But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
When I first came to New England there was a church in the suburbs that was the largest church in Greater Boston with the exception of Park Street and Tremont Temple. Most of the special local events were held there. Today that church doesn’t exist. Why? Donald Grey Barnhouse once said, “If you want to know what Christians are capable of doing read the Epistles and note what they are told NOT to do. This is what they are capable of doing.” This one time great church in fact, did every one of those negatives. One Sunday morning was so out of control the police were called! Today – the church is closed and remembered today as “The Church at Laodicea” (Rev. 3:14-19)
It is time to prevent a repeat of such calamity by noting:
I.What is Possible
II.Why this is Possible
III.Motivation for the Possible
Often when people come to me preparing for a church fight I suggest a study of Acts 20:24. Consider what Paul had to deal with – Acts 20:22-23
And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.
After I read this, to organizers of the committee on disunity I ask if the issue they are dealing with is greater than the negatives of Acts 20:22-23. If, “Oh no – of course not” is the reply then my comment is – “Paul solved problems far greater than yours so if you will use his method you can solve your problems. That being the case what was his method? His method certainly worked because he said, “NONE” of these things move me.” Again let me suggest to churches run by old sin natures – it is time to look at “these things. Having noted WHAT IS POSSIBLE; namely life not under our circumstances but life above our circumstances (Philippians 4:13).
HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE
Let me put it this way – The Christian way of life is a supernatural way of life and must be lived by supernatural methods. One of those methods is –
OCCUPATION WITH JESUS CHRIST Read it in Acts 20:24 – “Neither count I my life dear unto myself”. The apostle Paul certainly proved this Divine Operating Asset by his life. He illustrated that the way up is down! Follow this:
1.LEAST of the apostles (I Cor. 15:9)
2.LESS than the least of ALL the Saints (Eph. 3:8)
3.CHIEF of sinners (I Tim. 1:15)
Now I’m sure you understand the comment – “Grow in Grace or Groan in Disgrace!” Find a church where people are not growing and you’ll soon discover an illustration of what Christians are told NOT to do. They will be groaning in disgrace! To me, the most disturbing factor in “The First Church of Disunity” is failure to realize two things:
1.The disgrace there is for the cause of Christ. “Move over God-my vested interests are more important then your cause” Terrible thinking!
2.The negative impact on the youth
When you find disunity in control you’ll find young people in rebellion and for Romans 2:24 reasons.
For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” as it is written.
MOTIVATION FOR THE POSSIBLE
“So that I might finish my course with joy”
One of these days Jesus will come as He promised in John 14:3. What do you want to be doing when He comes – Fighting or forgetting (i.e. “forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before” Phil. 3:13)?
“A former police officer tells of the tactics of roving bands of thieves – they enter the store as a group, and the others start a loud commotion in another section of the store. This grabs the attention of the clerks and customers. As all eyes are turned to the disturbance, the accomplices fill their pockets with merchandise and cash, leaving before anyone suspects.
Hours – sometimes even days – later, the victimized merchant realizes things are missing and calls the police. Too late.
How often this effective strategy is used by the Evil One! We are seduced into paying attention to the distractions, while evil agents ransack our lives.”
Think about that!