Everyone matters in the church.
Christians cannot be separated from the local church. There are some professing believers who feel they are saved, but don’t need to be a member of the body. I don’t understand where that thinking comes from. Nor, will I address that in this posting. (It is a worthwhile discussion to have. So, hopefully in the future, we can have it) But, when a disciple is in the community of saints, others in the community should take responsibility in loving that believer. This is as natural as having a father know his children in a family. So, I would like for us to consider the relationship we as Christians should have with other members of the congregation.
I suppose that most Christians want to be helpful, caring and loving to others in the flock. The hearts of most of the saints resemble the early church in Acts 2, “And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,…” (vv. 44-46)
Yet, not every Christian wants to be the recipient of such personal care. We can use the example of Karen, a Christian for eight years and who is faithfully serving as a fourth grade Sunday School teacher. Does anyone at her church really know Karen? Is Pastor Bob aware that Karen has been depressed ever since she was raped on her way home from work over a year ago? Why hasn’t Karen spoken to Pastor Bob, or at least to a sister in the church?
Someone like Karen may feel comfortable being “anonymous” in the church. Sure, Karen has some visibility because she is serving children. The children’s director, other teachers, children and parents know “of” Karen. But, Karen can easily get lost in the shuffle of a church with over five hundred people. She is shy and ashamed. Maybe she wants to blame God for what has happened and she wants to relieve her despair by being busy with children’s ministry.
What is the pastor and church doing to reach out to minister to one another? What are we as believers doing to “serve”, not only the ones who are likable and request help, but also the ones who want to be a ghost and don’t want the attention of others? Should we “force” ourselves on them with the attitude, “We’re going to love you whether you like it or not?” The truth is that we, as the church community must search the Scriptures and be prayerful about the work the Lord has called us to. Those of us in the Kingdom need to know everyone that God brings to our path and seek out, even the loneliest, frail and resistor of God’s love. It’s going to take humility, patience, faithfulness and the power of the Gospel. But, the hard work must be done because the Lord wants to use us to sanctify Karen.
So, why another blog?! There are already good Christian bloggers around. Have you heard of Justin Taylor? Or, how about Kevin DeYoung? From across the pond on the east, Adrian Warnock. OK, let’s not leave out the sisters...the Mahaney ladies at girltalkhome.com. So, why start a new one when there are so many good ones out there? Hmmm. Good question. I’ll try to think of an answer and post it one day. But for now, let’s just get started.
I’d like to begin this article with five paragraphs. Did you notice the title of this blog: 5 P’s? The 5 P’s means two things. First, it represents the Five Points of Calvinism. We seek to be Reformed in our hermeneutic (that is, interpretation of the Bible) theology and practice. But, the 5 P’s also signifies the structure of the blog postings. There will be five paragraphs. At least, that’s what I’m hoping. Remember those five-paragraph essays you wrote in high school? It consisted of the introduction; paragraphs one, two and three; and the conclusion. In order to be as coherent and succinct as possible, I will try to keep it to five paragraphs. I don’t believe you have to use many words to say something that would be helpful.
Let me share with you two major P’s that will be the recurring theme in the postings. There are several other P’s (Purposeful, Pillars, Pointing to Christ, etc.), but two for now. One P is “Propositional”. The Scriptures are filled with Propositions. “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way the truth and the life…’” (John 14:6) is a serious proposition. I will endeavor to make comment on propositions about faith and life.
Another P is “Practical”. Our faith is both “doctrine” and “duty”. The Gospel compels us to not only “believe” certain precepts about the character and works of God, but also a godly response by His people to demonstrate our faith. It’s putting our faith into action. I hope to exhort believers to live out their Christianity, inside and outside the church.
There is much to say (or write) in our Christian journey. Our faith is a thinking one as much as it is living one. So, I hope you will be part of the journey with me (or us at Arise Reformed Church) as we discuss the Scriptures, theology, culture, politics, sports, food and perhaps art...all for the glory of Christ!
