How to Build Up the Church
 

by Gus Nichols

 

In many places the true church is very weak. The mem­bers are few in number, and poor in this world's goods. In some cases they have no efficient leadership, while in other in­stances the members are often worldly minded and under re­proach. Even in a few cases there is strife and bitterness among the members. In almost all places where the Cause is weak, the members are despised in the eyes of the world, persecuted, and misrepresented. But weak congregations should remember that God does not save by many nor few, and also, they should remember that strong congregations were once weak. Neither should they lose sight of the fact that a large membership does not always mean the church is strong. If the members are weak in faith and in spiritual strength, the church cannot be strong. It is our purpose to offer some simple suggestions, which, when put into practice, will inevitably build up the church. Attend it Up Nothing is more encouraging than for all the members to at­tend the public services of the church. We are commanded not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together. (Heb. 10:25) The early disciples came together upon the first day of the week to break bread in memory of Christ. (Acts 20:7) The first day of every week in the year is the Lord's day. Thus, fifty-two days in each year the disciples celebrated the resurrection of their loving Savior by properly observing the day of the resurrection. (Mk. 16:9; Rev. 1:10) They also celebrated the Lord's death just as often as they did his resurrection. Hence, they observed the Lord's supper on the first day of the week. (Acts 2:42; 20:7) This builds up the church. It edifies and strengthens the members, and shows to the world that we really believe the gospel, and that we are living for the Lord. Teach It Up The church cannot grow without the word of God. Peter says: "As new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby." (1 Pet. 2:2) When the time comes that a little baby may grow into a strong man or woman without food, then may the church grow without the word of God. Paul says: "I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an in­heritance among all them which are sanctified." (Acts 20:32) Yes, the word "is able to build you up." One can not live the Christian life without the word. Jesus says "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Matt. 4:4) Hence, God says: "Feed the church of God."  (Acts 20:28)  In the Commission, the Lord commanded his disciples to teach all nations and baptize them, then teach those baptized to observe all things which he has commanded. (Matt. 28:19-20) Brethren will do better when they are taught better. Members should study to the end that they may be approved of God, and that they may be able to teach others. (2 Tim. 2:15; Heb. 5:12) Have a mid-week Bible study, and a Sunday morning Bible school, before the regular worship. Then have all the sound gospel preaching that is possible. (Acts 20:7) Let everyone "Continue steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine." (Acts 2:42) This will strengthen the present membership, and add others to the number by conversion, and restoration. Believe It Up While teaching is ground-work, so is faith. The gospel is full of power, but only so to those who will believe it. (Rom. 1:16) The word taught, and preached, build us up, only to the degree that we believe it. Jude says: "But ye, beloved, build­ing up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God." (Jude 20-21) Yes, faith is a builder. The church cannot be strong when the members question the resurrection of the Son of God, doubt the threats and promises of the gospel, and feel that their labor in the Lord is in vain. (Heb. 11:6; 1 Cor. 15:58) Without strong faith, the members will neglect their duty, leave off praying for the work, and be selfish, contentious, and covetous. Faith is produced and strengthened by the knowledge of the truth. (Rom. 10:17; 2 Thess. 1:3) Abraham "Staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith giving glory to God:" (Rom. 4:20) Let us cut loose from all doubts and fears. Live It Up All of us cannot be elders and deacons, song leaders and preachers, but all of us can live right. We can keep our­selves unspotted from the world. (Jas. 1:27) Every one of us can let his light shine and wield a good influence. (Matt. 5:16) All of us can live above the use of profane language, above the use of strong drinks, and keep ourselves free from adultery, gambling, stealing, quarreling, fighting, theatre-going, dancing, etc. These things may not all be equally harmful, but none of them are good for the soul, and they all tear down the church where it is up, and keep it from going up, where it is down. Such things are strongly con­demned in the word of God. (See Gal. 5:19-20; Col. 3, etc.) If we believe in the righteousness of the Cause, and if we love the church, we will show it in our every-day lives. Let us live righteously, soberly and godly in this present world. (Titus 2:12-14) The sermon seen in our daily life often has more weight than the one that is only heard. (1 Pet. 3:1-4)  Let us live up the church. Let Us Also Give It Up We are taught by our Savior to lay up our treasures in heaven, not on earth. (Matt. 6:19-20) We are taught that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35) We have the promise that if we sow bountifully we shall reap bountifully, and that we shall have all sufficiency in all things. (2 Cor. 9:6-8) Let us trust the Lord's promise, and give as we are prospered for the building up of the church, for the spreading of the gospel and for the benefit of all in distress, that we and our children and friends may live under gospel influence, and finally be saved. Where the members are stingy and covetous, their lights cannot shine for good, and the work cannot prosper. Christianity was founded on sacrifice—the sacrifice of God's Son. We must present our bodies a living sacrifice or the church cannot grow. (Rom. 12:1-2) No one can be a Christian with­out denying himself. (Matt. 16:24) Just the lust-money spent by many congregations would support a preacher full time to preach the gospel among them. (1 Cor. 9:14; Gal 6:6) For a lack of liberality many congregations have perished from the earth. Rather than to do their duty along this line, they stopped the preacher, ceased to have additions, more and more members became backsliders; strife and bitterness crept in and discouraged the faithful, and the church died. Liberality makes a difference, both here and hereafter. Pray It Up The early Christians continued steadfastedly in prayers. (Acts 2:42) Many churches receive not, because they do not pray. (Jas. 4:2) Let each member pray daily for the church, that it may grow and prosper. Sin does not thrive very well in the atmosphere of prayer. Also, prayer puts us to work. All sincere persons work in the direction of their prayers. Let us pray for the weak members, and for the leaders of the work—for elders and deacons—for gospel preachers—for the poor and all who are in need. (Eph. 6:18-19; Col. 1:8-12; Jas. 5:16) All can't make large donations for the church, neither can all the members be public leaders, but all can pray—all can build up the church. Let us pray it up.        Other Articles Individual or Collective Action? Abiding in the Doctrine Regarding Some Views Openness Much Ado About Walking in the Light Problems Concerning Material Prosperity Honoring God's Word All the Way or Not at All The Light Near Damascus     For Past Auburn Beacons go to: www.aubeacon.com/Bulletins.htm   Anyone can join the mailing list for the Auburn Beacon! Send your request to: larryrouse@aubeacon.com