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Attractions of the New Testament Church
Stacy Dean Crim
Introduction: Often when you move into a new area you are informed of the local attractions. Things that bring people into an area to vacation, relax or shop. i.e. zoos, theme parks, historical monuments, athletic franchises etc.
Unfortunately, so many in the religious world have grown accustomed to these same type of attractions when it comes to serving and worshipping God. I recently read of the denominations growing somewhat after the terrorist attacks on September eleventh. I wonder what attracts people to go where they end up? Is it the teaching of the Bible? Is it out of a deep sense of urgency to worship God in spirit and in truth? Or is it what attracts me, and what are the listed attractions of the religious organization.
If you liked gambling, I suppose a Thursday night Bingo game where all but the winnings go to the local denomination, would soothe the conscience. If you like basketball and baseball, then the "church league" or gymnasium might attract you. If you like cooking and serving other people then you might enjoy brewing the coffee and setting out a spread after religious services in the resident fellowship hall. Why not; you would feel good about working in such a capacity for the Lord. If you like music, then you might be attracted by the congregations chorus department, or if you like to play an instrument in the congregation’s band.
What if you like to be in the school drama department? A religious organization that has a drama department would be very attractive and appealing. Do you like youth activities like field trips, hiking, camping, horseback riding, canoeing, all in the name of Jesus. Now, that has got to be very appealing and attractive to a father and mother with children.
What about a daycare for a single mom, or a support group for single mothers? Very attractive. Carnivals, classic car shows, weight lifting power performances, Gospel Quartets & Bluegrass, and I even read once of a denomination and their “McServices.”
The question we need to ask ourselves is, "Are any of these things right?"
What are the Attractions of the New Testament church
Truth and not a Drama Production
1. John 17:17
The church is not the agent to produce a Hollywood version of the Scriptures. The church is the agent of truth. I Timothy 3:15
Pilate asked, “what is truth,” in John 18:38, shortly after Jesus had told His apostles that the Word of God is truth (John 17:17) and this truth would set them apart from all others. In fact Pilate's question was in immediate response to Jesus saying ". . . Everyone that is of the truth heareth My voice" (John 18:37b)
Truth appeals to, and attracts those who are interested in following Jesus. The church which Jesus built will offer the truth and not gimmicks.
Jesus, before leaving this world, promised the twelve apostles that they would not be left without guidance, without truth. John 16:12-13 The Holy Spirit was sent to guide them into all truth. What is true, what is right, can be known because God revealed His will unto mankind. These inspired men then were instructed to teach those who would follow Jesus how to observe all the things that He had commanded them. Matthew 28:18-20
The New Testament church attracted men and women with truth. In fact about 3,000 were added in one day. Acts 2:42 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. Acts 26:25
Why so many do not want the truth that will set them free is not surprising seeing how truth sets one free from sin, and humans certainly enjoy the pleasures of sin. The pleasure of sin is self satisfying, but when all is said and done sin destroys the soul. (Romans 6:23) There is no biblical authority for the gimmicks of men.
Spiritual Edification and not Bingo
The church is not an agent for gambling or for the creating of a wealthy institution. The Lord's church attracts those who are interested in building up the spiritual man. I Peter 2:5
In I Corinthians 14:26, is Paul speaking of a monetary increase, physical or is he speaking of the building up of the spiritual man? The spiritual man.
In Ephesians 4:11-12, Does it say, “And he gave some bingo callers, and some youth ministers, and some joy bus drivers, and chorus directors, and some ticklers of the ear?” No, there is no authority, no power or right given by God unto man, for such activity in the Lord's church.
Spiritual Exercise, not a Basketball Team
The church is not an agent for physical education or for the betterment of one's physical health. It is the means whereby the spiritual man is exercised. If you like Spiritual exercise then the Lord's church has that to offer and not the other.
1. I Timothy 4:7-8 “ . . . exercise thyself rather unto godliness.”
2. Hebrews 5:14
3. Hebrews 12:10-11 The chastening of God the Father brings about the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Christ's church will be exercising the spiritual man in godliness and not in physical activities of the flesh. There is no Biblical command, example, or a necessary conclusion that authorizes the Lord's church to provide the physical exercises for the physical man.
Salvation, not a Day Care Provider
In checking on local advertisement in the small papers around town I was asked by one person if we had a day care. This is very common today.
The church is not a day care provider, but is a provider of the means whereby one might be saved.
1. Acts 3:1-11
2. Acts 4:10-12 Salvation in no other name
3. Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:23 Savior of the body
4. Acts 16:16-17 ". . . These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation."
The church is not the agent for raising one's child, or for providing a time out for the parents. The Lord's church has salvation to offer and if one has a honest and good heart they will be attracted by what the church that Jesus built has to offer.
True Worship, not a full stomach
The church which Jesus built is where True worship of God (Reverence, fear and awe) occurs. Where self is left at the door and Almighty God Praised according to His will. It is not the agent for satisfying the flesh of man, like his appetite.
John 6:26-27 Far to many individuals are attracted by the cake and coffee. You take that away, and they are interested no more.
I Corinthians 11:20-22, 34 What attracts the honest and good heart is the food for the soul, and the physical meal is provided at home.
John 4:23-24 God is a spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him with coffee and cake in hand. That is not what this passage teaches.
Paul forever more took the filling of the stomach out of the house of God, and the work of His church. To participate in, or to lend one's support to by attending a place which practices such is to sin and there is a clear urgency and need to repent.
Conclusion: The devil is crafty and he is working very hard to allure men & women with the lusts of the world. If you can see through all of his trickery, and worldly appeal, and are interested this day in things that have spiritual substance and weight, then the Lord's church is for you. Christ's church offers truth, edification, spiritual exercise, salvation and meaningful and true worship. Does this attract you?&
GOD’S PLAN TO SAVE MAN THROUGH CHRIST JESUS
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" (Ephesians 2:8)
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:16)
“But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:8-10
"The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:" (1 Peter 3:21)
See also: (Romans 6:1-7, Colossians 2:12, Galatians 3:26-28, II Corinthians 5:17)
