The constant emphasis in this series is that God’s design for the Church cannot be “destroyed.” That design remains viable because God has given mankind His inspired Word. As long as man follows God’s Word, without addition or subtraction, the Church of the New Testament will exist. Whenever man decides that God’s way is not sufficient and begins to change and add beliefs and practices to the worship and life of the Church, then the Church’s lampstand is removed—a “religious” group remains, but it is NOT the Church of the New Testament!
One verse summarizes this critical fact—Jeremiah 6:16-17. Jeremiah called for apostate Judah to return and restore devotion to the old paths. Tragically, Judah’s religious devotion had been so degraded by change that her response was a flat rejection—“We will NOT!” That stubborn refusal to follow only God’s directions is not limited to the 7th and 6th centuries B.C. This attitude repeats even today, when man’s “intelligence” thinks his “new” way is better than God’s “old” way! The same self-willed blindness that governed Judah’s blasphemy is evident throughout every generation.
However, the principles underlying our series assure us that God’s Word is alive and is able to restore the commanded patterns in the Scriptures.
Utilizing Jeremiah’s plea to erring Judah, there are two points of exhortation for those today who seek to return and restore New Testament Christianity.
First, why rely solely upon the Bible (specifically the New Testament) in our religious beliefs and practices?
- The Bible is THE BEST book in the world to guide our lives.
- The Bible has been tested and proven true.
- The Bible is from God and gives us God’s simple commands.
- The Bible meets every spiritual need man has.
Second, to what should we use the Bible’s authority to restore in our faith and practice?
- Use it to restore the biblical way of worship. It directs us to worship’s Right Object— “God”; worship’s Right Attitude— “in spirit”; and worship’s Right Act—“in Truth”
- Use it to restore and maintain the biblical Church. The Church of the New Testament is easily identified in today’s religious world. Sadly, those churches that have compromised and lost their lampstands are also easily identified in today’s religious world.
- Use it to restore biblical unity. When we follow only the Bible, then we will believe, act, and worship exactly the same (1 Corinthians 1:10).
- Use it to restore biblical salvation. Only the Bible provides God’s complete program by which one can be saved. Man must believe (Acts 16:31), repent (Luke 13:3), confess (Matthew 10:32), and be immersed for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 22:6).
The series in Ukraine continues. It is a delightful study establishing confidence in the presence of God’s “eternal Kingdom” on earth and our choice to accept or reject it!
God’s Church/Kingdom is not limited by geographical borders, restricted by languages, or reserved for one specific race—it is universal! “God so loved the WORLD!”
There are those from multiple nations reading these reports. The wonderful message to you is that you can become members of the Church of Christ, described in the New Testament! You can be members of the “Kingdom that cannot be destroyed” IF you follow exactly the pattern of salvation, worship, and service that are detailed in the Bible’s New Testament!
“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
