In Florida, there used to be a Billboard on U.S. 119 with a picture of the Mona Lisa and the logo, “Remarkable Reproductions.” It was an ad for an art studio that specialized in creating low-cost facsimiles of famous pieces of artwork. You could have something that was close to the original, but was close. You had to settle for poorer quality, value, and workmanship, but it served as a passable substitute for the original.

As Christians, we comprise our Lord’s kingdom, and Matthew 16, beginning in verse 13, we read of Jesus asking his apostles what others and themselves think of Him and His identity. When Peter confirms Christ’s deity, Jesus reinforces his statement and speaks of the building of His church or assembly. They would be a people called out of the world to assemble before Jesus.

Seeking the Original

When we consider the numerous groups claiming to follow Christ with all of the inconsistencies and contradictions, it is easy to see how people can become disenchanted with the idea of organized religion. In this, what should we be looking for – the original or remarkable reproductions?

We cannot walk into a reproduction shop and expect to find something of the same worth, workmanship, and quality of the original. In Matthew 16, Jesus identifies the church possessively, and Acts 20:28 describes it as purchased by Jesus’ blood. Christ knew the cost he would pay for His church, and it is beyond any value we can place upon it.

I Corinthians 3:10 records Paul warning us to be careful how we build upon the foundation of Christ. He speaks to the workmanship of our ministry. When it comes to the church, the only foundation it can have is Jesus Christ. If any man is at the center of a congregation, it will falter. In I Corinthians 1:10, Paul appeals to Christ’s authority in asking the members of that church to avoid divisions among them based on individuals they identified with. Galatians 1:6-10 warns us that anything not from Christ is not truly the gospel.

Returning to Matthew 16, Jesus speaks to the quality of His church in verse 18. He states that no power – physical or spiritual – that will destroy His kingdom. The writers of the New Testament call it an eternal kingdom. In Matthew 7:20-23, Jesus speaks to the quality of fruits brought forth by those who claim to be spiritual, and, in this, He speaks of some who are close but still do not accurately follow the pattern He set forth.

Conclusion

When it comes to originals in the art world, there is only one, and the same is true of the Lord’s church. If we are doing things outside Christ’s authority, whether in practice, organization, or beliefs, then we are no more than a lesser-quality reproduction. Ephesians 1:22-23 speaks to Christ’s headship over the church, and that church is described as His body. We have one head and one body. Ephesians 4:4-6 reinforces this concept of inner unity. Christ did not establish and die for a divided and scattered body. They were united in cause and faith. They wore His name in unity – more than a label or a tag.

If something is not from Christ, it is from man, and it is not of the original. It is a forgery where our ideas and values are substituted for God’s. It may not always be the convenient or easy thing to do, but we should be settling for nothing less than the original. This is not a label of elitism or self-righteousness. Rather, striving to follow the original pattern should inspire an attitude of humility, laying aside our own pride to do things God’s way rather than our own way.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: scripturality, kingdom, apostasy

No Christian is disposable or dispensable to the congregation of which he or she belongs. As we create a picture of what we want a congregation to grow into, each individual is a part of the process. There is no shortcut to maturity – as a group or as individuals – and, as the individuals commit themselves to growing spiritually, so too will the congregation.

Three Contributors to Maturity

Commitment. In Acts 2:42-46, the church is in its infancy, and there are three thousand new Christians with diverse backgrounds, opinions, and interpretations. However, these people were steadfast. They were committed. Through trials and disagreements, these Christians held firm to their common cause, and they remained faithful to the commitment they had made.

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” - Acts 2:42

Enthusiasm. In Acts 5, the apostles are tried and beaten for supporting Jesus, but they rejoice in their cause in verse 41. Also see Acts 8:39 and 16:34. There is so much around us that could distract and discourage us, but we must remember that our joy is in the Lord and in His work.

“And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.” - Acts 16:34

Endurance. In Romans 12:9-21, Paul emphasizes humility and brotherly love. It takes a certain amount of endurance to be patient and caring towards others – especially when disagreements arise. Everything may not play out the way we expect it to, but we must exercise patience during these times.

“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” - Romans 12:12

Our Application

In developing spiritual maturity as a group, we have to start with ourselves, In Matthew 23:3, Jesus calls out the Pharisees for teaching one thing and living another, but Jesus says to follow their teachings if they are, in fact, true. Instead of worrying about pointing out others’ immaturity, our spiritual growth begins with ourselves. Then (II Timothy 2:2), we reach out to others. We have to be active if we want others to become involved in our work; if we want them to join the cause of Christ. Personal involvement goes far in influencing others positively.

The first century Christians filled Jerusalem and then the world with their teaching, and the church continued to grow due to the commitment, patience, and enthusiasm the individual members demonstrated during that time. We can emulate that pattern, resulting in growth and maturity in the Lord’s kingdom.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: growth, kingdom, church

What does it take to build a strong church? We want to be members of congregations that are stable and firm, but how do we reach that point and, having reached it, maintain it?

Building and Maintaining a Strong Congregation

Faithful Teaching. In II Timothy 4:1-5, Paul warns Timothy to hold to the truth despite any desire for false teachings. He says to be prepared to teach at any time. Acts 20:32 says that God’s word helps build us up and grants us our spiritual inheritance. Tied to this is a desire to teach (Matthew 28:19). We should be eager to fulfill this obligation.

Steadfast Prayer. I Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “pray without ceasing.” In Acts 12:13-16, we have some individuals praying fervently for Peter’s safety (but they were unconvinced that it had been answered). We should be devoted to prayer, and we should be convinced that those prayers can be answered (Matthew 17:20).

Christian Living. Matthew 5:16 speaks to the light that should shine in our lives. Ephesians 4:24-32 instructs us to avoid certain behaviors if we identify ourselves with Christ, and Ephesians 5:1-2 as well as Galatians 5:22-23 gives us some behaviors and attitudes to replace these with. If we are to strengthen the church, our behavior should reflect the correct mindset.

Congregational Love. Some congregations just feel so tense and cold. Proverbs 18:19 says a begrudging brother is harder to penetrate than a fortress, but John 13:34 records Jesus’ commandment that Christians demonstrate love for each other. This warmth and kindness is to be so evident that it is noticed by others. Compassion is tied to this love. Galatians 5:13-15 warns us against consuming one another in bitterness.

Unity. I Corinthians 12:12-27 compares the church to our own bodies – a collection of separate components that function as one whole with one goal, and Ephesians 4 emphasizes the unity we are to have in doctrine, in purpose, and in goals. The church is Christ’s body, and we should function as one.

Conclusion

Teaching and edifying helps the church to grow and maintain soundness, and prayer gives us a place to take the troubles we do have for comfort and possible solution. In our congregation, love and compassion should be given to others as we try to live the life Christ modeled for us. All of this works to churches that act in unity and solidarity of purpose, growing stronger in Christ.

By Charles Crawford

Tags: church, kingdom, behaviors

Mark 9:2 begins a recording of the transfiguration of Jesus before Peter, James, and John. This story is also recorded in Matthew and Luke, and most of us are pretty familiar with this event. This event teaches about Christ’s authority and glory as well as the transformation we should go through as his followers.

What Can We Learn from the Transfiguration?

Authority. Jesus is in the presence of Moses and Elijah. Moses is the liberator of the Jews. He brought the law to the people. Elijah is one of the most powerful and dramatic prophets of the Old Testament – demonstrating God’s power and authority time and again. Even at the end of his life, Elijah does not die. Rather, he is taken up.

In the presence of these two individuals, Peter suggests the building of three tabernacles, but the voice of Heaven elevates Jesus above Moses and Elijah. There is room for only one tabernacle. In II Peter 1:16-17, Peter recalls this event and reaffirms the authority placed upon Jesus in this event.

Glory. Jesus is transformed on the mountain. His spiritual glory becomes visible to those with Him, and Mark even seems to struggle in describing this event. This visually reinforces Jesus’ role as God among us. (See also John 1.) God’s glory is revealed in Jesus.

John 14:7-10 records Jesus equating Himself with the Father, and He claims that knowing Him is akin to knowing God the Father. Learning more about Jesus is learning more about God. In II Corinthians 4:6, Paul writes that Jesus is the light of God’s glory.

Our Own Transformation. II Peter 1:2-4 invites us to become partakers of God’s divine nature. As we learn more about Christ, we should become more like Him. Ephesians 2:19-22 describes Christians as growing into a temple of God – a place within God lives. To what extent do we allow God to live in us? In, Galatians 2:20, Paul describes himself as internally controlled by Jesus. He has remained unchanged physically, but his behaviors and attitudes are now more inline with what Christ would expect of His followers.

Finally, II Corinthians 3:7 contrasts the glory of the second covenant with the first, with the brilliance of the new covenant's glory overwhelming that of the old. (This references Exodus 34:29-35 where Moses’ face would assume some of God’s glory after speaking with Him, requiring Moses to veil his face when speaking to others.) Paul uses veils to represent blindness in knowledge, but turning to God removes that veil. This culminates in verse 18 with us looking to God and the unfading reflection of His glory we should have within us – unhidden from those around us.

Conclusion

We can look at the glory of Jesus and God through His word, and our reflection of His glory should be growing every day. Jesus is elevated to a position of authority unattained by any other Bible figure, but, in all things, He remains dedicated to the will of the Father. He is unconcerned about worldly standards of success. He demonstrates kindness and concern toward others, regardless of external factors. Our lives should reflect that determination and these attitudes if we are reflecting Him in our lives with the goal of attaining that final transformation that will come on the last day.

By Gary Fisher

Tags: kingdom, jesus, miracles

Ephesians 4:11 begins by talking about some gifts given to us through the types of people we are around or are influenced by – the apostles and prophets, evangelists, spiritual leaders, and teachers. Paul goes on to explain in verse 12 that these gifts are given for the “equipping of the saints,” making us ready for our work of service. This creates an environment on building and encouragement, and verse 13 tells us this building up is to the goal of spiritual maturity and unity as measured against the standard of Christ.

In verses 14-15, maturity helps us withstand impure influences and false doctrines. We should be spiritually growing towards the ideal of Christ, and Paul wraps up by saying that every member must do its part for the body (the church) to function properly. Every member is to serve in building our spiritual body, edified and assisted by the teachers and leaders we are blessed with.

Edifying the Body

Romans 12:3-8 speaks to various roles we can assume in the building up of the body. Paul encourages us to serve when service is needed – helping the congregation and members in whatever ways we can. In Mark 10:45, Jesus says that He did not come to be serve but to serve others. Our focus should not be on how the congregation serves us. Rather, we should be asking ourselves how we can serve our congregations.

Teaching is also mentioned in Romans 12, and there are many ways we can teach. Teachable moments present themselves on a daily basis. We don’t have to be in a formal setting to show someone the Lord. Philip, in John 1, merely invites his brother when he encounters Jesus. Think about some of the situations Jesus taught in. Teachab.e moments happen, and we should be looking for them.

Romans 12:8 speaks to encouraging one another. How can we build one another up? What do we talk about when Christians are together? Hebrews 3:13 tells us to encourage each other daily, and conversation is a good place for this to start. We need to be involved with each other, helping each other grow, whether we consider ourselves strong or weak Christians.

Romans 12:8 also mentions giving. We live in a world that values greed and selfishness, but Christians are supposed to be giving – especially toward each other. First century Christians sold of their own possessions and shared their resources with those in need and with those who spread the gospel. Leadership is also a topic here. We need people of conviction, prayer, and patience who work and serve and are consumed with helping other grow. Paul, in his journeys, was seldom alone. He always had someone he was mentoring or teaching.

Finally, mercy is present in this passage. I Peter 4:8 pleads for us to be loving toward each other, hospitable and serving in our character. God want us to take our blessings, and he wants us to pass these blessings on.

Conclusion

There is work we can all do, and our goal should be to build up ourselves and the members of our congregation to the standard of Christ, living a life of Christian service and sharing the hope we have in Christ with others.

By Gary Fisher

Tags: church, kingdom, behaviors, growth, one another

What would you think if someone began his prayer by saying “amen” before commencing with the rest of the prayer? How do we use this term “amen?” It is transliterated from Hebrew, meaning, “It shall be so,” and it is typically in response to or at the end of a statement.

Jesus, however, used it differently in his teachings, drawing anticipatory attention to what is about to be said. In this lesson, we are going to take a look at some of these instances where Jesus proclaimed, “Amen,” before teaching.

Let It Be So

Motivation – Matthew 6:2. Where “verily” or “assuredly” is said, the Hebrew word is “amen,” and here Jesus is using contribution, fasting, and prayer as illustrations. He speaks of the hypocrites who are motivated by the attention others give them. Yes, good is being accomplished, but the actions are meaningless before God because of the motivation.

Contrast this with Matthew 10:40-42 where Jesus speaks of humble acts of kindness that are noticed by and rewarded by God. What is the difference between these big acts and these small ones? Motivation.

Faith – Matthew 8:5. A centurion comes to Jesus seeking help for his servant. In this, Jesus makes the observation that none in Israel have demonstrated such great faith. Jesus prefaces this statement with, “In truth,” or “Amen.” In Matthew 10:14-15, this faith is contrasted with another “amen” statement for those that reject the apostle’s teaching.

In both of these cases, though, Jesus makes reference to those the Jews looked down on a lesson about faith. When we feel assured in our own faith, whose standards are we measuring by – God’s or our own?

The Kingdom – Matthew 11:11. Jesus makes an “amen” statement regarding the greatness of John, but He goes on to use this to illustrate the importance of belonging to God’s kingdom. We have an opportunity John never had: to be participants in God’s spiritual kingdom that is open to all people. See also Matthew 18:3-6 in how our status on Earth contrast our spiritual existence.

Conclusion

What motivates us? How would Jesus look at the faith we demonstrate? What importance do I place on God’s kingdom, and how am I involved? Jesus paints a clear picture for us, and our response should be to follow these expectations.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: jesus, faith, kingdom