- I worshiped with a church that had perfect attendance. I’m quite sure this was the first time I had experienced such. I understand it is a regular occurrence at this congregation. They had 170 in attendance for Sunday Bible class, Sunday worship, and 170 in attendance on Wednesday. This sort of thing is unheard of in the majority of churches. The norm is that your biggest crowd will be there for Sunday morning worship service. Then the numbers taper off quite significantly on Sunday evening, and even more so on Wednesday evening. But this group of Christians proved that every member, every family in a local church, can be present consistently for every service assembly. Finally I came across a church of God’s people that practice the instruction given in Hebrews 10:24-25. “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” To all the members and families of this local church let us be resolved to be present for every service. And remember the words of Jesus Himself… “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:20).
- I saw teenage boys participate in the activities of worship. I was so impressed to see and hear these young men help out with the worship services in various ways. One helped out with the serving of the Lord’s Supper. Another made the announcements. Also one young man led the congregation in songs of praise to God. Each of them did an outstanding job. I am always encouraged when I see young Christian men take an active part in the work of the local church. We are blessed here with some young men that serve in various ways. Let us be sure to take the time to encourage them as they serve, and even challenge them to expand their service for their King. Let us all be mindful of how we can “stand in the gap” (Ezekiel 22:30) and better serve the needs of this local congregation. As the apostle Paul wrote to the saints in Ephesus: “from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:16).
- I witnessed a man publicly confess shortcomings in his life. Now, it’s not as if I have not personally witnessed and aided brethren coming forward during a service to publicly acknowledge sin and wrongdoing in their lives. But the things this particular man repented of, I must admit I had not witnessed in the past. This man went before his brethren to confess that since his initial zeal following his conversion to Christ that he no longer tries as hard to teach others the truth of the gospel. He also admitted a lack of Bible study in his personal life. And so it was these two key areas that he sought the forgiveness of God and his brothers and sisters in Christ. My wife and I were both greatly impressed and at the same time felt a sense of shame. We realized we too could have easily gone forward to acknowledge the very same shortcomings in our lives. Could it not be said by Christ to many of us “that you have left your first love” (Revelation 2:4)? If that is the case, then let us be sure to “repent and do the first works” (v. 5). At times we too need to humbly acknowledge our shortcomings before God and our brethren (James 5:16). At times we need our faith revitalized, reenergized, and refocused. Let us look inward to examine our own faith (2 Cor. 13:5; Jam. 1:25), and discover areas where we need improvement. And then may God strengthen us to possess the love, faith, humility, and courage to make those positive changes!
Three Sundays ago I learned some invaluable lessons.
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I will build My church.
- Matthew 16:18 |
