By JOHN A. SMITH
Think on These Things
Is it possible to be Christians today just like the Christians in the New Testament? Sure, we are going to wear different clothes, get from place to place in different ways and live in different kinds of houses. However, beyond those superficial differences can we believe the same things, work and worship in the same manner?
God – who is the same today, tomorrow and yesterday – has delivered a revelation that is well suited for all ages and all people. His message of love and salvation is needed today as much as ever in history. As men we remain as lost and incapable of guiding ourselves spiritually as men did centuries ago. Our problem of sin is as serious as ever. Just as the sacrifice of Jesus was a once-for-all-time sacrifice so His church was established once for all times.
Thus, can we not return to that same message preached by men like Peter and Paul and find the same church established by Jesus and spread through the preaching of men like Peter, John and Paul? If we follow the “same rule book” will we not be the same?
Supposed the game of football ceased to be played in America (or, forbid the thought, basketball in Indiana) and no one living could recall the game. One hundred years from now if someone discovered the same football rule book used then, could we not recreate the very same game? The uniforms and helmets might be different and the games broadcast in different ways, but the game would be the same game. Off sides would remain against the rules and the field would remain one hundred yards long. It would be football.
In the same manner, isn’t it possible to return to the same book (the Bible) and find and practice the same religion and be parts of the same church? Could we return to our “rule book” and work and worship in the same manner?
First century Christianity is possible in the 21st century. We can live, love and practice as they did. But some protest and say, “We live in the 21st century. The church must meet the needs of today!”
Exactly so! We have many fine civic and social organizations which can meet the physical and social needs of our community, and we as individuals need to support and promote all wholesome efforts to better the whole of mankind in this life. But what this 21st century is woefully lacking is an emphasis upon the soul of man and his eternal welfare. Yes, the church must meet the need of today – the very greatest need of all being the peculiar and distinctive benefit offered mankind by Christ – the salvation of their soul.
Our primary concern is with the spiritual needs of mankind – their need for God, for forgiveness of sins, for genuine God-satisfying worship, for the pureness of conscience that can come only from living, working and worshipping according to the directions of the Word of God.
As a people, we know we are not perfect. We make no plea of greatness on our part but pledge ourselves to strive diligently to follow the rule of God, the divine message. We speak where the Bible speaks and are silent where the Bible is silent.
Does this interest you? Then visit with us and we will welcome your honest investigation of the Christianity as it was designed by our Lord. That is good news!
John A. Smith serves as the minister at Stony Creek Church of Christ in Noblesville.