Which Direction?
by: Travis Arrant
As I made my travels this week, I discovered an incredibly sad thing. A congregation’s building where Karen and I had attended a gospel meeting in 2002 had been abandoned. The sign was removed from its moorings and a new realtor “for sale” sign was prominently displayed. We knew back 19 years ago the congregation was small (about 30 or so members), but we had no idea it had collapsed.
Over the course of my travels in north and central Louisiana, I have witnessed many congregations that have ceased to exist and all that remains is a slowly deteriorating building. Congregations such as Newellton, Sicily Island, Clayton, Luna, Rt. 3, Bernice, Jonesville, Olla, Hwy 80, and CenLa are no more. Many others are teetering on the brink (at least 5 right here in our area).
We must ask, “What happened”? Why did this once vibrant congregation of the Lord’s church simply melt away? Where have all the members gone? Are they still holding to the truth of God’s word wherever they are?
There are no easy, quick answers. Sometimes there is a split and people go elsewhere. Perhaps, the congregation was “inward focused” and through attrition such as death, old age, and people moving, there were simply too few to keep the doors open. Maybe, there were financial issues, and the congregation could not meet its obligations, and was forced to sell the property.
How do we safeguard our congregation? By staying true to God’s word! We are to be “outward focused” by seeking the lost and looking for opportunities to do good to all especially to the household of faith (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15,16; Galatians 6:10). We are to preach the truth and the whole counsel of God (2 Timothy 4:2,3; Acts 20:27). We are to love one another and esteem others more than ourselves (John 13:34,35; Philippians 2:3). We are to support our elders, deacons, and our congregation (1 Timothy 5:17; 1 Peter 5:5). We are to teach our young people about the Lord and His church (Ephesians 6:4; 2 Timothy 3:15).
We are on the cusp of great things here at Naff Avenue! Let us always stand for the truth and serve God and others. May our love for the Lord and one another be made known to all.
Stay true to the Word,
Brother Travis
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