Editor’s Note: This is the fourth in a series of planned articles regarding the growth of the local church wherever you might assemble. They are written with the prayerful desire that they generate serious thought within each member regarding his/her responsibility toward the numerical and, more importantly, SPIRITUAL growth of the local church.
How Are We Growing?
Part Four: Reasoning Together
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” (Isaiah 1: 18 – 20)
Israel displeased God by their departure from His word. The reading of Isaiah 1 saddens the student who realizes God had dealt with Israel as a loving father raises his children, but the children rebelled. As Isaiah says, “Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.” What a horrible commentary on the souls of God’s children; souls who had been given everything they needed to succeed and yet rejected it in favor of their fleshly delights (1 John 2: 15 – 17). Had not a remnant been left, i.e., a small number of faithful souls, the nation of Israel would have perished (Isaiah 1: 9). Dear reader, might this happen to the Lord’s church where you are? (Romans 15:4)
To remedy this situation, God said, “Come now, and let us reason together.” (Isaiah 1:18) God was willing to forgive. If they obeyed, they would be blessed. If they disobeyed, they would be devoured. God does not lie! (ibid.) Students know Israel continued their rebellious ways before God, and by the time Jesus began to fulfill the prophecies of His coming to establish His kingdom, Israel had made the word of God of no effect by their customs (Mark 7:13). Still, had they come together to reason with God, learn His truth, and obey Him, imagine what greatness Israel would have been, and what punishments they would have avoided!
Brethren, these things are recorded so we Christians might learn from the examples and not repeat the sins of Israel (Romans 15:4). Yet, in today’s world, we see traditions of men overruling the commandments of God! Instead of assembling for worship as frequently as we once did (Hebrews 10:25), we see the disbanding of worship services on Lord’s Day evenings, and even mid-week bible studies. Instead of gospel meetings where edification is paramount, we see scheduled events of entertainment enticing the minds of our members. When do we come together to reason with God? How do we justify less being more when we read Hebrews 10:25? Do we not fear the judgment of God? (Hebrews 10: 26 - 30)
Bible studies are the most effective way of learning God’s word. 2 Timothy 2:15 is not the only time we find study as a commandment. Consider the following as well: 1 Timothy 4:13 – 16; Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 3:4; 2 Corinthians 4:16; Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:1; 6; 2 Corinthians 5:7. These and other passages show the necessity of study and learning. Now, consider the benefit of our assembling for study! Is this not our means of reasoning together with God?
For congregations to grow in nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4; 2 Peter 3:18; et al), bible study is the key element. It permits God’s children to learn, and it shows the community in which the Lord’s church meets that learning what we must do to be saved, and to stay saved, is of unsurpassed importance to us! Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11: 28 – 20, emp. mjd) How can we obey this commandment and willingly negate the opportunities of assembling to reason with God?
While the LAW of the Old Testament is gone (Hebrews 10:1-10), the examples are not! Read Isaiah 1 again, and reason of how God still wishes to bless His children with eternal prosperity!