Thoughts on Christian Living Book #2 by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

ABIDING IN THE CALLING OR IN THE PROGRAM?

The impression left by so many modern churches is in their decided preference of a program. The Bible may be viewed as good advice or even good theology, but not really sufficient for an enlightened, largely self-serving society which must be (some think) incorporated into the church for the sake of perpetuity. So the question must be pondered anew: should churches restrict their beliefs and activities to the Holy Writ of antiquity, or push modern programs to the forefront to attract and incorporate into the church those who are not spiritually minded, but looking for a comfort zone of “Christian social environment.” Of course, not many would agree that this is what is happening in THEIR CHURCH, but observance of practice over a few months might show differently. Think about it for a moment!

God was adamant about the Hebrews learning and displaying His Word in Old Testament times. They were to write it on their doorposts, and wear it on their body, and in their clothing. Could it be any less important today? When Jesus ascended up into heaven, He gave gifts to men: apostles, prophets, evangelists and teaching pastors to bring to maturity His people, (Eph. 4). The temporary charismatic gifts were replaced with the completed Word which is to accomplish the same purpose. I Cor. 13; Heb. 6:1-3. At what point then is it acceptable to Him to overshadow His Word with the programs of men?

Perhaps no better reference could be called up at this point than that of I John 2:27-28, “Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. . . But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.”

Although the work of bringing God’s people to a state of

spiritual maturity continues with every generation, the unity of the faith was achieved a very long time ago by which the Lord’s churches have been enabled to survive the onslaughts of the age and still do good business for Him. Moreover, pastoral and evangelistic desires in men, and their positive response by others continues, but such are not gifts; they are callings for which those called must spend much time in preparation, enabling them to

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