I Love Thy Kingdom Lord

“I love Thy kingdom Lord, The house of thine abode; The church our blest Redeemer saved with His own precious blood. I love Thy church O God” (Hymn – “I Love Thy Kingdom Lord”).

The church/kingdom of Jesus Christ was deliberately purposed in the mind of God before time began (Ephesians 3:9-11; 5:32; Acts 20:28). As God planned the death of Christ for the redemption of men, so He planned the church which is the number of the redeemed. The church/kingdom of Christ is a blood-bought institution.. Salvation is found in it! Consider the following three points emphasizing the church/kingdom of Christ.

PROPHECY

“Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, ‘come and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; he will teach us his ways, and we shall walk in his paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:2-3). We can examine this passage by looking at: When: “in the last days” (Acts 2:16-17). What: “the Lord’s house” (1 Timothy 3:15). Who: “all nations” (Galatians 3:28). Why: “he will teach us of his ways” Where: “The word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (Acts 1:4; 2:5, 14).

PREPARATION

The kingdom in prophecy is the church of the New Testament. Eighty-nine preachers spoke of the church/kingdom being in preparation. John (Matthew 3:2), the twelve (Matthew 10:7), the seventy (Luke 10:9), Luke (Luke 10:9), Mark (Mark 9:1), Paul (Colossians 1:13-14), God (John 17:7), Jesus (Matthew 4:17), and the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). Any religious organization which began either before or after the day of Pentecost did not begin when prophecy said it would begin (Luke 24:46-47). All references made concerning the church/kingdom prior to Pentecost reflect the future establishment of the church. All references made concerning the church after Pentecost reflect the existence of the church (Acts 2:47; Revelation 1:9).

PERFECTION

The kingdom of God’s Son was established on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ (Acts 2). The establishment of the church/kingdom of Christ was based upon 1. the preaching of the gospel (Acts 2:22-36). 2. By sinners rendering obedience to the gospel (Acts 2:37-41) and 3. By God adding the forgiven obedient ones to the church (Acts 2:47).

Foy E. Wallace Jr. summarized:

Moses was commanded to “make all things according to the pattern shown thee,” and Paul quotes this to emphasize the same caution to those who would be Christians, (Hebrews 8:5). The New Testament is our pattern and everything must conform to it. “Prove all things; hold fast what which is good,” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). The church outlined in the New Testament was perfect in government or organization; and perfect in doctrine and in worship (The Gospel For Today, p. 213).

Gospel preacher, Benjamin Franklin, was correct when he gave the following propositions:

a. A body, or community, not built on the foundation which God laid, is not the community which the Lord calls “my church.” b. A community not founded and established in the right place, is not the church of Christ. c. A community not founded at the right time is not the kingdom of Christ. d. No church can be the true church not founded by the proper persons, Christ and the apostles. e. A kingdom with any other law than the one given by the Head of the church, is not the kingdom of Christ. (F.L. Rowe, Pioneer Sermons And Addresses. pp. 260-261).

CONCLUSION 1. The church of Christ and the Kingdom of God are one and the same institution. 2. The Old Testament prophets prove the coming and establishment of the church on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ. 3. Membership in the kingdom of Christ/church of Christ is essential to salvation!

What a comfort to march in the army that will never know defeat. What a joy it is to be a citizen of a kingdom that will never be destroyed. God’s kingdom is a victorious kingdom! “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

“Crowns and thrones may perish, Kingdoms rise and wane, But the church of Jesus Constant will remain. Gates of hell can never; against that church prevail, We have Christ’s own promise, And that cannot fail.” (Hymn – “I Love Thy Kingdom Lord”).

Saying “Thank You”

“In everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). The Psalmist declared thanksgiving unto the Lord frequently to God our Creator: “Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever” (Psalm 107: 1) “For Your loving kindness is before my eyes, And I have walked in Your truth” (Psalm 26:3) “That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, And tell of all Your wondrous works” (Psalm 26:7) “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name” (Psalm 100:4) “I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, And will call upon the name of the LORD” (Psalm 116:17).

The New Testament is replete with declarations of thanksgiving and its importance. “be thankful” (Colossians 3:15); “…abounding through many thanksgivings to God” (2 Corinthians 9:12); “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6-7); “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2); “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might,

Be to our God forever and ever. Amen” (Revelation 7:12).

Thankfulness is a positive attribute that accomplishes great good among mankind. Being thankful to one another is just as proper as being thankful to God for His care and provisions, spiritually and physically.

Gratitude is a proven “building quality” in relationships.

…saying “thank you” is one of the very best ways to connect with people. It costs nothing and can reap tremendous rewards. Simply saying “thank you” and showing appreciation in other ways, makes people feel valued and respected, and boosts their self-esteem…According to experts at the Nierenberg Group, specialists in sales training and motivational workshops, saying “thank you” in writing is one of the most powerful ways to express your feelings. Notes of appreciation just plain make people feel good. The recipient is better able to savor your words and think about your sincerity when they have it in writing (Quill Pen Pal Newsletter, November 2002, p. 1).

Receiving recognition and appreciation helps increase dedication and commitment whether it be as an employer, employee, friendship, family relationship, church relationship, etc… Apply the following quote to the church.

When someone knows they’re appreciated, they’ll be especially motivated…Recognition and praise can keep an organization running smoothly. An employee who feels important and valued will instinctively strive to do his best, and won’t be interested in being any place else (Quill, p. 4).

Are you “thankful” (feeling or expressing gratitude) or “thankless” (not feeling or expressing gratitude)? “Simply saying “thanks” is a very easy thing to do. It won’t break your budget or take much time out of your busy schedule (Quill, p. 4).

God

Logic forces us to conclude that ultimately there was a Cause that was uncaused, or eternal. If something exists now, then something must have existed always, for something cannot come from nothing. Something does now exist; thus, something has existed always. That something is not matter, for matter is not eternal (as any physicist knows). Consequently, that eternal, uncaused Something must be non-material, and so, is the Cause of all material effects. The Bible identifies that eternal Cause/Mind as God (Psalm 90:2).

- Wayne Jackson

Read the rest of his excellent article here:  Bertrand Russell and Christianity, Part 1

Does It Matter How We Treat Our Preachers?

Does It Matter How We Treat Our Preachers? is the title of an article written by a fellow preacher, Rick Tincher, of Mount Vernon, Ohio.

Rick pinpoints an unfortunate side of church related business that makes you wonder how some brethren can claim to be true New Testament Christians when their words and deeds do not measure up to the standard of Christian conduct as specified in the Word of God.

“Let brotherly love continue,” “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith,” “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another,” “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor,” Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality” (Hebrews 13:1; Galatians 6:10; John 13:34-35; Romans 12:10, 13).

AMBIGUOUS LANGUAGE

am-big-u-ous 1. Open to more than one interpretation: an ambiguous reply. 2. Doubtful or uncertain: SYNONYM: ambiguous, equivocal, obscure, recondite, abstruse, vague, cryptic, enigmatic These adjectives mean lacking clarity of meaning. Ambiguous indicates the presence of two or more possible meanings (American Heritage Talking Dictionary. Copyright © 1997 The Learning Company, Inc).

Vague statements are capable of leaving the wrong impression and increase the possibility of deception. Statements need to be qualified (“modified, limited, or restricted in some way”) in order to know exactly what is meant by the one communicating. Noncommittal answers fail to give the proper response when we are bound to give a defense for our faith (1 Peter 3:15)! The truth of God’s Word (John 17:17) is perfect (James 1:25) and is our objective standard (John 12:48).

Consider the following statements keeping in mind the definition of ambiguous language (Open to more than one interpretation).

“I believe the Bible.” It is noble for one to state that they believe the Bible! Does this individual believe the Bible is a “good book” or do they believe and recognize it as the authority in all spiritual matters? Is the Bible to be believed only when it doesn’t conflict with religion, lifestyle, tradition, creeds or associations? Rejected when it is applied specifically as being the final authority? Many believe the Bible, but few faithfully obey its teachings (Matthew 7:21-23). What is meant when one says “I believe the Bible”?

“Baptism does not save.” Does this ambiguous statement conclude that baptism cannot save alone or is it saying that baptism is not essential to salvation? The Apostle Peter records: “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. There is also an antitype which now saves us–baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” (1 Peter 3:18-21). Baptism saves; but not removed from faith (Hebrews 11:6), repentance (Luke 13:3), and confessing the name of Christ (Acts 8:37).

Jesus preached that immersion in His name was essential to salvation! Mark 16:16 reads, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Peter by inspiration told his hearers “…Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Baptism is essential to salvation. Baptism alone does not save!

“We don’t have music in the church” Now and again, a well-intentioned member of the church of Christ will say “we don’t have music in the church.” This generally refers to the absence of mechanical instruments of music in the worship. The statement is ambiguous. The church of Christ does have “music” in its worship. Vocal music is a part of Christian worship (1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). Our singing praise to God is a type of spiritual sacrifice (Hebrews 13:15). There is power in singing to: 1. Teach 2. Admonish 3. Encourage, and 4. Motivate. During the lifetime, and in the writings of the apostles, Christian praise is never described with musical instruments, only the human voice and heart.

“I believe Christ’s law on Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage.” The subject of marriage, divorce, and remarriage is one of the most sensitive issues currently facing the church. The subject has become so diverse preachers, elders and members often misapply the Scriptures.

One may state that they believe Christ’s teaching on Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage, yet when they make application, may believe: 1. that the law of God on Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage only applies to Christians, and not those outside of Christ. 2. More than one exception (“fornication”) is acceptable for Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage. 3. That regardless of their marital history, one may continue to live with the spouse they have at the time of their baptism. 4. That a deserted believer may remarry. 5. That the guilty party may remarry. 6. That couples can live in adultery with God’s approval. 7. That adulterous marriages are washed away at baptism.

We must speak the truth of God’s Word in love and make it clear that marriage is intended by God to be a lifelong union (Matthew 19:6). We are obligated to help our hearers understand that in the absence of Scriptural cause, divorce itself is sinful (Matthew 19:6). When remarriage takes place, the additional sin of adultery is committed. First, by the man or woman who unscripturally puts away a mate and remarries (Mark 10:11-12). Second, by the one put away who remarries (Matthew 5:32). And Third, by the one who marries the one put away (Matthew 5:32). Unscriptural divorce invites the additional sin of remarriage and adultery.

Ambiguous language is detrimental to the cause of Christ and to the faithful transmission of the Word of God. Neil W. Anderson gets to the heart of the matter when he writes:

“Ask questions of those who teach you and your children. Hold their teachings up to the light of God’s Word. When people say they believe something, ask them to explain what they mean or apply it to a situation. Don’t just assume that because they are using the same phrase as you would that they mean the same thing. They may, but they may not – be alert (Gospel Advocate, March 2000, p. 3).