Truth Magazine

By Andy Alexander

The Lord said of the church at Sardis, “that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead” (Rev. 2:1). Sardis had been alive spiritually, for the Lord told them to remember how they had received and heard, but now, although they had a reputation for being alive, they were dead. Obviously, the Christians at Sardis were not aware of their dire condition.

It is a sad fact that local churches die from time to time, but what causes a thriving, spiritually alive, local church to die? What are some of the signs that point to this happening? We want to notice some of the possible warning signs of death in this article in hopes of strengthening the church of our Lord. A congregation may have some of the signs mentioned, but not all. Whatever the case, if there is improvement that we can make in our personal lives and we make it, then this improvement will strengthen the local church of which we are members.

Signs of Approaching Death

These are outward signs that warn of the approaching death of a congregation. These signs would suggest a deeper spiritual problem, which if corrected, could save a congregation from death.

One sign that indicated the Hebrew brethren were drifting was that some were forsaking the assembly (Heb. 10:25). Our love for our brethren and the Lord will naturally grow cold if we cease to assemble regularly with them (Heb. 10:23-24). As the passage teaches, we are to be present to stir each other up unto love and good works. If we forsake the assembling of the saints, then we cannot be encouraged by them and they cannot be encouraged by us. In fact, we would be a discouragement to those who do faithfully assemble to worship God.

The figures on the attendance board can be an indicator of a serious problem. When gaps begin to appear between different services of the church, then we can know that a problem exists that needs attention.

Another warning sign closely associated with forsaking the assembly is if only very few are concerned about those who miss regularly. Concerned enough, that is, to call or visit and inquire as to the reason for their absence and rebuke if necessary (2 Tim. 4:2). A love for the Lord is waning in the life of those who forsake the assembly, but also in the life of their brethren who feel no compulsion to try to save their lost soul (Gal. 6:1; John 13:34-35).

The cares and pleasures of life are an ever present danger for the children of God (Luke 8:14). Satan has infiltrated many local churches via this avenue. He has been successful in convincing us that the pursuit of material goods and fun and games is more important than working diligently for the Lord in his vineyard (1 Cor. 3:9; John 9:4). This is not to say that material goods and recreation are sinful, but they can become such if we get our lives out of balance and begin to place more emphasis on these earthly treasures than on the kingdom of God.

How many Christians can find time to play softball, soccer, or golf two or three times a week, work overtime or take on a second job, but can barely work in enough time to assemble with saints? And when we do squeeze the services into our hectic schedules, our lessons are not done and our children are not prepared for class. If we find ourselves so busy or so tired that at-tending services is a burden and we are rarely, if ever, prepared when we do attend, then could we possibly be doing other things the Lord has commanded of us? Jesus commands us to read and meditate on his word, to visit the widows and orphans in their affliction, to teach our neighbors and our children the gospel, to encourage our brethren, to be hospitable, to restore those who have erred from the truth, and to care for our aged parents (1 Tim. 4:13-16; Jas. 1:27; Matt. 28:19-20; Eph. 6:4; Heb. 10:23-25; 1 Pet. 4:9; Jas. 5:19-20; 1 Tim. 5:16). This list is not exhaustive, but how many who have difficulty attending because of the cares and pleasures of life are actively carrying out any of these commands? “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3). No, God’s commandments are not grievous, they just get in the way of secular things we would rather be doing.

Another sign of approaching death can be seen in our close associates. Jesus associated with sinners with one goal in mind  saving their souls (Matt. 9:10-12). His closest friends and those he associated with on a regular basis were his disciples (Matt. 12:46-50; John 11:1-5; 15:14). Our close friends may be good, moral people in the eyes of the world, but do they strengthen us in Christ? Do we open our mouth and try to teach them the truth as Jesus did when he encountered those in the world? If we are actively trying to teach them the truth, one of two things will likely occur: they will either obey the gospel or begin to shun us. This is a natural consequence of teaching the gospel; either people obey Christ or they reject him (Matt. 12:30). Those who reject him usually feel condemned by those who accept him, and they generally do not want to keep company with those they feel condemned by.

How does this relate to our topic about a dying church? If we find ourselves readily accepted by those in the world, maybe we are not actively trying to reach them with the gospel. And, just maybe, they are pulling us away from those we ought to be associating with  our brethren. The more we are separated from our brethren, the more likely our love for them will grow cold.

We are commanded to exhort one another daily according to Hebrews 3:13. Yet, the only time we see our brethren is three times a week at most and that for only a few brief minutes after services, then how can we do much exhorting. It is a serious problem and needs more than a Band-Aid to repair it when most members of a congregation would rather be with worldly people instead of their brethren.

Another sign of approaching death is when the church produces more coaches, fishermen, hunters, ball players, shoppers, and such like than Bible class teachers, elders, preachers, and godly women. The Hebrew brethren were rebuked for their lack of growth in this area (Heb. 5:12-14). There had been sufficient time for them to have matured in Christ to the point where they could be teachers, but instead, they were in need of someone teaching them the first principles of the oracles of God.

Is it becoming more difficult to find among our own members those who will put forth the time and effort necessary to work up a sermon or teach a Bible class for a quarter? Are teachers coming to class prepared? Are we challenging our class or the congregation? Does our class invite discussion and comments, or snores and dreams?

When we have members who are capable of teaching in the local schools or willing to coach just about any recreational activity, then ability to teach is not the problem. A knowledge of the subject may be lacking, but that can be remedied with a regular study period each day. The problem is willingness. Some are willing to study and teach secular subjects for money. Others are willing to learn about and teach recreational activities because their children are involved, and they believe that wholesome recreation is a must for a child to grow up normal in the twentieth century. Granted, there is nothing wrong with some wholesome recreation, but do our children witness us placing more emphasis on earthly exercise than godly exercise?

There seems to be no shortage of coaches, school teachers, and recreational directors, but there does seem to be a dearth when it comes to Bible class teachers, elders, preachers, and godly mothers who work at home. Do we have to be lying on our death bed before we recognize the importance of learning, obeying, and teaching God’s word to the next generation?

A lack of discipline will cause a congregation to weaken and be susceptible to death. The church of Christ in Corinth was admonished to withdraw from an erring brother in order to save his soul. An additional reason for purging out the wicked from among them was “that a little leaven leavens the whole lump” (1 Cor. 5:6). When there is no enforcement of the law, sin will spread. For example, if some young people are permitted to dress immodestly, others will ultimately follow their example. When the first group is not disciplined for their sinful actions, then the second group will usually be allowed their indiscretions and generations to come will likely follow these bad examples. When one group’s sins are not addressed as they should be, then another group with different sins will be strengthened to continue in their evil ways.

In Kentucky the speed limit is rarely enforced. The result: nearly everyone speeds. Likewise, if God’s laws are not enforced, then sin will be the result and “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). We need to see God’s law will eventually be enforced (John 5:28-29). Many are not disciplined in local congregations because some are afraid that discipline will bring trouble, or that the one who needs to be disciplined is a family member. Discipline will strengthen the local church and love for our erring family members ought to cause us to want to do all we can to bring about their salvation. Besides, our failure to discipline is disobedience to God (2 Cor. 2:9).

Another sign of spiritual illness is when a local church begins to take in sinful members from other congregations. Problems are welcomed into the local body that may not show up for several years. If one congregation takes in leaven that has been purged from another congregation, the leavening process will continue wherever the leaven is allowed to do its evil work. Leaven imported from another congregation will destroy a church just as fast as the home-grown variety.

A congregation is also in danger of death when it de-sires weak, watered-down preaching and the preacher fulfills their desire. Timothy was taught to stand firm and “preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; re-prove, rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering and teaching” (2 Tim. 4 :2). Paul warns us that some will not want sound doctrine, but the evangelist is to preach to please God and not men (2 Tim. 4:3-4; 1 Thess. 2:4).

Preaching like Jesus, Peter, Stephen, and Paul will be offensive to some in the church today, but God will be pleased and honest hearts will respond to God’s call (Matt. 5:8; Lk. 8:15). Sermons that exposed error and pointed the way to salvation caused the first century church to be persecuted, but it also brought on unprecedented growth (Eph. 5:11; Acts 19:1-20). God’s word is just as powerful today, and if we would wield the sword God has given us as the first century Christians wielded it, then perhaps we would see similar results (Rom. 1:16; Eph. 6:17).

Conclusion

This list of warning signs is not exhaustive. Hopefully, we will examine ourselves and make correction where correction is needed (2 Cor. 13:5). No congregation has to die, but die it will if its members drift through life and never make any self-examination and correction. James warns about those who look into God’s mirror, the Word, and see flaws, but do not make the needed correction (Jas. 1:23-24). Let us be wise hearers of the Word and strengthen the church of our Lord. “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).

Guardian of Truth XL: 2 p. 6-7
January 18, 1996

By Irvin Himmel

All who obey the gospel are blessed by the grace of God. It is the grace of God that brings salvation (Tit. 2:11). We are saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8, 9). To re-pent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins is to respond to the grace of God.

Paul and the other apostles were ambassadors or good-will messengers to show people how to be reconciled to God. Their entreaty was, “We pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God” (2 Cor. 5:20).

“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain” (2 Cor. 6:1). Paul and his fellow-workers were cooperating with God by declaring the word of his grace, the word of reconciliation. Paul pleaded with others “that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.”

There are several ways in which reception of the grace of God may be in vain or to no useful purpose.

1. By turning to a different gospel. After being called into the grace of Christ, the Galatians were quickly re-moving to “another gospel,” a perversion of the gospel of Christ (Gal. 1:6, 7). Paul’s assessment of their situation was this: “I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain” (Gal. 4:11).

2. By failure to bear fruit. A fruit tree is expected to produce fruit. “Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire” (Matt. 7:19). The Christian who fails to be fruitful is barren. Jesus said, “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” (John 15:8). Read Galatians 5:22, 23 to learn more about the fruit of the Spirit.

3. By permitting God’s word to be choked. In the par-able of the sower and the soils, the seed falling among thorns illustrates one who hears God’s word, but “the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful” (Mk. 4:18,19).

4. By turning back to worldly pollutions. Some who have escaped the pollutions of the world are again en-tangled therein and overcome. Peter compares such per-sons to a sow that was washed and returns to wallowing in the mire (2 Pet. 2:20-22). One’s receiving God’s grace is indeed in vain if he goes back to his old vile way of life.

5. By losing faith. The Israelites were delivered from Egypt by the grace of God. Most of them perished in the wilderness. Why could they not enter the promised land? Because of unbelief (Heb. 3:19). In this there is a lesson for Christians. “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God” (Heb. 3:12).

6. By beginning in the Spirit and ending in the flesh. Paul asked the Galatians, “Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” (Gal. 3:3). The apostle was determined to keep his body in subjection, not allowing the flesh to become the master, lest he be rejected (1 Cor. 9:27).

Many people who have received the grace of God have nullified the effect of that grace in such ways as these listed above. Now is the day of salvation! Now is the time to give earnest heed to our calling and our election (2 Pet. 1:5-10).

Guardian of Truth XL: 2 p. 13
January 18, 1996

By John White

(Reproduced from Good News published by Timberland Dr. Church of Christ)

As I reread the account of Israel’s wanderings in the wilderness, I was impressed again with how fiercely God responded to grumbling. Paul too, warns Christians to learn a lesson from the wrath that fell on Israelites who grumbled: “Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer” (1 Cor. 10:10). Why such strong condemnation?

Grumbling denies God’s ability to provide. Pressed against the shore of the Red Sea with the Egyptians closing in, many Israelites grumbled against Moses. Forgetting what they had witnessed of God’s power against Pharaoh, they lost their courage and lashed out at the most convenient target.

Grumbling may be an attempt to intimidate. In Exodus 16, the Israelites grumbled, pressing Moses to return them to Egypt rather than proceed into the wilderness.

Grumblers debilitate God’s leaders. In Number 11, the Israelites pushed Moses to the point that he wanted God to take his life. Many church members view grumbling as normal church behavior. There is a need to point out the harm grumbling may inflict upon individuals and upon the church.

Complaining replaces prayer. Prayer, not grumbling, is the way God intends to change things.

Grumblers earn a bad reputation. In a church that values community, agitators will find themselves ostracized.

Grumbling seduces people away from Jesus’ model for handling conflict. An issue that could be put to rest quickly through one-on-one conversation (as Jesus taught in Matt. 18:15-17) can be kept alive indefinitely by grumblers.

Grumbling weakens a congregation’s confidence in its leaders. While grumbling too often comes naturally to us, it is unhealthy to believe negative, unfounded reports about others  to presume guilt rather than innocence. Healthy churches, like emotionally healthy individuals, will assume the best rather than the worst.

Guardian of Truth XL: 2 p. 9
January 18, 1996

By Robert F Turner

Freedom … The word is almost sacred to the American people, and over the world today it stirs great hope and aspirations. Our Declaration of Independence calls it an “inalienable” right and a truth “self evident.” What is the source of this freedom, and what does it mean to us?

Free agency, the right to choose, is a gift from God. He elevated man above the beasts of the field: making man in his image (Gen. 1:26), sharing with man the power of choice. Man need not be slave to instinct or norm. He may rise above self, pursue ideals, seek truth, and embrace it.

But with power there is responsibility. The ability to choose the right exposes us to the danger of choosing the wrong. The same justice that re-wards the righteous, must also condemn the wicked. Freedom, then, cannot be free. Even in the moral realm it imposes obligations, and there are none more bound than those who foolishly demand unbridled liberty and become slaves of their own folly.

In free government a man can vote as he chooses, but he may not vote correctly. He may, by neglect or party politics, fail the responsibilities of this truth and encourage corruption.

In business, free enterprise allows a man to invest as he sees fit. But this is no guarantee of profit. He may invest unwisely, and “loose his shirt,”  the price paid for untrammeled opportunity.

A study of freedom in every facet of life will emphasize the obligations of those who enjoy it. Conversely, man’s history shows that freedom is lost when its obligations are ignored.

Freedom in religion is widely ac-claimed, but it is as widely misunderstood. The constitution guarantees religious freedom, but cannot make whatever one chooses to believe acceptable with God. At best, man can only endorse the freedom God originally granted  a right inherent in the nature of man. Legislative, judicial, and executive authority in divine matters must be left to God.

The need to serve God according to his law is not diminished by free will. That need is, in fact, intensified. We are the more accountable before God for the way we exercise our free agency.

In the very early times the “priest-hood” of all believers (1 Pet. 2:5, 9) was dominated by a rising clergy system. Each one’s obligation to “prove all things” (1 Thess. 5:21) gave way to party loyalties and the word of the clergy. Soon the scriptural standard (Acts 17:11) was replaced by the usurped “authority of the church,” and history repeated itself. When the obligations of true liberty are slighted, liberty itself is lost.

Individual liberty was not wrested from the church. It was lost by default. “Churchanity” dulls individual will and stifles initiative. In religion, as in business and government, the socialized slave is tranquilized by his lot and loses his taste for the rigorous life of true freedom.

Dear Reader, how much of your own religion have you proven by God’s word? Perhaps you were baptized (?) by sprinkling, but have you ever read New Testament authority for that? You may be a member of some denomination, but does the word of God authorize its name, doctrine, and practice? Do you accept a thing as right or wrong simply because the preacher so declares it? Do such questions irritate you? We hope not! They are asked to help you see how easily one may forfeit individual freedoms in favor of unproven traditions. Truth has nothing to fear from honest investigation, but freedom can be lost without it.

Fundamentally, religion is a choice of masters: God or self. Liberty under God is not the same as becoming your own God. Recognition of the Supreme Being should make us aware that man can no longer direct his own steps (Jer. 10:23). Jesus warned, “No man can serve two masters” (Matt. 6:24). Joshua said, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve . . .”, then he added that a decision for God imposed obligations (Josh. 24:15, 19-23).

Most pitiful of all are the willfully blind. Thinking they serve God, these allow the winds of the day to make their decisions. They stumble in the darkness of self-service, yet know not they are blind (Rev. 3:17). Freedom is not for the fearful, the crowd pleaser, or the lover of ease in Zion. It must be grasped with resoluteness, and retained with sacrifice  eyes wide open.

Freedom under God involves individual responsibility toward God: to know his will (John 17:17), and be freed from sin (John 8:32-36). Truth severs the shackles of sectarianism and gives assurance that we walk in his light. But we are warned that if we fail to properly exercise our freedom  in religion, as in government and business  we shall be bound by sin and finally perish.

Guardian of Truth XL: 2 p. 1
January 18, 1996