In This Issue

• LOSSES AND GAINS
• DOCTRINE: THE BASIS FOR TRUE SPIRITUALITY
• "AND IT IS A LITTLE ONE"
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LOSSES AND GAINS

After Jesus had indicated to the rich young ruler that those who trust in material possessions are hindered in seeking God's kingdom, Peter responded by saying to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You.' So Jesus answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time - houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions - and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.'" (Mark 10:28-31).

The apostles had been shocked at Jesus' statement, "How hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God" (verse 25). They were accustomed to situations where those who trusted in riches were able to buy their way into privileges and buy their way out of trouble, and so they asked, "Who then can be saved?" By the time Jesus answered that question, Peter had come to realize, to some degree at least, that those to whom God's kingdom and His righteousness were more important than material possessions, those who trusted in God more than in wealth, would be the ones who were in a position to benefit most greatly from the work Jesus had come to do.

Peter's statement, "See, we have left all and followed You" suggests a question he did not quite put into words: Since we have left all and followed you, what blessings and benefits will we derive? And Jesus, perceiving that question, responded by telling the apostles of blessings and benefits, both in the present age, and in the eternal age to come.

Peter, Andrew, James and John had given up what was probably a lucrative fishing business and walked away from their nets, their boats, and their business associates to follow Jesus and fish for men. Matthew had given up his business as a customs agent for the Roman government. Almost certainly, the other apostles had given up similarly successful careers. They, and many other of Jesus' followers would lose the friendship of some of their closest associates because of the new convictions they had embraced. Some would be disowned by their own families. Many of them would be persecuted, some even to the death. There was much to lose. What could they hope to gain?

Jesus' answer is marvelous! We might be called upon to make numerous sacrifices for the sake of Christ, but there is no way we can give up more than we gain. Any friend we lose by being a friend to Jesus, even alienation from members of our own families, though tragic, is more than compensated for in the many brothers and sisters we gain in the church or family of Christ. Homes and hearts are open to us around the world. But the best is yet to come. Everlasting life in heaven. 

--Clarence R. Johnson

DOCTRINE: THE BASIS FOR TRUE SPIRITUALITY

Spirituality in the New Testament context is clearly related to God, who is Spirit. W.E. Vine comments on Rom. 7:14, "things that have their origin with God, and which, therefore, are in harmony with His character… are spiritual." The word is contrasted with carnal, so that when Paul writes, "are ye not carnal and walk as men" (1 Cor. 3:1) he is logically saying "spiritual" is to walk as God.

The historically Christian world generally agrees with this, but divides sharply over the means by which man may become spiritually minded. Is man so depraved that God must, by direct and immediate operation, shape his will and mold his life; or, is man capable of being touched by God's revelation of Himself in Jesus Christ and the divine message? Is spirituality the product of an irresistible force placed in a chosen few irrespective of their will; or, the product of response on the part of free-moral man to a free and universal invitation from God?

The first concept makes "doctrine" (teaching, instruction) from God an academic matter, having no essential effect on the elect since an operation wholly of God would certainly be consistent with His character. But the second concept makes the teaching from God His "drawing power," and demands that we "hear, learn and come" (John 6:44-45).

When problems arose at Corinth over spiritual gifts Paul said "the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets;" i.e., God does not operate through man without regard for man's will. Further, "If any man thinketh himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him take knowledge of the things which I write unto you, that they are the commandment of the Lord" (1 Cor. 14:32, 37). God's revelations are unified; and inspired writing is the standard for determining truth (2 Pet. 3:1-2; Eph. 3:1-5). "Ye who are spiritual" must act in a manner specified by divine instructions (Gal. 6:1). To be "led by the Spirit" is to "walk" or "live" in keeping with the instructions of the Spirit; and "ye may not do the things that ye would" shows this is a life of self-discipline whereby we overcome the inclinations of the flesh to satisfy sinful appetites (Gal. 5:16f). Spirituality must not be confused with perfection. The spiritual man still needs forgiveness through the blood of Christ, but he is consistently striving, reaching forth, pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ (Phil. 3:12-14).

The New Testament affords no better example of spirituality than the life of Paul. He delighted in the law of God after the inward man, although at times he did not do what he would (Rom. 7:18-25). Recognizing this weakness of his flesh, he thanked God (for forgiveness) through Christ. He could maintain his hope because he served the law of God with his "mind" (v. 25), "spirit" (1:9). I do not understand him to say his failures were not sin; but to say God knew the desire and intent which motivated his life, and hence heard his confession of sin and plea for mercy. In Romans chapter 8, he beautifully relates the spirit of man with God's Spirit. We "walk" after the spirit to the extent our life is in keeping with the desires of our inward man to follow the law of God revealed by His Holy Spirit. In the absence of perfection on man's part (hence, no justification on a "law" basis), it is comforting to know God recognizes the strivings of our heart to serve Him. These strivings, plus their fruits in our life, are the marks of spirituality.

True spirituality (in harmony with God's character) is obviously impossible without the revelation of God's will and character; hence is inevitably dependent upon "doctrine." We may label as "doctrine" things that are only our opinions: we may require more or less than God requires; and if so, we will pay for it. But when we substitute our "feelings" and emotional "trips" for true spirituality, we enthrone man, and authority in religion becomes purely subjective.

We must seek to be holy, for God is holy (1 Pet. 1:16). We strive to be pure, even as He is pure (1 John 3:3); merciful as God is merciful (Luke 6:36); and walk in light, for He is light (1 John 1:5-7). Practical application of these and many like passages are possible only as we know God through Jesus Christ and the divine word. We will never attain any of these goals in the absolute sense - but we cannot even strive for them if we ignore the teaching of His way.

True spirituality proceeds from a heart wholly given to God; is the result of a close sharing relationship with God. It is the product of a fully humbled creature and his sincere desire to conform his life to the divinely determined pattern. It is the reflection of God Himself, mirrored in every facet of the life of one who endeavors to glorify the Father of Spirits.

--Robert F. Turner, Christianity Magazine, March 1984

"AND IT IS A LITTLE ONE"

[Editor's Note: Whether it is large or small, each congregation has its own advantages and disadvantages. And no congregation should ever seek to stay small or to avoid growth, but numerical growth is largely not up to us. Our job is to "plant and water." It is God's job to "give the increase." The writer of the following article has been working with a small inter-city congregation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for about 20 years. Though there have been several converts, due to moving out and moving around, the congregation remains small in number. Please read and consider these thoughts by one who has made a long-term commitment to a work that is difficult, and where rapid growth is pretty much "out of the question." -CJ]

"Flee to the mountains," were the words uttered by the angels, as they were preparing to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, along with all the other suburbs and towns of the valley. Gen 19:17. However, Lot thought himself unable to get to the mountains, so he requested permission from the angels to flee to the small city of Zoar, also called Bela. Gen 14:2. Gen 19:19-23. Lot in his explanation of Zoar said, "And it is a little one". Gen 19:20. So, it is very clear from Lot's words that this town was small and probably not as favorable as the other cities in the valley. Still, Lot didn't let any of that stop him, because even though it was small, he saw a city, that could provide refuge for him while the destruction fell upon the metro area. Gen 19:24-29.

Many times in the region of a large city, there are churches spread out with some being big, some medium size, and some very small. And many times, when choosing a church, the desire to worship with the bigger established church appears to be more of the choice. However, others look at the "little one" and see the need to be of encouragement. Acts 16:9. When people unknowingly visit a small group for the first time, they think, "And it is a little one." Of course it certainly is, however though small, it is still a church where Jesus is in the midst of the saints, and it is a place where one can be saved, and can worship God just as one can in a bigger group. Matt 18:20. John 10:9. "And it is a little one", in such a church, members can have a better chance of exercising skills in teaching, song leading, and helping with other aspects of the work, because the workers are few and everyone has to work whenever they meet. Theres no taking a number and waiting for it to be called, for in a small church, everyone works everytime they meet. 

"And it is a little one", will make members feel more appreciated and not just a face in the crowd, because in a small groups, people tend to be closer, because there isn't a sea of faces where people get lost in the crowds. Also, the expression, "he attends where I worship", cannot be said with simply the tone of an acquaintance, because in small churches it is easier to get to know each other better. "And it is a little one", will bring out the need to give more, because money is needed, members are few, and one will have to give better then he would if in a bigger church, because the dependence upon the next person to make up the difference will not be there. It's either I must do it, or it won't get done. So the little church shouldn't be avoided, but rushed to by Christians who want to build. How about you dear brother or sister? Do you want to be a builder? Luke 10:2.

--James Baker

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