Dale Ridge church of Christ

Last Friday, we examined the need to make Time for the Gospel.  During that study, several examples of both good, and bad, attitudes towards our prioritization of time were offered for our contemplation.  This week, we shall evaluate the problem of overdose.

Every day in our modern culture, we are faced with headlines and news briefs detailing problems with addiction.  Drugs, alcohol, food, shopping – either from the introduction of foreign substances, or by allowing ourselves to become controlled to an unbeneficial degree by a “normal” activity, we can easily fall prey to these often subtle devices of Satan.  Often these addictions lead to an event known as overdose, most readily defined as excess.

Overdose on almost any substance, or practice, is certainly possible, and over indulgence in nearly any activity can prove harmful.  Therefore, we must all be wary, and guard our behavior.  We should be fearful of overdose.  But, there are exceptions to be made.

Judging from the attendance records in many congregations, one might be led to believe that some members of the Lord’s body (Ephesians 5:30) fear an overdose on Christianity.  Apparently many have come to believe that if we study too much, worship too much, fellowship with our brethren too much, we will overdose.  Not a recent occurrence, the church has been challenged with this attitude nearly from it’s birthday on Pentecost as recorded in the second chapter of Acts.

Further in that inspired work, Luke records the re-naming of Joses by the apostles.  Acts 4:36 details the new title affixed to this worthy brother – Barnabas.  You see, this member was accounted such a positive influence upon his brethren that the Lord’s apostles called him the “son of consolation“.    Time and time again throughout the only inspired history of the church, we see Barnabas stepping to the fore as the encourager, exhorter, teacher, and re-proofer, of his brethren.

If the apostles were to rename you or I, what name would be chosen, and what meaning would it carry?  Let us often pause to consider this question.  It will be a helpful check up, I guarantee.

I wonder, if we were tasked by the elders to begin a new congregation in a community which never had known the Gospel, and could take only one member, which would we choose?  Obviously, we would seek a Barnabas.

It is certain that Barnabas was not referenced as “beloved” by the brethren (Acts 15:25) because of an occasional presence, an occasional good work, an occasional involvement in the work of the Lord.  God teaches us through the hand of Paul that it is “faithful men” that shall execute His work, and continue the labors of the apostles (2 Timothy 2:2), teaching the saints.  To be faithful carries with it the requirement of consistency.  When we follow the Lord, He would have us be consistent in all things.  Clearly, this includes our attendance, and participation in the works of the local congregation.

Sadly, for many congregations visitors might easily believe that the building must hold at least two congregations, using the facility at different times.  How else can one account for the disparity in attendance between Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and midweek Bible study?  Imagine if a congregation were to construct their building to hold only their Wednesday night capacity.  Dear brother, dear sister, if this were the case, would you find a seat come Sunday morning?  Sunday evening?

We are reminded of the results of a “maybe I will, maybe I won’t” attitude by Jesus himself:

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.  So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Revelation 3:15-16

“Brother Gregg, that’s a little harsh isn’t it?  Aren’t you being just a little too hard?  I’d like to attend services more, I’d like to be involved more, but I’ve already got so many other activities in my life – I just can’t do it all!”

The Lord’s half brother, Jude, tells us that we are to “earnestly contend for the faith” (Jude 3).  Earnestly means seriously.  No joking.  No beating around the bush.

Friends and brethren, there is no more serious subject than salvation, and matters pertaining to the security of our salvation.  Willfully forsaking the assembly of the saints is a sin that will prevent us from heaven, and is identified as such in holy writ (Hebrews 10:24-26).

God would have us all be faithful stewards( 1 Corinthians 4:2).  God would have us all to “labour together” with Him (1 Corinthians 3:9).  Next week at Dale Ridge, we have a wonderful opportunity to work with Him.  In fact, our beloved Dale Ridge ladies close the present week by hosting the second annual Ladies Day.  And on the first day of the new week, we shall be blessed to begin our fall Gospel Meeting with brother Chuck Webster directing our study.  May each of us be faithful stewards of our time during these events, and lay aside any burden that would keep us from the saints.  May each of us be as Barnabas, and exhort one another every day to further heights of service in the kingdom of God as we faithfully strive to teach the saving Gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16).  Steadfast service unto the Lord is one activity, one lifestyle, in which there is no overdose.  Indeed.

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Filed under: Authors, Gregg Alexander on September 12th, 2008