[283 words]
Conversion of the Members. The new birth consists of more than baptism. One has to be born of the Spirit and of the water. Those of us who have been baptized must have been led to believe in Jesus as the Son of God and the Lord of life. Conversion is in reality a matter of surrender of one’ life and commitment to Jesus as the Lord of ourselves.
Regular Attendance. Yes, it takes more than attendance to be a Christian, but there is no way one can be a Christian and develop the Christ-like life without worship and Bible study.
Sanctification. There must be a clear-cut distinction between Christians and the world. The meshing of the church with the world is one of the great problems facing twentieth century Christianity.
Liberality. The Lord’s people are learning more and more about sacrifice and generosity. For the first time in our history, churches are planning big things in the name of the Lord. Million dollar contributions are being given by single congregations. But, it is not the special contributions that will make the church benevolent, but weekly giving-as-prospered contributions that the church need to develop liberality.
Unity. Many congregations are marred by schism, faction, and disharmony. The church must believe the same thing and work for the same goals. Programs must be so challenging that they require the unity of all to succeed.
Informed Leadership. Leaders must be first of all committed to what the Bible says. Leaders also need to know how to lead and where to go. It is not so much “who’s getting to run the church?” as it is in seeking to give preeminence to God.
Gus Nichols (1892-1975)
via Coahoma church of Christ
Coahoma, TX