Local churches are made up of Christians working together for the cause of Christ. However, not every congregation will be judged favorably by the Lord. When the Lord addressed the seven churches of Asia, two of them were commended for their faithfulness – Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) and Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13). The rest were in danger of having their “lampstand” removed (Revelation 2:5), which was a symbol of the Lord’s approval. He knew that they did not measure up to His standard. Though they may have had “a name that [they were] alive,” He knew if they were “dead” (Revelation 3:1).
A congregation develops a reputation based upon what they do. However, this reputation does not always match the Lord’s judgment of His people in that place.
On different occasions, I have heard brethren comment that the church should be known more for what it is for than what it is against. Generally, those who make comments like this have introduced doctrines or practices into the local church (or would like to do so) and do not want to respond to challenges from other brethren about whether such teachings are in harmony with the Scriptures or their proposed practices are authorized by God’s word. So they attempt to turn the tables against those who raise questions about doctrinal correctness and Scriptural authority, exempting themselves from having to defend what they say and do.Continue Reading
