For any child of God who has been active in the Lord’s service for any length of time, we could site cases of people who “used to be.” They “used to be” a preacher, they “used to be” a teacher, they “used to be” in the choir, they “used to be” at church every time the doors were open. The examples of “used to be” people could continue almost endlessly.
In recent years, we have seen an increase of people who come and go before some of us have even come to know them. The Bible speaks of a falling away from many aspects and informs us that as we near the Second Coming of Christ there will be an increase of people “falling away”.
While we should not be surprised, we should still be concerned. Additionally, we should guard our own hearts so we don’t become part of the group spoken of by Christ in Matthew 24:12. “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”
Our utmost focus on Christ and His Word are two very crucial things which will enable us to remain active in His service, and although the Word of God should be motivation enough to remain faithful, the history of our Baptist forefathers also serves as an example.
The following is an excerpt from Baptist Succession, by D.B. Ray:
“One important object in pointing out our denominational history is to stimulate the zeal of modern Baptists by the heroic examples of our ancient brethren and sisters, who sealed their testimony with their blood, by showing that they suffered the loss of all things earthly for the same principles which distinguish us as a denomination. In other words, our principles have been handed down to us at the cost of the lives of millions of our brethren and sisters who loved the Church of Christ more than life itself. Like Abel, being dead, they yet speak to us of the glorious things concerning the kingdom of Christ, and still continue to bear witness against every form of Antichrist.”
Post Auhor: Sherri Schaefer Bagby
Tags: Accountibility, Baptists, Beliefs, Bible, Christianity, Church Growth, Church Planters, Doctrine, Eternal Life, Expository Preaching, Faith, Family, Family Values, God, Godly Faithfulness, Landmark Baptists, Godly Responsibility, God’s Word, Pastors, Pastor’s Wives, Preachers, Religion, Scripture, Separation, The Cross, The Cross of Christ, Theology, Worship