Resources/Articles
Can This Happen in a Church of Christ?
What happens when a local church forgets to evangelize the lost?
The church may have a “status quo” attitude toward the members it already has. They are “happy” and “content.” They feel like they are such a good group of people. Anyone who visits will want to become a member. Few realize what Satan has in mind. Those who are content in godly work often “leave their first love” (Revelation 2.4).
What Happens when the saints of a local church are not convicted?
They will need to be taught the first principles of the oracles of God again. They will depend upon one or two people to be their teachers - the ones who are most spiritually mature (Hebrews 5.12-14). Chances are this church yields easily to false doctrine.
What happens when corrective discipline is not practiced?
Sin works its way into being accepted, approved, and practiced. Being redeemed by the innocent, pure Lamb of God is disdained. We crucify the Lord again. The church wearing HIs name would best schedule a day to close the doors until there is repentance.
What happens when parents do not instill spiritual values in their children?
They would rather see their children “fit in” than be mocked or disliked. They see little harm in digesting all the world can offer. Children refuse to be led and become a “handful” for an eldership trying to lead them. Those children will fail to see their need to be obedient to spiritual commands. They most likely will not want to become Christians.
What happens when brotherly love does not exist?
Animosity, anger, hatred, division, discontent, frustration, and gossip are the usual attitudes and actions on display. Unity at any level is a façade. Peace is for a moment until the next confrontation occurs. Strife is the byword by which people in the community know the church. Brethren leave and begin to worship elsewhere. Satan wins.
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Those questions and many more like them need our serious meditation. The consequences of each question are nothing short of disastrous. Churches where those conditions exist often go through the motions and “hold a form of godliness…having denied the power thereof” (2 Timothy 3.5). Usually when one symptom exists, others are not too far behind. Therefore, we need to avoid and and all of these symptoms at all costs. This church cannot afford to be weary in every good work (Matthew 5.16; Galatians 6.9).
Come on brethren! SEE what needs to be seen. DO what needs to be done. THINK on the things of God. SEEK His kingdom. “Arise, let us be going” (Matthew 26.46). “Let us rise up and build” (Nehemiah 2.18).
