I want to thank this congregation and, especially our men for allowing me to attend the Men’s/Preacher’s Retreat at Pettijohn Springs Christian Camp down by Madill last Monday and Tuesday. It was a time of great fellowship and some wonderful lessons designed to help us all teach and preach better. And, this was not just for preachers, it was for all men in the church. All men in the church need to be encouraged, instructed and taught how to serve the Lord better by serving our brethren better. And, that was the goal of all the presentations we had at Pettijohn. In addition to all the above, it was really good to get to see and spend time with some really good friends I haven’t got to see in a long time. And, I have to tell you, they were all very impressed with all the good things I got to share with them about the Wagoner congregation. Now, they expressed their concerns for all of the health issues that many here are facing but, it was the new members, baptisms and overall growth they were excited about. Brethren, we may be a very small congregation but, because of all the work and effort that many are putting in here, this congregation is beginning to build a very good reputation in the brotherhood.
Now, while what I just said about what others are thinking of us and about us, we must understand, our goal is NOT to have a good reputation among men, to be thought well of by men. Our goal must be to have a good reputation with God, Himself. To be thought well of by God first and foremost of all things. What good will it do us to be popular with men if we, as a congregation, are condemned by Almighty God? Think about those seven congregations in Asia we read about in the letter of Revelation. Everyone of them had some good, popular things taking place within them but, five out of the seven stood condemned in the eyes of God. And, remember, John is not talking about some religious groups outside the church here, he is talking about congregations of the Lord’s church but, they were not right with God. Five out of the seven had turned aside into the ways of the world in one way or another. The Lord made it very plain that He will not accept this in any way.
My whole point here is that, while it is good, in some ways, to have a good reputation with the people around us, the most important reputation of all is our reputation with our God and our Savior. We must insure that we are standing firm on God’s word in every way. God does not allow us to interpret His word according to our understanding or what we want it to say. There is only ONE interpretation of God’s word and that is God’s interpretation. “But know this first of all, that no prophesy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” (2 Pet. 1:20-21). Brethren, I believe this congregation wants, and is striving, to stand firm on God’s word in every way. It is a joy to work with the Lord’s church here.
Until next week, I love you all,
Dan
Now, while what I just said about what others are thinking of us and about us, we must understand, our goal is NOT to have a good reputation among men, to be thought well of by men. Our goal must be to have a good reputation with God, Himself. To be thought well of by God first and foremost of all things. What good will it do us to be popular with men if we, as a congregation, are condemned by Almighty God? Think about those seven congregations in Asia we read about in the letter of Revelation. Everyone of them had some good, popular things taking place within them but, five out of the seven stood condemned in the eyes of God. And, remember, John is not talking about some religious groups outside the church here, he is talking about congregations of the Lord’s church but, they were not right with God. Five out of the seven had turned aside into the ways of the world in one way or another. The Lord made it very plain that He will not accept this in any way.
My whole point here is that, while it is good, in some ways, to have a good reputation with the people around us, the most important reputation of all is our reputation with our God and our Savior. We must insure that we are standing firm on God’s word in every way. God does not allow us to interpret His word according to our understanding or what we want it to say. There is only ONE interpretation of God’s word and that is God’s interpretation. “But know this first of all, that no prophesy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” (2 Pet. 1:20-21). Brethren, I believe this congregation wants, and is striving, to stand firm on God’s word in every way. It is a joy to work with the Lord’s church here.
Until next week, I love you all,
Dan
RSS Feed