When the Kingdom of God Appears to Fail

by Larry Rouse
www.cvillechurch.com

How often has a child of God despaired thinking that the kingdom of God was going to end with his generation? Elijah had concluded that he “alone was left” of the people of God and because of that God should take his life and end this lost cause (1 Kings 19:4, 10). God quickly reminded him that he had 7,000 who were faithful to him and then put Elijah back to work. (1 Kings 19:18).

Asaph, after looking at the prosperity of the wicked and the hard plight of the few that were righteous, was ready to conclude that serving God was not worth it. He said, “Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence” (Psalm 73:13). Fortunately, when he entered the sanctuary of God to worship, he saw the world as God did. Because of this eternal view he was now very thankful to be part of the faithful few. He writes, “When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me—Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end” (Psalm 73:16-17).

God’s Promises an Eternal Kingdom

When we look to the scriptures, we find strong promises concerning God’s kingdom. Concerning the church Jesus would build, He plainly stated that “the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matt 16:18). When Isaiah prophesied of the coming Messiah and His reign, he plainly stated that this kingdom would never end. He writes, “And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end” (Isa 9:6-7).

Gloom and Doom—Cases in Point

Over the years I have heard brethren lament the dwindling of a local church, or the departure of a new generation into apostasy, or even the general worldliness of the professed Christians they have observed. I have heard some say that “churches of Christ are going to become extinct!” In another case I heard a man who had left the Lord’s church quoting growth statistics to convince others that a return to the Bible alone would not work. He boldly proclaimed that “these churches are dying on the vine because of their legalism.” Should we become discouraged by our own impressions of the church around us? Should we surrender to the spin of men with self-serving agendas?

“Whittling” on God’s End of the Stick

We need to remember what burden God has placed upon us and what burden He has not. The Lord wants me to walk by faith and to spread God’s word to all who will hear (1 Cor 3:5-7). It is not my job to determine the numbers who are faithful or to be responsible for the welfare of God’s people everywhere. God is the one who knows who are His, and He can well take care of them! Is it not written, “Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: ’The Lord knows those who are His’” (2 Tim 2:19)?

The Lord has given us His word and through it we can determine those who have “the spirit of truth and the spirit of error” (1 John 4:1, 6). It is with these people we should stand and it with these people that we should build. Do we really understand what it means to be a child of God?

Our Confusion Over Names

We tend to take shortcuts in determining who men really are and where they actually stand. Rather than interact, discuss and apply the scriptures, men would rather place labels on people and churches and end further struggle. While I believe that “churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16) are a Biblical designation for local assemblies of God’s people, I must never assume that wearing the right name makes one a child of God.

A true stand for the Lord is something that each individual must do themselves. No one can do it for them, including their parents. As you look at God’s people in the Bible or in church history, you will find that departure comes when a new generation arises that “did not know the Lord” (Judges 1:10). What happened in the time of the Judges has repeated itself in various times in history and will also be found in our times.

What should I do when “churches of Christ” begin to change the plan of salvation, compromise the scriptures, and bow to the denominational Baal’s of our day? What I need to do is serve God with confidence and work with others who also are walking by faith.

Do Not Transfer the Failures of Men to God

Why should I quit serving God over the failures of men? If God has placed me in a time of apostasy and worldliness, then I can be a Daniel rather than a Demas (2 Tim 4:10)! God used Daniel to rebuild after a great apostasy where God Himself described the remaining faithful as a “remnant” (Isa 10:22-23). When men fail to serve God, I need to have a faith that will stand with God. I can have a great confidence in spite of the pull and ridicule of men. The apostle Paul reminds us, “Let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: ‘That you may be justified in your words, and may overcome when you are judged’” (Romans 3:4).

Know Your Limitations

We must constantly remind ourselves of our limited sight. My view of the world and of the church can change drastically when I depend on my own reality. Problems will inevitably arise with some that are close to me in this life. Yet, it does not necessarily follow that brethren everywhere are going bad. I need to understand that God looks at the whole world! Conditions in the United States, or in any particular part of the country, do not represent what is happening in other places.

What Has God Given You to Do?

When we learn to trust God day by day, we will find that the “yoke” He lays upon us is bearable and doable (Matt 11:28-30). There are many things out of my control that I should leave to God, trusting that He alone can handle them. Let each of us always look to our God, for He has given us His promises and they will never fail.

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Social Relationships in a Local Congregation

by Larry Rouse
www.cvillechurch.com


The Lord’s design for His people is that they be “knit together in love” (Col 2:2). “If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it” (1 Cor 12:26). We cannot serve God and be separate from people, but rather we are called to serve others. The power of love was such a firm purpose of our Lord that He described this characteristic, above all others, as the identifying mark of His people. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).

Only the gospel has the power to bring Jew and Gentile, slave and freeman, the rich and the poor into the same local congregation and make that group a close-knit, loving family (Gal 3:28). When men are humbled and see the gospel as their only identity, then educational differences, racial differences and any other man-made distinctions will be laid aside as rubbish—they view their brethren not just as equals, but as better than themselves. It is in this spirit that service to others becomes a privilege! “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil 2:3-4).

The Ideal versus the Real

Have you been a member of a church that abounded in love for each other? There have been times in my life where the congregation that I attended was approaching this spirit of service and love. I have also learned that it is a great challenge to find and maintain that spirit. There are so many pitfalls and temptations that can easily turn a church from a place of edification to a place of discouragement. Consider some common problems that we face in working with our brethren.

On the Outside Looking In

It is crucial that every member understands that he truly belongs and is cared for. When a Christian believes that he is an outsider among the brethren he assembles with, he becomes vulnerable to many temptations. It is easy in that situation to give into jealousy, bitterness or to be overwhelmed by guilt (2 Cor 2:7-11). Good people can become careless and fail to see the needs around them, especially when they are satisfied with the associations they have.

Certain Visitors Not Welcome!

A few years ago I was working with a couple that showed great interest in the gospel. They started attending services where I preached and also began a home Bible study with me. It was not very long until they privately began referring to the church as “the clique.” This concerned me, since I had a good relationship with them. At the end of one service I decided to step back and observe the interaction of others with this couple. At the dismissal of services, I watched as this couple waited for some time near the back of the auditorium at the place where everyone would exit. My heart ached as I observed how on that day very few spoke to them, while most Christians were rushing to visit with the ones they always talked to after services. My brethren, while not realizing or meaning to, communicated very clearly that this couple was not welcome.

The Haves and the Have-Nots

The divide between those who are “rich in this world’s goods” and those who are not can provide a great challenge to a local group. It is far easier to associate only with those who have your tastes and can do the things that you do. It also is very easy to look down upon those who have less and even harden your heart toward them. “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:17).

I have seen churches where groups of couples go on trips to ski resorts, cruises and other expensive trips. It is not wrong to do this, nor should one stop this because others cannot afford it. However, it is important to make every effort to do things that will also allow you to associate with those Christians who have less than you! If you exclusively associate with the rich, then you do not have the heart of our Lord (Mt 11:5).

Attitudes from Parents to Children

Unfortunately children too can display a cruel tendency to exclude and even punish those who are different. Christian parents must remain alert for these attitudes, challenge them and correct them. What a great lesson for parents to teach their children—giving to “unlovable” people the love that they need. It is in the home that we teach our children to include others that are “difficult” in our activities because that is exactly what our Lord wants us to do! “For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?” (Mt 5:46).

Sadly, I have also seen where a mother became bitter towards another couple or even towards a child, and in both spoken and in unspoken actions encouraged their children to snub and exclude other children. It is a far greater hurt for a parent to consistently see their child excluded from group plans than if that same action was taken towards them as adults. It becomes very difficult for a parent to instill faith in their child when the actions of others are so contrary to the gospel of Christ. When this scenario occurs and is not corrected, that congregation will likely lose an entire generation of young people.

Putting a Wet Blanket over the Assembly

When problems arise in a local church in the relationships between Christians, it is crucial that the leadership address these issues with haste. When these problems are ignored, they will only grow until the assemblies of the church become stressful and strained, and in some cases contrary to the encouragement it ought to be.

The early church successfully faced challenges like this. The neglect of the Greek widows in the church at Jerusalem was quickly recognized and corrected (Acts 6:1-7). The apostles were quick to point out occasions of neglect and preference by strongly rebuking and correcting these attitudes (Phil 4:2-3; 1 Cor 11:20-22).

Let love reign in the place you assemble! Why not make plans now to include a brother that is not in your normal group of associates? You will find that the more you give to and involve others, the greater the blessing you will receive.

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Turning the Grace of God into a Carnal weapon

by Larry Rouse

All who know the Lord understand the power of His grace! Those who have seen the blackness of their own sin and were then melted by the message of how God gave His Son for them, can attest to the life-changing power of the gospel. We do not deserve salvation. We cannot earn salvation. In our sin we were once active enemies of God. Still, God, by His grace, gave us the greatest gift that has ever been given (Rom 5:6-8)!

Those who have been changed by this grace, find their hearts and their lives defined by it. Paul plainly proclaimed “By the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Cor 15:10). When Paul converted some Jews and proselytes to God he urged them to continue “in the grace of God” (Acts 13:43). Our true spiritual growth is measured by our increase in “the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

The perversion of God’s Grace

Satan hates the grace of God, for by it men are rescued from his clutches. Being the cunning adversary that he is, Satan has encouraged many to serve him under the banner of the grace of God! There were those who preached a doctrine of “grace” that left men’s hearts untouched by the teaching of the Spirit of God. Men were told that they could “continue in sin that grace may abound” (Romans 6:1). Others found under this banner of “grace” that in their hearts they could hate their brethren and exalt themselves over these “inferiors” in their pride (1 John 3:14-15). Jude proclaimed that these men had in fact turned “the grace of our God into lewdness” (Jude 4).

Modern Day Examples

Years ago I read an article by Connie Adams that I never forgot. He received some advice concerning men who claim to define their lives by the “grace” of God and how they actually act under pressure.

“Years ago, an older preacher told me of a warning he had received years before from Cled Wallace. He said, "Watch out for the real sweet men. They will rip you to pieces when they get a chance." I have received more unkind and unjust treatment over the years from those who had the most to say about love, kindness, gentleness and such nobler qualities, but who could not tolerate any criticism about what they were teaching.”

“I much prefer to deal with people who will meet you in the open before witnesses to air honest disagreements than those who isolate and insulate themselves in ivory towers where they look down with contempt on the fray below them.”

I, too, have experienced the wrath of these men who talk about grace, love and peace. Often these men are seeking to form a party, split a church or work to destroy the reputation of another Christian they view as a competitor in any way they can.

Tests for the True Grace of God

Peter wanted Christians to clearly identify and stand in the “true grace of God” rather than some self-serving philosophy (1 Peter 5:12). Consider these questions and test your own heart.

1. How do I view those who disagree with me? Those who are motivated by God’s grace and love are forbearing and willing to listen to others that have a difference with them. God’s grace will always lead to an open Bible and an open heart to search out “the word of His grace” (Acts 20:32).

When Satan’s “grace” is involved, there will be quick judgments about others. Many are quickly labeled as unworthy of study, particularly if they have displayed a strong faith and knowledge of God’s word. However, those who are struggling and separated from other Christians are often approached in private about these new views (Peter 2:1).

2. Am I being honest with others about what I really believe? The grace of God will be open and honest about anything God has revealed. There is no need to plot, plan or scheme concerning how to teach others. “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 2But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God” (2 Cor 4:1-2).

Those who are motivated by Satan’s wisdom have learned to lie. They have as their goal to bring as many into their party as possible and in any way they can. If a false impression about their own beliefs would keep a knowledgeable Christian from questioning them and thus give them more time to work behind the scenes, then they will do that very thing. If they can misrepresent what another Christian believes so they can pull another Christian into their group, then they will do that too (Gal 4:17).

3. What is the focus of my own heart and those that associate with me? Our tongues will ultimately reveal our hearts. “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things” (Matthew 12:35). Those motivated by the grace of God will be looking to serve others, to speak well of others and to see the best in others.

A sure sign of Satan’s wisdom is seen when men’s concept of “grace” leads them to quickly label others as “traditionalist,” “legalist’” and with many other terms (James 3:16). These men are constantly looking at men, whether it is to condemn and attack their “opponents” or to flatter one another over their spirituality. “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Cor 10:12).

One Final Test

We must know the difference between these philosophies. From my personal experience, I have found most that have used God’s grace as a weapon have hearts that are filled with anger and bitterness. Sadly, if given time, they will fill their disciples with this same spirit. Keep your eyes open and see if it is God or Satan that is behind these teachings.

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (James 3:13-18).

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The Difference Between a Hypocrite and a Good Person Making a Mistake

By Clarence Johnson

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:8‑9). This passage clearly shows that no one is sinlessly perfect, but it does not brand all as hypocrites. The word hypocrite comes from a Greek word meaning "play actor." The word denotes one who either (1) pretends to be something he isn't, or (2) pretends to believe something he does not really believe. The fact that a person sins, does not prove him to be a hypocrite devoid of conviction. Good people sin and make mistakes.

We will illustrate our point from several incidents from the life of Simon Peter.

1. Good people make mistakes in judgment. After being with Jesus day and night for three and a half years in preparation to fish for men, Peter contemplated going back to fishing for fish (John 21:3‑17). Choosing one's occupation is a matter of judgment, but in this case, Peter was using extremely poor ‑ perhaps sinful judgment.

2. Good people sometimes make careless mistakes. Numbers 35:23 pictures a scene where a man brought harm to another in an unguarded moment, by not being careful. Many auto accidents and similar matters fall into this category. Even though such carelessness may be sinful, it seldom involves hypocrisy.

3. Good people make mistakes through ignorance. No one has all knowledge, therefore we are subject to make mistakes that would be avoided if we were better informed. And sometimes our ignorance stems, not from being uninformed but by being misinformed. Sometimes we know things that aren't true. Peter was there when Jesus gave the great commission "to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." But Peter (and evidently the other apostles as well) assumed that Jesus meant every Jewish creature. After all, they knew they were not to associate with Gentiles (Acts 10:28). And even though the Holy Spirit inspired Peter to preach that the gospel promises were to you (Jews) and to your children, and to all who are afar off (the Gentiles, Eph 2:17), neither Peter nor the other apostles fully understood that until after the events of Acts 10 and 11. Had they know sooner, they would have preached to Gentiles sooner. Their failure to carry out that part of the commission was not due to hypocrisy, but to their failure to completely understand.

The sins of Saul of Tarsus against the early church were prompted by a similar lack of understanding. He did it ignorantly in unbelief (1 Tim. 1:13).

4. Good people sin through the weakness of the flesh. Peter's denial of Jesus was such a sin. Peter succumbed to the fear and/or shame that attached itself to Jesus' crucifixion (Matt. 26:65‑74). What Peter did was a sin, but it was not a deliberate sham. He was a good man, making a mistake through weakness of the flesh (Matt. 26:41).

These things are not said to excuse sin. Sin is still sin, and it must be confessed and forsaken. But let us take care that we do not brand one as a hypocrite simply because he has erred. Though the good person will make mistakes, he will also acknowledge his sins. And God is faithful and just to forgive" his sins. The blood of Jesus Christ will cleanse him from all sin and unrighteousness.

The hypocrite will insist that he has not sinned, that he has been misunderstood, or that someone else is really at fault. He thus relinquishes the benefit of having an Advocate with the Father, by denying his need for such (1 John 1:8‑2:6).

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us" (1 John 1:8‑10).

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