It is so easy and common to criticize others and assign reasons for lack of progress in spiritual matters to someone other than ourselves. We tend to do the same concerning the society in which we live and its problems. Surely it is someone else’s fault that things are in the mess they are, as can be observed on all sides! We need to be aroused to the realization that each one is personally responsible and is a contributing factor for good or ill in both relationships of life (Romans 14:12; Romans 2:6-11; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11; Matthew 5:13-16; Romans 12:1-2; Romans 13:1-7)).

It is true that judgment is and will be finally only of the individual. “So then, every one of us shall give an account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:12). Some folks seemingly base their hope of eternal life with Jesus on what the collective or the local church is doing. While I do have fellowship in everything that the collective does, due to the fact that I am a member of a local congregation, (Philippians 4:15-16), this does not mean that all I do is to be done through the collective. The local church will not be judged come that day, Only the individual Christian. (Revelation 20:12-15; Eccl. 12:13-14)

What I have, or have not done, as a part of that collective is important to my spiritual well being. This is what Paul means by such statements as found in the Ephesian letter. “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:16). See also (1 Thessalonians 5:11-22; 1 Corinthians 12:14-27).

The only organization known to the religion of Christ is the local congregation and my individual judgement (in part at least) will be based on my relationship to, and my work as a part of that body (Philippians 1:1-2; Acts 20:17-32; Acts 14:23; 1 Peter 5:1-5). Truth  always lies  between two extremes of error. Some would make everything only individual. The other extreme is that of throwing money into the local treasury and attempting to do all of my work of preaching teaching and benevolence through the local church. The latter idea is what led to the institutionalism of our day. This way people don’t have to become personally involved in such activity, they can pay someone else to do it and still say, “look what we are doing!” Brethren, it will not work with God.

 He wants you and me personally involved in some things. When I have done, along with the collective, that which I am responsible to do, there are those daily activities of my life as a Christian that I must do which show my attachment and submission to my Lord Jesus Christ. Paul says it this way; “And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of inheritance: for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24). This means on the job, in school, at play, in the home in the local congregation, etc., etc., what I do, I do to please Christ, and not men. It is Christ to whom I must answer one day (Acts 17:30-31; John 5:22-27; 2 Corinthians 5:10). See also (James 2:14-26; James 1:27; Galatians 6:10).

“The worship isn’t as exciting (emotionally satisfying) as it should be.” It seems from what I sometimes hear out of the mouths of some brethren, that they come to the assemblies to be entertained, not to participate in, and add something to the overall atmosphere and to the edification of others, as well as being edified themselves! Some Christians actually tire of what they sometimes put down as the same old boring  “two songs, a prayer, a song and the sermon.” What would happen it we had more songs, more prayers, a longer or a shorter sermon for an extended period of time? That too would become boring to some. Brethren, we are ripe for unscriptural innovations when the simplicity of New Testament worship as authorized by Christ becomes boring to us!

“The Lord’s Supper doesn’t move me as it should.” What do you suggest be done that would  “move  you  more?”  Denominationalist  say the weekly observance causes it to become common place and uninteresting. They have opted to “observe it less frequently.” Shall we follow their unscriptural lead? Shall we do as some of our “liberal brethren” have begun to do, have the audience hum softly during communion? How about dimming the lights or installing a lighted cross that we can lower before the audience as they (we) reflect on the crucifixion of our Lord? Even if such could be “justified” and was scriptural and expedient, how long would it be before those having trouble worshiping “in spirit and in truth” became dissatisfied with  those procedures? We would continually be looking for some more exciting gimmick to assist us in doing what we are commanded to do already, worship “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). Truth of course demands that there be authority for every practice (Colossians 3:17;  2 John 9-10).

As I have said repeatedly, “there are no externals that we may employ that will work  for  everyone.” We sing a song designed to call our attention to the purpose for which we gather around the Lord’s  table.  Do you think this automatically causes every person to partake in a worthily manner? It boils down to this; each individual is to prepare  his or her own mind to obey this commandment in keeping with the Lord’s instructions, and no amount of externals will serve that purpose. Paul wrote “...let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthily manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.” (1 Corinthians 11:28-29).

There is nothing wrong with doing whatever doesn’t violate  another scriptural principle  that we believe will be conductive to a more  spiritual atmosphere, such as the song we sing designed with this in mind. Still, ultimately, each of us must do what it takes within us  to “enjoy” our  worship activities.

“I don’t get much out of the sermons. I think we need more sermons that are positive and make us feel better about ourselves. I get tired of hearing about the errors of other religious bodies etc.”  Preachers  are always desirous of presenting the kinds of lessons that will encourage us to greater faithfulness in the work of the Lord, sermons that edify the membership. However, it is impossible to obey the Lord and “declare the whole council of the Lord” and always be positive and never negative! We are commanded to “reprove, rebuke, and exhort..” (2 Timothy 4:1-2).

 It is interesting to listen to the comments of the membership after one has “preached Christ.” When one as a preacher  feels a great burden to preach on a certain topic that may be troubling the brotherhood, only  to hear a member say something like “Do you really  think  we  need  that  here?” One man said of  a series of sermons I preached on the evils of a Christian being a Free Mason:  “Ken, you wasted your time with those sermons. I looked around in the audience and it seemed to me that folks were bored with  those lessons.”  It so happened that there were some in that audience  who were deeply impressed with the information he learned from that series and told me so. What one gets out of a particular sermon has a lot to do with one’s attitude toward truth, one's love of  the same as well as ones hatred of error. David said: ”Through Thy precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.” (Psalm 119:104)

 An interesting phenomenon to me has always been the fact that often when I personally feel that a particular sermon just  “didn’t  preach  well,”  that is the one that a number of folks will think was the best sermon I have preached for some time! Conversely, when I feel I have really done well  presenting what I wanted to get across to an audience, few comments of any kind are made about the lesson. This leaves one feeling he must have “failed” that time! If a preacher becomes too sensitive to the comments made at the back of the building after each sermon, one of two things will happen. He will become swelled up with pride over the many good comments, or be so discouraged from the negative comments  he can hardly continue on.

 I have often said that I am pleased when folks are pleased with my efforts; but I am more concerned that the Lord is pleased. When folks are pleased with what pleases the Lord, that’s great! When folks are displeased with preaching that pleases the Lord, then I am sad about that, but I am more concerned with pleasing the Lord than I am the brethren, and so the brethren will just have to be displeased.  I pray that this will always be my resolve and attitude about the work of an evangelist (2 Timothy 4:5; Jude 3; 2 Timothy 4:1-4; Galatians 1:10-11; 1 Corinthians 4:6).

Brethren, if you have a preacher who has the “guts” to “preach the whole council of God”(Acts 20:26-27, 32), by all means do not discourage him! You are fortunate to have such a man, and you should make every effort to encourage him in his work!

“We aren’t reaching folks in this community for Christ. The church isn’t growing.” We must find someone to blame for this. It couldn’t  be me, now could it? Usually the blame for lack of “success” in this field falls in the lap of the local evangelist. “Look at the salary this guy gets and we haven’t had that many baptisms since he came here.” It could be that the preacher is literally working himself  to a frazzle, but like the football or basketball coach he must show results. We must have a “winning season” or he must go.  Even if he  isn’t asked  to resign, he is supposed to spare the congregation the problems that asking him to leave would bring,  and  “move on for the good of the cause.”

My question is, “What  are  you doing?” How many Bible classes are you conducting?  How many pieces of religious literature do  you hand out each week? How many folks do you invite to services each week? Do you call others and tell them of our activities here? Do you hand out brochures to inform others of our weekly efforts?  One  thing has always troubled me about this matter. The folks who know best what ought to be preached,  how best  to do  personal  work etc. etc. etc., don’t seem to have a list of converts to their credit, nor even a prospect  list  of folks  they  are  praying  for and  hoping  to attempt  to convert to Christ.

 Wouldn’t you think they would be setting the pace for the rest of us who would like to be “successful” in these matters, since they know so much about it? I think that is the only logical conclusion  to which one may come. I am as serious as a heart attack! I am open to any and all information that will be more likely to assure me “success in my work” of  preaching  and teaching.  Frankly  I  resent the fellow who has never  brought that first soul to Christ, who wouldn’t  preach a sermon or  teach a class if  authorized  or asked , being  a constant critic of those of us who are in the midst of the battle daily doing the very best we know how!

I have dedicated 42+ happy years in “doing  the work of an evangelist  and  enduring afflictions” (2 Timothy 4:5), and with the Lord’s help, continued support and prayers of my brethren,  I intend to give the rest of my years  happily  to  said work. I dearly love my brethren in Christ and the work I have chosen to do. I feel greatly blessed to be used to the extent that I have been over  the years. It would be greater however if only more brethren could be  properly  educated  in these matters of which I write more accurately than some are. It would enhance our work, lead to greater productivity, and redound to the glory of Him who loved and died for us all.

No one can judge  another  person’s stewardship in service to the Lord. Paul wrote “..to his own master he stands or falls” (Romans 14:4a). How much I study my Bible, how much time I spend in prayer, how many sick I visit, how much time I give in attempting to restore the erring to the faith  or lead folks to Christ, is an individual matter mainly between the Lord Jesus and me (Galatians 6:1-2; James 5:19-21).

Christ knows the whole story and He is the one to whom I must answer (Romans 14:12), He is the only one who can judge  my  stewardship (2 Corinthians 5:10-11; 1 Corinthians 10:12-13).  Am I  pleasing  Christ? Are you? These are question each of  us  need  to  ask  and  answer  as honestly as we  know how.