The class is a very enjoyable task, and the attention is focused. While I have uncovered several historic anecdotes within Ukraine’s history, I strive to establish the biblical principles that offer a foundation for the continuing presence of the Lord’s Church in Ukraine. Here are some of the principles that are stressed:
The seed principle stated in Genesis 1:11. The text reads, “Then God said, ‘Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit according to their kind with seed in them’; and it was so.” This principle is universal. The “seed” that is produced yields the exact product from which it came! This is true naturally, socially (although the “product” from a corrupt social seed can choose to be different), and especially spiritually. Spiritually, there are those who replicate their father, the Devil (John 8:44). BUT, there are those whose life’s choices reflect the “seed of the Word of God” (Luke 8:11). If we plant (teach) the Word of God, and that seed germinates in the honest hearts, people will be just as those in the First Century! Teaching ONLY the Word of God results ONLY in the beliefs and practices of New Testament Christianity!
The spreading principle announced in Colossians 1:6, 23. The “seed” of the gospel spread over the entire known world. God’s spiritual soldiers tirelessly marched into “all the world” following the Lord’s orders. This spreading principle certainly applies to Europe and other regions impacted by trade and social integration in the First Century. I was asked, “When was the Church of Christ first registered in Ukraine?” The answer: When the gospel was preached, people obeyed God’s commands of belief, repentance, confession, and immersion. At this point they were taken “out of the world” and placed “into Christ” (Colossians 1:13). As soon as these saved souls gathered together in a congregation, they were “registered in Heaven, and God’s lampstand was placed in their midst! There is certainty that the New Testament Church was established in Ukraine during this “spreading” period. This principle holds true today—the Lord’s Church does not exist because of “new changes” but it exists today because it follows exactly the traditions of Scripture that guided the First Century Church (2 Thessalonians 2:15). Remove, lessen, redefined, reimagine these traditions and the Lord’s Church begins to wither, wilt, lose members and eventually the lampstand is removed!
The biblical principle of restoration. Two biblical characters illustrate this principle. The clearest is King Josiah (2 Kings 22, 23; 2 Chronicles 35) and Jonadab (Jeremiah 35). The biblical principle is clear: if the rules have been lost, let us return with a fearless determination to follow only the authority and directives of God! Forget rethinking. Forget reimagining. Forget the new and hold to the old! “Seek the old paths…”
The divine assurance principle stated in Daniel 2:44; Hebrews 12:25. God’s Church will “never be destroyed”! This divine assurance means that God’s Church has existed throughout civilization.
Having established these biblical principles, there is a principle in secular recorded history that should be considered. Only the “macro,” never the “micro.” The prominent, large events, persons, and organizations are included in the secular histories. Many events are left unrecorded in history—these were real, historic events, but were “insignificant” to the secular eye.
Throughout history, there are small, regional movements that are “under the radar” of the broad brush of history. I am confident that the “Kingdom, which will never be destroyed,” perfectly fits into this “insignificant pigeonhole” of secular history!
With each class, these principles were reviewed and placed in the context of the night’s study!
As noted previously, the class and fellowship atmosphere is wonderful. Joy bubbles to the top. There are those eager to just do anything to help.
“Through your prayers” (Phlm 22), this trip will see multiple successes as “doors of opportunity” open (Colossians 4:3)!
Thank you for your constant prayers!
John L. Kachelman, Jr., UKRAINE MISSIONS, Dalraida Church of Christ, Montgomery, AL
