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Bulletin Article Archives
The Church
Click on the title to move to the selected article and then on my name at the conclusion of the article to return to this directory.
Have you ever set out to put together a jigsaw puzzle? If so you know that each piece has its place in order for the picture to come together properly. You likely are also aware of your chances (one in 4,298,387 approximately) of completing the task without losing a piece. You take great diligence in placing pieces only to find, as you put in the last one that you have, that one piece is missing. At this point you will probably decide that since it is only a sky piece, it is not important to the picture and therefore you do not need to be concerned about searching for it. Right? Unlikely.
As you appraise the incomplete product you become uneasy. That missing piece begins to haunt you. You know that if you tried to go to sleep you would only dream about it laughing at you from its hiding place. As you look at the hole in your puzzle you try to ignore it, but it stands out like a sore thumb. Then you realize that it is not just a sky piece, but rather it is a bright, blue and beautiful part of something larger than itself. Actually, it has an intricate part in the overall picture. Its beauty is enhanced and complimented by its fellow pieces. IT IS IMPORTANT! With your newly acquired knowledge you are driven to your knees in search of that lost piece. Speaking of knees, that is a great place to begin a search for your place in the body of Christ. The similarities seem to me to be obvious. Where do YOU fit in?
September 4, 1988
1. Is the church of Christ a denomination? The church revealed in the New Testament was unified in one body under one Head, Jesus (Col. 1:18). This unity was essential to prove the identity of Jesus as God's Son to the world (Jn. 17:20-21). Division and denominationalism destroys this unity by dividing believers. Unity is restored when Christ is again enthroned as head and reigns by the authority of his word. As men realized the need to go back to the Bible and find God's plan for his church and the unity of all believers, the church of Christ taught in the New Testament began to be established again. The result was the original church established in Acts 2, and not a new denomination. The church of Christ is not a denomination.
2. What does the church of Christ believe? If it were not for the message of the Bible man would not really be able to know God or Jesus. Man would likewise be ignorant of the purpose and organization of Christ's church, salvation, and God's will for man's life. The Bible is God's message to man (2 Tim. 3:16-17) and it requires effort to learn this message (2 Tim. 2:15). The one who does not study cannot know what to believe on these subjects. The church of Christ believes the Bible to be the ONLY authority and guide for ALL matters of religion. Since the Bible is God's Word and Will for the church and every believer today, the church must plead for mankind to join in a serious investigation of God's Word and then believe and practice neither more or less than the Good Book teaches.
3. How does one become a member of the church of Christ? One becomes a member of the church of Christ today in exactly the same manner as one became a member of the church of Christ in the New Testament times. When a person obeys the gospel they are saved. Peter's audience on Pentecost verifies the previous statement. When they obeyed (Acts 2:38, 41) they were saved (vs. 47). When they were saved the Lord added them to his church (vs. 47). (Other examples: Acts 8:12, the Samaritans; 8:38, the Eunuch; 9:18, 22:16, Paul; 10:47, Cornelius; 16:15, 33, Lydia and the Jailer.) Everyone who was saved after the church was established in Acts two was saved in the same manner. They believed Jesus was the Christ, repented by turning away from their sins, and were immersed for the forgiveness of their sins (1 Pet. 3:21). When they did this Jesus added them to his church. When one does this today Jesus will add that person to the same church.
4. Why should I be a member of the church of Christ? Because the church is the body of Christ, who is its Savior (Eph. 5:23). It is this body, with Christ as the head, that will be saved. Therefore, it is of the greatest importance to be a part of that body that will be saved by its Head. To be a part of another body would require having another head, and the Bible plainly teaches that salvation is only found in Christ (Acts 4:12). The Bible tells man of God's will for him and what he must do to be saved. Nothing is more important than to learn to prevent your soul from being lost. Study to know. Obey to be saved.
June 26 and July 3, 1991
The churches of Galatia struggled with false teachers, tearing at the foundation laid by Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. These "scholars" implanted doubts in the minds of the Galatian saints as to the saving ability of the Christian Gospel. Many fell victim to their new doctrines.
Thessalonica heard the story of Jesus mingled with the dangerous threats of persecution. Then they were troubled by debates of the Lord's return and fear that it had already occurred. Corinth struggled with Satan. He feverishly worked to divide them. Discord was sown in their midst and embarrassing acts of depravation were found among them. Even Paul's efforts to rescue them were at first rejected.
The church at Rome was plagued with prejudice. Jew held Gentile in disdain, and Gentile held Jew in contempt. Paul preached peace and urged acceptance upon his brethren. In Ephesus there was an apparent calm. Here Paul spoke of the beauty of the church and the virtue of brotherly kindness. But then John would see this same church having lost their first love (Revelation 2:4).
Throughout the New Testament groups of individuals banded together in various congregations and attempted to put their faith into practice. This, as has been made evident, was accomplished with varied degrees of success. But perhaps that is how it should have been. What made these groups so special was not their perfect example of Christianity, as hard as they tried, but the fact that they were God's people. We have not understood the church until we appreciate that fact.
January 17, 1993
In the 5th century B.C. the Greek historian Herodotus referred to Colossae as a "great city." In the 4th century B.C. Xenophan gave similar testimony concerning this city. Yet, by the time the gospel reached this part of Asia Minor, some 400 years, Colossae had declined both in importance and in population to a small town.
The Lord's church that met in Colossae would know its own peculiar problems. They struggled with mysticism mixed with Jewish influences mingled with images of Christianity. Some worshipped angels while others served their own wills.
Colossae, overshadowed by Rome, Ephesus and Corinth, was admittedly insignificant. The culture was troubling and volatile at beat. But Paul was convinced that the congregation that gathered in that tiny town surrounded by turbulent times was nothing but great. This was true not because of their numerical size but because of who they served (Colossians 1:2).
The world around these early believers was literally falling apart, yet their faith still shone through the darkness (Colossians 1:3-4). Today all that remains of Colossae is a "hollow cavity, a few stones from a theater, fragments of columns and traces of a hall" (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia). But Paul's letter still lives to proclaim that in Christ there are no insignificant people. In faithful service there are no insignificant acts.
March 28, 1993
A prayer was answered. A kingdom came. No kingdom was ever forged at a greater cost: a cross and sinless blood. Around the world the message was hurled as this kingdom embraced the outer rim of the inhabited creation. Spanning the ages it remains through the power of inspiration. It reached farther than any kingdom had, to the depths of the human soul. This kingdom was entrenched in mankind's heart. It was called the church.
His kingdom is inhabited by the saved, but not the perfect. Its mission is to publish and perpetuate the unfailing love of God. To that end all the commandments lead (1 Timothy 1:5). Its method to achieve this mission is obedience. Its ultimate goal is heaven. It is sustained by Christ who serves as its head (Ephesians 4:15), guided by the Spirit through the Word and empowered by the God who conceived it (Ephesians 1:4).
Even today Jesus takes the compliant soul and places it where he knows best (1 Corinthians 12:18) as he continues to build his kingdom. Angelic joy resounds about him as yet another servant is baptized and placed in this spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). Sadness invades the throne of God as another pulls away. A name is removed from the Book of Life. But the church remains (Hebrews 12:28). The kingdom has come.
August 7, 1994
Most visitors to Jerusalem are drawn, by Jewish pride, to their Temple. It was as if God enhanced its glory with the bright sunlight glistening off the ornate stones and gold covered buildings. The unsuspecting traveler would be overwhelmed with awe at the sight. Even the disciples of Jesus were not immune from such national and religious fervor. No doubt they were confident the Temple would play a major role in the Messianic kingdom Jesus would inaugurate.
"Surprised" would be an understatement as the Twelve listened to Jesus' discussion of the Temple's inglorious future (Luke 21:5-7). How could God work with His House in ruins? Who could have imagined that the emergence of Jesus, and the kingdom He established, would so dramatically affect the majestic Temple about which all their lives, hopes and dreams revolved?
Jesus was telling them something important, and divine history has since confirmed His message. The Temple, no matter how impressive, was only incidental to the work of God. In the eternal scheme of things it would serve as little more than a footnote. In the end it wouldn't matter at all. He was telling them, as us, that temples, no matter what their form or nature, make poor saviors.
July 16, 1995
The church meant everything to him. It is obviously more valued than anything else on earth because of the time and energy he devotes to it. You can see his love in his respect for the Bible and his concern for holy living. Because of this he holds an irreplaceable position in the church's teaching program and is involved in each and every phase of personal evangelism. He always stands ready to serve.
Members are known by name along with their needs and concerns. Anyone can call on him at any time and he will be there for them. He looks forward to the various assemblies of the church, being aware of all that transpires there. Prayer plays a major role in his life, for he knows well its power having learned firsthand the need to be prayerful in all areas of life. This person loves to give to the church. Much thought has gone into his personal giving as he knows that one's love for God is manifest in his sacrificial giving. He is concerned about the work of the church, church finances and how its resources are used.
I'm sure you know the man who loves the church as his own family. His love is pure. His love is unselfish. His love is unquestionable. His name is Jesus. He loves the church and wants you to love it as he does.
September 17, 1995
The human mind possesses an amazing capacity to process information. When the physical body is exhausted the mind continues to spin tales of intrigue, excitement, mystery and comedy in the form of dreams.
The average person dreams about 25% of the sleep period. Although it is impossible to calculate the frequency, length and number of dreams, research has led some authorities to conclude the average person will have as few as four dreams during the night and the number could be much higher. Many will not be remembered. Others cannot be easily forgotten.
So was Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel chapter two. His famous kingdom dream is very special to modern day believers. Pointing to the time of Jesus, Daniel explained, "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed" (Dan. 2:44). What God predicted, Christ fulfilled. To be a member of Christ's church is to live this glorious dream.
March 7, 1999
Before there was light, and the beginning of time, Christ was with God. Before the earth was formed and placed in the expanse of the heavens, the church was in the mind of God. The sacrifice of the cross was planned before the trees grew on the surface of the dry ground. Before the iron ore was placed in the hills, Jesus Christ knew his hands and feet would be nailed to the cross for the sin-sick world. Before man was ever tempted, God knew Satan would suffer the crushing defeat of Christ's resurrection.
The church was not, as some assert, a last ditch effort to salvage the lost after man unexpectedly rejected God's Son. Each horror of Jesus' final days was another unfolding chapter in "God's set purpose and foreknowledge" (Acts 2:23). The church is the divine body of the saved. It is the spiritual body of Christ (Eph. 5:23).
Christ came just as it was planned. He died just as he was appointed. He established his church just as he promised (Mat. 16:18). How can man justify tampering with God's kingdom, dividing and tinkering with the blood bought kingdom of Jesus? Is Christ divided (1 Cor. 1:13)? Paul's question will haunt many in the judgment who have taken for granted the church, which was planned before the creation of the world by the Son of God who made the world.
September 8, 1996
The last chapter of Romans is special. Although Paul had never visited that city, and his long anticipated arrival would not occur for many years, his affection for the brethren was strong. He had many friends in the capital city with long-standing ties in Christian service.
Priscilla and Aquilla lived and worshipped in Rome (v. 3). Together they shared memories of Corinth and Ephesus (Acts 18). Andronicus and Junia apparently had connections with the apostles preceding Paul's career (v. 7). Then there was Rufus (v. 13). He was dear to Paul, not just for what he had accomplished as a member but for the mutual affection they shared for his mother.
Others are listed in this beautiful chapter: Epaenetus, Tryphena, Asyncritus, Philolgus. Today we stumble over their names. Back then Paul memorialized their lives of dedication to Christ. None of them were "just members."
Every member of the body of Christ is special in the eyes of God. They have been set in the body with a purpose to fulfill that, when discharged, will please the Father (1 Cor. 12:18). None are "just members." We are either faithful or unfaithful members. We are either committed or uncommitted members. What kind of member are you?
November 3, 1996
History can be traced by the victories and defeats of great armies. Each had its moment in the spotlight of history. Each cowered in defeat under the conquest of troops more powerful and resilient than themselves. Where is the army of Pharaoh? Where are the troops of the Great Alexander? Where are the legions of Rome?
Only one army has stood the test of time. That army is the church: God’s army. Its members are equipped with the weapons of spiritual warfare (Eph. 6:14-18) to engage in battle an enemy far greater than themselves (vv. 10-12). And like Goliath of old, this foe will fall. Not by the power of the soldier but by the power of God within the soldier.
If you’re a Christian then you are foot soldier in God’s army. So Paul urges you to “endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 2:3) and to “fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called” (1 Tim. 6:12).
As the book of history is forever closed one army will remain. With the battles of life ceased, this army will busy itself with the eternal celebration of a hard-fought victory. God’s army will finally be home.
February 1, 1998
The. It is the one and only. Contrary to popular opinion, the Bible lays claim to only one body (Eph. 4:4), one church (Eph. 3:10) and one eternal kingdom of the saved (Dan. 2:44).
Church. The original Greek word for church signifies the "called out," and refers to a people, not to a building. Individuals are called out of the world, out of sin and out of condemnation. Individuals are called into God's assembly, into forgiveness and into grace. The church is the body of believer who have been saved.
Of. This body has a Master and Lord. Someone owns it (Acts 20:28). Like a husband he cares for the church (Eph. 5:23). He alone authorizes its teaching and worship. He alone adds to its membership (Acts 2:47).
Christ. Jesus was born to reign over God's kingdom (John 18:36). He died to purchase unto Himself all who would submit to him in baptism (Acts 2:38). Anointed by God and adored by men, Jesus Christ today awaits the day His church comes home.
The church of Christ is the product of centuries. In it God's love is most fully realized but only inadequately appreciated. In it God is glorified, Jesus is served and we are saved.
September 19, 1999
Lights ... Camera ... Action!!
As the curtain ascends the players stand on their mark. The anticipatory applause from the audience is the cue for the play to begin. The costumes, make-up, scripts and rehearsals all behind, preparation now becomes performance.
Jesus' disciples had worked long and hard to fulfill the "role" for which they had been selected. Having undergone rigorous training at the Master's side they were anxious to step "into the land." Their quarrels over "greatness" and "who will sit next to Christ" betrayed the ambitious nature of their hearts. At no time was this more obvious than when John reported to Jesus the successful effort of the Twelve in thwarting the competition. "Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us" (Mark 9:38).
Jesus accurately points out that not all of His followers are among the Twelve. There were 120 in Acts 1:5, and over 500 in 1 Corinthians 15:6. Remember also that Jesus had sent out 70 "missionaries" into the countryside, each equipped with the miraculous ability to heal the sick (Luke 10:1-9).
What was the mistake of the Twelve in Mark 9? They confused preparation with performance. Yes, they had been trained in Christ and His teachings, but those teachings are useless until they are put into action, like those unnamed disciples were doing.
As the curtain ascends on the final day, Christians should be the first to their marks before an audience of One. Then performance will become reward.
January 20, 2002
The amazed multitudes gathered out of curiosity to identify the unusual sound, that of a "rushing mighty wind." Nothing could have prepared them for what they heard next. Each of Jesus' Twelve was speaking in languages they had never studied (Acts 2:6, 8). It was against this amazing backdrop that Peter arose to address a sea of faces. With the "keys of the kingdom," Peter led 3,000 of them to the door of salvation and then unlocked it (Acts 2;38).
How did this crowd go from mocking to repentance? Peter led them through the pages of religious history: Joel's anticipation of the Holy Spirit, David's discourse on the resurrection, and the recent events surrounding the cross. The "salvation" they anticipated was possible because of the Messiah they had rejected!
Peter insisted that history didn't "just happen yesterday." These events were no accident (Acts 2:23). Each represented a smaller picture of God's great love and desire to redeem lost humanity. Peter helped them to see God's plan unfolding, God's promises fulfilled, and God's grace extended to them individually. He led them through the cross to God (John 14:6).
April 7, 2002
Who could calculate the number of souls, victorious in the final judgment, will enter heaven with the influence of the late Jule Miller (died July 4, 2000) having changed the course of their spiritual destiny? The majority of these never had the opportunity to even meet him. Yet through his efforts they were able to meet Christ in baptism.
In the third filmstrip/video he continues to bring to his students a clear presentation of the "Four Things Necessary to Constitute a Kingdom." No kingdom, mortal or spiritual, can exist without these four things.
1. A King. The angel Gabriel told Mary that God's Son would "reign ... forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end" (Luke 1:30-33). 2. A Territory. The nature of Jesus' Kingdom was to be spiritual (John 18:36). Its territory is the submissive heart (Luke 17:21). 3. Subjects. Jesus teaches, in Matthew 25:31-34, that anyone who obediently submits to Him as King and Master is His subject. 4. A Law. Our nation has a body of law that governs and guides its citizens. Christians are given a law also, the New Testament (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
The passing of time cannot change these four needs. Any human attempt to alter these traits is doomed to failure. God's perfect plan is realized today in the church of Christ.
May 20, 2001
Teachers are special because of their greatness. They are great because they are servants. They are servants because of their love. Their greatness is enhanced because they do not see it, after all, they just teach.
It is difficult to be a teacher because of the time and effort demanded. Children keep looking to see if the lessons taught can be noticed in your life. Week after week and month after month the task grows more pressing and fewer seem willing to bear the burden. They keep teaching and that makes them great.
Why not let these know their contributions are appreciated? A word of encouragement can go a long way. An offer to help can go even further. But don't be surprised when you hear, "Oh, it was nothing," because Bible teachers are great.
July 17, 1994
Somalia!
Welcome to the epitome of sorrow, starvation, and poverty. Welcome to life in the grip of famine's hand. The phenomenon is not new, the 1980's gave us Ethiopia. Famines reach back far into the history of mankind. Genesis 12:10 reveals the Bible's first record of such an occurrence. The best-known famine is the seven-year one presided over by Joseph in Egypt. However, the deadliest famine is the one that has touched every generation and is chronicled for us by the prophet Amos.
Amos was born and reared south of Jerusalem, the capital of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Yet, his prophetic office took him to Samaria, the corrupt capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. There he preached boldly the Word of God. His words echoed off the complacent idols that had obscured the true God. He spoke of the great love God had revealed but these people had spurned. He warned of the unavoidable judgment that was coming upon this unrepentant nation who refused to listen and return to the One who had called them.
The famine spoken of by Amos is the most deadly of all because it is self-imposed. This famine is the most pitiful because it's victims willingly suffer, refusing the remedy close at hand. It is the most devastating because it is not alleviated by death, but is rewarded by eternal separation from God. This famine is created by the absence of the Word of God (Amos 8:11).
Those who heard Amos lived in physical luxury (6:3-7) but were suffering a spiritual famine. The Word came near them but they let it pass by. It has been repeated in every generation since.
Even today, when we decide not to study, to attend Bible class, to search and apply the Truths of the Bible, we voluntarily enter once again spiritual Somalia.
December 6, 1992
All dissenters aside, no sounder method of understanding the Bible has surfaced than what we know as the traditional approach. Many are the critics who have criticized and opposed this "old hermeneutic" (method of interpretation), while none are the "scholars" able to advance an accurate, effective alternate method.
The meaning of scriptures is detectable by examining what has been commanded. Of course, the historical setting and the intended audience must be considered, being important, but not more important than the context and the command itself.
Another tool useful in understanding the Bible is a recorded example. The things early disciples did reveal how they understood God's expectations of their faith. For example, we profit from their pattern of preaching, worship and evangelizing, just to name a few. Then there are the conclusions that can be inferred from what the text implies. These are unavoidable conclusions drawn from recorded facts. Although not specifically mentioned, we know that "preaching Christ" involves teaching baptism because of Philip's work among the Samaritans (Acts 8:5-12).
With any one or any combination of these elements - a specific command, apostolic example and unavoidable conclusions – we can understand the Bible. When all three elements are present the modern disciple can clearly see what the Bible teaches is to be done. Perhaps that is the missing element. What we understand must then be done. A mere understanding is simply not enough.
September 18, 1994
The New Testament contains 27 books, 20 chapters, 7,957 verses and I'll let someone else count the words and letters. It reveals to us the very mind of God. The Bible is inspired (2 Tim. 3:16-17), complete (Jude 3), and authored by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet. 1:20-21).
One can follow these inspired commandments with confidence that God is pleased when His will is respected and obeyed. When one departs from what is written (1 Cor. 4:6) the dangers inherent in disobedience are risked. Yet, even then, there are those not content therewith. They long to plunge into the uncharted waters of what the Bible does NOT say.
When the Word records a specific command it authorizes only what it has included. Noah was not told what types of wood he was not to use. Jonah was not prohibited from going to Tarshish (or any other place he might have chosen). No explicit prohibition is given against infant baptism, instrumental music in Christian worship, soft drinks at the Lord's Table, etc.
God said "gopher" and thereby excluded all other wood. He said "Nineveh," and Jonah became painfully aware that Tarshish was not acceptable. Baptism is for believers and that does not include infants. God commanded Christians to "sing" in worship and that includes no other kinds of music. When Christ authorized the emblems to be used at the Table he rejected all others.
Prohibition (a specific "Thou shalt not ...") for any and every abuse that could be conceived does not have to be issued in order for God to communicate His will. If so our Bibles would be much too small. It would then have at least as many chapters as it now has letters.
October 30, 1994
Maintenance is hard work. Over time most things deteriorate. That is true of buildings, bodies and souls. Some, prepared at one time for eternity, may no longer be ready. Here are just a few items that will help you maintain your spiritual well-being.
1. Pray regularly. Rather than just pray daily, why not think about praying throughout the day (1 Thes. 5:17)?
2. Worship meaningfully. Be prepared to join the church on every occasion of worship. Come ready and excited about the opportunity before you (Heb. 10:24-25).
3. Study often. Spiritual weak spots can often be strengthened with a working knowledge of Scripture. We all need to dig deep into God's Word, but we also need to possess a wide scope of familiarity with Scripture in general. Some things we just need to know (1 Tim. 4:13).
4. Practice your faith. Paint is difficult to appreciate while still in the can. When we take the truths learned in God's Word and put them into practice we enable ourselves, and others, to enjoy its true beauty (James 1:22).
Share your hope. The gospel is too important to keep to ourselves (Romans 1:16-17). Be alert for opportunities to let others know the blessings Jesus has to offer them.
April 7, 1996
Pinochle. You play it with cards, I think. When it comes to this topic my knowledge is very limited, as is my desire to delve deeper into its secrets. If a training class were to be held to share the finer art of Pinochle I doubt that I would be in attendance. To me, Pinochle is for others.
Basketball. I like to watch and wish I could better play the game. Someone very close to me has recently renewed this interest. We have gone to games together and enjoy them regularly on television and radio. If a workshop was held to improve my skills and knowledge of the game and it did not conflict with something more important I would likely be present. Basketball is for fun.
Bible study. I desperately need to grow in this area. Passing years have not reduced this need and nothing else is more important. No obstacle will be allowed to forbid my participation in learning the truths of God's Word. Hopefully no day will pass that my mind and God's will not meet in the pages of the Bible. For me Bible study is forever.
Others may feel about Pinochle as I feel about the Bible. Some may feel about the Bible as I feel about Pinochle. But for me, on the day I die I want to spend some quality time reading God's Word. Since that day could be today, I'll be in Bible class.
March 5, 1995
"He must be the Messiah," the awestruck multitudes concluded. Before them stood a man formerly possessed by a demon. His blind eyes were now open. His tongue now loosed to speak the praises of the one who set him free. The Galilean rabbi was responsible for such remarkable feats. He must be the Messiah!
"His powers to heal come not from above but from below," countered the frustrated Pharisees (Matthew 12:24). They explained the great energy evident in Jesus as a plot emanating from the deep recesses of Hell to confuse and distract from God's true leadership - themselves.
Jesus pointed out that the answer to the apparent conflict was simple: a kingdom fighting itself is a destroyed kingdom. The demonic dominion was well aware of this truth. Their dominion was well aware of this truth. Their fully united forces assembled to confront the efforts of God through His Son. Even today they resist the church and simple faith revealed in the pages of our New Testament. One lesson straight from the Devil's handbook is to divide and conquer Christ's church.
The seeds of division sown into the Kingdom of Light may be as obvious as turning brother against brother. They may be as covert as turning us slowly away from the inspired truth. It matters not to Satan if it takes physical or spiritual division. It only matters that the mission of the church is forgotten and the fervent love for God flickers out. Then the dirty work of division is done.
September 26, 1993
Beauty, they say, is in the eye of the beholder. Traits esteemed as admirable in one region and time are seen as unattractive in another. Standards, styles and taste change in the eye of the beholder. Natural beauty in the eyes of the Creator always remains the same: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing—Life forevermore” (Psalm 133).
God cherishes unity among His people. He counts as an enemy any who seek to divide those seeking Him (Prov. 6:19; Rom. 16:17). If any doubt lingers regarding God's appreciation of unity among Christians, one should consult Jesus' prayer of unity in John 17 (especially verses 20-21). It is no wonder
Paul pled for unity in divided Corinth (1 Cor. 1:10) and Ephesus (Eph. 4:3). We have no choice but to seek unity in our congregation and community if we wish to be pleasing in the eyes of our Creator. The Christian's efforts to maintain unity is beautiful in God's eyes.
November 22, 1998 |
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