A NEWSLETTER FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE GREENWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST

VOLUME 1 NO. 50                                         January 30, 2005

“SEND THEM WORMS!”

BY STEVE NIEMEIER

Acts 12 reveals the story of Herod pleasing the Jews in bringing havoc upon the church.  James the brother of John was killed and upon seeing the pleasure this brought to the Jews, he sought to kill Peter also.  Fortunately, an angel came to free Peter so that he was spared from Herod.

While it is amazing that Herod seemed to have his way in bringing forth destruction to one of God's people, we must remember our ways are not God's ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Herod pushed his luck too far as we see him putting on his royal apparel and sitting upon his throne making a speech to the people.  These people looked upon him as a god.  Herod failed to give God the glory and he was eaten by worms until he died!

The lesson for us in the example of Herod is humbling.  We seem to have preachers who speak as if they are a god and many are converted to them instead of to the Lord.  Romans 10:15 states; “...How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”  Humility is a key trait for a gospel preacher to have.  Why do some believe they are something more than one who is to bring the message of good news?

A result of this type of attitude is far reaching.  Congregations of people fail to study for themselves (II Tim. 2:15) because they just take the word of this type of preacher.  Also, they forget that the words of Jesus will judge them (John 12:48) and not the opinion of some man who claims to be a preacher no matter how popular or charismatic he may be.

Unfortunately, this attitude is not only displayed among preachers but can be found in some elders also.  e know that elders are to be examples of the flock by feeding them with the spiritual nurishment of God's perfect law of liberty.  Some elders it seems, become dictators “lording over” (I Peter 5:3) and the flock becomes their slaves yielding to their every command.

Some that are deacons fail to realize that their position is one of a servant.  They are to fulfill physical duties for the congregation to relieve the elders of these duties so the elders can tend to the spiritual needs of the flock.  Instead, they want to be involved as “Junior Elders” in order to elevate themselves to a position not found in the New Testament.

Some members also display the attitude of “self-righteousness” in which they falsely believe they are above others in knowledge and others do not “understand” the scriptures like they do!

All of those that have been mentioned that act like they are a “god of some sort” need to remember the story of Herod and in so doing they need to repent immediately!  Unfortunately their attitude of “self-righteousness” seems to prevent them from jumbling themselves to do so.  It is possible that we would be better off if the Lord would just “SEND THEM WORMS!”