Ashamed of the Church of Christ
Steve Higginbotham

Statistics tell us that during the 1940's and 1950's, the Lord's church experienced tremendous growth in the United States. In fact, some tell us that the Lord's church was, during that period of time, the fastest growing religious body in America. However, that is no longer true. We are not growing nearly as fast as we were 30 and 40 years ago. And because of this, we have faced a barrage of criticism.

For some time now, brethren have preached sermons, written articles, and published books criticizing every aspect of the church Such criticisms have been destructive and harmful. While sin and error cannot be allowed to go unchallenged (Jude 3), these criticisms need to be tempered with praise. While I can find some imperfections in the people who make the church. I can also find many good things. Instead of dwelling on "what's wrong with the church," should we not balance that with "what's right with the church?"

As I see it the criticism over the years has taken its toll. Imagine what would happen If a person, who for 30 years, constantly filled his mind with negative thoughts regarding himself. This Is the situation that exists with some of God's people. They have beaten themselves (or allowed others to beat them) down. As a result I believe we are seeing a generation of Christians who are ashamed of their heritage, the church which Jesus built.

More than a few Christians today are ashamed of the Lord's church They are ashamed of the truth of God's word They are ashamed of God's scheme of redemption. And they are ashamed of the simplicity which characterizes the organization, work, and worship of the church. In recent times, we have heard brethren apologizing for our stand against the innovation of mechanical instruments in worship, calling it a, "century old mistake."

Just a few years ago, one Christian lady stated that she was embarrassed to be a member of the church of Christ after a congregation received some negative publicity after practicing church discipline as the Bible demands.

In yet another case, a Christian brother apologized for the church's "dogmatic" stand regarding the issue of divorce and remarriage. On and an we could go, illustrating the fact that some Christians are ashamed of Christ and His church. Note however, how this attitude contrasts with the apostle Paul's attitude (Rom. 1:16; Phil. 1:20).

The faithful child of God is not ashamed of the Lord's church He is not ashamed of the commands Christ has left His church to believe, obey, and practice. And he is not made to be ashamed or apologetic when the illuminating light of God's word exposes error and sin in a person's life.

While I would be one of the first to admit that the people who comprise the church of Christ have some problem and have room to mature and be more like Christ, I will also be one of the first to bring to our remembrance the fact that those people who comprise the church have access to the cleansing blood of Christ (I John 1:7).

Mark 8:38, "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."

Ladies Work Group
The Ladies Work Group is scheduled to meet at 7pm tomorrow evening (Monday) in the workroom behind the annex. All of the ladies of the congregation are invited to attend and participate in the group’s activities.

FSOP Lectures
The Florida School of Preaching Lectureship has concluded for another year. If you were unable to take advantage of attending in person or if you would like to revisit some of the excellent lectures, it is still available on either CDs, DVDs, and in printed form from the school or you may access the entire lectureship online at www.FSOP.net on the internet.

Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner
The “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner” program will be restarting this year. If you are interested in participating, please see Shirley Bauer.

Directory Photos
Members who do not have a current photo in the church directory, are asked to see Keith Marten for details on getting their picture taken.

A smile cost nothing, yet creates much. It enriches those who receive without impoverishing those who give. It happens in a flash, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.