World developments in the past year alert us that this may be it!
1989 saw tremendous and totally unexpected changes in Europe. Now we see equally dramatic events in the Middle East. Whoever would have expected that so Western armies would be so quickly massed again in Arab lands, the site of ancient Sheba and Dedan? Who could have conceived that the king of the north would actually assist the king of the south and the merchants of Tarshish to assemble in the region?
Whatever happens, tomorrow’s events will have long-term impact. If Iraq’s military power is broken, Israel will be much closer to dwelling safely, without bars and gates. If Iraq wins, she will have the West by the throat as she will control the world’s greatest repositories of oil. If there is a stalemate, western troops will remain in an area where Christadelphians have long expected they would be a major force.
Hopefully, what will happen now is that our Lord will return, our probation will be over and the glorious liberty of the children of God will be fully experienced. As a community of North American ecclesias, has 1990 brought greater awareness and readiness?
Ecclesial growth
During the year, based on reports to the “Tidings,” there has been a net growth in our community of 56 persons. Four new ecclesias have been formed and there have been two mergers of neighboring ecclesias into one stronger lightstand. Two new Bible schools were started up.
By way of comparison, during the “80’s,” average net growth of North American ecclesias was 43 per year. In 1990, according to ecclesial news in “The Christadelphian,” ecclesias in the UK experienced a net decline of 73, and those reporting to the “Ecclesial Calendar” published by the “Logos” experienced a net increase of 115.
From broad empirical data, we thus seem to be moving forward at a reasonable pace.
But what about quality?
On a year-to-year basis, that is hard to evaluate. Furthermore, “it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment…judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come…” (I Cor. 4:3-5). Because we can easily rationalize sin or be too critical of our brethren, we must leave judgment to the Lord.
The difficulty of our making accurate judgments in this regard is illustrated by what others write. One who has traveled widely this past year in the ecclesial world mourns the spread of apathy. Another, who has equally broad exposure, speaks of increased opportunity and growing vigor in many areas. The difference probably comes from the emphasis of one upon older ecclesial areas while the other is looking to the opening doors in the mission field.
From our own perspective, looking back over 35 years in North American ecclesias, it would be hard to ignore the growth that has occurred in many ways.
In 1960, there was one ecclesia in Texas and a few families scattered in isolation. Now there are seven ecclesias, a Bible school and several weekend fraternal’s. In Ontario, there were eight ecclesias in 1960, now there are 20. There are two Bible schools, a children’s camp and youth conference where 30 years ago none of these existed. In the Detroit-Toledo area, in 1960, one ecclesia existed and it felt itself slipping into spiritual doldrums. Now four ecclesias are supplemented by a vigorous youth program which provides instruction and fellowship for 150 youngsters.
Similar facts could no doubt be cited for other areas. In the east, there are now two Bible schools instead of one; and in the west, one Bible school has grown to six indicating where brethren and sisters want to spend part of their vacations.
In the face of such evidence, we would be hard-pressed to claim our community was in a state of apathy and decay. Yet how deeply does the Truth penetrate into our daily lives?
A troubling question
Recently, a visiting brother, who has devoted much time to the Christadelphian Bible Mission, casually asked how involved our North American retired brethren and sisters were in the mission work. He went on to note how retirees in the UK ecclesias were indispensable to CBM activities in Africa, the Caribbean, Europe and India. True, not many of them relocated permanently to such places, but they regularly made extended trips to visit contacts and strengthen new ecclesias.
How would you have answered the question?
Small and overseas ecclesias greatly appreciate visits, especially from those mature in the Truth. As a community, are we viewing our retirement as an opportunity to perform ecclesial service or are we viewing it as a time to cease from every form of labor and devote more time to ourselves?
Potential for decadence
There is another area where we need to ask ourselves some hard questions. What about immorality?
We face a real danger that is not unique to our day. The epistles of Peter, John and Jude pound away at those who rationalize immoral conduct. God has made His will perfectly clear in this area. Adultery, fornication, lasciviousness, etc., are the works of the flesh and those who practice such things or enjoy them vicariously will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Yet it is not unusual to hear of brethren, sisters and young people viewing R-rated movies whether in a theater or on the video at home.
What goes into our mind obviously affects our private thoughts and will surely show up in our private conduct. Let us not become veneer Christadelphians, trying to substitute head knowledge and a surface appearance of discipleship for true holiness.
Meaningful growth
In 1991, let us make sure our growth is not just skin deep. In every aspect of our lives may we seek to emulate the holiness of the Lord and be changed into the likeness of his image, developing in our minds and hearts characters that will truly reflect his glory when he comes.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One