September 1995
Vol I
To spread the true Gospel Light to all men
A Worldly Christian?
by Rev. Stephen J. Dickinson
There seems to be a problem with being able to distinguish the difference between worldly people and those who call themselves "Christian" today. There just doesn't seem to be much of a difference in the Christian and non-Christian attitude, dress, activity, places of pleasure, or Sunday practices. The Holy Bible teaches that a Christian is a peculiar type of person, with different ways and life styles than those in the world. The Christian's life is supposed to be pure and undefiled of the world (I Peter 2:9-10, Titus 2:14 KJV). Because of this being a thing of the past, there must be something wrong with the interpretation of the word, "Christian".
We all need to be reminded that the word "Christian" came from the early believers, who were followers of Christ. The word "Christian" implies that such a one is a follower of Christ, who walks as Christ walked. I John 2:6 tells us that those who claim to be Christian, must walk just as the Lord Jesus walked while here on earth. Jesus was free of sin, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and walked with holiness of heart. Let's consider II Corinthians 5:17-18, which tells us that if we are of Christ, we are a new creation. All of the old has passed away and all things have become new. Before we became Christians, we loved worldly places, and lived to do worldly things. Now we are of God and we should only desire the things that come from heaven. If we have become a Christian, we should no longer desire the things of the world. We must not have anything to do with the world (Rom.12:2), and we must maintain a pure and undefiled religion, which is keeping oneself unspotted of the world (James 1:27). Jesus did not dwell in the places where sin was found, unless it was to witness and save a sinner's soul. Is this what you are doing today?
by Dr. Stanley R. Farrar
But pastor, the Bible speaks of the stewardship of the people of God. The church is all together different than that of what God expects of his people. You couldn't possibly mean that the church has a responsibility for stewardship, as well. How can the church be responsible for stewardship? The church is made up of many and each of us are already held responsible for our stewardship.
In the book of Malachi, God makes it very clear that a man is required to pay a tithe to God. He tells us that if we are failing to tithe then we are robbing God of what is justly His. Without the acceptance of responsibility, the house of God can not have the finances required to carry on the work of God. Thus, we are to bring the tithes and offerings into the storehouse of God. In Malachi 3:9 He brings this down not only to individuals, but also to all the people of God, collectively "this whole nation."
The tithes and offerings are brought into the treasury for the purpose of doing the work of God. There are many ways that we accomplish this work as we represent God in the world. The church is not just made up of the local congregation of the church, but it is made up of many facets around the world. Consider the fact that the Church is universal, taking in every Christian around the world. Therefore our responsibility does not stop with our local area. The church of God is made up of missionaries, both home and foreign fields, the national works, the state works, and our local congregations.
The local church has a tendency to withdraw from the rest of the Church and become focused inwardly. When the local church turns its focus inwardly we see that it has a withdrawing effect upon the outlook of the people in the congregation. It becomes very self-centered and often times selfish. It begins to look at what God has blessed the church with in such a way as though those blessings are theirs and are not to be shared. They begin to hoard what they have. Churches acquire sums of money that they put in the bank, rather than using it for the glory of God. Buildings become in disrepair, ministries go hurting or are even discontinued, and needs of the pastor and people are not even given that cool drink of water.
The Church is the body of Christ, and this is the visible extension of the Kingdom of God. The world sees the Church as what Christianity is all about. When Jesus was in the flesh he set examples for us to follow and now that he has returned to the heavenly Father he still intends for His body to set an example for others. If we, as the Church, are going to teach tithing then wouldn't you think that the Church needs to be tithing as well, being that example for the people of the congregation to follow? But some may say that the Church is the storehouse of God. That is true, but are you looking at the overall picture or are you looking just to one facet of the Church? Are you looking just inwardly?
Paul collected an offering to take back to Jerusalem as a mission's offering. Ones from very poor areas of the land gave to this offering, so that the work of God could be carried out. This is why we as the Church universal give to the outreach program in Anderson and to the various works of the State of Nebraska. These areas of ministry have no means of raising funds without the help of the local churches. Therefore, would you not think that it would be good stewardship for the church to tithe to these works? The local church needs to set aside a portion of its budget for the extended work of the Church.
After considering the responsibility of stewardship, beyond the walls of the local church, we also need to consider the responsibility of the church to the stewardship locally, of the needs of the church ministries, the church building, and the needs of the pastor. Stewardship comes in many differing ways, the giving of ones self and resources to the work of God.
First and uttermost is the responsibility of the congregation to provide for the ministries of the local church. Without the ministries being properly manned and financed there is no purpose for the local congregation of the church of God. These ministries can take many differing forms. The church provides a praise and worship facility for those who wish to assemble themselves together as the Word of God instructs. There is also the outreach of the church to present Jesus Christ to those who are lost and to give the opportunity for the instruction in the Word of God, so that the convert may grow and mature in Christ. This may require the purchase of books and material for instruction. This is the great commission that Jesus gave before he returned to the heavenly Father. Matt. 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you... (NIV)
Winning and instruction is a vital part of the churches activity and must be provided for in people, time, and finances.
It is necessary for the Church to have a place of assembly, whether in someone's home or in a special place for gathering together. Some would have you to believe that to have a separate building is not scriptural, but if you will note in Acts 2:1 they were in a special place large enough to accomodate a large group of people. Acts 2:1 and when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. (KJV)
Note, they were not in various homes, but about 120 of them were there together in the one place. If we are to be the ambassador of Christ in this present world, then we also need to present a place of assembly that is well kept and in proper repair. A place we are proud to say, "this is the house of the Lord." Remember how Jesus felt about His house when he drove the money changers out. God deserves a good, well kept, clean, and well repaired facility.
Paul indicates the need in having a pastor over the local flock of sheep. He gave specific instructions to Timothy so that he would be able to pastor the local church. God intends for the church of God to have a pastor. Part of stewardship is the proper care of the pastor of the local church. Jesus gives the instruction for the overseer of the church to be cared for, and that he is deserving of his wages. Luke 10:7 Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you for the worker deserves his wages... (NIV)
The local congregation needs to make sure the pastor has what is necessary for the pastor to live and do the work of the ministry. This does not mean to pay the pastor just enough to get by from week to week. Would that be sufficient for you, that are in the congregation? It is an old and out dated idea for the church to barely pay the pastor, because that will keep him humble. It is good stewardship to make sure the pastor is taken care of in every way. He then will be able to spend more time in prayer and preparation for his work for God.
Stewardship of the Church, are you doing all that you could possibly do? Or are you just getting
by or are you building up a reserve in the bank as a nest egg? We, as the family of God, are
required to walk by faith and not by sight. If we think we have to have money in the bank to run
the church we are not trusting in God. Many churches today have a few thousand dollars in the
bank, in CD's and savings accounts. God has given that money to the church to use, not to save.
Think of the scripture of the talents. Remember the one that buried his talent and did not use it.
This is the same principle of storing money away in a savings account. Let's use what God has
given to us by being good stewards and allowing God to bless us as we do His will.
By Pastor Stanley R. Farrar II
The Gospel Light paper is designed to educate and to assist in spiritual growth. So many times today we focus on the number of people coming and forget the most important kind of growth. Spiritual growth is vital in the church today. Without it, our souls will perish (See Hosea 4:6). How many times today do people wander off into cults or other man-made teachings? The church of God loses people all the time to false teachings, and at times, it is because they are not being warned. It is one thing if a person rejects God because of ignoring wise council. It is a completely different circumstance when we have failed to teach them the truths of the word of God, for then we will answer for it. We were commanded to teach all nations (See Matt 28:19,20). Are we doing the commands of Christ? Do we follow His will and lead people out of false teachings?
I have heard ministers say time and time again, "Oh, it doesn't matter what Church you go to, as long as you attend somewhere." This lie of the Devil has sent thousands to Hell. And if we spread such lies we will burn as well. If a church has man-made teachings it is unacceptable and should be stood against. For anything more than the Bible is too much anything less is too little. We are to stand as a light to a lost and dying world (See Matt 5:14-16). Let us endeavor to be a light for Jesus Christ.
We are trying in our own small way to share our Lord's truth, to aid in the growth of the people around us. We claim the promise, that the word will not come back void. So we stand on His blessed truths, promoting a holy life, for without which, no one can see Heaven. The Gospel Light is to show basic Gospel truths, and spread the love of our Lord Jesus Christ to all men.
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