Dave’s Monday Blast – March 14, 2022
Last week we began a discussion on how easy it is for sheep to nibble themselves toward lostness because of their penchant to be distracted by their wondering eyes. Unfortunately, our sheep-like characteristics place us in danger of the same distractions if we are not laser focused upon the mission of Disciple-making (Matthew 28:19 & 20). It is easy to get distracted by those within our reactive culture who are striving to demolish our historical mission, deconstruct our Biblical principles, and cancel our purpose. Their purpose is to destroy the family and the community of the Christian faith. This type of thinking is engaging in cultural suicidal behavior; seeking to destroy historic social structures that are deemed to be intolerant, oppressive, and of course racist (John 10:10 and 2 Timothy 3:1 – 3).
We must be diligent to “hold fast to the essentials of our faith…” (Hebrews 10:23). The church exists to equip the Bride of Christ to see the gospel way of truth and grace as the more beautiful way; the way that brings blessing and glory to God.
The following principles are really our Ancient Boundary Stones that God did not intend to be moved: (Proverbs 22:28; Proverbs 23:10).
1. Scripture – The first principle is a commitment to the authority of the Bible. The Church exists to equip the Bride of Christ to KNOW, ADMIRE, and AFFIRM the TRUTHS of God’s Word. The Church should KNOW – LOVE – and LIVE Scripture! (2 Peter 1:20 & 21; 2 Timothy 3:16 & 17).
2. Scholarship – The second principle is scholarship. Thoughtful Christians need thoughtful defenses of their faith. Done right, the believer in Christ can be supremely confident in their ability to defend the voracity of the Word. A strong commitment to Biblical ideas and Biblical truth; where ideas are not naively accepted nor shallowly critiqued. The church is tasked with equipping their congregants with fruitful habits of the mind. (2 Timothy 3:16 & 17)
3. Virtues – The third principle is for the church to be seen as virtuous or above reproach (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6 – 7). Living a joyous life through a deeper relationship with Christ. The church must encourage the flock to embrace noble attitudes of the heart; preparing them to excel in their lives because they first committed to living obediently as Jesus’ disciples. (Philippians 4:8; Deuteronomy 6:7).
4. Evangelism – The fourth principle is Gospel Witness – Disciple making. The Church must be committed to developing hearts for the spiritually lost. A commitment to prepare every generation to reveal in word and deed the Good News of the Gospel. (Matthew 28:19 & 20).
5. Reconciliation – The fifth principle is simply that the Church needs to affirm a community where everyone can belong. A spirit of unity amidst diversity understood in this manner: All people regardless of race, color, class, creed, or condition (abased or abounding) are always welcome. We are His Ambassadors and as such are tasked with the process of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:11 – 21).
6. Access – The sixth principle to consider is to create for the congregants a learning pathway. By this I simply mean the doors to the church need to be open because to close the doors is to be in disobedience to His commands in (Hebrews 10:24 & 25; Colossians 2:6).
