Churches have a responsibility to focus on the work God has given it to do (Eph. 3:10). As local congregations spread the gospel and edify the members (Eph. 4:11-12), they all need to realize the circle of life. By that, I mean every gathering of saints throughout this world go through the same changes. Some people are converted, some fall away. Some members move in, some move away. Members grow old and pass away, while other members bring children into the world, who often grow up and become Christians.

The things that were just mentioned cannot be prevented. Because of such, any given church will increase in their church family, and then they may go through a time when they decrease. In some cases a local church can go out of existence. Is the church at Corinth that Paul addressed (I Cor. 1:1), still meeting?  The answer is no. Consider the pews we use at the church building. For those who don’t know, a county congregation existed for a good while. Many families came together and worshipped in a small town. The children eventually grew up and moved to find work. Eventually their doors were closed and we were given their pews.

We need to ask ourselves, is a church failing when they go through these circles of life? No. Was there some sort of transgression that took place when a church went out of existence? Not necessarily. Even though the church at Corinth no longer meets, it doesn’t mean the church has been destroyed – for it can’t be (Matt. 16:18).  For example, my dad passed away 10 years ago. Did that mean his family no longer exists? We know that’s not true, because I am here.

Churches need not live in the past. I once labored with a church that would only talk about the “good ole days.” They could remember when the building was full and brother so and so was the preacher. It’s nice to reminisce, but brethren must also move ahead. The days of old will not make up for the lack of working today. When I read Acts 8:4, I am thankful my brethren in the past went everywhere preaching the word. But what about now? No, I need not live in the past, but I should learn from the past. Let’s all understand the circle of life and press towards the mark – heaven.

Chuck

Signs your preacher does not believe in Biblical baptism

      How many of you would go to a racist to get a proper understanding of equality? Would you go to a vegetarian to learn the benefits of eating meat? In both cases, you would expect to get a slanted answer. I asked those questions as preparation for this one – why would you go to a denominational teacher for baptism? He may be willing to baptize you. He may even want to baptize you!. However, the baptism is probably not being done for Biblical reasons.

The Bible clearly teaches that baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 22:16) and that is the final step in putting off the old man of sin and putting on Christ (Rom. 6:3-7). Knowing these things, here are several signs that a preacher does not believe baptism has anything to do with salvation:

1. Sets up a future date and thinks there is no urgency – unlike what the Bible teaches (Acts 8:36-38).

2. Is convinced you are already a Christian before you are baptized – unlike what the Bible teaches (Acts 2:38).

3. Wants it to be some kind of ceremony where others have to be present or participate – unlike what the Bible teaches (Acts 16:33).

4. Promotes the belief that works having nothing to do with salvation – unlike what the Bible teaches (James 2:24).

5. Stresses the importance of being baptized as “an outward sign of an inward grace” – unlike what the Bible teaches (I Pet. 3:21).

6. Teaches that people are baptized into the kingdom/the church – unlike what the Bible teaches (Gal. 3:27).

                                                                                      Chuck