What Would God Say About Us?

Jeremy Northrop

            Over the course of this year, we have been examining different people recorded in the Bible and noting “those who so walk.” This theme for the year has, of course, come from the four verses in the New Testament where the New King James Version uses the word ‘note.’ Two are positive and two are negative:

Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me (Romans 16:7).

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them (Romans 16:17).

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample (Philippians 3:17).

And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed (2Thessalonians 3:14).

We have spent the year studying different people or groups of people recorded in the Bible. I hope you have enjoyed the study as much as I have. The people of the Bible have seemed to come alive! More than that, there have been applications from each one which we can use in our own walks with God. In fact, that is exactly what we want to do today — apply this concept to us — as we bring this study to a close. Applying the individuals we discussed is an individual thing. We, as individuals, can learn from the good and not-so-good people of the Bible.

            We spent a considerable amount of time this year discussing the various congregations of the Bible. Paul wrote many inspired letters to congregations. Jesus spoke to the seven churches or congregations of Asia in Revelation two and three. As a congregation of the Lord’s people in Ashland, we can learn from the good congregations and the not-so-good congregations discussed in scripture. This will help us to bring this study to a close in 2009. And, as a little side-note here, what better time of the year to do it? All of us like to make those wonderful new year’s resolutions. We can determine now that in 2010 we will be more devoted, more spiritual, and work even harder for the Lord. If we do, we can improve the congregation of the Lord’s people in Ashland. Let’s think about a few things together. First, the bad news and then, the good news.

            One thing is for sure. The Holy Spirit never backed down from giving the criticism congregations needed to hear. A casual look through the books of first and second Corinthians proves such to be the case. Paul rebuked them for their divisions (clicks), their worldliness, and a whole host of other things. How did they respond? This is the best part. They listened to what Paul had to say and made the changes they had to make. In fact, in the second letter, Paul commends them for it.

            As we look through the other letters Paul wrote to congregations, we see that Paul almost always gave some criticism. The Holy Spirit through Paul did not hold anything back. I am amazed at the almost harsh language Paul used in Galatians 3:1 — “O foolish Galatians!” He encouraged the Thessalonians to consider their lives on Earth. He taught the Romans regarding the universality of sin. The wrier of Hebrews rebuked the readers for not growing. Jesus, through visions given to John, gave criticism to each of the seven churches of Asia. One thing is for sure. If the Holy Spirit were to note the congregation in Ashland, He would not shy away from telling us what we needed to hear. We need to listen to the Holy Spirit as He communicates to us through the Word.

            However, that is not all the Holy Spirit would tell us. He would also point out the good things we are doing and tell us to continue in them. He, through Paul, commended churches we discussed previously. Consider that for just a moment. The church in Corinth had some real challenges. Yet, there was still a congregation there and they were still accepted by Paul as brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul commended the church in Philippi for the good things they were doing. Jesus had some things against the seven churches in Asia but still commended them for the good things they were doing.

            The Holy Spirit would certainly do the same thing if He were to note us in Ashland. He might point out that we have rescued some erring members this past year. He might encourage us to continue to urge falling members to rededicate their lives to Christ. He would most definitely commend us for the lost being reached. Some have been baptized this year. Others have been and are continuing to engage in Bible studies with the lost. We, as individuals and as a congregation need to continue in these good works and the Holy Spirit would likely encourage us in such if He were to note us.

            This is just the point. We, just like the congregations mentioned in scripture, would be encouraged in that which is good and defeated in that which is wrong. How would we respond? Would we be full of pride and reject the admonition of the Holy Spirit? I sincerely hope not. Would we listen and change what we need to change? I hope so. Let us humble ourselves.