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WHAT ARE THE GREATEST NEEDS OF THE CHURCH TODAY
"Dear Brother Nichols:
What are six of the greatest needs of the church today? If we could discover six of the most important needs of the local congregations, and supply these needs, we should be able to do more good in 1973 than we may do in five or ten years satisfying our consciences with the diligent observance of the little things, which often amount to so little. An elder of the church."Our brother does not mean that little things are not important, for they are. The little, tiny parts of a watch are important, the same as the bigger parts. However, Jesus condemned the performance of little duties, tithing of "mint and anise and cummin, while neglecting weightier matters." He said some "omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone." (Matt. 23:23.) Here we learn (as elsewhere in the Scriptures) that it is a sin for us to major in trifles and leave off the big tasks which require more time, thought, effort and sacrifice. If possible, the church should major in all things commanded of the Lord, but especially should it major in majors, rather than in minors.
Since God has not told us what the six most important works of the church may be, we would be unable to dogmatically select any six of the entire Scriptures and affirm that they are the "six" most important things to be done by the church. But we can suggest "six" that are important, and which, if zealously performed, will insure that more of the little things will also be done.
- It is my judgment that we should start the list with the conversion of the members; for if they have not made a total commitment of their hearts, lives and all they are, and ever expect to be, unto the Lord, then nothing will ever be well done. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out." (Acts 3:19.) Further on the apostle said God sent Jesus to "bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities." (Verse 26.) A congregation never can succeed in trying to be real "Christians" without conversion, without being new creatures in Christ. (2 Cor. 5:17; Rom. 6:1-5.) Then daily along the way such members must be constantly giving themselves to the Lord, and to his work. (2 Cor. 8:1-5; Rom. 12:1-2.)
- Next after conversion would come the attendance of all the members at all the public services of the church. Without this there can be no local church. There can be no congregation without congregating-without assembling. (Heb. 10:25-29; 1 Cor. 14:23; Acts 11:26; 2:42; 20:6-13.) When members of the church become conceited in their own hearts, and think they can be Christians without being fed by the elders, and other teachers in the church, such a church needs to be converted. (James 5: 19-20; Acts 20:28.)
- Unless the members of the church are sanctified by the truth, that is, set apart for the service of God, they will be worldly and have no good influence in the community and, being like the world, the church cannot do the work it should; nor convert others. (John 17:17, 19.) The church always needs further sanctification. (1 Thess. 5:23; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; 7:1.)
- Church members who have given themselves to the Lord, and to his people and work, will then give liberally of their possessions for the work of the church which must thus be supported. (1 Cor. 16:1-4; 2 Cor. 8:1-5; 2 Cor. 9:7.) The church cannot spread the gospel, and do all its other work without necessary funds with which to support the great work of the church. (2 Cor. 11:8.)
- The church must be united and all walk by the same rule, or it cannot do what it should for the glory of the Lord. Jesus prayed for the general unity of all Christians, or members of the church, that they might be one, or united, as he and his Father are one. (John 17:20-23.) Paul commanded all members of the local church at Corinth to be thus united. (1 Cor. 1: 10.) Those who cause divisions contrary to the doctrine of Christ and the apostles are to be marked and avoided. (Rom. 16:17-18.) There must be no confusion in the church. (Prov. 6:16-19.)
- The church must have a truly converted, informed, and dedicated leadership, or it will not succeed in doing its best work. (1 Tim. 3:1-13; Tit. 1:5-9; Phil. 1:1; Heb. 13:7, 17.) The church must esteem these men very highly for their work's sake. (1 Thess. 5:12, 13.) Its elders, or overseers, or bishops, or shepherds, must feed the flock (the church) and be good examples of what real Christians should be. (Acts 20:28-32; 1 Tim. 4:12.) Where these six things are, and abound in the church, the little things will also be looked after, and the church will grow to the edifying of itself in love, souls will be converted, the community will richly be blessed, and all to the glory of God.