Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

WHO WANTS A CHURCH?

“Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”

Ephesians 3:21

The strength of America serves as insulation from the ills of the rest of the world, at least for a time. Whether it is a cultural trend, a financial difficulty, an esteem of religion, or a shift in governmental thinking, it all comes into American life, but usually more delayed and slowly. That process is speeding up due to the wearing away of the insulation. I illustrate the point with this story.

Spearheading mission work of the churches of the American Baptist Association in Australia, Laura and I visited that country in 1972. One of the goals was to help secure an advantageous place for a permanent church building of the initial mission begun by Calvary Baptist Church in Duncan, Oklahoma in 1968. In the process, several business, and civic leaders were consulted, and potential sites visited.

Success was achieved in the procuring of a two-acre estate called “Mountain view” in the Leumeah area near Sydney. A New Testament church is located there today.

However, in the search for suitable property, a number of new housing areas were considered. Based on the thinking that new housing areas in the U.S. desired a church adjacent to them, authorities were consulted about the possibility.

To the dismay of the missionary and myself, the reply most often received was, “Who wants a church?” The tone of the reply conveyed more than the simple words. It was so unrealistic to hear such disdain for the work of the Lord, and it was inconceivable that such an attitude would ever prevail in America.

Fast forward to today! Nearly fifty years have passed since that long ago visit. In that time much has occurred to marginalize the work of the Lord in general and churches in particular. One might not be shocked to hear “Who wants a church” not only in America, but in the southern “Bible belt” as well. The insulation is gone. America walks much in step with the nations of the world with whom the church means little to nothing at all.

As general esteem of the Lord’s work diminishes, His true churches may be entering what could be their finest hour of standing for the faith once delivered to the saints. Doubtless, markers indicate the nearness of the end of the church age, the glorious return of our Lord and Savior, and the eternal joy of rapture and resurrection. It is time for Christians to look up with excitement over the millennial age that is soon to happen.

On that day, the church of the Lord Jesus Christ will be honored as the bride of Christ, and elevated to rulership with Him in that marvelous thousand years of peace. But it does not stop there as Eph. 3:21 declares the church will provide glory to God throughout all ages, world without end. Amen! Who wants a church? Is it any wonder John prayed, Even so, Come Lord Jesus!

FOR THOUGHT: Do you perceive a rapid decline in appreciation in society for the Lord’s work? What do you think are the main contributing factors for what you see occurring? How do you evaluate your opportunity to stand against encroaching evils that marginalize the church? Are you thankful for insight and opportunity or would you rather not have such?

WILL A MAN ROB GOD?

“Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.” Malachi 3:8-9.

I know, I know! Everybody’s mind is made up from the title of this article what it is going to be all about. When pastors choose this title and use Malachi 3:8, it is almost always a message of giving money to the cause of the church. Certainly, a lot of churchgoers do rob God in the matters of tithes and offerings as the context of this passage of scripture indicates, but that is not the primary burden of this article. So how could this be any different? Well, think with me and see! Robbery of God takes on a much grander scale of which tithes and offerings are but a symptom. Consider that when one repents from sin and receives Christ Jesus into his heart, he is born from above, and his spirit sealed with the Holy Spirit of God, Ephesians 4:30. That person has been purchased by the blood of Jesus. He is no longer his own!. As such he is to render praise and honor to his Savior (how logical). It is good that a large number do exactly that, but a growing number of present disciples give place to any excuse to miss church worship services or to give of themselves in any noticeable way to honor the God of their salvation. Many believers would be embarrassed beyond words if called upon to lead in prayer, because prayer is a stranger to them.

So, how many ways will a man rob God of the just honor due Him? Will a man rob God of the glory He is to receive from him in His church; of His rightful place in his heart; of His rightful place in his home; in the power of personal testimony that he is failing to portray to others? It seems the list of ways modern Christians do rob God is quite long!

The problem is a heart problem! Moreover, that speaks to the attitude toward tithes and offerings. Jesus pungently said it when He taught that where a man’s heart is, there will also be his treasure. Christians should determine where their money goes, and where their leisure time is spent. Wherever they find joy, it is where their treasure is. Certainly, it is a precious few who find their heart, and their treasure in the things of God. Among far too many the decisions are repeatedly made to rob God! It is the kind of robbery that a sermon, or brow-beating, or grudging change will NOT remedy, because it underscores heart trouble.

Knowing that we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of deeds whether they are good or evil, wisdom cries out for a return of the heart to the God who bought it with His precious blood. When that cry is heeded, all the other things will be properly placed.

FOR THOUGHT: As a Christian, do you see yourself as actually being purchased and owned by the Creator/Savior you claim to trust? If not, why not? If God prescribes Christian behavior, and if Christians choose their own criteria instead, do you consider that to be robbery? Why? If not, why not?