Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - June/80

Contributor - Art Zeilstra

Title - Living in the Eighties- The Church Alive

Topic - Church

I. Stand Firm In Unity of Relationships

"I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. A ask you also, true yokefellow, help these women, for they have laboured side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life." (Phil. 4:2, 3, RSV)

Paul commends the Philippians for the degree of love and unity for which they had strived (1:9-1 1). Paul speaks directly to several people who were in a very influential position to maintain and even enhance unity and love in the Philippian church. So he says to Euodia and Syntyche to agree in the Lord! Both ladies were committed and dedicated Christians. Paul recognizes that these two ladies might need help from a third person. We all tend to think that we are right, and there are times when a third person is needed to objectively listen to the issue. Paul goes on to mention that there had been many who had helped out, attempting to resolve difficulties when they arose. In the eighties, where the church is alive, we are to expect and prepare for difficulties. We should be aware that problems may arise from time to time between members of a congregation. For example, Paul disagreed with Peter on matters pertaining to the faith (Gal. 2:11-21), and Barnabas and Paul disagreed on the dependability of John Mark (Acts 15:36 - 41). As Jacob wrestled with the angel, we too need to engage ourselves in the spiritual, mental, and physical aspects of life. We have tended, as I have, to avoid a nose-to-nose or toe-to-toe confrontation. We would rather ignore it, rationalize it away, or 'pray about' the problem, than deal with it. We are mature enough congregations to be able to wrestle in an aggressive manner with difficulties rather than sit passively back and not get involved with sensitive situations.

We need to maintain unity and love in the church of Jesus Christ. To be able to do that we need to expect people to repent and confess their sins to God and also admit the wrong that has been done to the person who was offended. In an atmosphere of acceptance where we are all sinners saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are able to not only resolve difficulties but also to enhance the maturity of the congregation. May it be increasingly said of this congregation, "My, how they love one another!

Rev. Gillquist says: "Basicallv. we are taught to do things for" ourselves from the cradle to the grave. Our folk heroes, be they the Lone Ranger, Zorro, Archie Bunker, or Barnaby Jones, basically get the job done all by themselves. The 'nobody's gonna tell me what to do" attitude Of society has certainly left its mark upon the church. A Protestant church that tells its people what to do, is a church which everyone leaves to look for a new one. We simply do not want our lives interfered with, and thus we are happy when we sit under a teaching which says the government of God is not physically present nor actively and dynamically at work. We want Christ and His kingdom working in our own private hearts - not in our midst." (Op. Cit. p. 89)

III. Stand Firm With a Proper Attitude

The members of the Christian church are known for at least four distinct attitudes towards life in this world.

The first characteristic is an attitude of joy. Paul says, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice! " (Phil. 4:4, RSV) The key word in Paul's letter to the Philippian Christians is 'joy' or 'rejoice'. Paul was found to be in a state of rejoicing even when he was imprisoned, for it helped spread the gospel (Phil. 1:18). The Christian senses that no matter what may happen to him, he belongs to God, and that all the experiences are meant to enhance his faith in the Lord and be of greater service for Christ in the church and in the world.

The second unique character quality of a Christian is gentleness. Paul says, "let all men know - your forbearance" (Phil. 4:S, RSV). Paul says Christians are to be tolerant, fair and reasonable to all people, Christians as well as non-Christians. Great people are always friendly, even to strangers. Our attitude in life should always be to bring people together to enhance the well-being of another person.

The third characteristic is confidence. Paul says, "Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made g in known to God" (Phil. 4:6, RSV). What do we do when we are faced with difficulties, problems or pain? The church that is alive in the eighties is the one where people are able to come together and pray for one another. The church is where one weary pilgrim can express his needs, where he can find people who bear each other's burdens. Alfred Lord Tennyson said, "more things are wrought in prayer than this world dreams of. Wherefore let thy voice rise like a fountain night and day.

The fourth characteristic is a positive attitude. The eighties are going to be filled with tremendous rapid, and oftentimes traumatic, changes that confront all of us, which can cause a great deal of insecurity and anxiety. It is easy to take the easy way out by shading the truth; compromising on principles; pleading ignorance; or blaming others. To keep our minds healthy and in a position to make proper ethical decisions, Paul says (4:8, 9) that we are to think about what is: true - real, genuine, faithful, loyal honourable - noble, worthy of reverence just - right, moral, upright in the right relation to God and man pure - in a moral sense, chaste lovely - winsome, attractive gracious - praiseworthy

This list by Paul is not to be looked upon as exhaustive, but suggests that there are other things to think about.

Living in the eighties as Reformed Church congregations means that together we need to stand united and to stand firm as twenty-eight congregations. By ourselves we tend to waver, fall, and compromise. As we continue to appropriate "the peace of God" we will stand in unity, and we will produce joy. To guard our faith requires a strenuous effort in studying God's Word, prayer, and fellowship in each respective parish. In a world in which it is increasingly more difficult to live out the Christian faith, we need to continue to stress unity. We are aware that we may not see eye to eye with each other. This is not a new phenomenon. We need to work harder at mutual understanding and consensus, constantly striving toward creating unity and understanding in the congregation.

The Church will become more alive in the eighties as society becomes more secular, disorganized, scared. The church is the only place where people are encouraged to come together and be healed by the power of God. We need to come together, to bring a cup of water, to bring an encouraging word, to pray for one another, to ease the load and bring healing. God has promised to us "the peace that passes all understanding". How we continually need His pe;ce! How the world needs it! The church becomes alive, Paul says, when "What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you" (Phil. 4:9, RSV).

May we put everything that we are learning into practice. That's the call of Amos to the people of Israel; that's the challenge of Paul to Christians; that's the call of God to us.

POINTS TO PONDER

1. What things in our lifestyle indicate that we are Christians? How are we different from our non-Christian neighbours?

2. What "storms" have tested our faith? How well did we stand the test?

3. Discuss conflicts and disagreements within the church.

4. What does it mean to continually rejoice in the Lord? Is this really possible?

5. Compare meekness with weak ness. Can one be both meek and strong?

6. Do you think God will give us what we pray for? Does He supply physical needs? Why do the starving in Asia and Africa not receive bread from heaven?

7. Do we have to be "different" from non-Christians or is it sometimes acceptable to quietly stay in the background, to avoid making a scene?

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