Online Articles
Making Good Use of the Tools Provided
As Christians, we should desire to spread the gospel and grow spiritually. After all, that is how we “Rise Up and Build”. But what tools do we have to accomplish this task? And how do we utilize them to best spread the “Good News” of Jesus Christ, while also enhancing our own relationship with God? We all know about communication technologies such as FaceBook, YouTube, Instagram, Zoom, Twitter, etc., which are good resources, but the real tools available to us are more than these. Our desire should be to pursue the following.
A Desire to Study the Bible – What better tool than this? Continually studying the Word of God strengthens our faith and commitment while also arming us with what we need to convert others. II Timothy 2: 15 says, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”. The writer goes on to say in II Timothy 3: 16-17 that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Studying God’s Word strengthens our faith while also putting ourselves in a position to spread the Gospel to others.
A Desire to Pray – James 5: 16 says, “…the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” Communicating with our Father is critical to our spiritual health while also providing a means to intercede on the behalf of others. Many individuals need our prayers such as those with physical ailments, going through difficult situations in their life, suffering spiritually, and even those who live in sin. Philippians 4: 6-7 reminds us to “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” To address our Lord and Savior on such a personal level knowing that He hears us is a powerful tool indeed.
A Desire to Support One Another – “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (I Peter 2: 9). What a magnificent resource to strengthen our faith and reach out to others for support! Members of our congregation are at our side in times of need and also provide reinforcement when it comes to evangelism efforts. Ecclesiastes 4: 10-12 expounds on this saying, “For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Our brethren are a significant part of our Christian lives. Being there for each other, whatever the need might be, is a significant tool for all Christians.
A Desire to Worship – This past year was a challenge when it came to worshiping together as one congregation. The pandemic forced us to look at alternatives, and we persevered well. “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4: 23-24). Our Father seeks our worship and the Southside congregation, under the leadership of the elders, were provided the tools to continue worshiping our Lord. And how wonderful it was when we were finally once again together as one body to sing praises, study God’s Word, partake of the Lord’s Supper, and worship Him in spirit and truth!
A Desire to Give – Paul commanded the brethren to lay by in store on the first day of the week in I Corinthians 16, and the Southside church is blessed with individuals who willingly give to the work of this congregation. While supporting two preachers here at Southside, we also support twenty-five evangelists around the world. And frequently our members have been called upon to provide funds for Christians in need at Southside and at other congregations as well. Jesus said in Matthew Chapter 6, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Our desire to give leads to treasures in heaven which is the most important reward of all.
We should all have a desire to make good use of the resources provided to us in order to attain our salvation and spread the Gospel to others. As faithful servants we must pursue every opportunity to use the tools God has given us to “Rise up and Build”!
