A couple of weeks ago, we considered the problem of worldliness and what worldliness really is. Today, I want to ask the question of why worldliness is a problem in the church.
The first cause is a failure to properly evaluate life. Too many members of the church have not learned the real values of life. They are interested in finding happiness, but do not know where it is to be found. It has never dawned on them that happiness is determined by what one is, not by what one has. Look at the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 and note the emphasis on character. Someone describes Paul in prison as follows:
“With life and all that men count dear behind, and with the horrors of a barbarous death
before him—alone, unfriended, unsuccored, he is yet the happiest man in Rome. Among the
millions within her wide walls, not another heart is so buoyant with hope, so lifted with joy.”
This was true of Paul because he had learned life’s value. He was happy because of what he was.
A second reason is a failure to reach our potential in Christian living. Life will not remain a vacuum. It will be filled with something. If all Christians would make a determined effort to fill their lives with good, there would not be any place for the worldly. Too many are satisfied to just “get in” the church, and then do as little as possible! The natural result from such is to fill the void that is left with worldliness. God knew what He was doing when He said, “Seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33). This is not just an arbitrary command. It has as its basis the building of a life that is spiritual. The way to get worldliness out is to put something in its place.
A third reason is indifference. This is perhaps one of the greatest hindrances to the solution of the problem. It is so much easier to travel the path of least resistance than it is to find out whether it is right or not. So many members of the church live day after day caring not that they have no influence for good, and not interested in learning why. They are afraid if they get interested it will upset their own lives, and they just do not want this to happen.
A fourth reason is that there are some who do not want to pay the price that is necessary to be spiritual. One young woman, who having observed the charming life and broad influence of a fine Christian woman, went to her and said, “I would give the world if I could only have your influence.” The lady replied, “That is exactly what it costs.”
A fifth reason is that many are guided by custom rather than the Bible. There are many members of the church who want to hear the Bible on the plan of salvation, the church and its organization, and worship; but, they do not want to hear the Bible on worldliness. Do they ever give chapter and verse for their worldly practices? No. Their theme song is: “Everybody else is doing it.” “I can’t see any harm in it.” That is exactly what denominational people say about instrumental music. Why reject their plea for instrumental music and then turn right around and use their old worn-out arguments for your worldly practices? Then some say, “I can do it and it won’t hurt me.” Suppose you could. Can a conscientious Christian be happy when he knows he is giving his time and lending his influence in that which degrades more than it uplifts? Let us face the threat of worldliness and build lives that are spiritual.
--Lamar
About Me
- Lamar Russell
- St Mary's, GA, United States
- Weekly bulletin. Church Office Phone: (912) 882-5800
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
WORLDLINESS
I believe one of the greatest problems facing the church today is worldliness. I am convinced that the majority of our problems, individually and collectively, are rooted in this one problem. I believe worldliness is at the bottom of the problems of attendance, small contributions, and the lack of development in Christians.
Our definition of worldliness has been too narrow. I am afraid that preachers and teachers have contributed toward worldliness by leaving the wrong impression. Too often we have confined the term to some few things, which were certainly worldly, but were far from covering everything that should be included in the term. Many members of the church think that because they do not dance, or wear immodest clothes, and a few other similar things, they are not worldly, yet in God’s sight they are. I do not mean to suggest by this that these things are not worldly and that they should not be condemned, but we should not leave the impression that worldliness is confined to these. When John says, “Love not the world,” just how broad is that? Is it confined to some few things, or does it cover all that belongs to the world?
What is “worldliness”? Worldliness is sin. Worldliness is conforming to the world. Worldliness is anything that is opposed to being transformed. Worldliness is “worldlikeness” in anything. Worldliness is anything that is not Christlike or that hinders “Christlikeness.” Worldliness is a wedge that sin drives into the heart of the member of the church, disuniting his own will and God’s will for him, making his actions incompatible with his spiritual potential because he allows selfish interests to usurp the place of God in his life.
Worldliness, the opposite of spirituality, is an obsession with temporal, material things. Worldliness is a force that sidetracks the Christian from his greatest privilege and his greatest function. When one persists in worldliness, he will inevitably decrease in spiritual perception. Worldliness is majoring on the temporal rather than the spiritual.
Worldliness is a cancer which creates an indifference to moral values, a “no-difference” attitude about right or wrong. It makes a person insensitive to real abiding values and, in most cases, unsteady in Christian life. Worldliness splits an individual’s loyalties, making him selfish, spiritually indifferent, careless, near-sighted, and complacent.
What is your primary concern? Is it to be a social leader, prominent, comfortable, wealthy, popular, living in ease, spending all of your free time in some sort of pleasure that may be right in itself, or is it to be the best Christian possible? These things may be worthy of attainment, but not to the neglect of spiritual growth. Let us keep in mind that worldliness is the opposite of spirituality; an obsession with temporal and material things to the detriment of spiritual growth. One does not have to be knee-deep in sin to be worldly. The person who considers himself a “pretty good fellow,” but whose ideals are material and self-centered is a worldly person.
--Lamar
Our definition of worldliness has been too narrow. I am afraid that preachers and teachers have contributed toward worldliness by leaving the wrong impression. Too often we have confined the term to some few things, which were certainly worldly, but were far from covering everything that should be included in the term. Many members of the church think that because they do not dance, or wear immodest clothes, and a few other similar things, they are not worldly, yet in God’s sight they are. I do not mean to suggest by this that these things are not worldly and that they should not be condemned, but we should not leave the impression that worldliness is confined to these. When John says, “Love not the world,” just how broad is that? Is it confined to some few things, or does it cover all that belongs to the world?
What is “worldliness”? Worldliness is sin. Worldliness is conforming to the world. Worldliness is anything that is opposed to being transformed. Worldliness is “worldlikeness” in anything. Worldliness is anything that is not Christlike or that hinders “Christlikeness.” Worldliness is a wedge that sin drives into the heart of the member of the church, disuniting his own will and God’s will for him, making his actions incompatible with his spiritual potential because he allows selfish interests to usurp the place of God in his life.
Worldliness, the opposite of spirituality, is an obsession with temporal, material things. Worldliness is a force that sidetracks the Christian from his greatest privilege and his greatest function. When one persists in worldliness, he will inevitably decrease in spiritual perception. Worldliness is majoring on the temporal rather than the spiritual.
Worldliness is a cancer which creates an indifference to moral values, a “no-difference” attitude about right or wrong. It makes a person insensitive to real abiding values and, in most cases, unsteady in Christian life. Worldliness splits an individual’s loyalties, making him selfish, spiritually indifferent, careless, near-sighted, and complacent.
What is your primary concern? Is it to be a social leader, prominent, comfortable, wealthy, popular, living in ease, spending all of your free time in some sort of pleasure that may be right in itself, or is it to be the best Christian possible? These things may be worthy of attainment, but not to the neglect of spiritual growth. Let us keep in mind that worldliness is the opposite of spirituality; an obsession with temporal and material things to the detriment of spiritual growth. One does not have to be knee-deep in sin to be worldly. The person who considers himself a “pretty good fellow,” but whose ideals are material and self-centered is a worldly person.
--Lamar
Thursday, July 16, 2009
MUST WE FORGIVE?
In our class last Sunday we discussed forgiveness in the family. In the course of the discussion the question was asked if we are to forgive someone before they repent or ask for forgiveness. We had a good discussion, but I wanted to develop it a little further.
First of all, what is forgiveness? I did not do a good job of fully explaining this in class. We talked about it being the releasing or letting go of something. We must determine what the something is that we are to let go. We talked about the letting go of bitter feelings and the desire for revenge, but this is not forgiveness of sins. What if you do not experience such feelings? If the release of those feelings is forgiveness and you never experience them, then you cannot release them so you cannot forgive. What about God? When He forgives us, is He releasing bitter feelings and desire for revenge? Certainly not. Forgiveness is the releasing of sins, the sending of sins away and the restoration of a peaceful relationship which the offence interrupted. Unless the offender wants this relationship to be restored, it is impossible to do so no matter how much the offended may want it.
Some will respond that the Lord says we must forgive if we want to be forgiven. That is certainly true. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15). I am fairly certain there will be some people who will stand condemned on the day of judgment because they were unwilling to forgive others.
However, we must consider all that Jesus says about forgiveness. He also said, “Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him” (Luke 17:3-4). There is no doubt that we must be willing to forgive one another, but Jesus places a condition on that forgiveness: “if he repents.” Without repentance, there is no requirement for forgiveness.
Let me also say something about repeated forgiveness. In the text in Luke Jesus says that if a brother sins against seven times in a day and repents seven times, we are to forgive him each and every time. Some of us would probably question his sincerity in repenting by the seventh time, but we are not given any such prerogative. We must simply accept the repentance and forgive and leave the judgment of sincerity to God.
As Christians, are we to have a forgiving spirit, always ready to forgive one another? Yes. Are we to go beyond a willing spirit and actually forgive one another? Certainly. However, such forgiveness can only take place when the guilty party repents.
--Lamar
First of all, what is forgiveness? I did not do a good job of fully explaining this in class. We talked about it being the releasing or letting go of something. We must determine what the something is that we are to let go. We talked about the letting go of bitter feelings and the desire for revenge, but this is not forgiveness of sins. What if you do not experience such feelings? If the release of those feelings is forgiveness and you never experience them, then you cannot release them so you cannot forgive. What about God? When He forgives us, is He releasing bitter feelings and desire for revenge? Certainly not. Forgiveness is the releasing of sins, the sending of sins away and the restoration of a peaceful relationship which the offence interrupted. Unless the offender wants this relationship to be restored, it is impossible to do so no matter how much the offended may want it.
Some will respond that the Lord says we must forgive if we want to be forgiven. That is certainly true. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15). I am fairly certain there will be some people who will stand condemned on the day of judgment because they were unwilling to forgive others.
However, we must consider all that Jesus says about forgiveness. He also said, “Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him” (Luke 17:3-4). There is no doubt that we must be willing to forgive one another, but Jesus places a condition on that forgiveness: “if he repents.” Without repentance, there is no requirement for forgiveness.
Let me also say something about repeated forgiveness. In the text in Luke Jesus says that if a brother sins against seven times in a day and repents seven times, we are to forgive him each and every time. Some of us would probably question his sincerity in repenting by the seventh time, but we are not given any such prerogative. We must simply accept the repentance and forgive and leave the judgment of sincerity to God.
As Christians, are we to have a forgiving spirit, always ready to forgive one another? Yes. Are we to go beyond a willing spirit and actually forgive one another? Certainly. However, such forgiveness can only take place when the guilty party repents.
--Lamar
Thursday, July 9, 2009
BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD
The place was Bethany beyond Jordan where John was baptizing. When John saw Jesus coming he said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29)!
What an announcement! Since the fall in Eden the weight of sin had been on mankind. The blood of thousands of bulls and goats could not remove it (Hebrews 10:4). The prophets had foretold of a Messiah who would bring deliverance, making the crimson stain of sin as white as wool (Isaiah 1:18). Now He had come!
The word “gospel” means “good news.” The gospel of Christ is the good news about Christ. The preaching of the gospel has the aim of making men see Jesus as the Lamb of God, who saves men from sin. The story briefly told is simply that God sent His own Son into the world as a Savior. He ministered among the people for a short time and then was crucified. Those who killed Him did it with malice; but God intended His death to be a sacrifice for sin. He was buried and then raised from the dead. Soon He ascended back to heaven, but first He commissioned the preaching of the gospel to all men, promising that “He who believes and is baptized will be saved;” (Mark 16:16). He now reigns at the right hand of the Father, ever living to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25).
The figure of a lamb is used to describe Christ because lambs were offered as sacrifices under the Law of Moses. The shedding of His blood was indicative of the loss of His life. Salvation is by the blood of the Lamb because He died for us. The righteous justice of God demanded that the penalty of sin be paid. But God’s mercy provided that Christ pay the penalty for us. The apostle Peter writes, “knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19). And John says, “And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world” (1 John 2:2).
In Revelation, chapter 7, we find a description of a beautiful scene in heaven. There is an innumerable host of people from all nations. The record says, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 7:14).
We can offer nothing as the hope of mankind except Jesus Christ. The answer for sin and all the world’s related ills is not to be found in science, philosophy, or government. Try as they may, those who reject the Savior will find no other solution. The “good news” is that Jesus will truly save those who come to Him in believing submission.
“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
--Lamar
What an announcement! Since the fall in Eden the weight of sin had been on mankind. The blood of thousands of bulls and goats could not remove it (Hebrews 10:4). The prophets had foretold of a Messiah who would bring deliverance, making the crimson stain of sin as white as wool (Isaiah 1:18). Now He had come!
The word “gospel” means “good news.” The gospel of Christ is the good news about Christ. The preaching of the gospel has the aim of making men see Jesus as the Lamb of God, who saves men from sin. The story briefly told is simply that God sent His own Son into the world as a Savior. He ministered among the people for a short time and then was crucified. Those who killed Him did it with malice; but God intended His death to be a sacrifice for sin. He was buried and then raised from the dead. Soon He ascended back to heaven, but first He commissioned the preaching of the gospel to all men, promising that “He who believes and is baptized will be saved;” (Mark 16:16). He now reigns at the right hand of the Father, ever living to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25).
The figure of a lamb is used to describe Christ because lambs were offered as sacrifices under the Law of Moses. The shedding of His blood was indicative of the loss of His life. Salvation is by the blood of the Lamb because He died for us. The righteous justice of God demanded that the penalty of sin be paid. But God’s mercy provided that Christ pay the penalty for us. The apostle Peter writes, “knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19). And John says, “And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world” (1 John 2:2).
In Revelation, chapter 7, we find a description of a beautiful scene in heaven. There is an innumerable host of people from all nations. The record says, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 7:14).
We can offer nothing as the hope of mankind except Jesus Christ. The answer for sin and all the world’s related ills is not to be found in science, philosophy, or government. Try as they may, those who reject the Savior will find no other solution. The “good news” is that Jesus will truly save those who come to Him in believing submission.
“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
--Lamar
Friday, July 3, 2009
A GREAT WORK
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the five young people who went on the trip to Cochran last week. These young men and women: Tyler Christensen, Walter King, Kieanna Knight, Andy Powell, & Tabitha Sharit, are to be commended for their willingness to sacrifice some of their summer and their desire to share the gospel with others. They knocked on the doors of about 200 homes, inviting them to the gospel meeting. They also gave a copy of the DVD “Searching for Truth” to each home. They took names and addresses of those who showed some interest for the Cochran congregation to follow up. All of this was done in 90 and 100 degree weather without complaint. The congregation here at St. Mary’s should consider ourselves blessed to have these fine young people in our midst.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20 “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20). While Jesus is speaking directly in this passage to His apostles, He is urging all Christians of every age to be busy in spreading the gospel to the world around us. This was accomplished to some degree by these young people last weekend.
As I stated before, they were willing to sacrifice a part of their summer. How many times, when asked to participate in a work of the church, have you responded, “I am too busy,” or “I just don’t have the time?” Sometimes we just need to make a sacrifice and make the time to do a good work.
This work was done in very hot and humid conditions. On Friday afternoon, while we were out we drove by a thermometer that read 102 degrees. In addition, the vehicle they were using did not have air conditioning (I think that was the case). When the group I was with finished walking a few blocks, we were able to go back and get in an air conditioned vehicle. These young people walked several blocks in the heat and their relief was to climb into a vehicle that was not much, if any, cooler.
We also see their willingness to step out of their comfort zone. This was a first for most, if not all, of these young people. It is not easy to walk through a neighborhood, knocking on doors, and talking to complete strangers. Most of us have a hard enough time talking to people we know about the gospel. I am sure they were a little nervous when they started, but they went ahead and did it anyway. How often do we miss an opportunity to share the gospel with someone because it would cause us to step out of our comfort zone?
“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). There is no doubt these young people were an example to us all in this effort.
--Lamar
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20 “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20). While Jesus is speaking directly in this passage to His apostles, He is urging all Christians of every age to be busy in spreading the gospel to the world around us. This was accomplished to some degree by these young people last weekend.
As I stated before, they were willing to sacrifice a part of their summer. How many times, when asked to participate in a work of the church, have you responded, “I am too busy,” or “I just don’t have the time?” Sometimes we just need to make a sacrifice and make the time to do a good work.
This work was done in very hot and humid conditions. On Friday afternoon, while we were out we drove by a thermometer that read 102 degrees. In addition, the vehicle they were using did not have air conditioning (I think that was the case). When the group I was with finished walking a few blocks, we were able to go back and get in an air conditioned vehicle. These young people walked several blocks in the heat and their relief was to climb into a vehicle that was not much, if any, cooler.
We also see their willingness to step out of their comfort zone. This was a first for most, if not all, of these young people. It is not easy to walk through a neighborhood, knocking on doors, and talking to complete strangers. Most of us have a hard enough time talking to people we know about the gospel. I am sure they were a little nervous when they started, but they went ahead and did it anyway. How often do we miss an opportunity to share the gospel with someone because it would cause us to step out of our comfort zone?
“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). There is no doubt these young people were an example to us all in this effort.
--Lamar
Friday, May 8, 2009
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY
Once upon eternity, Above the clouds so high;
There were some chosen angels Who had no wings to fly.
Their hands were made for helping, Their hearts were tender too;
Their smiles were warm and happy, And glowed as halos do.
So God sent down these angels Who differed from the others;
To spread their gentle love on earth; And now we call them mothers.
-Author Unknown
Today is the day set aside to honor our mothers. Many cards, flowers, and other gifts have been purchased. Restaurants will be busy this afternoon. While there is nothing wrong with buying your mother, or the mother of your children, a nice present and a card, is that all there is to it? Is taking her to a nice restaurant really the best way to honor mother? I think we all realize there is much more involved. What is the best way to celebrate Mothers Day? How do we truly honor our mothers?
Obey her. I can remember as a child growing up that my mother expected us to do what she said, when she said. I cannot ever remember my mother counting to three, or ten, after she told me to do something. I am not saying she never told me twice to do something, but if she told me more than once there were consequences. The Bible still says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1). I am not sure when or where we came up with the idea that disobedient children should not be disciplined, but it has caused many heartaches. Young people, I can pretty much guarantee you that you will not always agree with your mother. You will not always want to do what she tells you to do. So what? Do it anyway. As long as it is not wrong in God’s eyes. you must obey her. Failure to do so is sin.
Honor her. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:2). The time comes when children become adults and move away from home. The time comes when children grow up and make their own decisions, mom and dad cannot do it for them. This is when our relationship with our mother moves away from obedience and more towards respect and honor. Respect should certainly be a part of our childhood relationship, but it takes on a greater role in adulthood. We grow beyond obeying everything our mother tells us, but we never outgrow the responsibility to respect her.
Make it a daily habit. If Mothers Day is the only time you give your mother any thanks and honor, then you are missing the point. It is necessary that you show her love, respect, and appreciation every day of the year. Is the second Sunday in May the only day she acts as a mother, showering you with love and devotion? If she did, would you not question her love for you as a child? The same is true in reverse. If this is the only day you show you mother any love and appreciation, something is very wrong. Make it a point every day to tell her, and show her, how much you love and appreciate her.
Happy Mothers Day!
--Lamar
There were some chosen angels Who had no wings to fly.
Their hands were made for helping, Their hearts were tender too;
Their smiles were warm and happy, And glowed as halos do.
So God sent down these angels Who differed from the others;
To spread their gentle love on earth; And now we call them mothers.
-Author Unknown
Today is the day set aside to honor our mothers. Many cards, flowers, and other gifts have been purchased. Restaurants will be busy this afternoon. While there is nothing wrong with buying your mother, or the mother of your children, a nice present and a card, is that all there is to it? Is taking her to a nice restaurant really the best way to honor mother? I think we all realize there is much more involved. What is the best way to celebrate Mothers Day? How do we truly honor our mothers?
Obey her. I can remember as a child growing up that my mother expected us to do what she said, when she said. I cannot ever remember my mother counting to three, or ten, after she told me to do something. I am not saying she never told me twice to do something, but if she told me more than once there were consequences. The Bible still says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1). I am not sure when or where we came up with the idea that disobedient children should not be disciplined, but it has caused many heartaches. Young people, I can pretty much guarantee you that you will not always agree with your mother. You will not always want to do what she tells you to do. So what? Do it anyway. As long as it is not wrong in God’s eyes. you must obey her. Failure to do so is sin.
Honor her. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:2). The time comes when children become adults and move away from home. The time comes when children grow up and make their own decisions, mom and dad cannot do it for them. This is when our relationship with our mother moves away from obedience and more towards respect and honor. Respect should certainly be a part of our childhood relationship, but it takes on a greater role in adulthood. We grow beyond obeying everything our mother tells us, but we never outgrow the responsibility to respect her.
Make it a daily habit. If Mothers Day is the only time you give your mother any thanks and honor, then you are missing the point. It is necessary that you show her love, respect, and appreciation every day of the year. Is the second Sunday in May the only day she acts as a mother, showering you with love and devotion? If she did, would you not question her love for you as a child? The same is true in reverse. If this is the only day you show you mother any love and appreciation, something is very wrong. Make it a point every day to tell her, and show her, how much you love and appreciate her.
Happy Mothers Day!
--Lamar
Friday, May 1, 2009
SELF RENEWAL IN OUR GOSPEL MEETING
The elders recently spoke to the congregation about the focus for this year: self renewal. While it is true that we want to focus on the lost (the lost sheep and those outside the church) during this effort, we also can be benefited during this time. I would like for you to think along with me for the next few minutes as to how we can use this meeting to evangelize Camden County and to enhance our self renewal in the congregation.
Resolve to be involved. There was a time when gospel meetings would fill up a building with both church and community members. In today’s world, it is getting harder and harder to get community members to attend. However, that is not all. It is also getting harder to get members of the church to attend. Does it surprise you that your neighbor is not interested in attending when he sees that you are indifferent? Some have suggested that you are doing well if you can get half of the members to attend. We have done better that that in the past and I am confident we will do better than 50% next week. I am sure brother Blackwell will be well prepared and 100% involved in this effort. Can we do any less?
Educate others. Tell everyone you know about the gospel meeting. There are flyers you can use as well as “House To House” papers with an ad on the back. I am sure there is at least one person you want to hear the gospel. This is your chance. You may say, “They will not come if I invite them.” That may or may not be the case, but it is almost an absolute guarantee they will not come if you do not invite them.
Never give up. It is easy to become discouraged. The person you invite declines or says they will come but do not. A person you have been studying with ends the study without obeying the gospel or by attending a denomination. A dear loved one who has fallen away refuses to come back. These are a few things that can cause disappointment and frustration. Keep living the Christian life before them, keep inviting them, and keep praying for them. You never know what God might be able to do. There was a man in my hometown when I was growing up who had a problem with alcohol. He stayed drunk about as much as he stayed sober. His wife was a faithful Christian through the years. She did everything she could to encourage him to obey the gospel and to leave the alcohol alone. Every preacher in the congregation spent time trying to teach and convict him of his need. It seemed like he would never change and everyone was doubtful he would ever become a Christian. However, people kept praying and trying. Eventually, only a few years before his death, he obeyed the gospel. He spent the remainder of his life living for Christ. What would have happened if his wife and everyone else had given up?
Energize the church. Every one has probably seen the “Energizer Bunny” who just keeps going and going. Could you, as a Christian, be described in that way? Excitement and zeal are contagious. If your fire is burning bright, there is a good chance others in the church will catch fire also. This meeting is a chance for you to use your energy to fire up the church, especially in reaching the lost.
Wait on God. Put you faith and trust in Jehovah. This is perhaps the biggest obstacle in self-renewal. We either want to do it for ourselves, or we want God to do it but on our schedule. Put your life, and the lives of friends and loved ones, totally in His hands. Do all the planting and watering you can possibly do, and leave the increase up to God (1 Corinthians 3:6).
As you endeavor to put these into practice, not only will it benefit others, but you will also find a renewed spirit within yourself. Use this gospel meeting as an opportunity to invite friends to hear the gospel, but also use it as an opportunity for self renewal.
--Lamar
Resolve to be involved. There was a time when gospel meetings would fill up a building with both church and community members. In today’s world, it is getting harder and harder to get community members to attend. However, that is not all. It is also getting harder to get members of the church to attend. Does it surprise you that your neighbor is not interested in attending when he sees that you are indifferent? Some have suggested that you are doing well if you can get half of the members to attend. We have done better that that in the past and I am confident we will do better than 50% next week. I am sure brother Blackwell will be well prepared and 100% involved in this effort. Can we do any less?
Educate others. Tell everyone you know about the gospel meeting. There are flyers you can use as well as “House To House” papers with an ad on the back. I am sure there is at least one person you want to hear the gospel. This is your chance. You may say, “They will not come if I invite them.” That may or may not be the case, but it is almost an absolute guarantee they will not come if you do not invite them.
Never give up. It is easy to become discouraged. The person you invite declines or says they will come but do not. A person you have been studying with ends the study without obeying the gospel or by attending a denomination. A dear loved one who has fallen away refuses to come back. These are a few things that can cause disappointment and frustration. Keep living the Christian life before them, keep inviting them, and keep praying for them. You never know what God might be able to do. There was a man in my hometown when I was growing up who had a problem with alcohol. He stayed drunk about as much as he stayed sober. His wife was a faithful Christian through the years. She did everything she could to encourage him to obey the gospel and to leave the alcohol alone. Every preacher in the congregation spent time trying to teach and convict him of his need. It seemed like he would never change and everyone was doubtful he would ever become a Christian. However, people kept praying and trying. Eventually, only a few years before his death, he obeyed the gospel. He spent the remainder of his life living for Christ. What would have happened if his wife and everyone else had given up?
Energize the church. Every one has probably seen the “Energizer Bunny” who just keeps going and going. Could you, as a Christian, be described in that way? Excitement and zeal are contagious. If your fire is burning bright, there is a good chance others in the church will catch fire also. This meeting is a chance for you to use your energy to fire up the church, especially in reaching the lost.
Wait on God. Put you faith and trust in Jehovah. This is perhaps the biggest obstacle in self-renewal. We either want to do it for ourselves, or we want God to do it but on our schedule. Put your life, and the lives of friends and loved ones, totally in His hands. Do all the planting and watering you can possibly do, and leave the increase up to God (1 Corinthians 3:6).
As you endeavor to put these into practice, not only will it benefit others, but you will also find a renewed spirit within yourself. Use this gospel meeting as an opportunity to invite friends to hear the gospel, but also use it as an opportunity for self renewal.
--Lamar
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