. 1:7). What a marvelous attitude! Persecution is good for us. The inspired James argues that trials “prove” our faith, work “patience” (endurance) in our lives, and help develop maturity (James 1:2-4). Steel is tempered in the flames of the forge. The University of Hard Knocks helps to grind off those rough edges that mar character. Yielding graciously to persecution allows one to demonstrate that he is of a superior quality than his adversaries. It is easy to be hateful; but the ugly disposition throws a floodlight upon human weakness. It is much more Christ-like to remain calm and to respond in kindness, in the face of evil opposition. This is a tremendous challenge, but we have the wonderful example of the Lord to encourage us. Peter says that Jesus, “when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, threatened not” (1 Peter 2:23). At times, when one is maligned by unspiritual brethren, he is required to admonish himself with the foregoing precedent so beautifully demonstrated by the Lord. Particularly is this the case, for example, if he is aware of devastating “skeletons” that lie buried within some of his adversaries’ “closets.” The genuine Christian must employ a greater ethical code than that to which his detractors subscribe. Persecution enables us to value the sweet consolation of true friends. Conflict sometimes brings faithful children of God together in a thrilling way they might not have known otherwise. Affliction can stimulate the Lord’s people toward a greater resolve to love one another. There’s nothing like an ugly example to help the more mature escalate toward a higher level of brotherly love. And so, when we think about it seriously, we can thrust ourselves forward, even in the face of adversarial conflict, and press on. We can thank God for His grace, and for His patience with us all. We can express gratitude for those whom we love in the Lord, and who stand with us in times of distress. And we can pray for those who would accuse, misuse, or abuse us (see 2 Corinthians 11:24; Romans 10:1). Wayne Jackson