by Hardeman Nichols

When a congregation is established according to the divine pattern of the New Testament, it is composed of elements of perfection and imperfection. Since it is a divine institution, it deserves respect and appreciation. Everything that such a church is and does, as authorized by God, is divine. God’s part is perfect. He has designed a perfect plan of salvation and a perfect system of worship (2 Timothy 3:16,17). The Bible is its only guide, is "the perfect law of liberty" (James 1:25). The church has a perfect Savior who holds before us his perfect goal for our life, saying, "Follow Me" (Matthew 16:24).

But here is the paradox. Man is not perfect, nor does he perfectly follow the Lord. The human element in the church is as imperfect as its members. The church would have been an imperfect institution if it had been designed only for perfect people. It would have no members at all, "For there is not a just man upon the earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not" (Ecclesiastes 7:20, KJV).

Its perfection is retained by the way it deals with our imperfections. It does not overlook sin but believes the grace of God is perfect in dealing with it. And it must distinguish between the penitent and rebellious, between the humble weak and willful reprobate. God now "commandeth all men everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30). The church believes that Christ promises pardon for all imperfect beings who, in godly sorrow for their sins, penitently seek mercy and forgiveness. His invitation is to imperfect men. When one repents and is baptized, Jesus forgives his sins and adds him to his church (Acts 2:38,47).

The church offers strength to help us in our weaknesses, courage when we are faint-hearted, comfort when we are sad, and "joy unspeakable and full of glory" (1 Peter 1:8), along the way. Its call is to all men to come and be saved. Its God-ordained teachings and services restore lost humanity back to God. Thanks be unto God for his perfect church and its wondrous benefits to imperfect men.

Thanks to The Voice of Truth International, Vol 3, page 54.

O God, you are the magnifier of joys and the muter of sadness. Every day you give us reason to exult in your goodness, countless motives for gladness. Principal among them is the cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, by which we have salvation, the redemption of our souls, reconciliation with you, and fellowship with your Name.

Then why, Father, do we mope and weep when trials come? Why the wailing when afflictions assail us? Why the sadness and depression when persecuted because of righteousness' sake?

The self still lurks beneath the skin. So today, Lord, we put to death the flesh, in order to rejoice without ceasing, regardless of our circumstances, independently of our surroundings. For within us abides your Holy Spirit and the word of your Son Jesus Christ, who rejoiced evermore as a man, and now much more at your right side. Amen.