Priests offering sacrifices…
In the Book of Hebrews, the author compares the continuing sacrifices of priestly system of Judaism to the “once-for-all” sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
The levitical priest had to offer a sacrifice for his own sin. Jesus did not have to offer a sacrifice for his own sin because he was without sin. The levitical priest offered sacrifices continually. Jesus offered himself as a sacrifice once for all. The levitical sacrifices could not forgive sins. Jesus’ sacrifice was effective in forgiving sins. Thus, the author of Hebrews was able to state that the sacrifice of Jesus was “better” than the sacrifices of the levitical priestly system.
However, Jesus’ sacrifice did not do away with priests or sacrifices. No, Jesus did not destroy the priestly and sacrificial systems. Instead, he turned it inside out. Now, the priests are not special members separated from the other people of God; all of the people of God are priests. Now, sacrifices are not offered only by certain special members of the people of God; all of the people of God can offer sacrifices.
In Hebrews 10:19, the author of Hebrews reminds his readers that because of the finished work of Jesus, they all could enter into the Holiest place, which is not the inner sanctuary of an earthly temple, but into the very presence of God himself. Similarly, in Hebrews 10:22, the author tells his readers that they have been consecrated as priests – with sprinkling and washing, but not just sprinkling and washing that affect the outside of priest, but sprinkling and washing that cleanses the readers from the inside out.
Also, these new covenant priests – meaning the believers hearing Hebrews and even us today – continue to offer sacrifices:
Through him [Jesus Christ] then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (Hebrews 13:15-16 ESV)
We are forgiven, cleansed, sanctified, and enabled to offer sacrifices of paise to God through Jesus Christ, and we are able to offer pleasing sacrifices to God by doing good to other people and sharing what we have with others. As priests of the new covenant, we are to offer these sacrifices continually in response to Jesus’ “once-for-all” sacrifice.
Peter also recognized our role as new covenant priests:
As you come to him [Jesus Christ], a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:4-5 ESV)
Have you offered sacrifices of praise to God today? Have you pleased God with your sacrifices of doing good deeds for others and giving to others?
Am I against church programs?
Many times, I am asked, “Are you against church programs?” Some people, knowing that I do not stress church programs, also make a jump in logic and ask, “Why are you against church programs?”
My simple answer is, “I am neutral toward church programs.” In general, I am neither for church programs nor against church programs. Of course, in a time when churches define themselves by their programs (check out most church web sites), stating that I am not for church programs usually causes those who are for church programs to view me as the enemy – somehow against the work of God in their programs. But, this is not the case at all. I recognize that God works in many different ways, including through many programs. So, my neutral stance should not be recognized as being antagonistic toward church programs.
This then, usually brings up another question: “Why are you neutral toward church programs?”
The best way for me to answer this question is to turn to Scripture, specifically Mark 7:1-13:
Now when the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands, holding to the tradition of the elders, and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches.) And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?”
And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition! For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban’ (that is, given to God) – then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.” (Mark 7:1-13 ESV)
In this passage, Jesus deals specifically with traditions that had been handed down to and taught by the Pharisees. Notice that Jesus did not condemn these traditions, but neither did he promote them. However, Jesus did condemn any tradition that causes the individual or group to leave or reject the command of God.
Just to pick on a particular church program (tradition), let’s consider Sunday School. Sunday School is not a command of God. It is not required of believers to attend Sunday School. So, if we are not responsible for attending Sunday School, what are we responsible for? We are responsible to make disciples, to teach one another, to have fellowship with one another, to serve one another, etc. Many would say that these are the purposes of Sunday School. I agree that these are usually the purposes of Sunday School. But, when we teach “attending Sunday School” as a requirement for believers, then we are teaching our traditions instead of the commands of God, even though we may have held to our traditions as a means to keeping the commands of God.
Unfortunately, many times we teach people to hold to our traditions and to participate in our programs because the programs are easier to measure and control. For example, many times church organizations will use Sunday School attendance as a measure of discipleship. In the same way, the church organizations will control who can teach in their programs in order to protect from any instructions that would disagree with the stance of the organization. These programs and traditions, while probably started in order to help believers keep the commands of God, tend to replace the commands of God – either consciously or unconsciously – in the minds of the believers.
Thus, when asked if they are making disciples, believers can point to their attendance in Sunday School. When asked if they are evangelistic, they can point to the organization’s evangelism program. When asked if they are teaching their children to walk in the ways of God, they can point to their children’s ministry. When asked if they praise God, they can point to their participation in choir. When asked if they give to others who are in need, they can point to their tithes and offerings. When asked if they fellowship with other believers, they can point to their covered dish dinners. When asked if they worship God, they can point to their attendance at a Sunday morning meeting (“worship service”). However, while each of these programs may be means to helping believers obey God, attendance or participation are not the goal in and of themselves; and, furthermore, attendance or participation neither equates with obedience nor do they preclude the individual’s responsibility toward God and toward his fellow believers.
This does not mean that I think programs are inherently evil. Jesus did not condemn the traditions of the Pharisees in general, and I do not condemn programs in general. In fact, I have seen programs work very well. Usually, this happens when the program is organized for a specific and short-term purpose.
For example, if a family’s house is destroyed by fire, an organized program to help them with money, food, accommodations, etc. would be very beneficial. In this case, the “benevolence” program has a specific purpose: to help the church show kindness and to serve this family who is in need. When the need is met, then the program would stop. What usually happens, though, is that this “benevolence” program is continued after the need is met. Thus, we feel a need to continue to staff and maintain a “benevolence” committee or program which has no specific goal, other than show benevolence, which is the requirement of all believers, not just those in this program. The program becomes the goal, instead of the means to meeting a goal.
My friend Eric, from “Hammer and Nail“, described my position on church programs in a comment to his post called “Let Them See the Gospel“. He said:
I think one reason people outside the church may not see a living faith within the church is that we often rely on church programs to accomplish the work the individuals should be doing. I know that opens up a big “can of worms” about church programs. However, I think the connection is real. Programs, whether good or not so good, often lead people into shirking their personal responsibility to serve others by thinking that the church program will take care of it. Within the church, we need to talk much of personal responsibility to serve one another within the body and outside the body.
Thus, our goal should not be creating, promoting, staffing, and running church programs. Our goal should be discipleship, fellowship, evangelism, hospitality, service, etc. These things can happen within church programs. But, they can also be hindered when church programs become the focus and goal of our organizations. The church should focus on loving God and loving others through discipleship, fellowship, evangelism, hospitality, service, etc. instead of focusing on creating and maintaining programs.
What do they see?
My good friend Eric, from “Hammer and Nail“, published an excellent post called “Let Them See the Gospel“. Eric reminds us of why our love for one another is so important:
During His last night with His disciples, Jesus gave this three-fold command. He tells them “to love one another” three times. Our Lord was clearly trying to make a point.
First, Jesus gives the command to love one another. Then, He refines this by telling them to love one another as He has loved them. This is staggering considering that He was about to head to the cross. Finally, Jesus says that if they love one another as He has loved them, then all people will know that they are His disciples.This is extremely important for evangelism. Jesus makes it clear that our love for one another will cause others to know that we follow Him. This, then, will open up a door to share the Gospel message. If people see that we are different (because we are followers of Christ), then they may be interested in why we believe and live differently than the world does.
I’ve discussed this issue before. Scripture tells us that “the world” should be able to recognize our love (“All people will know that you are my disciples…“) and our unity (“John 17 and Unity…“). (As a side note, I think this says something about the connection between love and unity.)
Eric concludes that our proclamation of the gospel in words must be accompanied by our proclamation of the gospel in deeds:
So, how can the world see the Gospel in me? It is simple really – by loving others. When I use the word “love” here, I am not employing the modern American meaning of some sort of warm feeling. Rather, in the bible, love is clearly an action that shows itself in service toward others. That said, I can cause others to see the Gospel in me by showing love through serving them.
Are people hearing your proclamation of the gospel? Are they seeing your proclamation of the gospel?
Follow the leader or Simon says?
I’m working on a series about the role and function of elders among a community of believers. I’ve discussed leadership on this blog before, and those posts usually generate great discussions both online and off-line. I hope to begin publishing that series next week, but I may have to push it back another week. As I study, the series keeps expanding.
As I was thinking about the relationship between elders and leading, I thought about two children’s games: “Follow the leader” and “Simon says”.
In the game “Follow the leader”, children follow the actions of a “leader”. If the “leader” walks, then the others walk. If the “leader” runs, the the others run. The “leader” is doing everything as an example for others to “follow”. But, the important point here is that the “leader” is doing – he or she is active. The other children in line follow the example of the “leader’s” actions.
In the game “Simon says”, children follow the directions of a “leader”. If the “leader” says, “Walk”, then the others walk. If the “leader” says, “Run”, then the others run. The “leader” is not active. Instead, the “leader” tells the others what to do. The other children do not follow the example of the “leader’s” actions. Instead, the other children are supposed to follow the commands of the “leader”.
I think many churches are built around “Simon says” type leadership, while Jesus points to “Follow the leader” type leadership. In fact, there is only one “Simon” for the follower of Jesus Christ. And, while Jesus alone possesses the authority to command, he chose to come as a “Follow the leader” type leader.
We need more examples to follow, and less Simons to obey.
When "one another" means me…
I’ve written before about how every follower of Jesus Christ (including me) is responsible for carrying out the “one anothers” of Scripture. But, that is not the point of this blog post. I’ve also written previously about how our family tries to live daily in community with other brothers and sisters in Christ (see especially “Church meetings” and “A Week in the Life of the Church“). But, in this post, I want to highlight something a little different.
On Monday, in a comment to my post “The unhypocritical church – Part 3“, David said this concerning living in community: “But this kind of life doesn’t get much press time. I mean, who wants to read about someone living that kind of life? No glamour.” I understand exactly what David means. But, Paul recognized this kind of life, and with gratitude toward God, he praised those who were living that way.
And, in this post, I hope to do exactly the same thing. There are many people that I know who are taking the “one anothers” of Scripture seriously. In the last few days, many of these people have impacted my life and the life of my family. So, I want to take this time to thank God for these precious brothers and sisters.
1. Serve one another (Gal 5:13; 1 Pet 4:10)
Our van is having problems. One of our dear friends took our van to his house and is working on it – at his own expense. He will not even allow us to pay for the parts.
2. Be kind to one another (Eph 4:32)
This week, some friends showed up at our house unexpectedly with breakfast for our family.
3. Encourage one another (1 Thess 5:11; Heb 3:13)
A brother spoke very encouraging words to me during a time that could have greatly discouraged me.
4. Teaching and admonishing one another (Rom 15:14; Col 3:16)
At a time when we were focusing on distractions, a brother taught and admonished us that it was actually our sin that was hindering our relationship with God.
5. Care for one another (1 Cor 12:25; 2 Cor 13:11)
While our vehicle is being repaired, another family has graciously allowed us to use one of their vehicles.
6. Bear with one another (Eph 4:2; Col 3:13)
When I became defensive (or offensive) toward a brother, he patiently allowed me my rant, then did not hold it against me.
7. Love one another (John 13:34-35, 15:12, 15:17; Rom 12:10, 13:8; 1 Thess 3:12, 4:9; 1 Pet 1:22, 4:8; 1 John 3:11, 3:23, 4:7, 4:11-12; 2 John 1:5)
Do you want to know how our brothers and sisters have demonstrated their love for God and their love for us? Look at #1-#6 above. This is just a sampling.
Love for God and love for others is real, tangible, giving, serving, costly. This is the love that the Spirit produces in the lives of his children. This is one of the evidences that we are children of God: “By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother. For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” (1 John 3:10-11 ESV)
These brothers and sisters continually demonstrate the evidence that they are children of God – that they are indwelled by the present and powerful Holy Spirit – that they are submitting to his will in their lives. They are not doing this so that they will get recognition or credit. In fact, they will be embarrassed when they read this and recognize themselves in my words. They do these things because the love of God compels them. They do these things because God is more than a theological idea – He is a real, living, active, powerful, and ever present Father in their lives. It is evident that they are children of God because they practice righteousness and love their brothers and sisters.
I praise God for the way that He has loved me through these dear brothers and sisters.
Would you like to praise God for the brothers and sisters that he is using in your life?
Is there evidence in your life to indicate that you are a child of God?
The unhypocritical church – Part 3
I think this will be my last post on Romans 12:9-21 for now. As a reminder, this is what Paul writes:
Let love be genuine (unhypocritical). Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be conceited. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:9-21 ESV)
Once again, notice how the genuine (unhypocritical) love of Spirit-indwelled, Spirit-led believers is described:
- holding fast to good
- loving one another
- honoring one another
- serving the Lord fervently
- rejoicing
- patient
- praying
- giving to needy believers
- being hospitable (loving strangers)
- blessing
- living in harmony
- humble
- doing what is honorable
- living in peace with all
This is how the church of God should live. This description should characterize each believer and each group of beleivers.
Over the last few days, I have been asking myself which of these characteristics are evident in my life and which characteristics are absent. I can look back over the last few years and see where God has grown me and changed me. But, I can also see where I am not living as God intends. Specifically, God is still teaching me how to show hospitality (that is, love for strangers as opposed to love for those who I already know and love) and how to give to those who are in need. Perhaps, most of all, this is showing me areas in my life where I am not submitting to the presence of God.
As Joel pointed out in a recent post, we must begin with a proper understanind of who we are in Christ. I would also add that we should also recognize the awesome power and presence of the Holy Spirit who indwells us and changes us from the inside out.
Beginning with this understanding, I am going to ask you the same question that I have been asking myself: Meditating on the description of the unhypocritical (genuine) love of Romans 12:9-21, where is God still working in your life? In what ways are you not submitting to God’s presence in your life?
The unhypocritical church
Most theologians comment about how “theological” the book of Romans is. This simply means that Paul speaks in terms that most closely resemble how modern theologians speak. Of course, Romans is far from a “systematic theology”. But Romans does include a good deal of theology – that is, Paul tells us what he things about God and people and salvation.
In fact, Chapters 1 through 11 are filled with theology. We learn that all people are sinful – all people are separated from God – all people deserve eternal separation from God. We also learn that the remedy is found in the person of Jesus Christ – his death, burial, and resurrection – and that the remedy is administered through the person and presence and power of the Holy Spirit. But, Paul doesn’t stop there.
In Chapter 12, Paul begins to show how his “theology” should work itself out in the lives of all followers of Jesus Christ. He begins by showing that a life sacrificed to God will lead to a life that is tranformed – changed – into a life that is acceptable to God. This life will demonstrate the gifts of the Spirit because it will be controlled by the Spirit. The Spirit will manifest himself differently in different people, but the manifestation of the Spirit’s gifts will always be for the same purpose. But, Paul doesn’t stop there.
In Romans 12:9-21, Paul lays down specific characteristics of the life that is led by the Spirit. This is what he says:
Let love be genuine (unhypocritical). Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be conceited. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:9-21 ESV)
Notice how the genuine (unhypocritical) love of Spirit-indwelled, Spirit-led believers is described:
- holding fast to good
- loving one another
- honoring one another
- serving the Lord fervently
- rejoicing
- patient
- praying
- giving to needy believers
- being hospitable (loving strangers)
- blessing
- living in harmony
- humble
- doing what is honorable
- living in peace with all
This is how the church of God should live. This is how the church of God should be described. In fact, the “theology” of the previous 11 chapters means little if the lives of believers are not being transformed by the indwelled Spirit.
So, where do you stop? Do you stop at discussing theology? Or, do you see the power of the Spirit at work in your life? How does a description of your life match up to Paul’s description of the Spirit-led, transformed life?
Where are you taking Jesus?
This was posted at “Chronicles of the Way” in a post called “Jesus in the school“. This doesn’t require any commentary:
Ssshhhh! Don’t tell anybody, but Jesus is going to Gra-Mar Middle School each day. The government and the far-left have been trying to keep him out since the late 60s and I’ve managed to sneak him in every day this year. Most of the time he shows up in the most normal of circumstances: in the hallways between classes, in the teachers’ lunchroom, and even in the office every once in a while–he picks up my mail. So far, nobody has objected to him being here. I hope no one ever does. I really hope everyone sees him, though. What a shame for me if no one ever noticed him. After all, it is I who bring him every day. Yep. He rides with me into the school every day. I’m pretty sure he hates the traffic like I do, but we both know that its worth it to minister to these kids who so desperately need it. Jesus handled the discipline of four kids today. I suspect it was very different than the ways some of the teachers or parents discipline these kids. There was no yelling, no sarcasm, no over-the-top punishment. I’m glad he was there. If it had just been me, I would have jerked a knot in their heads. There are approximately 165 more days of school left this year. Unless I’m out of town or sick, I plan on bringing him with me every one of those 165 days. I cannot wait to see what Jesus does tomorrow!
So, where are you taking Jesus?
A 21st Century Church
Dave Black has painted a beautiful picture of what a twenty-first century church could look like. Notice that in this image of the church, the biblical descriptions and prescriptions are taking into account and implemented. Here is his description:
What, then, might the renewed church of the twenty-first century look like? It will be a serving church. Its organizational structure will be simple, unencumbered by bureaucrats and bureaucracies. Its financial priorities will reflect a commitment to missions, local and global. Capital expenditures will be reduced and the savings earmarked for discipleship. Jobs that are currently salaried positions will be filled by volunteer help or eliminated. Denominations will make drastic reductions in funds spent on publications that are a waste of the church’s money (bulletins, Sunday School quarterlies – the Bible will be used instead – and glossy magazines). Church buildings will be used for primary and secondary Christian education. Believers will gladly work transdenominationally and cooperatively, especially at the local level. The church will proclaim the Good News of the Gospel as its first priority while not neglecting the cultural mandate. A full-fledged lay ministry will replace clericalism. Individual believers will be expected to assume specialized ministries according to their giftedness. Churches will provide regular lay training (with the seminaries assisting them) and build voluntary programs of education into their structures. Worship will no longer be confined to a single time or place. Preoccupation with church buildings will be seen for what it is – idolatry. The church will no longer cling to its prerogatives but take the form of a servant. It will refuse any longer to shun the secular. Trained pastors will become humble assistants to the “ministers†– every member. In this renewed church we will encounter disciples who take the going forth as seriously as they do the gathering. New members will be asked to specify a regular community involvement (neighborhood council, PTA, volunteer library staff, nursing home visitation, etc.) in addition to their commitment to a ministry in the church.
What do you think?
Growing the church and the kingdom…
Do we attempt to grow the church or the kingdom? Which is most important? Is there a difference? Is that our responsibility at all?
There is an entire theological discipline related to “Church Growth”. In this discipline there are various methods given to increasing the size of congregations, adding to the kingdom, and making additional disciples.
However, is it our responsibility to grow either the church or the kingdom? I don’t think so. Instead, I think that as long as we focus on the “size” of either the church or the kingdom, we will miss out on our true responsibility as members of the church and citizens of the kingdom.
There are college and seminary courses, degree programs, departements, and entire institutes which have been set up for the purpose of teaching church growth methods. But, is this our purpose as believers? Are we to “grow the church” through various methods and programs?
In the Book of Acts, we see several instances where Luke records that either the church or the word of God spread or was increased. In Acts 2:47, Luke says, “And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (ESV) I have been taught that this means that the people were involved in evangelism, usually some type of personal or mass explaining about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But, Luke does not actually say anything about this in Acts 2. Instead, he says that the believers were continuing to live according to the teachings of the apostles, continuing to live in fellowship with one another, continuing to break bread with one another, and continuing to pray. They shared their resources and possessions with others who were in need. They met together in the temple and in their homes. They were grateful to God for what he was doing. They were united in mind and purpose. What was the result? God added to their number. They did not add to their number; God did.
In Acts 5:14, Luke records, “And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women…” (ESV) What prompted the others to “join” this believing community? Was it an evangelism or church growth program? No, it was prompted by the sudden death of two believers who had lied to the Holy Spirit: Ananias and Sapphira. These death caused the church in Jerusalem and others who heard about them to fear God greatly. God continued to work miracles through the apostles. The church remained united. And God added more believers.
In Acts 6:7, Luke says, “And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.” (ESV) What prompted this increase? What prompted priests to become obedient to the faith? Was it an outreach program? No. There was a problem among believers. The Hellenistic widows were not receiving their share of the food that was being distributed. The apostles told the church to choose men to take of this. The believers chose seven men to take care of this problem that was causing dissent among the church. It is following this account that Luke says, “The number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem.”
In Acts 9:31, Luke recalls, “So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.” (ESV) This seems to be a true account of church growth activity leading to an increase in the size of the church or the kingdom. Previously, Luke told us, “And he [Paul] spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him.” (Acts 9:29 ESV) Surely, it was the conviction caused by Paul’s preaching that led to an increase in believers. However, Luke makes it clear that Paul had to leave Jerusalem in fear of his life. Notice again what Acts 9:31 (above) says. The church was being built up and was walking in the fear and comfort of the Spirit. Because of this, God multiplied the church.
In Acts 11:24, Luke recounts, “And a great many people were added to the Lord.” (ESV) What caused this increase in Antioch? Surely, this new church was engaged in a new and exciting evangelistic program to reach the people in their cultural context, right? No, instead we are told that this increase came about after Barnabas travelled from Jerusalem to Antioch in order to build up the church. This is what Luke says about Barnabas: “When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.” Apparently, as the church remained faithful to the Lord, the Lord added believers to the church.
In Acts 12:24, Luke says, “But the word of the Lord continued to grow and to be multiplied.” (ESV) This account follows the death of James, the imprisonment of Peter, and the death of Herod. Throughout these times of trials and persecution, “the Lord” grew and multiplied the church. What did the believers do during this time? They remained faithful to the Lord in spite of the difficulties that they were facing.
In each of these passages, we see that God grew the church and increased his kingdom during times when the believers were obediently following him and in unity with one another. Primarily, these were times when the believers were take care of one another, sharing with one another, serving one another. This reminds me of Jesus’ prayer in John 17:23: “I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” (ESV) How will the world know that God sent Jesus and that God loves them? Will they know because of our preaching and words and programs? No. The world will know that God sent Jesus and that God loves them when the church becomes one and lives in that unity in God through Jesus Christ.
These passages in Acts about the increase of the church and the growth of the kingdom and the spread of the word of God also remind me about Paul’s instructions in Ephesians 4:15-16: “[S]peaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” (ESV) According to Paul, the body (the church) does not grow because of the way we reach out to other people, but instead the church grows when each part of the church serves others in the body with the abilities and power that God provides.
As the church serves, and builds up, and listens to, and learns from, and understands, and helps, and teaches, and works with, and shares with, and loves one another, God will take care of growing his kingdom and his body. Perhaps, at times, we are guilty of trying to do God’s work, while failing to carry out those responsibilities that God has given us. What are those responsibilities? Look around you. Do you see those brothers and sisters around you? They are your responsibilities and my responsibilities.