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The Church
-- Past, Present, and Future --
"Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in
them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."
--
1 Timothy 4:16
"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide
is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there
be which go in thereat:
Because strait is is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life,
and few there be that find it."
--
Matthew 7:13,14
The Church - Past and Present
The members of the body of Christ are on a
pilgrimage to heaven. The Apostolic Christian Church considers itself
among that group of undeserving pilgrims who, if they remain true and faithful
to their calling, will by God's grace one day cross the threshold of time and
eternity and pass through the glorious portals of heaven.
Based on Biblical precepts, the Apostolic Christian Church,
since its founding by Samuel Froehlich in 1832, has harbored a ringing idealism
in its understanding of the Church and its earthly function. As it has,
over the years, tried to "earnestly contend for the faith which was once
delivered unto the saints," it has viewed itself as Saint Peter so eloquently
described, "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy
nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of
him who hat called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: which in time
past were not a people, but are now the people of God" (1
Peter 2:9,10). In connection with this it is written, "Be ye holy; for
I am holy" (1
Peter 1:16). In this general vein, the Apostolic Christian Church has
recognized the seriousness of its calling to preserve a remnant of faith - "a
glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it
should be holy and without blemish" (Ephesians
5:27). They have caught the vision of faithfulness as exhorted by the
Apostle Paul who identified the body of true believers as "the church of the
living God, the pillar and ground of the truth" (1
Timothy 3:15).
Because of their sincerity and devotion in attempting to
follow the ways of God, this brotherhood has been very careful to "give
attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine" (1
Timothy 4:13).
And yet, amid its deep commitment to the Savior, the church
rides along on stormy seas in "perilous times." It exists today amid a
moral wilderness which in the latter stages of the twentieth century has seen
the erosion of traditional moral values that for many centuries rested firmly on
Judeo-Christian precepts. Yet the 1960's, 1970's and 1980's ushered in a
floodtide of humanism which made it difficult for most of society to discern
right from wrong. Black was no longer black, and white was no longer white
as moral absolutes were largely abandoned. This caused a partial dilemma
for the church.
Historically, the plight of devout Christians has been rooted
in persecution. The shedding of blood of innocent martyrs and their
patient suffering of untold atrocities proved to be significant factors which
gave rise to the spread of Christianity. Over the centuries the brutal
heel of governmental oppression was a constant threat and annoyance to true
Christians. Today, the opposite is true in America. Believers are
protected by their government and are actually encouraged to worship according
to their personal consciences. Freedom of religion and governmental
encouragement to worship - while tremendous blessings - can possibly lead to
spiritual malaise, lukewarmness, indifference, and a casual attitude toward the
ways of the Savior. In this respect, freedom of religion can, along with
persecution, pose a threat to the resolve of the church. Historically, it
seems that oppression has caused the flame of faith to burn brightly while
religious freedom has often seen it ebb to a flicker. The adage that "the
blood of martyrs is the seed of the church" is very true.
From 1847, when Elder Benedict Weyeneth first set foot on
American soil, until the latter stages of the twentieth century, American
society had experienced sweeping change. Many older members living in the
early 198'0's have seen "progress" evolve from "horse and buggy days" to landing
a man on the moon. Dynamic change - and the swiftness with which it
occurred - had an obvious impact on the church body.
The rise of technology, and its associated changes,
confronted the church with an ever-increasing list of detriments which, while
not explicitly sinful, nonetheless proved corrosive to godly living and over a
period of time, threatened to erode Christian resolve. Similar to the
conditions of any church age, the storm clouds of apostasy hovered as an
ever-present danger to the church.
When members of the church emigrated from Europe and settled
mostly on farms in America, their lifestyle was very suitable to carrying out
the Biblical doctrines of sanctification (i.e., set apart as holy), separation
from the world, and nonconformity to the world. Their rural-oriented lives
allowed them to live apart from the mainstream of society and gave expression to
their attitude of not loving the world and its ways. Their lives were
ordered by quietness, hard work, and simplicity with only minimal influence from
the culture around them. Most of the churches were located in or near
small towns, and most of the members were farmers. In general, society was
conservative in attitude and outlook, traditional values were strongly upheld,
God was still feared by the majority of people, and conformity to group behavior
was a very strong ideal. Higher education levels and the rise of the mass
media had not yet arrived, and the culture's overall influence on the believer
was not as pronounced.
The rise of industrialization brought a gradual change to
American life, and its impact was felt strongly in the Apostolic Christian
Church. By mid-century (1950), industrialization resulted in more and more
members of the church becoming engaged in occupations other than farming.
Isolation on farms was no longer as prominent as in earlier days because many
members took jobs in cities and towns. In connection with this, the
proliferation of the mass media, together with the growing influence of
educational institutions, both highly humanistic, exerted a wide influence on
the beliefs and lifestyles of Americans; this pervasive influence, however
subtle, was an ongoing threat to the church.
In the latter stages of the twentieth century, the Apostolic
Christian Church found itself in a complex, pluralistic, and
individualistic-oriented society. A "do your own thing" philosophy which
promoted self-gratification and rejection of authority seemed to permeate
American life. Along with this, society was enraptured with
self-indulgence, pleasure, wantonness, sport, leisure, and fashion. It was
enthralled with the things that are seen and which soon perish. Hedonism
was in full swing and resulted in the breakdown of family life, a widespread
decline in morality, and a lessening of affection and respect for the ways of
God. These trends were in direct contradiction with the Biblical precepts
of self-denial, humility, and cross-bearing.
Thus, the church was confronted ever more seriously with the
challenge of being "in the world, but not of it." It faced the
many problems associated with life in a pluralistic society and daily exposure
to persons with varying backgrounds and different religious convictions.
In essence, the church faced the threat of assimilation and acculturation (i.e.,
the process of becoming adapted to new cultural patterns). Even so, the
church did not despair. It strove even harder, with God's help, to live
sanctified lives in keeping with Jesus' high-priestly prayer in which He stated,
"They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world" (John
17:16). In connection with this theme, the church was the beneficiary
of periodic and timely admonition and exhortation from the Elders - men of deep
and unshakeable devotion to doctrine, yet tolerant, patient, and kindly.
By sending carefully written and articulate memorandums to the churches, these
men tried valiantly to lead the churches in resisting worldly influences which
seemed determined to spill over their congregations.
The church today faces threats to its existence from nearly
every front. It must daily be on guard against the acceleration of life's
pace, economic prosperity and the desire for possessions, peer pressure, the
wide influence of the mass media, widespread advertising entreating the believer
to copy worldly standards, the introduction of nine thousand new consumer items
each year, and society's ever-growing preoccupation with pleasure and leisure.
Added to this is the church's increased mingling with non-church people, out of
necessity, at school, at work, and in a host of other instances. The
influence of the world often rubs off on the believer, rather than vice versa.
It is interesting to note that even though the church has not
held specifically to the fashions and lifestyles of a century ago, the intent of
the members has been to live sanctified lives. "Separation" and
"non-conformity" remain as valid doctrines upheld by the brotherhood.
The Future of the Church
The Apostolic
Christian Church is the benefactor of a marvelous spiritual heritage.
Although relatively young as a specific denomination, its doctrines are deeply
rooted both Biblically and historically. Its tradition, wise and sound,
has an enduring quality. Along with this, church has entered into an era
in which society is reflecting significant moral decay and dynamic change.
It is likely that moral decay and widespread worldliness will
continue, perhaps even wax worse and worse. The ways of the world will
continue to press in on the church. The complexities of evil during the
next few generations, should the Lord tarry, will likely vex the church more and
more. The devil, who "as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he
may devour" (1
Peter 5:8), will become increasingly bolder and shameless. Yet God
offers hope in the assurance that "greater is he that is in you, than he that is
in the world" (1
John 4:4). The church also has the promise that "upon this rock I will
build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew
16:18).
The days ahead will present unimaginable challenges to the
church. Its doctrine and tradition will continue to be questioned, both
from within and from without. Apostasy and spiritual malaise will be
ever-present dangers.
Still, there is great hope for the future. It is
evident that Christ's body has always been confronted with worldliness, no
matter what phase of its history. This will always be the case on this
side of the Jordan. On the other hand, the church has many positive
factors, not the least of which is its Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who is
always a positive and faithful guide, dwelling with those who are humble.
In these evil times when unrighteousness abounds and even
threatens to take the upper hand, members of the church can be thankful that God
has raised up brethren, young and old, who are devoted to the faith and who
unselfishly give of themselves for the church's preservation. This alone
is reason to be optimistic regarding the church's future.
The continuing dialogue of the Elder Body, through a
systematic schedule of church conferences which convene to deal with divisive
threats to the membership, serves as a potent, unifying, and cohesive force
which serves to bind the brethren together in love and unity. Were the
opposite true - no church conferences or regularly scheduled meetings of the
church officials - the church denomination could easily fragment into factions.
The ongoing brotherly esteem members share with one another is also a very
positive force in the preservation and unity of the fellowship.
Another positive factor which bodes well for the future is
the leadership's devotion to Scripture as unalterable and divine truth.
Their unshakeable loyalty to God and His Word - rather than to theology and
theologians - prevents a watering-down of God's ways and keeps the church on the
pathways outlined in Holy Writ.
Another encouraging sign is the widespread devotion of most
of the members to the godly heritage handed down from their forefathers.
Basic doctrinal unity (as well as liturgy) is very strong, despite Satan's
resolve to cause variance among the membership.
Even though it is possible to be optimistic regarding the
future, one would be naive if he did not recognize that the church, which is
decidedly on the defensive, will need to have its members stand shoulder to
shoulder in order to hold its ground against the rise of evil. It must
continue to be both sanctified and spiritually-minded in order to preserve
itself as a pure and chaste bride that is properly adorned when her bridegroom
(the Lord) comes to claim her.
The deep
and enriching Biblical doctrines of submission, obedience, and yieldedness must
be promulgated and maintained. So long as humility and meekness are regarded as
among some of the most noble virtues of the Christian faith, the church will
have a much better chance of discerning God's spirit and adhering to His ways.
The Apostle James taught, "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the
humble" (James
4:6). Also, the church will be wise to keep in mind a beautiful Scripture:
"By humility and the fear of the Lord, are riches, and honour, and life" (Proverbs
22:4). In connection with this the doctrines of separation and
nonconformity will have to be kindly but unceasingly re-enforced.
Probably one of the greatest challenges facing the church in
the days ahead will be the prospect of maintaining its distinction - i.e., that
of being "a peculiar people, zealous of good works" (Titus
2:14) - and of upholding godly standards in an age when moral and individual
behavioral standards are on a rapid decline. These idealistic precepts can
nearly become buried in today's hectic pace of life. Yet Scriptures strongly
exhort God-fearing people to live in simplicity -"a quiet and peaceable life in
all godliness and honesty" (1
Timothy 2:2).
Upholding godly standards may not win the approval of an
unbelieving world, but the believer's foremost obligation is to please God, not
man. Brethren must realize they cannot serve two masters, and they must
obediently order their lives, "Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the
people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season" (Hebrews
11:25). It is sobering to note that the Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy,
"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2
Timothy 3:12).
The church will be greatly edified by appropriate and regular
admonition and exhortation to strengthen among its members the truth of
Scriptures, where the church came from, what it stands for, the meaning of its
tradition, and where it is going. Teaching, as well as preaching, will become
more and more important within the church in the days ahead.
Another important aspect of church life will be its attitude
toward stewardship. In an age of abundance of material resources, the
church will need to be diligent in sharing its surpluses. Each individual
member's time and talent should be spent, not foolishly, but in ways that
"redeem the time" and build up and further the
kingdom of God. Also,
the church must never lose sight of its spiritual stewardship as stated in
1 Peter 4: 10: "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the
same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."
During the culminating stages of the twentieth century,
living for the Lord and fulfilling the demands of true Christian discipleship
will be difficult and will require all the resources
of devotion and discernment a believer can muster. Discipleship will require
resolve in not yielding to the ungodly trends of society. Similar to believers
in Galatia, they will do well to "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill
the lust of the flesh" (Galatians
5:16). The battle lines between good and evil will be clearly drawn, and it
will be up to the brethren to hold fast in order to make their "calling and
election sure" (2
Peter 1:10). If the Lord tarries, several ironies will exist as the
believer strives for righteousness on this "battlefield":
-
In a pluralistic society,
brethren will strive to be "perfectly joined together" (I
Corinthians 1:10) and to be likeminded (Romans
12:16). Amid the tumult of a society that features frenzied activity,
noise, and controversy, brethren will strive to hear "a still small voice" (I
Kings 19:12) and will "study to be quiet" (1
Thessalonians 4:11).
· In
a society that worships hedonism and self-gratification, brethren will strive to
practice self-denial and service to others.
· In
a highly diverse and highly populated society, brethren will strive to keep
themselves separated from ungodly influences and "unspotted from the world" (James
1:27).
· In
a society that fosters and promotes individualism and self-assertion, brethren
will strive to find comfort in humility, brotherhood, and deference.
· In
an era that disdains authority, brethren will strive to be yielded and obedient.
· In
an era of "live and let live," brethren will strive to show spiritual concern
for one another.
· In
an era of high living and outlandish consumption, brethren will strive to
exercise proper stewardship of personal resources.
· In
an era of almost rampant divorce and family breakdown, brethren will strive to
honor the concepts of fidelity and devotion within the framework of
Ephesians, Chapter 5.
· In
an era when many modern women feel "true" fulfillment is found in pursuing a
career in the work force, sisters in the Lord will strive to uphold the ideal
that a much deeper and satisfying feminine fulfillment is found by being a
keeper at home.
· In
an era when many modern women aggressively "demand" their rights, believers will
strive to honor the godly order as set forth in Ephesians 5:23 and
1 Corinthians 11:3.
· In
an era when society is almost totally preoccupied with earthly and temporal
matters, brethren, as pilgrims and strangers whose citizenship is in heaven,
will strive to set their affection on the things that are unseen and eternal.
· In
an era when religious pluralism sweeps the nation, brethren will strive to
appreciate and promote orthodoxy, both with respect to Scriptures and to
the church.
The bride of Christ and the world must not be mixed
together. The church will need to preserve its link to Scripture to its
forefathers, and to its tradition in order to maintain itself in the days ahead;
to accomplish all these things and more, the church will need an abundance of
God's grace and power and the "supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ" (Philippians
1:19).
The church will be strongest, however, when its main purpose
is to be about its Father's vineyard; doing the multitude of things God asks
will insure a vibrant and true church. The carrying out of the noble command of
preaching the gospel of salvation - repentance and conversion - will truly
enrich the congregations.
Members of the church will be greatly aided in their
spiritual endeavors if they can always remember the theme stated in
Hebrews
13:14, "For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come."
Moreover, brethren will have to be as "wise as serpents, and harmless as doves"
(Matthew
10:16).
Of great benefit to the church will be its efforts to
continue in its understanding of true Christian brotherhood - members submitting
one to another in the fear of God (Ephesians
5:21). Scriptures found in Saint
Matthew 18,
which outline how individuals and the church are to deal with erring and/or
drifting members, contribute greatly to the foundation of true brotherhood.
Likewise the teachings of
Romans 14,
instructing members of the church to have a concern for the conscience of their
weaker brethren, stand out as some of the most noble precepts of love and
brotherhood.
The result of devout and true discipleship is an eternal home
in heaven which is reserved for the true and faithful - an abode of perfect joy
and rest. Weary pilgrims, on hearing the trumpet of the Lord, will enter into
that beautiful land and discover that "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither
have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them
that love him" (1
Corinthians 2:9). An unknown author aptly described the tired and worn
pilgrim's glimpse of heaven in the song, "At Home, 'Tis Well!" (Zion's
Harp hymnal, No.
170, verse three):
At Home, 'tis well! There palms of peace
abounding
Are gently cooling us, hot from the strife;
O'er-come now are all pains of pilgrim life;
The cries of fear give way to psalms resounding.
Thus, any earthly sacrifice,
any acts of submission and self-denial, will be but a pittance when compared to
the treasures and comforts reserved in heaven.
The faith of our fathers is indeed "living still." Today, however, it
is not "in spite of dungeon, fire, and sword," but is exercised openly in a free
land with no hindrance from without. Among the many blessings enjoyed by the
Apostolic Christian Church is the tremendous opportunity to worship freely,
encouraged by a marvelous government that guarantees religious liberty. In view
of the past suppression that has hovered over Christianity, members of the
Apostolic Christian Church should humble themselves daily at the altar of God
offering thanksgiving for freedom of conscience.
* * * * *
Two verses seem to stand out regarding the conclusion of a church
history:
"He hath shown thee,
0 man, what is good; and what doth the Lord
require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with
thy God?"
Micah
6:8
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole
matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
"
Ecclesiastes 12:13
THE END
"Let brotherly love continue."
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