How strange to contemplate that twelve faithful men in the first century formed the nucleus of the most successful stab at world evangelism the Lord's people ever engaged in. "Their sound went out into all the world...all creation heard. They went everywhere preaching the Word."
It is not wrong to use every energy and avenue of Scriptural endeavor to extend the truth but when we think the plan of God, the One who rules in the kingdoms of men (Dan. 4:25) needs help from our schemes and fancies we are sadly mistaken (Acts 7:48-50).
The church purchased with divine blood (Acts 20:28) is fully capable to discharge every obligation incumbent upon it and to meet every opportunity of Scriptural expression confidently. Whether in the fields of benevolence, evangelism, or edification, the Lord's church, at work, can always get the job done (Acts 6; 1 Tim. 3:15; 2 Pet. 3:18). Christ equipped this allsufficient organism with the power and plan to train its own preachers, care for its own impoverished, and strengthen its membership spiritually (2 Tim. 2:2; 1 John 3:17; Acts 20:32).
The most unique feature of Christianity is its all-sufficiency in things pertaining to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). The cause of our Lord needs no bolstering from the projects and promotional agencies of men. The gospel of Jesus Christ can stand on its own merits as the one and only message of redemption (Rom. 1:16). The Holy Scriptures truly supply us with the complete revelation of all that mankind needs for time and eternity (2 Tim. 3:16-17). The system of faith, once delivered, shall never need replacement or repair (Jude 3). Therefore, the sectarian notions of "still, small voices", "direct operation of the Holy Spirit", "an inner light" or superior philosophies are, at best, redundant, superfluous, and vain. Factually, however, they are anti-Biblical (2 John 9).
This brief introductory material ought to be well-known by anyone espousing the religion of the Son of God. Perhaps we have taken for granted that such foundation stones were solidly laid in the hearts of all brethren. It is exceedingly clear, as one reads the New Testament, that God's power does not rely upon our creative minds. We are made clean by His word (John 15:3; 1 Pet. 1:22), not by our wisdom.
In the eternal mind of our Creator was embraced the glorious church of our Lord (Eph. 3:9-11). Once established it was destined to manifest unto the powers in heavenly places the everlasting purpose of God. This being true, surely the church can let all earthly beings know the will of the Father. May God help us to be content with the perfection of His plan. We do not need that echo of the past; in "Give us a king that we may be like the nations round about us."
One step away from the all-sufficiency of Christ, the church, and the Word can remove us from the ancient landmarks that adorn the old paths of God's highway of holiness. Fellowship in the church of the Lord is based upon allegiance to Truth, not loyalty to men and their programs.
In closing, let us notice an awesome parallel. Centuries before Roman Catholicism existed, God ordained marriage as a divine institution. It is therefore the height of ridiculous fancy for popery to infer that no one is really married unless Romanism sanctions it. Also, centuries before our projects, schools, and papers began Christ and the apostles established another divine organism, the church. Can we seriously suggest the church will fail without our wisdom? No congregation belonging to the Savior need ever feel dependent upon secular enterprises.
Let us preach the Word, live the Christian life, and give God the glory (1 Cor. 10:31).