|
Introduction: A.
Christians
often mistake a growing congregation with “church growth.” 1.
This supposed growth is nothing more than Christians moving
into the area OR moving their “membership” from one
congregation in the area to another. 2.
This is not “church growth” but a “Christian shift”
in the Lord’s church: in reality, there is no growth at all. 3.
But, this church feels good about itself as the church
building becomes filled. B.
What if the church were evangelistic and God gave the
increase? C.
The
result:
the church building becomes filled with a ton of worldly people! D.
The
ramification:
a ton of baggage in the Lord’s church. Discussion: I.
Getting
At the Heart of Things A.
The
reality is that when a person is added to the Lord’s church,
he/she brings “baggage” into the kingdom. 1.
There is the behavioral baggage. cp. 1
Cor. 6:11 2.
There is the belief baggage. cp. Acts
15:1ff 3.
Some brethren will believe and do things you do not
think “wise” or possibly “scriptural.” B.
Baggage
coupled with beliefs/practices by some brethren: 1.
Some want to literally lift up “holy hands” (1
Tim. 2:8) when praying or singing to God? 2.
Some want to greet you with a “holy kiss?” Rom.
16:16 3.
Some decide to fall prostrate in prayer. 1
Cor. 14:25 4.
The elders decide to “lay hands” upon brethren when set
apart for certain service among the saints. Acts
13:3 5.
Some decide to religiously celebrate the birth of Christ
during Christmas (even if they don’t think His birthday is on
Dec. 25). 6.
Other
Christians believe such behavior or beliefs are odd at best and
unscriptural at worst. C.
Consider
some other divisive “issues” among brethren: 1.
Head-covering (1
Cor. 11) … order of the Lord’s Supper (Lk.
22:19; Matt. 26:26; 1 Cor. 11:26) … One cup or many …
Number of faithful children needed to be an elder (Tit.
1:5-6) … demanding name of church be “… church of
Christ” … Bible classes or not? 2.
In other words – even within our own cherished
hermeneutical system of “Bible Authority” (via “CENI”) we
struggle to find complete consistency. D.
NOTE:
Did our Old Testament forefathers use CENI consistently? 1.
When they decided to create their “altar of witness?” Josh.
22:28-30 2.
When they established the “Feast of Purim” after being
delivered from Haman’s plot to have them destroyed? Esther
9:18-23ff 3.
When establishing synagogues? II.
How
do Christians Get Along with One Another? A.
Put
on Christ. Col.
3:12-17; Rom. 12:9-16; 1 Cor. 10:23ff; Eph. 4:1ff 1.
More than anything else: they learn to “put on Christ.” 2.
Let’s rephrase: YOU learn to put on Christ. B.
Ultimately,
what you practice is nothing less than love. 1
Cor. 13 C.
Remember: a changed mind will create
changed behavior. Rom.
12:2 Conclusion: A.
Remember: the Lord’s church is made up of “saved
sinners.” B. We bring baggage (immorality, pride, arrogance, etc., etc.) into the Lord’s church. C. How we relate to one another as we strive to grow in Christ is directly correlated to how we relate to our God.
Glory
to God in the church by Christ Jesus
|
||||||||
