“ SHALL WE BE GREAT?” Dr. Ralph Vanderwood ~ 1958
T
he EMC has the possibility of greatness. Within the next few years, the membership of the church could be multiplied several times. If such growth takes place under the power and control of the Holy Spirit, all who have a part in His leadership and blessing may well rejoice. Yet, the EMC may be just one among many denominations, with nothing outstanding. This is our danger - - that we simply be ordinary, lacking the supernatural presence and power of the Lord Jesus Christ. What will bring God’s glory to the EMC? FIRST, we must not desire honor for ourselves, but only the Kingdom of God. Only as we glorify Jesus Christ and magnify His ministry among men will the Holy Spirit honor and bless us. The words of John the Baptist marked him as spiritually great: he said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) If our primary concern is the increase of the EMC, we shall decrease spiritually, but if our primary concern is that the glory of Jesus Christ shall increase, then the church will abound in spiritual grace and strength. SECOND, we must not seek our [own comfort]. We must be determined to lose ourselves for Jesus’ sake and the Gospel. The EMC must exist for the salvation of souls, or it has no right to exist. But the EMC cannot save a single soul. This is the work of THE SAVIOR, and only as we lose ourselves in Him will the EMC be an effective soulsaving agency. Christ living within our flesh and blood means self-denial and sacrifice. His Spirit demands such. He desires to give Himself through us in seeking and saving the lost. He does not force
6
The Connection
FALL 2021
such service upon us. We must let down all the barriers and invite Him to take possession. Then we must absolutely obey His every command. He gives the Holy Spirit “to them that obey Him.” (Acts 5:32) THIRD, we will [only] be as great as our faith in God. No man, or mass of people ever rises higher than the measure of faith exercised. Men of faith in God easily overcome the difficult, and scoff at the impossible. The faith that links us to God takes away our insignificance and makes us sufficient. A focus upon the Almighty leaves no room for morbid introspection upon our own weaknesses, or for fearful contemplation of the forces or circumstances which stand against us. A strong faith in God not only gives us courage and confidence in ourselves, as we are linked to Him, but it unites us with other Christians. In many parts of the world today, a person who has experienced the saving power of Jesus Christ is called a “believer,” not simply a “Christian;” for tragically enough, many list themselves as “Christian” who know not His word or its power to save. Yes, every person who is truly identified with Christ is a BELIEVER, a person of faith. We of the EMC need a strong faith in God, in ourselves as His children, and in one another. A people united in their faith in the Almighty will march from victory to victory - - and even in seeming defeat, will rise triumphant. FOURTH, our service will go no further than our love. But, if Christ has our hearts, the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts. God’s love is for the whole world. God’s love is commended toward the most sinful. God’s love for His own is such that nothing can separate us from it, except ourselves and
