subject:  The Church, #6 in Sain’s filing system                                                1/4/04 p.m.

Is Christ Divided?

1 Corinthians 1:13

Introduction

1.  In the face of abject division, Paul asked the above question.

     a.  This question is rhetorical in nature.

     b.  Christ certainly is not divided, and neither should His followers be divided.

2.  The unity that is achievable in Christ is powerful in its persuasion.

     a.  Christ said that this unity would be a conversion tool (John 17:20-24).

     b.  One who sows discord among brethren is abominable before Jehovah (Proverbs 6:16-19).

3.  God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).

     a.  God did not give us His Word to confuse us.  He did not outline His Way to perplex us.

     b.  God wants His people to be one.

4.  A powerful and searching question to ask during Bible studies is:  “Why are there so

     many different churches?”

     a.  There are so many different churches because people are not satisfied to give the

          Lord what He wants.

     b.  There are so many so-called churches of Christ for that same reason.

 

 I.  There are those who go too far to the right.

     A.  It is true that Christianity is a very strict way (Matthew 7:13, 14), and we must indeed have

           Bible authority for all that we do (Colossians 3:17).

           1.  There are some, though, who feel that explicit and direct commands must exist in

                before the church can engage in anything.

           2.  While the above point may sound good to you, there are some implications that need to

                be noted—the Bible does not explicitly and directly tell the church to have

                Sunday morning Bible class, an evening worship service, or even a building in which to

                meet.  While some oppose the aforementioned, we recognize such as expedients.

     B.  The Bible not only authorizes by direct commands but also by examples and implications

          (i.e. since Christians are commanded to assemble, a place to assemble is authorized; since

          Christians are commanded to study the Bible, Bible classes are authorized).

 

 II.  There are those who go too far to the left.

      A.  While one may suggest that the anti philosophy is cautious (such still does not justify

            binding where God has not bound), the liberal mindset is absolutely reckless.

            1.  A parallel can be drawn between modern liberals and those of Jeremiah 6:14.  Some

                 liberals may be well meaning, but there message is still dangerous.

            2.  Look at 2 Kings 5:13 and consider how the liberal mind wants to “spice up” God’s Way.

      B.  Men pleasures need to beware (Galatians 1:10).

      C.  Liberalism is on the horns of a dilemma.

           1.  Liberal churches constantly desire to “push the envelop.”  They may succeed in pleasing

                the spiritually immature, but most liberal congregations make their sound members mad.

           2.  Someone will always be bigger and better.  If you’re in the business of out-doing

                churches with your innovations, you will be out done.  (Max Lacado’s group recently

                removed the designation “church of Christ” from their sign.  This is a step that others will

                likely eventually resort to.)

 

III.  We want to be in the middle.

      A.  There are congregations here in Dyersburg that have gone to the right and to the left;

            Phillips Street finds itself right in the middle, where we should be.

      B.  Jeremiah 6:16 contains our marching orders.  We ask for the old paths that many despise

            and we are content to walk therein.

            1.  Some ask for the old paths but, in truth, they are discontent with them, and they cast

                 longing eyes into the “greener fields” of the big, liberal churches.

            2.  Let’s be content with what pleases God!

_________

 

What Draws ‘Em Keeps ‘Em

 

            A number of years ago I wrote an article with the above title. The lessons taught then were needed and some of the same lessons are still needed. Everybody wants the church to grow. Church Growth seminars and Church Growth experts have multiplied like rabbits in the last several years. We do not question the sincerity of many of these efforts. Let’s face it, the church is not growing like it once did and we should have genuine concern for souls who are lost. But this concern must not prompt us to employ techniques that are at best questionable and some times totally without Bible authority. There is a line that must be drawn between that which is authorized by Scripture and that which is not.

            When we start asking, “What can we do to draw people to the church?” we better be careful how we answer. What is used to draw them in will be that which we MUST use to keep them. Those drawn by manipulation must be held by manipulation. Denominational churches that depend on musical con­certs and entertainment to attract peo­ple find themselves in a trap. If they do not regularly schedule a parade of “pickers and grinners” they will soon lose their church.

           Churches depending on “rah-rah pep rallies” and trips on chartered busses soon find themselves constantly trying to please the appetites of gluttons, neurotics and fun and thrill seekers. Spirituality takes the back seat to physical gratification. A slick tongued orator may draw a big crowd, but when the brighter lights beckon and he moves on the disciples soon dissipate.

           The most noble of benevolent services cannot be depended upon to grow a church. When we try to use benevolence as a manipulative tool to attract folks to the church we will soon find ourselves holding an empty bag. When the “loaves and the fishes” play out, the crowd moves on to greener pastures.

           Even now the membership list in many congregations is padded with names of people who seldom attend. They were converted to the “fun and games syndrome” which they conceived to be the doctrine of Christ. Pies in the face of youth ministers, parlor games, and appeals to the sensational will not bring one to the Christ who purchased the church with his own blood. Silly antics will not prompt a heart rending cry of “Men and brethren what shall we do?” or prompt a display of genuine repentance.

           “If I be lifted up,” Jesus proclaimed, “I will draw all men unto myself” (Jon. 12:32). Paul determined “...to know nothing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (I Cor. 2:2). To be sure, we will be loved for benevolent deeds and we surely ought to practice Christian fellowship and there is a time for “having fun,” but Jesus preached and Jesus lived — that’s the drawing power for the church.

           We should be very careful about pulling people into the church by means other than how God directed. Remember the gospel is the power to save (Rom. 1:16). We need to be sure we are converting people to the Lord Jesus. Remember — What Draws ‘Em, Keeps‘Em!

—Leon Cole, 109 Brank, Greenville, KY 42345