Fulfilling His Word

Dear Brethren,

What should we be doing now in order to fulfill the word of God?  Why has God called you and me at this time?  Life seems so short while the universe seems so vast – what is its purpose?  Does all creation fit into the plan of God?  In the Psalms we read an interesting account of how all of creation has a purpose in fulfilling the word of God.  Psalm 148 speaks of all things fulfilling His word – the wind, the hail, the angels, the sun, the moon, the stars – all praising the name of the Lord.  All creation is for the purpose of bringing praise, honor, and glory to God.

As much freedom to practice our religion that we have in this country and as much doctrinal truth as we have received throughout the years, there remains a dark pall cast over the Church of God.  That ugly blotch is the divided state of the brethren who are separated by groups that do not seek a unity of fellowship.  God is not pleased with the condition of His Church today.  Among the important questions that we need to ask ourselves are, “Am I fulfilling God's word?” (Psalm 148:8)  “Am I a part of helping to bring unity to the Body of Christ, or am I a part of the division in the Church?”  And, “Do my actions praise the name of the Lord”?  (Psalm 148:13)

We find a definition of fulfilling His word in Paul's letter to the Colossians.  "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;  [What is it that God expects of each person?]  That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; …  For it pleased the Father that in Him [Jesus Christ] should all fullness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself [God the Father]; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven."  (Colossians 1:9-10, 19-20)  [Christ’s death made it possible for all things to be brought into the proper unity and accord with God the Father]

More than the wind, the angels, and the created universe, we the people of God are to be bringing praise, honor, glory to God's name.  The important question becomes, "Are you fulfilling His Word?"  Many young people are frustrated with the divided nature of the Church of God today.  They see their friends – with the same beliefs – separated from them by an invisible wall of division.  They ask themselves – "Is this God’s doing or man’s?"  And, "Is there a place that we can enjoy fellowship without boundaries?"  One young member asked the question, "Is it right for the minister to kick me out of Spokesman Club for fellowshipping with another group of true brethren?"  Jesus said, “They shall put you out of the synagogues [Church assemblies] (John 16:2)  Another member asks, "Why won't our headquarters allow baptized members to observe Passover together?"  This is what we are faced with in the Church of God today.

How can brothers and sisters in Christ best fulfill the word of God in the face of church organizations that refuse to work together?  There are sincere brethren – willing to make every sacrifice – who ask themselves, “How do I best have a relationship and connection to God – doing what He would have me to do?” “I know that God directs my life, so what does God expect of me?  Young people in the Church of God recognize that the division between groups is not right, and they would like to make a difference and bring about a solution.  Just like the scripture says, “fulfilling His word” by helping to accomplish His purpose.

What does the near future hold for the scattered brethren?  Will all the church groups and organizations continue to divide and splinter until it becomes obvious to all that God does not favor one corporation over the other?  One thing is for sure, Jesus said that His church would exist throughout the ages (Mat 16:18).  The ministry who are primarily responsible for the divisive nature of the church today are aging and will not be around much longer.  The younger brethren cannot fathom what the unbiblical partitions are all about because there is no justification for them.  Already, young brethren are crossing the boundaries that have no basis for their existence.

Wouldn't it be great if we could all bury the old hatchet and come together in unity?  What if?  What if the young people looked past the walls of separation and began to work toward that day when all the brethren could be together?  Yes, it will happen when Christ returns (Ezekiel 34:13-16), but it could also happen before.  Be courageous and begin to prepare for a great Passover for all the brethren like in Josiah’s day.

That day may may not come – but if it does and you are unprepared – where will you be?  There is no reason that we can’t have a Great Passover – just as Josiah did.  “Surely there was not holden such a Passover from the days of the judges that judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel, nor of the kings of Judah.”  (2 Kings 23:22)

Let’s understand these essential truths.  Our relationship is with God, through Jesus Christ, our intermediary – not through a man, a Pastor, nor a king.  And, not through organizations,  groups, structures or personalities (1 Timothy 2:5).  Jesus is not divided (1 Corinthians 1:13).  Christ cannot be divided.  As Jesus looks down from His heavenly throne, He sees His One Church (1 Corinthians 12:13, Ephesians 4:4).  There can be no barriers of separation between like-minded brethren.

Begin to prepare for the future.  Study the old Correspondence Courses to obtain a rock-solid foundation in the Scriptures.  They contain a wealth of knowledge – and compare notes with one another so that you are not like those who are “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  (2 Timothy 3:7)  Like many early Christians who died for their faith, are you willing in these last days to face poverty, persecution, prison and even martyrdom for the sake of His Word? (John 16:2-3)  “Consider Him [Jesus Christ] that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”  (Hebrews 12:3)  Are you willing to follow Christ's example and lay your life down for others – as Jesus did for you?  Will you be able – in faith – to trust in God’s word?

Jesus Christ has not delayed His return, but He is allowing a last calling of laborers to come into His vineyard (Mat 20).  The Scriptures show that they will surely receive a full reward.  As we countdown to the return of Jesus Christ, we see another chapter of Church history being written.  Psalm 148 speaks of those forces of nature and beyond that are fulfilling God’s word and bringing praise to the name of the Lord.  His true people will also be the ones who are fulfilling His word by doing all they can to heal the breach in the Body of Christ – His Church.

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Sermon:  "Fulfilling His Word"      


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