When I was a young boy, I was not the most athletically gifted boy in gym class. Sure, I was taller than most of the other kids, and I was reasonably strong compared to the smaller kids, but I was bigger and slower than most of the other boys. I can tell you from experience that it does not feel good to be the last one picked to play basketball or some other game with the other kids. I fear that this approach is made sometimes in the church. Among preachers, we have a habit of gravitating toward some members and forgetting or ignoring (even inadvertently) some other members in the congregation. It is very easy for us preachers to assimilate and become friends with fellow preachers and members who are close in age and interest, but that does not excuse anyone to mistreat other members at any time.

When we take a look into our congregations, we might be surprised to see the preacher or some of the members doing all of the work and some of them doing nearly none of the work. And since we are preachers and our thinking can be somewhat narrow in scope, we immediately, like second nature assume that the member who is not taking part in the work is lazy, doesn’t love Jesus or the church and is therefore subject to looking at the underside of our noses as we look down on them. Brethren, these things are not always the case. I have seen firsthand the mistreatment that members have undergone when they do not fit into a clique containing the preacher, or some of the members.

It may seem odd, but members actually want to take part in the work of the church, but sometimes they lack real opportunity to do so. The preacher, elders or members will call upon one of their “approved” members for a task without considering someone else that may benefit from lending a hand to the work. We will mask this mistreatment under the guise of “Well, brother so-and-so excels in this area,” but little opportunity for another member to show expertise or lack thereof is never given.

Unfortunately, it has become the case in many of our congregations that we are treating the carrying out of the work of the church as if we are drafting our fantasy football teams! We will pick that fellow because he’s a good quarterback, and we pick that fellow because he is fast and will score a lot of touchdowns, but this line of thinking cannot be present in the church. Since we are all “living stones... being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 2:5) -- we are better than what we are showing we are.

You can’t pick your brethren. You are going to have members where you are preaching that disagree with everything you say, even if it is Book, Chapter, Verse. You are going to have members with little to no confidence and will to be encouraged and equipped. You are going to have members who will be stubborn and will need to learn that they actually need and want to serve the Lord but just don’t know it yet.

A preachers job is never easy, inspiring the uninspired, encouraging the downtrodden, speaking the Truth in love and rallying behind his brethren to accomplish the work. The Christian life indeed is the most fulfilling life to be had, and when we are all service and working and doing our best to seek and save the lost, we will see that everyone has a hand in this work; everyone has part which they are uniquely qualified to fill. “We, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another” (Romans 12:5). Our differences are not causes for cliques and mistreatment, but on the contrary, our differences are cause for thankfulness – God has made us a multi-colored, multi-faceted machine able to accomplish our goal from every angle. To God be the glory!

Cooperation is a wonderful thing among congregations of the Lord. Opportunities for mutual growth and support within the body of Christ brings us nearer to the ideal church of the New Testament and brings a certain encouragement to members of the church. But, as is the case with many things in this world, the devil tries to rear his ugly head, even in scenarios involving God’s people. One thing that occurs within many areas of local congregations in close proximity is the accusation and facilitation of what is commonly called “sheepstealing.”

What is “sheepstealing” you might ask? It is when one congregation in an entirely superficial effort to bring more attendance (thereby, contributions, influence, etc.) will attempt to steal away members from one faithful congregation to theirs. This is an undermining of the local community and is an action of pride.

So why would a topic like this be under the banner of “iSharpen @ PFP?” Because the aim of this article is to encourage as is the aim of every iSharpen article. We seek to exemplify Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” And one way that we can encourage members of the church of Christ and preachers in their local congregations is to warn them of the dangers and appeal to steal away members from sister congregations. It is much easier to steal away a member from a neighboring congregation than it is to evangelize and convert a new member. Instead of dismantling or gimping sister congregations, we ought to bolster them, rally behind them and support them in their endeavors. That is what keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph 4:3) is all about!

In the local congregation, whose sheep are the members? Are they the elder’s sheep? Are they the preacher’s sheep? Are they “church of chister” sheep (that is, do they belong to what people suppose is a denomination)? We would answer no to each of those questions. We would quote the Lord Himself when he said, “I am the Good Shepherd; I know My sheep, and am known by My own… My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:14, 27). When we read Jesus’ words we are met with overwhelming condemnation of sheep stealing. Jesus does not teach that of the many local congregations we are separate entities working to our own end, but rather teaches that “(He) is the Vine, (we) are the branches” (John 15:1). “We, being many are one  body in Christ, and individually members one of another” (Rom. 12:5). Jesus slammed shut the door of opportunity in the minds of any who aim to make profit off the church of Christ in money, power, or notoriety by acquiring members by way of sheepstealing when He declared, “there will be one flock and one shepherd” (John 10:16). Nothing is up for debate on how Jesus feels about His sheep.

After nearly 2,000 years, the world is still awaiting the oneness in the church whereby they will see the proof-positive that we are His people. As we go through this world, let us all endeavor to be one in Christ, serving together, arm-in-arm, so they the world though our efforts might be saved. God bless us in that effort all for His glory.

So far in this blog series we have noted that God has not left us in the dark, not knowing who He is or how to please Him. He has left His will as an open book, ready for us to read and understand. Today let us look at His word to notice that He has left wide open for us, the means to have unity in a world of  division.

Wikipedia, which I would not consider to be significantly reliable would tell us there are over 41,000 "Christian Denominations." You might be saying the same thing I said when I read that; that is, there is no way! And although I wish it weren't the case, I don't have any proof that Wikipedia is incorrect in this matter. Despite what ever the exact number of churches may be, the fact of the matter is: If there is more than one that is too many! If there were two churches in the world that claimed to be Christian, that would be one too many. The reality of this matter is that God and Jesus intended for there to be one church, His church.

Jesus said on one occasion that, I will build My church and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it (Mat. 16:18). That denies all speculation that might be made. In John 15, Jesus spoke concerning His disciples (what would be the church) that, I am the vine and ye are the branches. Did this mean that Jesus was the vine and the many branches were the different "Christian Denominations" in the world? No, certainly not because that would mean there was a contradiction with what Jesus said previously in Matthew 16. Additionally it would mean a contradiction between Jesus the Lord and Paul the apostle. Paul said in Eph. 4:4, There is one body. Consider also Paul's words in Eph. 1:22-23, And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Combining what Jesus said and what Paul said, knowing that the Bible is from God and contains no contradiction, but rather passages that complement, we have a complete thought. Jesus built His church, of which He is the head, which is His body. 

What a blessing it is to have God lay bare the things concerning His church. We don't have to worry about not understanding what the role of the church is in our lives, we don't have to worry about not understanding how to enter the church; He has left it open for us to view. Acts 2 teaches that the saved are added to the church (v. 47). In order to be added to that church we must be obedient to His word. We must hear the word (Romans 10:17), we must believe that Jesus is the Son of God (John 8:24), we must confess that belief with our mouths (Romans 10:9-10), we must repent of sins (Acts 17:30), and we must be baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27; Col 2:12; 1 Pet. 3:21).

We can have religious unity in a world of division because the conditions for salvation and addition to the church have remained the same since the time they were first preached. Our responsibility is to take what God has laid bare and open for us to know and to do it and teach it. May God bless us with unity in this world so that His work is done to the effect that He desires. To God be the glory!

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There is no doubt in my mind that the great God we serve is full of grace and glad tidings. As a result of His immeasurable grace and kindness, He has revealed many things to us. He abandoned doubt and helplessness when He provided His inspired word to guide and direct our lives. Because of that blessing, we don't have to wonder about how we're going to please Him, or wonder who He is or what to expect from Him. He has plainly and openly left that for us! That is the aim of this series of blogs; to notice various things that God has openly laid before us for our encouragement and for building our faith in Him.

The Bible says in Ephesians 1:9, "Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself..." This verse, if it were left alone might cause confusion. Questions could arise for those who hadn't studied this that would include: "What is made known? What is the mystery? What purpose was made? Who is being talked about here? Is it Jesus?" You might think that the answers to those questions are obvious, but let's look at the general context anyway.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:3-14)

This is a lengthy reading but it really carries along one thought. That thought is, what a salvation that is ours! God has declared and left it plain and open for all to see the salvation that can be obtained through Jesus Christ! Stop and consider the enormity of this truth. If God had not been so kind as to communicate to us the conditions into which one can be added to the church where would we be? We would be hopelessly lost, wandering about with no ambition for life, wondering where we would be after death! It is of eternal importance that it be revealed!

This passage begins with Paul communicating the source of every spiritual blessing -- in Christ. Then there is recognition which should result in love and thankfulness. Because Jesus has given every spiritual blessing which includes salvation from sins, the access to God through prayer and such like we ought to live holy lives and love Him for what He has done. God loved us and thought of us so much that he predestinated us! This isn't a predetermined state on an individual basis; God did not have an unconditional election that would unchangeably predetermined which individuals would be saved and therefore exclude others from salvation. It is like that of which Peter spoke in 1 Peter 1:2 -- Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ... It is as Paul stated in the passage of our interest in Ephesians 1 -- adoption. It is upon our obedience that we are adopted into Jesus' family and His body.

Our adoption into Christ via our obedience is the same time we are redeemed from sin by His blood. Heaven is our home because of all that has been done for us coupled with meeting the conditions of our salvation. God did His part, then He told us how we could do our part! What an awesome blessing it is to have the lights turned on, to be free from living in darkness. It is this same revelation that the prophets longed for and angels sought to look into (1 Peter 1:10-12). We have the honor of being a part of the Christian age, where these things were revealed. Because of Jesus, because of the eternal purpose  which He purposed in Christ (Eph. 3:10), because of Gods grace, salvation is a mystery no longer.

Praise be to God revealing His will for our soul's salvation in Him. May we draw nearer to Him in obedience and be active in teaching others how they can contact the blood, and turn the lights on toward knowledge, peace, and salvation. To God be the glory!

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Let us ask the question: What do we know about God? It is the belief of this writer, that a study of this nature is not only encouraging, but is also necessary! We live in a time where the knowledge and understanding of the One who made the world is diminished to say the least. If you were to ask someone on the street who God is, they would most likely indicate that they know of Him; that is, they have heard of God. But that is usually the extent of it. The most unfortunate thing this world has ever known is present in our day: the complacency of the masses in relation to a knowledge of God. Not only do they have little to no knowledge of who God is, but they are perfectly fine with such. They are indifferent about not knowing Him; they simply don't care about getting to know Him better. 

That is why we will study such a thing as this. God: an open book, waiting to be read; waiting to be known and understood. The first thing that our series of blogs will tell us about God being an open book is this: We can know God. Many will say that we cannot know who God is; we can't concretely say any thing about Him.

Peter Kreeft, a logician and author, who wrote the invaluable book, "Socratic Logic" declares a belief in God. He not only claims to be a believer himself, but from a logical standpoint claims that we can know God! He said that he found twelve ways one can know God. He lists: The Christ, The church, The Scriptures, nature, art, conscience, reason, experience, collective experience (racial history/tradition/literature), the saints, doing God's will, and prayer. And although I don't think that his list is "Gospel Truth" or is necessarily entirely accurate, he says some things that I find very interesting. 

In the first place, one of the things I find interesting was that he said we could know God by nature. The Bible says in Romans 1:20-21, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” Note that this passage of Scripture says they knew God. God has left this truth open in what is, as it were an open book! It outright says that they knew God! How? By the natural things that were visible. The plain things that could be seen all around in nature are proof that God exists and made the worlds and we can know this as they knew it!

Also, I find it interesting that Mr. Kreeft mentions reason. He is a logician, as I mentioned before; and he is one who is renown for his books and works. One can know God through reason, through common sense. When we see nature we can reason of the sights and things to behold and make a clear, level headed decision that God exists or not. We reason of the Scriptures also; connecting the dots as it were between Scriptures; using our brains to come to a knowledge of the Truth. Isaiah the Prophet said, "Come now, and let us reason together saith the Lord..." (Isa. 1:18). We can make reasonable and rational decisions as human beings and one of those is the acknowledgement of the God of the Universe.

Clearly, the greatest way one can come to know who God is is the Bible. God's great Book communicates who God is in vivid language and provides all the information we need to know. The Bible takes the God who is plainly seen in the creation and puts a name to Him, Jehovah. The Bible describes the personality, nature, work, purpose, and plan of God Almighty and communicates His expectations concerning us. God has given in our hands an "Open Book" in which we can discover Him. Through the study of the Bible He is continually new and our knowledge of Him grows and matures. He has not left Himself to be an insurmountable mystery, never to be understood; He has opened Himself up to our rational and hungry minds! All who are honestly seeking Him WILL find Him!

God has indeed left many things wide open for all to see, if they will simply look! Let us all endeavor to come to know him; that is, to believe that He exists, and to act on such a belief in obedience. I pray that you will continue to read these posts as we try to sharpen one another like Proverbs 27:17 teaches. Thank you for your support and to God be the glory!


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