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It is good from time to time to do some introspection and see where we are in life. Sometimes we do not like what we find and then make efforts to get “back to the basics.” This is something that we should do periodically as a church, as well. A congregation can get so caught up in modern trends that it strays away from what God wants it to be doing. So a check of the basics is in always order. I call it “The ABC’s” of What God Wants the Church to Always Be Doing”:
Adoring God – Glory to God is to be given by the church (Eph. 3:21). The church is to properly praise and glorify God in everything she does. This means that we need to make sure our primary focus is obeying God’s Word. We also need to make sure that our worship is proper and heartfelt (John 4:24). “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” (Heb. 13:15).
Building Up The Saints – The biblical term used for building up another is edification. One of the major works of the church is edification (Eph. 4:12,16). It is so important that we demonstrate our love, help, compassion, and encouragement to one another (1 Thess. 5:11-15). “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another” (Rom. 14:19).
Creating Disciples – It was Jesus’ desire that the apostles, and all that follow them, be about the business of converting people to Him (Matt. 28:18-20). This involves teaching the basics and training for future service. The early Christians took this command very seriously (Acts 8:4; 2 Tim. 2:2). We need to consider this as one of the most important duties of this church. “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ” (Acts 5:42).
At the end of the children’s song about the ABC’s, this is usually heard, “Now I know my ABCs, next time won’t you sing with me?” Making sure we are always doing the basics in the church, we can then sing to others: “Now I know my ABCs, won’t you come and work with me?”
Edd Sterchi
Campbellsville, KY