What We Are Doing By T. Sean Sullivan

What We Are Doing By T. Sean Sullivan
 
Introduction:

Preaching is a grave responsibility before God, for souls. There is an absolute requirement for anyone who would assume to preach; that requirement is, "Preach the word" (2 Timothy 4:1-5). Also included in the direction of 2 Timothy 4:1-5, is constant courage to present God's word when it is welcomed, and when it is entirely unwelcome. The overall need for gospel obedience must preclude all prejudices, and all who preach must do so with conviction and without hesitation (Acts 20:27).

There also must be a balance in the approach to presenting God's word. Verse 2, in 2 Timothy 4, says, "Convince, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and teaching." Every congregation needs all three admonitions in a good balance. There are things that must be done, of which we must be convinced. There are thing to stop, of which we must be rebuked. But, there are also things that we are doing; things we must continue doing, of which we must be exhorted.

Today, let's be exhorted to continue in the good things that we are doing.
 
We are following the Pattern:

God has provided a pattern, for all believers to be united in "mind and judgment" (1 Corinthians 1:10; Philippians 1:27). The Bible is the revealed standard by which we: Receive the knowledge of truth (John 8:31-32; John 17:17); understand the expectations of God (Hebrews 11:6-Romans 10:17); and have the plan revealed, for the salvation of our souls (Philippians 4:9).

In this congregation: We respect Jesus as "the" authority (Matthew 28:18-20). We acknowledge, in every way, that Jesus is the Head of the church, His body (Ephesians 1:20-23). We determine to do and say only those things which are authorized by Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:17). We determine to live as Christians, living for Jesus (Galatians 2:20).

In this congregation: All teaching and preaching must be of the truth (Ephesians 4:15). The truth of the "word of God" (2 Timothy 4:1-5). The truth of the "doctrine of Christ" (2 John 9).

The truth without apology and without tampering (Galatians 1:6-9). The word of God is the direction: It is the one guide for every soul in this world (Mark 16:15-16). It is the revealed pathway of Christ: From where we are, to where the Father is (John 14:1-6; 1 Peter 2:21-23). It is the "pattern of sound words" to which we adhere ourselves in a need to become what they are (2 Timothy 1:13).

We provide for the knowledge of God's word in this place.                          
 
We are Working, and Depending on God

As we take our stand on God's revealed will, we have a pattern of worship and service set for us.  We know that God expects us to do His will-to be those who willingly submit to the "doing" of His will (Matthew 7:21). We know that there is work for us to accomplish: Ephesians 2:10 says, "We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us the word of God was given so that "the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." Also, Titus 2:14 states that Jesus, "gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works." In the desire to please God, we are doing the works of faith. This was also said of our brethren in Thessalonica, "We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father…"  The works of faith are those things that are verified by the Scriptures (Romans 10:17).

In doing the works of faith, we are not forgetting our need for God's grace. We know that all the good works, even if accomplished entirely, will never reach Heaven. We will never deserve Heavenly entrance on our own. We rely the grace of God, supplied to us through His merciful love. However, God has applied the stipulation of obedience to His will for the hope of His grace. We are told in Ephesians 2:8 that we are "saved by grace through faith". Faith, is not just acceptance of God's existence-it is obedience to His will (James 2:19). Our faith must be alive and working-because "faith without works is dead" (James 2:14-18, 20-26). We absolutely trust in God's grace; but we do not deny His will, that directs us to His expected works (Ephesians 2:10; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

We provide for the doing of God's will and the hope of His grace in this place.
 
We are sharing the Hope

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the only hope of salvation (Romans 1:16). We are not selfishly holding it away from the souls who so desperately need its hope (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16). We are letting others know that there is hope, and how it is to be gained. The fact that we provide a place for God's word to be taught, is part of what we do. We also, by way of friends with large mailing lists, send out our Sunday morning bulletin every week to about 35 countries-some of our effort from here is going "into all the world".

Our greatest growth tool is our good example (Matthew 5:16). The darker this world becomes the brighter the light needs to be. We are talking to others about the truth, and these conversations may, someday, bear fruit for the Lord. We are inviting people to services in the hope that their interest in pleasing God may be peaked. We are also very welcoming, when those visitors attend our services.
We provide for the increase of the Lord's church in this place, and others.
 
Conclusion:

We are doing much in this place. We are standing for truth. We are doing God's will, and trusting in His saving grace. We are sharing the hope with others.

Do not underestimate our ability: To know the truth (John 8:31-32). To do God's will (Matthew 7:21). Also, to increase the number of Christians in this world (Romans 1:16).

The opportunity to take on your hope of salvation is now. Through the grace of God, He has mercifully shown us His love, and we have His plan to follow, to be saved. The truth is yours to know and obey, and doing so you will be saved from your sins. The only thing standing between you and your salvation is your determination to obey. Why not come to God, right now?