God’s Measuring Reed 2
By Carlos M. Aguilar

We read in Psa 119:86, "All Your commandments are faithful…” In other words, we can count on what has said. Paul writes in Titus 1:9, “holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”

Perfect because it is inspired. We find in 2 Tim 3:16-17, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” and 2Pet 1:21, “for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” With the same perfection in which God created man, the universe, the earth, He has delivered His will to mankind. The Psalmist says, “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple” (Psa 19:7).

Paul makes the point that He and others did not handle the word of God deceitfully. He says, “But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.” (2 Cor 4:2). There are others that will. Gal 1:6-7 says, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.” Of course, there is condemnation if one does. Continuing in Gal we read, “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed” (Gal 1:8-9).

The church can be measured by what the NT says. Paul writes in Eph 1:21-22, “in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” We can see its’ establishment (Mt 16:18- “I (Jesus) will build My church”). The church was founded on a “stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation” (Isa 28:16), that foundation being Christ (1Cor 3:10-11; Eph 2:20). Its Organization can be determined (Two classes of offices: elders and deacons-Acts 20:28; 1Tim 3:8-13). Its name as a universal body used in Scriptures, “to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect (Heb 12:23) and as local congregations, “Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you” (Rom 16:16). We also find laws of admission into the church, laws and examples, which describe faith (Heb 11:26), repentance (Acts 17:30), confession (Rom 10:10), and baptism (Gal 3:27).

First of all we must teach the apostles' doctrine. We find in Acts 2:42, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” They as we must engage in worship as prescribed by God. We must engage in prayer (1 Tim 2:8), we must praise him in song as God has prescribed. Paul writes in Eph 5:19, “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord”

The command is to the congregation to sing and to do so in a way that admonishes others. God consider this very important. In Heb 13:15, “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” It is a spiritual sacrifice that all engage in while worshipping God. Partaking of the Lord’s Supper in the proper way. First of all it must done weekly as the early disciples did. In Acts 20:7 we read, “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.” Listen to the words of Paul, which not only describe the establishment of the Lord’s Supper by Jesus, but how we are to partake of it, the attitude we are to manifest. In 1 Cor 11:23-32 we read, “For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.” We must also follow God’s plan for raising money 1 Cor 16:1-2. “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: on the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper …” 

EVANGELISM?

A former tax-collector, a political activist, and a few fisherman - eleven common Hebrew men.  Having no organization and no resources but their faith in the promises of Jesus Christ, these first-century citizens of Palestine were charged by our Lord to do the impossible - go evangelize the world.  What an awesome task - what an awesome responsibility! But each one of the eleven, with the later addition of two more, served their Master nobly, fulfilling his command and dedicating their lives, and the lives of their families, to bringing the gospel of Christ to the nations.

And the charge now comes down through the centuries to us.  We must evangelize the world.  We must not allow our friends and loved ones, nor strangers afar, to pass from this world without hearing the good news - that Jesus will save them from their sins.

So, are you an evangelist? Every Christian is to be an evangelist.

Moses didn't want to do it.  He couldn't imagine himself being God's spokesman before Pharaoh.  But God "convinced" him to take the job. He would provide whatever was needed for the task at hand.  Moses just needed to understand that Jehovah wasn't requesting that he go back to save the children of Israel.  He was commanding him to go.

Similarly, we need to understand that the Lord didn't just ask that we help him in saving others, he commands it.  If you've been saved from your sins, it is expected that you will help the Savior find others to save.  It is expected that you will be an evangelist.

The term "evangelist" is an anglicized form of the Greek euagglistes, from eu ("well") and aggelos ("messenger").  It refers to one who proclaims the good message, a gospel herald.  Often, the term is used in the New Testament in a restricted sense - equivalent to a gospel preacher, a minister (cf.  Acts 21:8; Eph.  4:11; 2 Tim.  4:5).  In this sense, a woman cannot serve as an evangelist (1 Cor.  14:34; 2 Tim.  2:12).

But in a general use of the term, any person, male or female, who brings the gospel to others through various means, is an evangelist.  And every Christian should be involved, in some way, in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through evangelism.

Within twenty-four hours, he knew he would be dead.  What would you do during your last day?  Jesus took the time - valuable, precious minutes - to wash the dirty feet of his disciples.  Why did he do that?  To impress upon them the fact that "If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet."

Chistianity is a religion immersed with service and sacrifice - from our King, down to the most humble member.  We serve, because he serves us.  We are commanded to serve our brethren in Christ, and even our enemies.  When we render our sacrifices of service, we help others find their God and their way home.

Perhaps the most ironic thing about the type of service demanded by tChrist is that by serving others, we find our own greatest fulfillment.  You will never be more contented than when you help someone else improve his station in life or, more importantly, improve his relationship with the Creator.

That is why the best thing you can ever do is to serve others by being evangelistic.  By being a messenger for Christ, you will receive the ultimate reward - the satisfaction of knowing that you were able to help Jesus find a lost soul.

Christ promises great rewards for those who serve in this way.  His recognition and praise should motivate us to want to become his evangelists.

You may not be able to fulfill the role of a preacher, or teacher, or elder, or deacon.  But in the general sense, you can be an evangelist.  Here's how.

Go about doing good With great attention Cornelius listened as Peter told him about Jesus, the man from Nazareth who went about doing good (Acts 10:38).  With Christ as our example, one of the best ways you can begin to be an evangelist is to go about your day-to-day activities looking for good things to do. Paul summed up this way: "And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith" (Gal.  6:9-10).

For years, the Boy Scouts were known for their habit of performing a daily "Good Deed." The young scout was encouraged to "begin straight away with a daily Good Deed; nothing spectacular, but just something which otherwise he would probably not do" (- E.  E.  Reynolds, Boy Scouts, "Chapter 6 - Citizenship," London, 1944).

What a wonderful, practical implementation of this principle for the Christian evangelist, not just daily, but, as the Paul noted, at every opportunity.  There can be no better compliment than to have it said of you, "He is always going about doing good." Good deeds are your first tool of evangelism.  They open the door.  They let someone know that you care.  Master the example of Christ (Acts 10:38), and you'll be well on you way to being a first-rate evangelist.

Talk to friends Do you have friends or family members who are in need of salvation?  Many times, it's difficult to talk to someone about their spiritual condition.  Here's a formula you may find helpful. Instead of trying to "win an argument," try just letting them know that you've been praying for them. Or that you've been thinking about them - that you're worried.  With a genuine sense of care, they cannot help but want to reassure you that they're all right.  Perhaps, at that point, you can set up a Bible study "just to make sure." Wouldn't it make you feel better if they allowed you the time just to present the gospel to them?  Or, if they would promise you they would read something and consider it. 

Perhaps it would be helpful to focus on expressing concern, asking for a fair hearing, and providing them the opportunity to hear the gospel.  Whether through the preacher, a tract, an article, or a tape, you have fulfilled your loving responsibility to bring them the message of Christ.

Help evangelistic works The Philippian Christians were so eager to help Paul fulfill the Savior's plea.  Paul responded, "I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you, always in every supplication of mine on behalf of you all making my supplication with joy, for your fellowship in furtherance of the gospel from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil.  1:4-6). 

Generally speaking, most of us have somewhat limited spheres of influence.  We have our families, those with whom we worship, our friends at work, neighbors we live near, and acquaintances we run into from time-to-time.  But there are a lot more people out there - about 5 billion.

We cannot go individually to every person in the world.  We are limited by the demands of living, the responsibility of family, and our geographic location.  We can, however, cooperate and help others expand the borders of the kingdom.  Collectively, we can reach far more people than we can individually.

Many congregations support men to spread the gospel to far away places.  These dedicated people do not receive the praise and gratitude they deserve in this life (the Lord knows, though).  They often sacrifice comfort and convenience in order to carry the gospel to those distant lands.  And, too often, their safety is in jeopardy as well.  They are noble servants, indeed. 

You can do no better service than to help someone else teach the gospel.  Through the combined efforts of Christians, thousands upon thousands of souls have been saved in this manner - souls that were doomed and would not have been rescued had good Christians not supported a mission work. 

You may not have the ability to make the sacrifice to go, but you can surely do as the Philippians did. Be an evangelist - support a faithful mission work.

Encourage your church leaders. Your local ministers, elders, and deacons need your encouragement.  It may not look like it, but it's true. Consider your local minister - so much is expected from him.  He must lead the congregation in the study of God's word.  Whether the message encourages, rebukes, or instructs us, it is a demanding job that requires skill and dedication. The preacher is expected to visit the sick, the elderly, and the weak.  He waits at the bed beside those who soon will meet their Maker.  He often labors under criticism - sometimes valid, sometimes not.  Frequently he sacrifices his personal "family-time" for the interests of the church.
Your church leaders labor similarly - because they love the church of Christ.  You can be an evangelist by being an encourager of those who have dedicated their lives to the work of evangelism in your local congregation.  Your partnership - through support, kind words, and thoughtful gratitude - mean so much.
"Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world" (Matt.  28:19-20).

The Lord is depending on you.  You can do it.  Be an evangelist.

Beyond Our Understanding?

Is it possible for us to understand the Bible?

Answer: We may never understand everything alluded to in the Scriptures. We don't need to. We can understand what the Bible tells us to believe and do. We can understand God's will by studying the Bible.

For example. The Bereans: "searched the Scriptures daily. whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11). They checked out everything with their own scriptures. This worked. It will work for you.

We hope you find this bulletin useful in your Bible study.

2 Sam 22:31
 As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. NKJV

Top