God’s Design for Instruction

Romans 1:16 - For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

It seems as if we are living in a day where conferences, seminars, forums, sessions, etcetera are given more weight than the simple New Testament pattern of worship. It is not my intention to delve into the potential shortcomings of such. I simply want to highlight the truth that God provided a far more superior means for us to navigate the manifold challenges of everyday life. Let us not be ashamed of what our Lord has provided.

The word ‘salvation’ in the context of Romans 1:16 is defined as a deliverance or preservation. We can think of the gospel as a life preserver for the born again child of God when the winds and waves of the world would overwhelm him. We need this daily deliverance at work, in our homes, as we strive to be responsible citizens, and in our personal devotion to God!

God in his mercy established the local church as the assembly in which this is to occur.  To be effective, the ministry and congregants must both apply themselves to the study of the word. There should also be prayers that God would bless the messages to be scriptural and applicable to the needs of the local flock. When these things occur, no better instruction can be found! 

Are you zealously supporting and cultivating these qualities in your local congregation? 

This design has been effective for over two thousand years. Lord help us to recognize, appreciate, and encourage the preaching of the gospel in accordance with God’s simple pattern!

Blessings,

Michael D. Green, Jr.

The Power of the Tongue

James 3:5 - Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

I had an unfortunate reminder of this truth not too long ago. It would not be prudent to go into detail about this particular situation, but needless to say a few individuals that were not in control of their tongue dampened an otherwise uplifting and encouraging experience!

In chapter 3 James explains the power of the tongue. The physical size of the tongue is miniscule compared to the rest of the body, but it has great sway. The power can be used in an edifying or denigrating manner. Consider some of the ways that we can use our tongue:

·      Offering words of encouragement to someone who someone who is going through a rough patch

·      Sharing a portion of God’s word to a struggling friend

·      Praying for a loved one who is enduring physical trials

Less edifying uses might include:

·      Gossiping about a fellow church member that has been repeatedly absent from the fellowship

·      Participating in and sharing inappropriate jokes about different races or backgrounds

·      Harshly criticizing a child or spouse

Many other examples can be added to both lists. Obviously, one group builds up and another tears down. As disciples of Christ we should strive for the former. Every word that we speak has the potential to make a huge difference in the life of others, both positive and negative. We must strive not to kindle a great fire with our tongue!

Paul writes, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27).” Our ‘conversation’ entails more than the words that we speak, but they are indeed included in this admonition. Lord help us to take care with every word that we speak. Your next words have the potential to sway another person one way or the other in their discipleship.

Blessings,

Michael D. Green, Jr.

Stedfast

1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

The reality of life is that there are inevitable ups and downs. This is true personally, in your family, and in your church. This is the result of living in a sin-cursed earth. We will disappoint one another. We will disagree. We will say things that we should not. In spite of this the biblical mandate is to press on in spite of failures.

The Apostle Paul uses the term, stedfast to illustrate this attitude. just a cursory reading of this word elicits a feeling of moving forward. Be steady but moving along. The term literally means to be firm and fixed on a purpose. We all have short and long-term goals. The ultimate goal of a disciple of Christ is to become more like Him and shine a spotlight on Him in the process. This will happen when we dust off after a failure and return to the part of discipleship. The most meaningful move that we can make when in a valley of life is towards our Savior in steadfast persistence.

What failures are you allowing to hold you back. Are you allowing disappointments of the past to move you from the path of Christlikeness? Today is a great opportunity to cast those burdens at His feet and return to the work of the Lord.