I recently had a conversation with a young minister about the ministry of a church in the area. The church was struggling to reach young people, even though they offered a variety of good, bible-centered ministries in the community. The organization was ‘off’ in some ways, and there were those in the congregation who were resistant to change, particularly younger members who were unlikely to make meaningful financial contributions. We talked about the issues of faith and obedience, as well as the struggle to get people to change things in the church from ‘the ways they have always been.’ The younger minister was a little angry and was considering leaving his place of service because people would not change. I encouraged him to be patient and to give people time to consider the change needs he was talking about. I knew from my 45 years of experience that most in the church wanted their church to do well and to do the right thing. It was a difficult discussion, because I knew how he was feeling; it can be very difficult, and even frustrating, to minister in a church with normal people who had different values!

Here is what the Apostle Paul wrote centuries ago, as he was dealing with the church in Ephesus, which was struggling with the very issues of church ministry, and how varying priorities and levels of spiritual maturity can cause real problems!

17 So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; 19 and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every

kind of impurity with greediness. 20 But you did not learn Christ in this way, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Ephesians 4:17-14

As you read these words, you can tell that Paul is dealing with a church struggling with people who have different values and lifestyles, which are hindering the church's work! His words were direct and to the point:

First, the “Gentiles” were those in the area who were resisting Christian teachings. He did not criticize them; he just gave an assessment – they were not acting like Christians! They had turned towards a pagan lifestyle, sensual and characterized by sin. They were not interested in the ideas of the Christian faith. Because of this, they were separated from God by their sin.

Second, Paul challenges the church in Ephesus by saying in v.20, “But you did not learn Christ in this way.” He reminded them of what they had been taught, and that because they had been saved through Jesus, they were to live differently. They were to “lay aside the old self,” which meant giving up their old ways of life, and they were to “be renewed in the spirit of your mind.” Following Jesus meant changing their thoughts, values, and actions! The Christian life was more than just ‘getting saved’ and going to church; it was, and is, to be a daily endeavor, where those who claim to be “in Christ” routinely change their thoughts and behaviors to those that would fall in line with the biblical teachings they had received.

Over 2,000 years later, nothing has changed! The Christian life is a matter of faith, of course, and is based upon the cleansing work of Jesus in our hearts. After that process occurs as we claim him as Savior, God fully expects us to submit to His instructions, every day and in every way. That is called “discipleship,” and is the way in which God changes us, and forms us into “new creatures in Christ,” and enables us to “be renewed in the spirit of your mind.”

Let me encourage you to follow Jesus, as you receive him into your heart, and, after that, live your life for him. It is the very best thing you can do with your life!

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Purposes of the Church: Growing and Changing People