25/01/2011 - A GOOD REASON TO BE THANKFUL

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I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus. (I Corinthians 1:4)

The brethren in Corinth had been given a wonderful grace and Paul entered into the Father’s presence to thank the Lord for the benefit delivered to them. What motive would have led the apostle to do that? Here\’s a good question. Well, after we study this issue we will get an answer and will come to the conclusion that we also must give thanks on behalf of the brethren concerning the blessing they received from the Lord.

We are living in days when envy has greatly hampered the divine work. The proof is that evangelical groups have become sectarian and exclusivist, and if these things were not enough to please the devil, they are also hindering others who have been given a more active and fruitful ministry from the Father. In some cases, there is a real persecution of the servants of the Lord – a real sabotage, in order to prevent them from growing. Whoever is being used to disrupt God’s plans is not in his right mind.

How wonderful it would be if there was no competition in the Lord\’s work, but obedience to the holy command! Paul was an example of a man who always gave thanks for the victories that his brethren reached in the Most High. Oh, if only everyone would do the same! The Lord only does what is right and if we are willing to do right things as well, we must be thankful for His work. What matters, my brethren, is that the Gospel is preached and not which denomination is being used for its furtherance.

The Almighty has His reasons for sending servants to work in the services that He sees fit and which we should not judge. The Lord Himself, as our God, will tell us whether such servants were sent by Him under a certain capacity or if they are freeloaders that are taking advantage of the Gospel boom that is happening in our country. One thing is for sure: \”Whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap\” (Galatians 6:7). So those who meddle in the divine work for personal or dubious interests to take advantage of what the Lord is giving will be sentenced to eternal damnation.

The Church history records occasions when such things happened and how sad was the end of those who failed to respect the Holy Word! The Lord warned that the tare – the weed that grows among the wheat – will only be harvested at the end of this age (Matthew 13:40). But woe to those who are part of this malignant production for they will be cast into the lake that will burn forever in fire and brimstone (Revelation 21:8)!

Some say that the church at Corinth was carnal. Yes, there were some people there who yielded to the worst practices, but grace was poured on it in such a way that made the apostle thank the Lord for the dispensation given!

In Christ with love,

R. R. Soares