Keeping The Saved Safe: Why I Write.
1 Peter 2
KJV
2+ As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
There is diversity of service in the Ministry a fact often acknowledged but less understood! All these services are interlinked, with the end goal being the salvation of a soul.
Reread what the Holy Spirit said to the church through the Apostle Paul ;
1 Corinthians 12:4-6
NIV
[4] There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. [5] There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. [6] There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
As stated earlier the end goal of these services (gifts) is summed up by the Holy Spirit In these words ;
1 Corinthians 12:7
NIV
[7] Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
Did you read “ the common good “? They were meant to be used in a way that benefits everybody.
Ephesians 4:12
NIV
[12] to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
They were therefore not given to provoke envy, jealousy or rivalry in the church; but to help build the Body of Christ.
Now to the point of this writeup, some have asked why I don’t devote the time and platform to teaching “ doctrine”? By which they mean subjects such as “ baptism, weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper, giving, a cappella (unaccompanied) singing etc!
Good and relevant as these are, my target audience is not unbelievers but believers. My writings are meant to keep the saved safe. To mature them in the faith by living/leading lives that reflect their profession as believers.
My writings are inspired by the following scriptures ;
Matthew 28
KJV
20+ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
1 Peter 2:2 NIV
[2] Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
Hebrews 6
KJV
1+ Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection;
These and several other scriptures suggest that the saved must be kept safe, they will not be kept safe by repeatedly teaching the very same subjects that they believed and were brought into Christ. Baptism by immersion. Weekly Lord’s Supper etc.
There are the “milk, “bones, meat” subjects which suggest the need for a progressive growth and development of every believer.
The continuous emphasis and teaching of these elementary subjects (post-baptism) have resulted in a lack of growth ( maturity ); evidence of which we encounter every day among us.
The Hebrew writer encountered a similar situation hence he wrote;
Hebrews 5
KJV
12+ For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
Is this not a true reflection of how many look? Read how he described some of us;
13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
Oh, what a sad description! Could this be you? Read how he concluded ;
14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Grow your faith, that is what He means!
So, my writings are meant to turn “spiritual children” into “spiritual adults”! It does not come to me as a surprise when some don’t read them because they are content with being “spiritual infants” in Christ. A condition that manifests itself in how they behave and conduct themselves in the Assembly even though they have been in Christ for a long time!.
If you are wondering or asking why I don’t write about baptism, the Lord’s Supper, etc it is because some are teaching them. These are foundational settings, after which I lay blocks of “Christian character” to complete the spiritual building!
Those who teach such subjects and I are working together. We are both collaborating to build the church of God. Without them I can not lay the blocks of Christlike character which my writings are meant to be.
This also explains why I am not into “ controversies “ but rather what will build a believer in word and deed. Lifestyle. I have defined my target audience, the post-baptized believer.
I do not write to answer “ what must I do to be saved ?” I write to answer “What must I do to remain saved ?”
My answer to any who wish to know why I write what I write!
John Franklin Tamakloe