God’s Divine Institution

 In the first 4 chapters of Ephesians, the Lord’s apostle (Paul) gave some brief attention to a divine institution called the church, the church that belongs to Jesus. There are some today who speak of the importance of the church, but not in the same way the New Testament does. They speak of the importance of attendance but only in respect to “Attend the church of your choice.”  

The importance of the church in the New Testament is great. In Ephesians 4:11-16, we receive guidance from the Holy Spirit concerning a significant function of the local church. The Lord gave gits unto those He chose for the purpose, in Ephesians 4:11-16, to build up the body of Christ, the church (1:22-23). Those who received gifts of the Holy Spirit are men in positions of leadership and service. They had significant roles in the church to teach (4:11), with the immediate goal of edification (4:12), teaching the brethren to pattern themselves after the Lord Jesus (4:13-15). The corresponding result of that teaching would be (and is) glory to God (4:16).  

The elders (also known as bishops / pastors / presbyters) of the Lord’s local church of Christ needs to give attention to those within, not to those outside. This is an important point to emphasize. There are many “policemen” in the brotherhood who seek to point out the failings of others (individuals and churches). Their benefit to the Lord and the brethren is minimal, if any exist at all. Probably, it is more accurate to say they cause more harm than good. Those part of this “policemen posse” refuse to see themselves as the problem, but instead see themselves as “sound brethren,” faithful to the Lord in all respects seeking to thin out the chaff (as they determine it).

Some in the community responds: “There they go! Fighting again. I’m glad I am not a member of that church!”

An important lesson to learn: Within the local church, let us give attention to the Lord, His Word, and how each of us within that body can better serve the Lord and our neighbors. Let us be mindful of the two great commandments of the Lord (Matthew 22:34-40), and remember there are some in the world and, sadly, the brotherhood, who seek the local church’s impairment. Give them no attention, but serve the Lord faithfully in action, worship, and understanding His will. “Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17, ASV).

Ron Thomas, editor Bulletin Gold

CAN I MAKE A RECOMMENDATION?

By Rick McCurdy

So, you hear that a friend or co-worker is headed to a city/country that you have visited. What do you do? Of course, you begin to give recommendations of things to see and places to eat. Maybe you even offer a few warnings of things to avoid. Do you do this because you are a self-righteous know-it-all who must always be telling people what to do? Of course not! You do it because you want the other person to have the best possible outcome during their upcoming venture. Do they think you are being overbearing and judgmental? Of course not! They appreciate your input and will keep it in mind during their upcoming venture.

What if a friend or coworker stated that they were looking for a movie to see or a book to read? What would you do? Obviously, you would give recommendations based upon what you know about the other person. You might even query them to ascertain what they are looking for in said move/book experience, to better advise them. Again, will they feel put upon by your recommendations? Will you be perceived as a power-hungry dictator? No, you will be thanked for your input, which they might very well heed.

Brethren, we are possessors of the most powerful thing in the universe. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16). It also happens to be the most sought-after thing in all the universe, even if most won’t acknowledge it. Knowing this, how ought we to approach those around us in the world? Might we be so bold as to make a recommendation or two, here and there?

We must know what we would share. We must be able to convey the good news, emphasizing what makes it so “good”. We must love it so much that it is obvious. We must not be afraid to speak the truth of eternity, for all will face it. We must make the effort to get to know the people around us and not just shovel seed onto wayside/rocky soil. That takes time and effort. Consider the recommendation of our Lord, “’You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 22:39-40). That brings us to the next point.

We must care enough to dare (to make recommendations). Might the people we speak to think we are one of “those” people? Yes, they might. Are we ashamed of the gospel? Aren’t we one of those (His) people? Might the people we speak to be mean to us and sever our relationship? It’s possible. If we do it from love it would seem less likely, but even if it does come to pass isn’t that exactly what our Lord said and suffered?

Remember the rich man from Luke 16? Finding himself in torments he begged Abraham to send anyone to his brothers on earth “lest they come to this place of torment”. Every person we encounter, more than likely, has a deceased relative in that very position with that very desire. Here we are, with the power of God to salvation. Will we make a recommendation?