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Vol. 3, No. 2 Page 18 February, 2001 |
[The Forest Hill News, Memphis, TN, Forest Hill
Church of Christ, August 8, 2000, Vol. 26, No. 31, p. 4.]
It made some people question the reality of my religious faith (James 2:17).
It set an example of neglecting the assembly and failing to obey an inspired command (Hebrews 10:25).
I failed to observe the example set by the early church in partaking of the Lord's Supper on the Lord's Day (Acts 20:7).
It made it impossible for the elders of the church to see that the entire flock was fed or taught the Word of God (Acts 20:28).
It indicated that I was not concerned about assembling with my brethren and the Lords promise to be in our midst (Matthew 18:20).
Some must have concluded that I found more pleasure in fellowship with the world than with the Lord and my brethren (2 Corinthians 6:14).
I set the wrong example before my children and before others who were influenced by my absence (1 Timothy 4:12).
If I chose to be absent on a pleasure trip and made no plans to worship God, it would prove that I love the Lord too little and the world too much (2 Timothy 4:10).
It set a pattern of irregular church attendance, violating the steadfastness in teaching, fellowship and worship which was practiced by the apostolic church (Acts 2:42-47).
On the day that I willfully chose to be absent, I failed to walk in the light and did not enjoy the fellowship of my brethren (1 John 1:7).
By Robin Haley
[Matters of The Faith, Vol. 5, No. 3, October-December 1999, p. 11.]
I recently came across the acrostic for this word, evangelism. I found it not only interesting and accurate, but a good reminder as well. I added some Scripture references to the acrostic to help us consider the word “evangelism” and some of those things for which it stands.
Evangelism is Every member active. “They therefore that were scattered abroad, went about preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). This was written regarding “the church in Jerusalem” (Acts 8:1).
EVangelism is Visitation practiced. “I was sick, and ye visited me” (Matthew 25:36). This is a necessary part of helping to keep the saved, saved.
EvAngelism is Absentees contacted regularly. “Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1). Let us not wait until a member is back into the world before we wonder where that one is.
EvaNgelism is New members involved. “As newborn babes, long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation” (1 Peter 2:2). Let us encourage our new brethren to attend the classes and every worship assembly. Let us teach them often as we may have contact and opportunity.
EvanGelism is Giving. “But first they gave their own selves to the Lord” (2 Corinthians 8:5), then they “gave of their own accord” (2 Corinthians 8:3). This avenue of worship (1 Corinthians 16:1-2) reflects our own conversion and will supply the means to convert others.
EvangElism is Everyone in class. “Whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ” (Colossians 1:28). In this way, we can “grow in grace and knowledge” (2 Peter 3:18).
EvangeLism is Lost people being saved. “To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak: I am become all things to all men, that I may be all means save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). Whatever it takes, within the will of God, let us do with all our might!
EvangelIsm is Increase. “And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women” (Acts 5:14). Let us therefore plant the seed of the kingdom (Luke 8:11) that God may give the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).
EvangeliSm is high Standard. “Seek the things that are above . . . set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth” (Colossians 3:1-2).
EvangelisM is Missions. “Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations . . . preach the gospel to the whole creation” (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15).
Let us continue to be and increase in EVANGELISM!
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