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Newsletter June, 2004
Solid Rock Christian Church Newsletter
Winning to Jesus - Growing in Jesus
Craig Rippy
Office Telephone 573-265-5003
E-Mail Address, srcc@tigernet.missouri.org
Gene Scantlin and Alan Wynn, Elders.
Diane Daniel, Preschool Director.
Those of the church of the living God are to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with Godly standards. These standards will not change. The standards are based upon truth. The Church is the pillar and foundation of the truth and the household of God is to live by truth.
This letter from the Apostle Paul to Timothy, an Evangelist in Ephesus, is a leader's manual for Timothy to refer to. First, Paul reminds Timothy of an assignment given to him. He was to command certain men not to teach false doctrines (1:3ff). The manual goes on to say, "These promote controversies rather than God's work – which is by faith" (vs. 4). God's work is more important than men becoming self-important by coming up with new theologies. God desires for each person to simply accept the Gospel about His Son and live under His Lordship.
In verses 12-17 Paul gave the personal testimony of his own salvation being an example for all people. Paul considered himself the worst of sinners, yet God displayed patience and mercy to him as an example to all others. God wants people to know that whatever the sinful lifestyle one might be in, the Sacrifice of Jesus is sufficient to cover it. Simply preach Jesus.
Second, the manual has instructions about prayer. Chapter 2:1-8 reveals that holy hands are to be raised in prayer. For prayer to be effectual it must be made by holy people. It also is to be made for God's will to be accomplished (James 5:16 & 1 John 5:14-15).
Prayer is our communication with God. As we find with each other, when there are various stresses between people communication is hindered. As we distance ourselves from God's holy way, we become less effective in our communication with Him. We approach Him as a wayward teenager approaches a parent. I can remember having attitudes of selfishness which caused me to be less than rational with my folks when young. In the same way, when we are living lives inconsistent with God's wisdom, the communication is irrational from our side of the conversation. Yet, when we are in harmony with God the communication can flow unhindered.
I remember a friend I had throughout my school years. By the time we were High Schoolers we had an uncanny understanding of each other. We knew how the other would respond to a situation, what was going through each other's thoughts, and how to be very annoying to others in a very compatible way. Generally, we were together most of our waking moment and when we were apart we only had to call on the C.B. radios we had in our rooms and cars. This is why we were so unified.
God wants us to be agreeable with Him. He says if we are in a right relationship with Him and in agreement with His purposes for mankind our communication will be gratifying.
Our talks with God will bring enlightenment to our understanding. His Word will reveal the world view we are to have and how we are to relate to the world around us. Our requests will be consistent with His own will: "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9 ~ N IV) As the household of God we should keep our prayer focused on the purposes of God.
The Church remains the foundation and pillar of the truth as we remain faithful to the truth. God has established various relationships in the church to help us to learn from examples. Chapter 2 verse 9 through the rest of 1st Timothy Paul has given us much concerning relationships.
He talks about propriety, leadership by example, and the troubles entered into by following poor role models.
Ladies are not without responsibility. The Household of God has many faithful ladies and these ladies are to be examples of Kingdom etiquette.
There are relationships which reveal the oversight of Christ over His Church. Elders are qualified men who become spiritual leaders of the local congregation. Deacons are the servants who have impeccable character and can be generally respected and trusted by the whole congregation.
Our relationships are to advertise God's love to the community around us. Men are to behave as brothers with the ladies. Older ladies are to be treated as mothers by the younger men. Older men are to be spoken to as fathers. Widows are to be cared for in the most gracious way.
The Church of Jesus Christ is a group of people in relationships. We are loving and caring for each other. The Lord gives wisdom to direct our affiliations so each of us can become all He intends for us to be.
Lastly, the Holy Spirit compels Paul to warn Timothy concerning the love of money. The people of God are to be content with the necessities and not get influenced by the lust for things. The love of things will invariably bring grief to relationships. Instead we are to use things to lovingly motivate others to join the Household of God. As we remain the foundation of truth and reveal the love of God to the brotherhood of believers and those who have yet to accept Christ, we are conducting ourselves as God's household.
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