The Bulletin
of the
Church of Christ at
New Georgia
Tim Johnson, editor
March 28, 2004
In
This Issue:
Broadening
the Borders of Fellowship
by
Steve Klein
The
Power of Simplicity
by
Bill Hall
Broadening the Borders of Fellowship
In one sense, the church is open to everyone who responds to God's call through the gospel (Romans 10:12). In another sense, the church is a very exclusive institution, retaining only those who will follow a narrow and difficult way, subject themselves to unpopularity and ridicule, and refuse to participate in any religious practice designed by men to please themselves. The church is the body of the saved and is composed of the few individuals who are saved (Ephesians 5:23; Luke 13:23-24).
Not many of the rich, the wise or the mighty heed the call of the gospel (1 Corinthians 1:26). And among those who do, there is often dissatisfaction with the lack of worldly status, influence, size and popularity of the church. Consequently, they begin to search for ways to allow more people into their spiritual fellowship -- to relax or do away with restrictions which distance them from other religious people. In the name of grace, tolerance, and brotherhood they commence lobbying for acceptance of those teaching doctrines contrary to the doctrine of Christ. "After all," they say, "no one knows all the truth." They also urge acceptance and fellowship of those caught up in blatant immorality (such as adultery). "After all," they say, "all of us sin." And so, by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of unwary church members (per Romans 16:18). Backs are patted and ears are tickled. Fellowship becomes virtually all-inclusive. Eventually, the church is so permeated by worldliness that it becomes the world. The "little leaven" of immorality they let in "leavens the whole lump," and false teachers whose mouths are not stopped "subvert whole households" (1 Corinthians 5:6; Titus 1:10-11).
Friends and brethren, a flock of sheep can be protected if it is kept within fences. Taking the fences down or widening the gate to the sheepfold will not increase the size of the flock; it will only expose the sheep to wolves and/or encourage the sheep to wander off (cf. Acts 20:28-29). Let us determine to keep the fences up.
by Steve Klein
Jesus Christ had a deep appreciation for simple things. His teaching was profound, but always simple. He reached the hearts of His hearers, not with high-sounding philosophical jargon, but with illustrations and "to the point" teaching. He could see in a farmer sowing his seed, or a lily showing forth its beauty, or a shepherd leaving his flock to seek one lost sheep, or a loving father welcoming a wayward son, a lesson that could teach some spiritual truth.
His apostles were chosen from the humble class. He could appreciate people, not for what they possessed, but for what they were; and, in some cases, not for what they were, but for what they could become. He recognized true quality, and true quality is often found in the simple and humble.
The worship He ordained was simple in nature. "Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul&ldots;spoke to them&ldots;" (Acts 20:7). Even the poorest could worship, for al that was required of a material nature was a little bread and fruit of the vine. Those of little talent could worship, for God was listening in view of the heart rather than the beauty of the voice.
He authorized a simple organization for His church, with each congregation appointing its own bishops and deacons (Philippians 1:1). There were no denominational associations, conferences, or synods. There were no inter-church organizations or societies. Yet, through the simple organization given the church by the Lord, the world of the first century was thoroughly evangelized and the needy among them provided for. The Lord knew that success in His work would not be brought about through complexity of organization, but through dedication, faith and commitment on the part of His followers. We make a terrible mistake when we try to substitute the former for the latter.
Why this simplicity? "That no flesh should glory in His presence" (I Corinthians 1:29). The complex systems which men devise tend to bring glory to themselves rather than to God.
To return to the simplicity which our Lord ordained might not be impressive to the worldly-minded, but, then, Jesus Himself is not very impressive to the worldly-minded. Besides, our purpose is not to impress the worldly-minded, but to please God and bow in submission to His will. Let us do away with our super projects and complex systems. Let us learn to appreciate simple teaching and simple ways. Above all, let us learn to appreciate Bible teaching and Bible ways.
We like the following quote from Ed Harrell: "How foolish we are to think that God will be impressed with our voices when we sing; after all, He hears the angels sing! How foolish to think He will be impressed with our cathedrals; remember, He made the Grand Canyon!" What He is seeking for is a heart that is pure, loving, and obedient to His will. And that's simple.
by Bill Hall
in Two Men