How Congregations Remain Faithful 50 Years
Lewis Mikell
We often see in church news where a congregation has continued faithful 50 years and, a few, much more.
1. They continued Evangelistic. Our Lord commanded: And he said unto them, “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:15,16. “And daily in the Temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” Acts 5:42; 8:4. “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.” Brethren, how long has it been since you preached in a Gospel Meeting? Are we teaching our children the word? Proverbs 22:6.
2. Ordain Elders in every city. Titus 1:5. This is God’s doing. Yet, at least one-half of all the congregations have no elders and have no plans to appoint any. Many exclaim, “We have none qualified,” but most of the elders’ qualifications are very near the marks of faithful Christians.
3. Safe-guard the Pulpit. There is a saying: “As the pulpit goes, so goes the church.” Paul said to Timothy, “Preach the word.” 2 Timothy 4:2. “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” Acts 20:27. 1 Timothy 4:12: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation (manner of life), in charity, in spirit, in faith and in purity.” Grievous wolves sometimes destroy congregations. Acts 20:29.
4. Sacrificial Membership. “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods and parted them to all men, as every man had need.” Acts 2:44, 45. The Macedonians, out of deep poverty and persecutions, gave beyond their ability. “And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God.” 2 Corinthians 8:5.
How is the congregation where you worship doing? -P.O. Box 302, Gallipolis, OH 45631.