{"id":4861,"date":"2021-03-07T10:23:21","date_gmt":"2021-03-07T16:23:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kachelman.com\/ukraine\/blog\/?p=4861"},"modified":"2021-03-07T13:13:08","modified_gmt":"2021-03-07T19:13:08","slug":"report-6-march-7-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kachelman.com\/ukraine\/blog\/2021\/03\/07\/report-6-march-7-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"Report #6–March 7, 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Above Photo: This is the Church of Christ that assembled in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine on March 7, 2021. There were others not assembling because of restrictions. They joined us in worship on their mobile phones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Lord\u2019s Day broke dawn with a blinding and brilliant sunshine. The sidewalks are sill covered with ice and snow from Friday-Saturday\u2019s storms. Today was cold (about 32F) and a bitter wind was blowing. But it was a very good day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There were 16 that braved the cold and treacherous sidewalks to assemble for worship. As usual it was encouraging to see dear ones come together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I preached on the topic \u201cWhy Choose God\u2019s Church\u2014the Church of the New Testament?\u201d There are several who need to hear some basic truths that answer this query in a rational way. Sadly, the cultural diversity of today\u2019s pluralistic society spurns the exclusive behavior that God planned His People to practice. Many thinks that as there are \u201cmany churches\u201d there are \u201cmany ways to find a church that suits personal tastes.\u201d The common expression \u201cworship at the church of YOUR choice\u201d is pure blasphemy<\/em>. Those who are sincerely concerned about loyalty to God will \u201cworship at the Church of GOD\u2019S choice\u201d!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have enough material on this topic that would take an entire quarter\u2019s study to cover it. The Scriptures are very clear on this question. But I had minimum time to cover it in today\u2019s lesson. I focused upon three basic points: Why should one be a member of the New Testament Church? First, <\/em>because the New Testament Church is a great treasure and valuable jewel that must be seized or lost (Matthew 13:44-46). There are counterfeit gems and treasures that often deceive the buyer and they invest all only to find great sorrow. We must make sure we have the genuine and be willing to sacrificial all in order to seize it. Second, <\/em>because only the New Testament Church is the \u201cBody\u201d of Christ (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22-23). If \u201call churches\/religious groups\u201d are acceptable then Christ is aa monster being the singular \u201cHead\u201d with hundreds of bodies. Third, <\/em>because only the New Testament Church is the \u201cBride\u201d of Christ (Ephesians 5:23). The Second Coming tells us that Christ is coming ONLY for His \u201cBride\u201d (which is His Church). See Revelation 19:7. Only those identified as the Church bearing Christ\u2019s Name are a part of His Bride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is such a religious group identified in the Bible? Yes, Romans 16:16 is very specific about the name of Christ\u2019s Church. The lesson closed by urging all to apply reasoned logic to the Scriptures. Once one reasons with God\u2019s Truth (Isaiah 1:18) the conclusion is inevitable. One \u201cturns\u201d from the blasphemy and pluralism of Satan\u2019s counsel and accepts God\u2019s exclusive pattern (Acts 11:21; 14:15; 19:26; 26:18, 20).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hopefully this good news message of God\u2019s inclusion of all who will turn from blasphemous religious practices and beliefs will touch honest and sincere hearts! This message must be spoken, it cannot remain silent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the worshipping assembly all remained afterwards for some fellowship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tomorrow begins the second week of work in Ivano-Frankivsk. The specific plans are still uncertain but I know we will be busy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you for your interest, concerns and prayers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John L. Kachelman, Jr.
(Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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