The removal of a lampstand
Some proclaim that all is well in Christendom by pointing to the growth of mega churches. But the truth is that mega churches often grow by pulling people away from smaller churches. People might be attracted to a larger church by the professional musical program, the elaborate facilities, or the many special programs offered. Smaller churches continue to die out. It is reported that assemblies in the UK have declined in numbers during the last fifty years. And the health of some assemblies in North America is precarious..
It is a struggle for a church to maintain spiritual health and vigor year after year, century after century. The Lord warned the church in Ephesus, “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent” (Rev. 2:5, NKJV). Today, the light of the gospel is not shining in areas where it once shone brightly. The lampstand has been removed. What are factors that lead to the death of a testimony?
Division
Division can cripple or destroy a work. “Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity….For there the Lord commanded the blessing” (Ps. 133:1, 3). Division will take the heart out of an assembly; many will leave desiring peace. It might be a mortal wound.
Elders must do all they can to preserve love and harmony in the flock. Paul warned the elders of Ephesus, “For I know this that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after themselves” (Acts 20:28-30).
Doctrinal disputes might cause division. Often men obsess on some pet idea or system of doctrine. In other cases, men reject biblical teaching because it is unpopular in today’s world. Here elders must take a firm stand and make it known to the congregation.
Men desiring power can also cause division. “Diotrephes, who desires to have the preeminence among them does not receive us” (3 John 1:9). An assembly that was once flourishing in our area no longer exists because of this domineering spirit. An elder should not be self-willed (Titus 1:7); he must be a team player, working with other men in humility.
Again, a moral issue can cause division. A case of adultery, fornication, or some other immoral sin might come to light. The elders must act in line with Scripture, and the whole assembly needs to unite behind them, rather than take sides with the offender. The church must stand together to purge the old leaven of sin (1 Cor. 5:7).
Church truth
Another reason an assembly might die is the loss of conviction about church truth. Unless there is a strong belief in the inspiration of Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16-17), its relevance for today will be minimized. Elders must be convinced of the need to obey the teaching concerning the church, or the desire to persevere will die. Why struggle to maintain an assembly if you are no different from other evangelical churches? It is much easier just to join one of them.
Concerning his teaching about the church, Paul said, “If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Cor. 14:37). These are strong words, spoken with the same authority as Moses had at Mt. Sinai. These were not suggestions or opinions but commandments from the living God.
Gathering to Christ and not a preacher (Mt. 18:20; 1 Cor. 1:12-15); the breaking of bread (1 Cor. 11:23-28); the priesthood of all believers (1 Pet. 2:5, 9); the differing roles of men and women (1 Tim. 2:11-14); leadership by elders instead of a hired pastor (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5); commended workers living by faith, free to be the Lord’s servants (Php. 4:15-18; Gal. 1:10). There are many doctrines which are shared with evangelical churches, but these distinctive truths should be maintained.
Love of the world
A love of the world will sap spiritual life and destroy an assembly. A woman will sense it if her husband’s heart is being drawn to another woman. Regardless of his actions, that other affection destroys the marriage.
James, with all the fire of a prophet of old, writes, “Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?” (Jas. 4:4). John warns, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 Jn. 2:15).
Many things can capture the affection of God’s people. Paul speaks of those who are “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Tim. 3:4). One’s life becomes centered in pleasure; weekends are occupied with skiing, hiking, fishing, and other activities. There is little time for prayer, reading the Word, or being involved in the life of the local church. A man may even begin to drink, to gamble, to watch movies which glorify sex and violence, to secretly view pornography on the Internet. The devil is very clever at breaking down one’s resistance to sin. James would call it spiritual adultery!
Paul also speaks of some who are “lovers of money” (2 Tim. 3:2). One’s job or profession can become an obsession, with an unhealthy drive to succeed. Time with family and the church is sacrificed to achieve goals and to make money. He may rationalize that when he has achieved his goals and feels financially secure, then he will have time for family and God. James would call it spiritual adultery.
Lack of forgiveness
Another thing which will sap the life of an assembly is a lack of forgiveness. In the family of God there must be constant repentance, confession, and unending forgiveness (Mt. 6:12).
Forgiveness is difficult. One might desire to be vindicated or even to see the offender suffer. The initial pain will become sour and bitter in the brine of self-pity and revenge. This will destroy one’s own joy and peace, and that bitterness is contagious. Scripture warns us that we must forgive, “lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled” (Heb. 12:15). Others might begin to take sides (sometimes at our encouragement); and the whole assembly could divide and self-destruct. Elders must guard against a spirit of bitterness in any assembly. Counsel, warn, and discipline the offender. If bitterness continues, it will destroy the fellowship.
Lack of evangelism
In time, lack of evangelism will cause an assembly to wither and to die. Rachel cried to Jacob, “Give me children, or else I die” (Gen. 30:1). Her desire for children was so intense that she felt life was not worth living without them. But it is also true that, without children, her life would not be passed on.
An assembly will gradually age and finally die out if there is no ongoing evangelism. Elderly saints are a blessing in an assembly; but if all are elderly, the assembly will soon die. Without new life coming into an assembly, its days are numbered. “Give us children,” should be our cry!
To have children requires desire and effort. God said to Adam and Eve, “Be fruitful and multiply” (Gen. 1:28). To the church, Christ says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” (Mt. 28:19). Such evangelism will require compassion for the lost, persistent effort, and earnest prayer. Are we up for the task?
Is your assembly growing or dying? When did you last see sinners saved and baptized? Elders need to be concerned with shepherding the flock and with leading the saints in evangelism. Remember the Lord’s warning, or He will come and “remove your lampstand from its place” (Rev. 2:5).