BNc Commentary
by John T. Polk II
Paul said: “But as you abound in everything –- in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us –- see that you abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:7-9 NKJV).
The churches of Christ are noted for standing for the faith, speaking the truth in love, and loving Jesus Christ. But while the Neo-Sectarians among us are carving the brotherhood apart and stabbing brethren in the back at a distance, the boo-birds have decried how the churches of Christ aren’t doing anything and don’t know how to love one another.
“Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: “That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged” (Romans 3:4).
The reports of the death of the churches of Christ are greatly exaggerated, and simply not true!
- The Park Avenue church of Christ, Memphis, Tenn., has sent $600,000 to be used in Senai, Japan, to aid the victims of the tsunami;
- Christians (used in the scriptural sense!) have sent many thousands of dollars, and hundreds of volunteers, to come to the assistance of tornado victims in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia;
- Churches of Christ Disaster Relief, Nashville, Tenn., has sent a steady stream of 18-wheeler truckloads of immediately-needed food and cleaning supplies all over the U.S., including Joplin, Mo., Big Rock, Tenn., and many other places where there has been flooding or tornado damage, to be distributed by the local churches of Christ.
Indeed, God has given the churches of Christ ample opportunities to come to the side of hurting souls — and we have come!
I do not know of a time in past decades when I was more impressed with the loving response of my brethren in Jesus Christ.
With prices, jobs, and other hindrances like they are, we are showing that not only have we been promoting the truth of the gospel of Christ, we have also been keenly aware that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ upon us will be seen by those who are looking for the hand of God upon them.
We can’t do miracles, but as the body of Christ, we are showing our good works as a light and pointing all glory to our wonderful God!
Now, as never before, let us preach the Word, that those who obey the Gospel will be added to the churches of Christ.
John T. Polk II has been a gospel preacher for 47 years and presently ministers with the Dover, Tenn., church.
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