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Monthly Archives: March 2012

Church Membership Matters

Each Tuesday morning I have the privilege of participating in a meeting with a group of men and women who are concerned with the spiritual well-being of the congregation we attend (Our weekly staff meeting with our pulpit minister, our elder on staff, and our two secretaries). We discuss a wide array of things pertaining to the work of our congregation. For example we talk about the needs and challenges facing many within our church family. We talk about the Bible class lessons and sermons. We also talk about the visitors who joined us the previous Lord’s Day.

Throughout the past several years I have started to notice a decline in the number of families who would publically announce their desire to “place membership”. All throughout my early years, I can recall several times in which an entire family would go down to the front of the auditorium following the preachers lesson to let the congregation know their desire to “identify themselves” as part of our local congregation. However; as I have grown older I have come to realize many families do not feel the need to “place themselves under the oversight of the eldership” or have not been properly educated on this subject.

I have found it necessary to spend much time in study and meditation to consider several questions in regard to this subject. I hope you will take time to consider the following.

What Does It Mean To Place Membership?

We must have a clear Biblical understanding of church membership. God is the one who adds the saved to the church. In Acts 2 we find Peter and the other apostles preaching the gospel before the multitudes gathered together on the Day of Pentecost. In verse 36, we find where some of those who heard the gospel were “cut to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers what shall we do?” (vs. 36). We then find Peter’s reply, “Repent and be baptized everyone one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…” (vs. 38). As we continue reading in verse 41 we find that “those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” Those who were baptized were being added? To what? Look at verse 47, “Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Notice it is the Lord who adds us to His church.

Every Christian is a member of the one body of Christ, the church (1 Cor. 12:12-14; Rom. 12:4-5).

The one church is made up of many different local churches of Christ (Acts 8:1; 9:31; 13:1; 14:23; Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 1:2; 4:17; 14:35; 16:19; Gal, 1:2; Col. 4:15-16,1 The. 1:1; Rev. 1:11).

Placing membership is seeking to become an active member of a local church.

How May One Place Membership?

One brother who is well known (normally a church leader) may orally introduce the individual or family before the congregation (Gal. 1:21-22; Acts 9:26- 27). I believe this to be the most common approach.

One mutually recognized brother may write a letter of introduction to the church family about one with whom they as yet may not be familiar (Col. 4:10; Rom. 16:1-2)

Several brothers in Christ may write a letter commending the faith of another (Acts 18:27).

One who is a stranger may present himself before a local congregation and by self-commendation ask to be received into the fellowship of that group (2 Cor. 3:1-2).

Why Should One Place Membership?

To place oneself under the rule and care of the local church leadership. (Acts 20;28-30; 1 The. 5:12-13; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 5:1-3).

To fulfill one’s responsibility in the local church (Acts 2:42-47; 1 Car. 5; 11:17-34; 14; 16:1-3; Phi. 4:14-16; Heb. 10:24-25; Consider all of the “one another” passages given to local churches).

To let one’s light shine before men (Mat 5:14-16; Rev. 1:20).

After taking the time to carefully consider these passages it allows us to reflect on our own relationship with God and involvement in His church. Are you a member of the Lord’s church? Have you done all that is necessary for the Lord to add you to His fold? Also, have you placed membership with a local church? Have you made it known that you want to be part of the church family that meets to fulfill the work of our Lord?

May the Lord bless us richly as we each strive to walk in the ways of His Son.

Might It Be Sin?

20 Mar

I often find myself in Biblical discussions with other Christians who easily become frustrated when they conclude the Bible to be silent on a certain issues. They often walk away curious if a choice or action which Scripture doesn’t specifically address is permissible or sinful. We understand that Christ has given us everything that we need to live a righteous life and to have eternal life. Peter proclaims, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3). But how can we ensure our choices and actions are in accordance with righteous living? What can we do to make sure that we are not participating in behaviors and/or actions the world may accept but might be displeasing to God? It is beneficial for each of us to ask ourselves a few simple questions to aid us in making proper decisions.

THE SCRIPTURAL TEST: Does the Bible endorse it, or does the Word of God expressly forbid it?

THE PURPOSE TEST: Will this choice further my quest to glorify Christ in all things?

THE PERSONAL TEST: Will doing this make me personally more like Jesus or less?

THE SOCIAL TEST: Will doing this influence others to be better or worse Christians?

THE PRACTICAL TEST: Will the results of my doing this be desirable?

THE UNIVERSAL TEST: If everyone were to do this, would it improve or degrade society?

THE STEWARDSHIP TEST: Will my doing this waste the time or talent that God has given me?

THE CHARACTER TEST: What will be the influence of this on my moral and spiritual stamina?

THE FAMILY TEST: Will it bring discredit and dishonor to my family, and will it embarrass them?

THE PUBLICITY TEST: Would I want friends, fellow Christians, and church leaders to know about it?

THE COMMON SENSE TEST: Does it agree with just plain every day, ordinary common sense?

THE FAIRNESS TEST: Is it honest, and is it practicing the golden rule toward each person?

THE HISTORICAL TEST: Has this choice helped or hurt those who have made it in the past?

It is important to remember that just because something doesn’t violate our conscience doesn’t mean it is permissible. The prophet Isaiah stated, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8). I am convinced I will always have questions about Scripture but take refuge in the words of God through Moses, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this Law” (Deuteronomy 29:29). May we all take the time to consider our actions, words, and choices so we may each live life worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

A Father’s Love Letter

15 Mar

My son loves to read books. He primarily gets this wonderful trait from his mother; who is diligent to read to him each evening. This time together is very special to us. Our son is getting old enough to begin recalling certain details from the different Bible stories and has began adding a few details of his own. For example, last week I was reading to him the story of Mary and Martha. I shared with him that Martha was upset with Mary. I asked my son why Martha was upset and he replied, “Because she was making Mac-N-cheese and Mary wouldn’t help!”

God’s Word is a love letter to each of us. It’s a letter from the heart of the Father to your heart. It’s a letter telling you how much He loves you, what He thinks about you, what He dreams about you, and what He desires for you. Yet, if we never open it or read it, we miss out on the blessing and the growth that comes from being in the Word. Along with that comes the application of the Word.

In my ministry, I often hear young people say they don’t know how to apply the Word of God to their lives or they have a difficult time remembering everything they recently read or heard. These are honest statements which need to be addressed in a practical way to aid our brothers and sisters in Christ in their quest to grow spiritually.

I want to suggest you consider the following three ways to apply God’s love letter to your life and see spiritual results.

Read God’s Word

The first thing that one needs to do is crack open the cover. Sometimes this is the toughest thing to do. I clearly remember my youth ministers and Bible class teachers encouraging me to daily spend time in the Word. As I have gotten older, I have become convicted to not only read the Word but to spend time meditating on it as well.

God stated through Joshua, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Joshua 1:8). Jesus boldly proclaimed, “But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). The psalmist wrote, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law” (Psalm 119:18). Reading and meditation are key elements for spiritual growth.

I wish to suggest three ingredients for daily reading and meditating on the Word:

Time – Decide beforehand when you will spend time reading God’s Word. Choose a consistent time during the day – morning or evening.
Territory – Select a place where you will have the least number of distractions. Many people chose to read in their bedroom, back porch, or a room in the house without a television.
Translation – I am often asked which translation of the Bible is the best to read. My answer, “The one you will read!” I personally like the way the New American Standard Updated and English Standard Version read. They also get good reviews amongst scholars for being a solid translation.

Remember God’s Word

More than just reading, we need to reflect on it. Growing up I would often walk away after hearing sermons and Bible classe lectures and wonder, “What does it mean for my life?”

David wrote in Psalm 119: 9, 11, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your Word. Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I might not sin against You”. Scripture memory can help you get victory over sin. When temptations come along, you can call up a verse from memory that specifically addresses the temptation.

Moses stood before the nation of Israel and said, “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in my heart (Deuteronomy 6:6). God’s instructed the Jews to have His Words in their hearts. See also Deuteronomy 11:18-21. The same principle is also beneficial to us Christians. His Word is a powerful tool that should be at our disposal at all times.

How can we implant the Word in our heart? I suggest…

Treasure the Word – Understand the value of what you are reading. These words are not just some man-made principles for your life but instead they are actually God breathed. And they are profitable to us in numerous ways (2 Timothy 3:16).
Think about the Word – I was recently encouraged to read a verse or two and then go for a walk. Focus on each individual word and understand that each word is very important.

After you spend time reflecting on God’s Word, it will transform your way of thinking and seeing things around you. You will see things from a different perspective – God’s.

Respond to God’s Word

There’s more than just reading; more than just reflecting and remembering it – we need to put into action what we find within the sacred text. The power of God’s Word is only released when we apply what we are reading. James writes in James 1:22-25, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”

Truly happy people are those who study God’s Word. They don’t forget what they have read, but they do something about it – they apply it.

These are some simple suggestions which have served as a blessing in my life. Give them a try and allow God’s Word to make an impact on your life. May God bless you richly!

3 Comments

Posted by Kevin Langford on March 15, 2012 in Uncategorized

Tags: Family Bible Studies, Fathers Love, God's Word

A Father’s Prayer

10 Mar

“Pray then like this: ”Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. (Matthew 6:9-13)

One of the highlights of my day occurs at 8:15pm. Each night my wife and I assemble on our knees around our son’s bed to pray as a family. Connor usually begins each prayer the same, “Thank you for our faith, family, friends, and food.” Then he will state the name of every relative on both sides of his family. Lately he has begun venturing out a bit more and has started including his church clothes, water, and baby sister.

Prayer is a primary part of our family structure. Before Susan and I were pregnant with our first child we would petition daily for God’s blessing. After our son was born, we would pray over him almost nightly for the wisdom and discernment needed to become great parents. Even now we are praying for the arrival of our daughter; for her health, disposition, and faith development.

Recently, I was looking through some of my sermon/devotional files on my computer and came across some Scriptures which have impacted me on several different levels. These sections of text has challenged me to begin praying for these spiritual attributes for my children, myself, and to anyone who will listen. They are becoming a part of my daily prayer and I hope they will be part of yours as well.

Adoration

Notice the psalmists words in Psalm 95:1-5, “Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.”

I long for our children to look at the physical creation all around them and come to realize there is a master designer who formed everything they can see, smell, hear, and touch. I pray it will be a factor in awakening a deep desire to personally come to know Him and His will. Isn’t it a great feeling to be able to approach the throne of God and pour out our hearts in praise and adoration unto our great God? It is my desire for all people to come to know God and to give Him the praise He is due.

Celebration

Notice Paul’s words to Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:15-17, “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.”

We each have a very real problem (Romans 3:23). It is a problem that we could do nothing about. The problem is destructive, devastating, and has eternal consequences (Romans 6:23). What is the problem you ask? The problem is sin. But there is good news. The good news is that God has provided a way of escape. The solution is Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Romans 6:3-6). Once we have been cleansed of our sin through the obedience to the gospel we are free from the condemnation that was before us (Romans 5:6-10).

I can think of no greater reason to rejoice than to celebrate in Christ Jesus for the atonement He paid for all mankind. Once we come to the point of understanding that we are now free from an eternity in Hell, our lives will be a celebration each time we remember what was done on our behalf.

Confession

John writes in 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

It is my prayer for my children to be transparent in their relationship with God. I long for them to possess the proper character and to become salt and light in a dark and depressing world (Matthew 5:13-16). The church needs more people to openly confess both verbally and nonverbally that they are a child of God. The world needs to see true Christianity on display through our children and not the lukewarm faith portrayed by far too many within the church (Revelation 3:16).

Guidance

The 23^rd Psalm reads, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

This psalm portrays so many wonderful attributes of our Heavenly Father. Personally, I find peace in knowing that I may find guidance in my walk with God. Satan is doing everything he can to lure people away from the Lord. Far too often, worldly pleasures and its enticements are the guiding force in our lives. One of my greatest fears isn’t failing; but succeeding in things which really don’t matter. I pray my children will come to understand that God’s Word is a light unto their path and will lead them into a life of love, hope, and peace with our Father up above.

Protection

We find these words in Psalm 27:1-5, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple. For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.”

I must openly admit. When I was told the first time that we were have a son I was nervous. When I was told we were having a daughter I was scared to death. The reason is simple. There are so many hurtful people in the world and I can’t always protect my children from evil. But the one thing I do, is pray for the Lord to protect my children. Paul wrote in Philippians 4:19, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” I can think of no greater need as a parent than for our God to help protect our children.

Submission

James 4:13-15 proclaims, “Come now, you who say, ”Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”– yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, ”If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”

Even though I became a Christian many years ago, it wasn’t until quite some time later that I came to realize my deep need to submit to the will of God. Submission can be a scary and often difficult thing for a person to do. However; once we learn to submit to His will and to follow His word our lives take on deeper meaning and develop stronger peace within our individual lives.

Supplication

Paul penned these words in Philippians 4:5-7, “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

I pray my children will learn to depend on the Lord just like the men and women of faith in times past. I pray they can learn from the wilderness wanderings in the Exodus account and see how the Israelites depended (some of the time) for their physical needs (food, water, clothing). I also pray they will come to heed the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:25ff and not live lives filled with anxiety but learn to pray and depend on God for all the things they need.

I pray these Scriptures and thoughts have served as a source of encouragement to you. I want to challenge you to pray for these spiritual attributes to be seen in each of us and especially our children. May God bless you richly.

My Glimpses of Glory