Yesterday we celebrated as a community as two young women who grew up at First CRC made a profession of faith. I love such family celebrations! God is good and He keeps His covenantal promises. It is wonderful to publicly join the Church, which is Christ's bride!
Yet, even as we celebrated, I wished to warn these young ladies that in this world the local church will often let them down. Folks in the church, even perhaps these young ladies in the future, must not underestimate their own capacity for sin. Even among believers in this world, disagreements will surface do to our sinful pride, our hard-hearts and our lack of compassion.
Furthermore, the local church also has folks within it who are "members" yet who do not believe. In this fallen world, the local church body is a mixed bunch, composed of true believers and who profess faith at some point in time, but do not believe. (Matt 13:24 ff). The true heart of these "members" is proven by their errant life and/or their false doctrine.
Thus, Paul warns even pastors to "watch/guard closely your life and doctrine." (1 Tim. 4:16)
In this world, the local church will always be a mixed group. Do not despair because of it, but work hard to promote the peace and purity of the church/Church!
Let me give a Biblical example to illustrate this point. In Acts 20:28-30, Paul is speaking his farewell to the Ephesian Elders. He is giving his final encouragement and instruction. He states,
"Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock,
among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers,
to shepherd the Church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you,
not sparing the flock;
and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them."
What does this mean? The Ephesian church leaders had among themselves those who would lead the church astray. How is this possible? Did not Paul train them and help install them? Yes. Did they not later in the chapter kneel down and pray with Paul? Yes they did. "By their fruits you will recognize them." Matt 7:20. What matters is how you run the race and how you finish.
The Christian life is meant to be a life marked by dependent faith in Christ. It is marked by authentic humility expressed in repentance and faith. Have you noticed how often church leadership is not marked by these traits? In particular, leadership that goes wrong is not marked by these traits!
Living in a fallen world means that we must always be on guard against the schemes of the evil one. He is a liar, a murderer (the root of all anger, jealousy, lack of love), and a pretender to authentic grace. His schemes include placing false assurance into the hearts of some in hope that they will later wreck the mission and testimony of the church through their pride.
Again I ask, what does this mean? Should we not join a church since it might be a mixed crew? No! It is important to join a church.
Joining the church means willingly submitting to the order and authority of the local church. It does not mean that you will agree with every decision made by the church, but that you will work to maintain the peace and purity of the church through healthy discussion, quick repentance when you wrong someone, and quick forgiveness when wronged. It means that you willingly allow the Elders to speak the gospel into your life. Most importantly, it also means that you are willingly ingrafted into the a local expression of the body of Christ. It was an assumed condition for the Jews of Jesus' time. It is important!
Yet, we should not be surprised or shocked when the behavior of others turns ugly. We live in a fallen world! We should not allow ugly behavior to continue in the name of being nice. If we do so, we are encouraging and allowing evil. We should lovingly confront and encourage repentance and faith. Often the response will be repentance. It might take time, but it will be so.
Other times the response will be a striking out at you for mentioning their sin. Does this surprise you? Remember we live in a fallen world. By their fruits you will recognize them. One who refuses to repent from obvious sin should be treated as an unbeliever. In other words, they need to hear the gospel. Repentance, faith, trust in Christ, confession of sin, and walking in grace and truth should be lovingly proclaimed and announced.
Again, more can be said and probably should be said. This post is getting long, so I will stop for today. Comments and discussion are always welcome!
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