An all-round ministry by CH Spurgeon (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence Chapter 4 by reading up to the paragraph beginning 'These are the mischiefs. Now for the Remedy'.
Today we only look at what the evils are - next week we will see the remedy.
Spurgeon tells us that the evils of the age are:
(i) the return of superstition/ritualism;
(ii) abounding unbelief;
(iii) a spirit of disintegration;
(iv) the growth of wickedness in the land.
A great comment was given on those who think they are too good a Christian to attend a local church: 'Years ago, when a man was converted, he used, as a matter of course, to unite with that church with which he most nearly agreed, and work for the Lord in connection with it; but now, a brother does not like to go to the place where most of the Christians in the town or village assemble, but he prefers to hold a meeting in his own room, in order to show that he dislikes sectarianism, and believes in Christian unity. Not caring to work with any recognized organization, because it is denominational, he feels bound to form a little denomination of his own. We would not, in an angry spirit, forbid these brethren because they follow not with us; but we cannot conceal the fact that, by thus working alone, they are injuring themselves, weakening our churches, and robbing us of those who ought to be our most efficient helpers. I fear that some are bitten with the notion that work outside the church is more useful than regular efforts; but a little experience will, I hope, teach many of them better. Christian labors, disconnected from the church, are like sowing and reaping without having any barn in which to store the fruits of the harvest; they are useful, but incomplete.'
Those who work outside the local church may be working well enough, but they would be far more effective if they worked in conjunction with the local churches that God has provided.
Conclude Chapter 4
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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