08/03/2024
The devotional I read this morning was titled "God's Factory on Earth" and dealt with the duty of the Church on earth. This subject fit nicely with the discussions of character and conduct we have been engaged in. As I thought about this subject it occurred to me that there was a similar leaning to scripture which speaks of saving our individual selves... and what comes afterwards.
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
Mark 8:36 KJV
Pastor E. M. Bounds described the church in these words...
"The church is God's factory on earth. Its primary duty is to create and foster righteous character. This is its highest aim. Primarily, its work is not to acquire members or accumulate numbers. Its aim is not to get money, entertain people on Sunday, or engage in deeds of charity and works of mercy. Its work is to produce righteousness of character and purity of the outward life." - E. M. Bounds
Yes, the church has a very similar mission... Save the souls of its members, because what good is it to add membership to a church whose congregants are not moving towards the kingdom of God, and who are stagnant in their quest to know God, and quite possibly dying?
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Matthew 6:33 KJV
A starving man has nothing to feed those around him... He must first learn to feed himself. This is simple logic and applies to us and our church as well. How can we witness to others when they can't see Jesus when they look at us? How can we ask others to join us in church when their faith and character will never be any different than it was the day they walked into our sanctuary? We need to be constantly moving towards God, Jesus Christ, and a more righteous life. Our church should be joining us in this endeavor. The more our church helps the Lord to change us, the more it will also be sanctifying and changing itself.
So let's contemplate where our steps are taking us today, and the changes that they are bringing to our faith. Let's think about our spiritual contribution to the church and its success in adding to the righteousness of its members as a result of our efforts. God sent His Holy Spirit to hover over us and enlighten us.... Not in geology or archeology, but in spiritual truth... We should listen and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit as we save ourselves, our church, and others along the way of faith we travel.
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.
Proverbs 11:25
This morning I pray for us, the church, and those who are seeking God in our midst. May we see fundamental changes in our righteousness as prayer and faith bring spiritual transformation to us, and then let’s watch as that transformation begins to witness to those around us through our newly crafted lives.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for leading us in the good work of saving souls, and for helping us as we lend a hand to those who are already saved and have entered into a holy quest to reach new heights in their faith, righteousness, and sanctity. Thank you for making each of us a part of your church and giving us the responsibility for the caring and spiritual feeding of one another. Help us to open ourselves up to your Holy Spirit, and to allow him to speak through us to others as they seek you, and follow after Jesus Christ. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who has established our faith, saved our souls, defeated death, and joined us together in Christ as your Church. Holy are you who we pray to for all things spiritual, and in life. Holy are you our provider of everything that lies just beyond our reach. Holy are you who sends us to look for the lost, and who teaches us to give our shoulders for them to stand upon. You are merciful and full of grace Father, and we pray that you will wash us clean in the blood of Jesus, resurrect us with Him to an eternal life with you, and humble us in our spiritual service to all those in need. Give us the strength to stand tall, and support the weight of many as they climb onto our shoulders and see further than we have been able to see. Let us rejoice unselfishly in their successes, and give you the glory for all you do for them. Hear us as we praise you Father, and steady our quivering legs as we support the weight of your saints. Open our hearts to this, your will for us, and let us find that even when we are less that you lift us up, and are sufficient for us. Praised be your name Father, and forever be our service to you, seeking the lost, and humbly lending ourselves to your children… the Church.
Amen, Amen, Amen
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”
John 15:15-16 ESV
Rich Forbes