This is the Stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the Chief Cornerstone." Acts 4:11

Volume 12 *   Number 6* February 5, 2012

Blended

by Levi Rutledge

 

Are there any noticeable differences between you and some of your peers? Is there anything easily seen or noticed? Do you stand out? Can your friend or co-worker see anything different about you compared to what they see in themselves and others? If they cannot, that may mean that you have “blended in.

 

Blended carry the idea of being mixed: with another so that something (or one) is not clearly distinguishable from another. The people of the world should notice a difference in your conversation, your character, your mannerism and on and on.

Brothers and sisters, if the lost in the world cannot differentiate the saved from those of the world, it is safe to say that “the saved” have “blended in.” They (the saved) are camouflage. They have blended in with their surroundings.

 

In this type of setting, the Christian does not have to stand up for Christ. They do not have to take a position on error. They just blend in. They do not have to point out those errors which they see occurring around them daily wherever they may be. This Christian goes along to get along. The world should see a Christian as a beacon and a ray of hope for their lost soul.

However, to those who have blended in with the world, consider that“a Christian should stick out like a sore thumb.”   Do you know that Paul the apostle had this to say; he said “Wherefore, come out from among them and be separate saith the Lord….” (II Corinthians 6:17) Paul was acting on behalf of God when he spoke that. Paul told those people at Corinth that they should not involve themselves in those things that defile them. They must not yoke (team up) themselves with the world and unrighteousness and that just as night and day does not mix, then, what does a Christian have in common with the world? Nothing!

A Christian is different, he stands out when contrast with the world. The world should see him trying to imitate Christ. Our beloved Brother Paul gives us this message: He said we should follow after him (Paul) as he follows after Christ. (I Corinthians 11:1)

Those who show the way; Jesus said this about them; He said “Ye are the light of the world a city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” (Matthew 5:14) Also, He said to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. “ (Matthew 5:16) So, if you had blended in with the w qorld, now is time for you to come out and go ahead of them and show them the way to the Savior.

So, now that you have been told about how a Christian differs from the world, what are you going to do? Well, your action will speak volume about it. Our prayer is that as you go, you proclaim the good news about a Savior who died for our sin and that there is salvation in him for the lost and that they (the lost) can have hope.       &

 

Different Aspects of the Church
(by  Bob Pulliam)

The church has several different aspect for looking at her, although there is only one of her. This should not surprise us, since other things in this world can claim the same – A Man: husband; (job description); father; son. These are not different names; rather, different descriptions due to relationship, responsibility, or blessings to bestow. In this lesson we will consider the various aspects of the church.

The Called Out...  Our word "church" is derived from a word (kuriakos) that means "belonging to the lord". The word "church" is used to translate a word (ekklesia) in the original which meant "to call out". Thus, when you see the word church, it is used to translate the concept of a called out body or group. This word was not invented by Jesus or the apostles. The word (ekklesia) translated "church" was already in use when Jesus came on the scene. Jesus took this word from the Greek language and gave it a spiritual significance. Acts 19:32 is an excellent example of this. Luke describes a secular assembly of people, who were antagonistic toward Paul and the preaching of the gospel. The word assembly in this verse is the very same word translated "church" in other passages. The assembly of people in Acts 19:32 was composed of people called out from their everyday businesses into the theater.

The word "church" is not the only place where we find the concept of "calling out". Such is also spelled out in:

- I Pt 2:9 We were "called out of darkness" into light (cf. Col 1:13).
- I Cor 1:9 We were called into fellowship with Jesus.  - II Tim 1:9 Called "with a holy calling".

The emphasis of this designation is two-fold: 1) We did not come out by our own power, but were called out by God. 2) Something has been left that we might enter something else. There must be a change of state, and status.

The Body of Christ...  The church is referred to as the body of Christ several times in scripture. Paul spelled this out in no uncertain terms:

- Eph 1:22f "...the church, which is His body..."
- Col 1:18 "And He is the head of the body, the church..." (cf. Col 1:24)

The emphasis of this figure is on the unity of the church under the rule of one Head (Jesus Christ):

- Eph 5:24 "...the church is subject to Christ..."
- Eph 4:15f Grow up into the Head, growing in unity.
- Rom 12:3-5 There are many members, but one body, and one head.

 

The Temple of God... The church is spoken of as the temple of God; not as a literal building, but as the worshipers who offer praise. The church at Corinth was the temple of God, and as such was holy (I Cor 3:16f). The Ephesians were being built up as a holy temple in the Lord (Eph 2:21). The emphasis here is the worship offered up by the church.

The Household of God...  The church is referred to as the household of God...

- Eph 2:19 Those once classed as strangers are now a part of the household.
- I Tim 3:15 The church of God is the house of God.
- Heb 3:6 Jesus is a Son over His house.

This designation emphasizes our relationship with God, and the supreme blessings He promises His children.

The Kingdom of God...

This designation causes more trouble for most people than any other. Many people do not believe the kingdom of Christ will be established until He comes again. Then, they think, Jesus will reign on David's throne in Jerusalem for 1,000 years. But the church is actually the kingdom prophesied in the Old Testament.

In Matthew 16:18 & 19 we read that Jesus would build His church. And we also read that He would give the keys of the kingdom. If the keys fit what He said he would build, then the kingdom must be the church.

The kingdom came during the generation among which Jesus lived. Jesus said that it would (Mk 9:1). Jesus is now sitting on the throne of David (Acts 2:30-36). People in Paul's day had been translated into the kingdom of the Son (Col 1:13). John was a fellow partaker (companion) in the kingdom (Rev 1:9).

This designation emphasizes the absolute rule of Christ over the church.

Conclusion...  There are several designations for the church, and we have not discussed all of them. Each designation has an aspect of the church to emphasize, and does not refer to something different. In all, these designations teach us about the church, and what we should do and be within her.

 

 

 

The Cornerstone 

Published to Support the Work of the West End Church of Christ, Richmond, Virginia