|
THE NORTHERN KENTUCKY SEARCHER VOLUME 6, NUMBER 2, JANUARY 15, 2006 “REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE ”
If you’re old enough, then you remember at one time your parents saying this to you. It’s good advice that I didn’t stop to think about too much at the time. But the Bible tells us the same thing. “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him,” (Colossians 3:17). If Christians act as the Bible commands, then we have the honor of giving glory to the Father. In a way, we are supposed to be human reflectors, our lives reflecting the glory of God. “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven,” (Matthew 5:16). But we have to remember who we are to do that. It’s easy being a Christian at church, just as Jesus said that it is easy to love those who love you (Matthew 5:46). But unfortunately the same principle sometimes applies outside of the church. Sometimes it’s easy NOT to be a Christian around those who aren’t Christians. Luckily Jesus has left us with the excellent example of the apostles, who were so focused on reflecting the glory of God that after they had been beaten they “left the presence of the council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name,” (Acts 5:41). The apostles remembered who they were, even in the presence of those who had the power to take their lives. Can we say the same? We should be able to. “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross,” (Philippians 2:5,8). When my parents sent me out the door and told me to remember who I was, they did so because they wanted the best for me. Our Heavenly Father is no different. God wants for all men to be saved, (1 Timothy 2:4). So the next time you walk out the door of the church building, remember who you are. God does. This excellent article was submitted by Sarah Loman, recent graduate of Northern Kentucky University and former editor of the Northern Kentucky University newspaper. “PLACING MEMBERSHIP” IDENTIFYING WITH A CONGREGATION
Where did the practice of “placing membership” or “identifying with a congregation” come from? Is this simply a man-made tradition without scriptural authority or is it part of the New Testament pattern? That is an important question. The example of Paul in his first journey to Jerusalem following his conversion to Christ helps us to answer this question. In Acts 9:26-28, we find, “And when he had come to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, not believing he was a disciple. But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. And he was with them moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord.” The order of events leading up to this in Saul’s life would be his conversion in the city of Damascus where he tarried for many days “with the disciples which were at Damascus” (Acts 9:19). When a plot against his life was discovered, Paul escaped and apparently went into Arabia. This is discussed in Galatians 1:15-17. The passage says, “But when He who had set me apart, even from my mother’s womb, and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus.” Paul’s knowledge of the gospel and what the Lord wanted His people to do did not come to him as a result of being taught by man, but as he said in Galatians 1:11-12, “For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.” After returning to Damascus, we then find Paul going to Jerusalem. That is when he sought to join himself to the disciples there, to associate with and identify himself with them. In the letter to the Romans, we once again see clearly that brethren were to associate themselves together into local congregations, or churches. In Romans 16:3-5, Paul writes about Priscilla and Aquila, and said in verse 5, “also greet the church that is in their house.” Down in verse 14, he mentioned several individuals and then said, “and the brethren with them.” In verse 15, several more are mentioned along with, “and all the saints who are with them.” There were different congregations in the city of Rome with brethren identified with each different group. I have briefly mentioned the New Testament pattern concerning identifying with a particular congregation because we have had the wonderful experience of two families identifying with us recently. They are: Chad and Amy Scott, with their children Caleb, Ryan, and Matthew. Chad, Amy and the boys live at 151 Backcreek Ct. #78, Florence, Kentucky 41042. Their phone number is (859) 647-2372. Chad’s cell # is (502) 773-8782, and Amy’s is (502) 773-7991. Matthew and Loreli Privett, with their boys Corey, Ian, and Andrew. Their address is 4027 Applewood Ct. # C-10, Erlanger, Ky. 41018. Their phone number is (859) 203-8334. Matt and Loreli were members here before, we are so glad they are back.
|