What Can We Do to Prevent Apostacy?

  1. We need to appoint and support faithful elders who will properly oversee the flock (Acts 20:28-32).
  2. We need to be busy now training other leader to take their place. Consider Joshua’s training and the influence he wielded (Joshua 24:31).
  3. We need to learn again proper respect for the Word of God (Psalm 119:9-16). We must teach this to our children (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).
  4. We must vaccinate against the errors of our day by exposing all false teachers – even if this means being negative (Acts 20:29-32; II Timothy4:1-5).
  5. We must indoctrinate each generation. It is right to teach doctrine (I Timothy 4:16; II John 9-11).
  6. We need to pray fervently for elders and preachers (James 5:16).
  7. We must be set for the defense of the gospel (Philippians 1:17).

B. C. Carr

FOR WHAT WILL THIS CONGREGATION BE KNOWN?

  1. Will we be known for our love for lost souls? “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).
  2. Will we be known for having strong elders who watch for souls? “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28).
  3. Will we be known for having deacons who serve? “For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus” (I Timothy 3:13).
  4. Will we be known for our generous giving? “God loveth a cheerful giver” (II Corinthians 9:7).
  5. Will we be known for our brotherly love? “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35).
  6. Will we be known for our friendliness and hospitality? “I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts” (Psalm 119:63).
  7. Will we be known for speaking the truth boldly but lovingly? “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John,...they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).
  8. Will we be known for defending the truth when it is under attack? “I am set for the defence of the gospel” (Philippians 1:17).
  9. Will we be known for Christian living on the part of every member? “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27).
  10. Will we be known for helping the needy? “Let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).

While our primary desire is to glorify God, others will see us and be brought nearer to Him through our efforts (Matthew 5:13-16). If we fail to exhibit the qualities just mentioned, the very real possibility exists that God will not “know” us on the day of judgment (Matthew 25:31-46).

 Author Unknown

A Message to the Faithful

Too much of our writing, preaching, and visiting is directed to the weak and unfaithful.  We want to reverse that order here. This article is not addressed to you who have to be begged, petted, and pampered before you will attend the services of the church, and still are absent as often as you are present.  This isn't for those who only give the church their excuses, and grumble, complain, that category can stop now, for this is not written for you.  This is written for the faithful.

The vocabulary is not large enough to tell you wonderful people how much you are appreciated. It does not matter how many meetings the elders call in a week, you will be present. Neither the weather nor company of any kind is able to keep you from your responsibilities. Whatever attractions or distractions the world may offer; you will not forsake the Lord or His people. You make whatever sacrifices are necessary. You always support fully every program submitted by the Elders and deacons.  You will accept an assignment, when you do it is a forgone conclusion that you will successfully complete it.

You don't flirt with sin and see how worldly you can become without completely apostatizing.  You are appreciated even more because you demand no special attention or praise or recognition for your service, and you do not consider regular and faithful attendance of each class or worship period in services to God as a grievous burden or a great feat of valor.  You are a good example to the youngest member and an inspiration to all. You make the work of an elder, preacher, deacon, or Bible class teacher much lighter. Thank you for being what the Bible describes as a simple New Testament Christian!

Author Unknown