Vol. VII No. 6 March 30, 2008

The Lord’s People

Written by Christopher Mentzer

In Acts 11: 26 Luke writes, “…And it came to pass, that even for a whole year they were gathered together with the church, and taught much people, and that the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” The Christians were God’s people and this angered the Jews, as they were once God’s chosen. But through much frivolity and pagan worship, God divorced Judah (Jer. 3: 8) and waited to marry His new bride, the church.

In our last article we looked at what qualified to be called The Lord’s Church. It’s not the building itself but the people that make up the congregation. In this article we will look at the people themselves and what makes them belong unto the Lord.

First and foremost, The Lord’s People do the will of the Father (Matt. 7: 21). It’s by following God’s commands that are in the scriptures and doing ONLY that which he wants us to do. Jesus said, “If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments.” (Jn. 14: 15) And again in verse 21, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him.”

Secondly, The Lord’s people attend worship service as often as possible (including evening services, and gospel meetings) “24. and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; 25. not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting `one another'; and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh.” God understands if you work on a Sunday during one of the services, it’s more of an issue when one chooses to stay at home and do nothing than to attend.

Next, they give of their own and do so cheerfully. Of this, they first give themselves. Paul writes in 2 Cor. 8: 5, “but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God.” This means not only did they show up to services, but also participated in the worship. Whether they lead songs, prayer, helped on the Lord’s table or followed in their bibles during the sermon, the Lord’s people are not audience members. Second they gave of their means as they prospered. Again Paul writes, “Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.” (1 Cor. 16:2) And finally they happily do so: “`Let' each man `do' according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9: 7)

Fourth, The Lord’s people continue steadfastly in the teachings. (Acts 2: 42) Besides attending service they will study the scriptures on a regular, if not daily basis. Not just to read the bible but also to obtain an understanding of what the scriptures say. Paul writes, “how that by revelation was made known unto me the mystery, as I wrote before in few words, 4. whereby, when ye read, ye can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ; 5. which in other generation was not made known unto the sons of men, as it hath now been revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit” (Eph. 3: 3-5)

Lastly, The Lord’s people look out for one another. We have what is called the ‘Buddy System’ in the church. As Jesus sent out his disciples in pairs during the limited commission, brethren have each other to guide them in the truth and protect them from sin. Jesus said in John 15: 13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” And the apostle James writes, “19. My brethren, if any among you err from the truth, and one convert him; 20. let him know, that he who converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins.”

There are many other facets to The Lord’s People, but those listed here are enough to give you an idea. Most people who call themselves Christians will agree with the list and yet they don’t completely follow the first example. Make sure your life is in accordance with the scriptures. Paul writes in 2 Cor. 5: 10, “For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things `done' in the body, according to what he hath done, whether `it be' good or bad.”