5 minute read
Shall We Be Great?
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Dr. Ralph Vanderwood ~ 1958
The 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. Th is 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.
Th e 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. Th e EMC must exist for the salvation of souls, or it has no right to exist. But the EMC cannot save a single soul. Th is is the work of THE SAVIOR, and only as we lose ourselves in Him will the EMC be an eff ective soulsaving agency. Christ living within our fl esh and blood means self-denial and sacrifi ce. His Spirit demands such. He desires to give Himself through us in seeking and saving the lost. He does not force such service upon us. We must let down all the barriers and invite Him to take possession. Th en 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 diffi cult, and scoff at the impossible. Th e faith that links us to God takes away our insignifi cance and makes us suffi cient. 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 confi dence 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 identifi ed 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 6 The Connection FALL 2021
our sins; and even then, He broods in compassion upon the back-slider.
Th e EMC must have a love that reaches around the world. Th e love of God in us will give us a concern for our neighbors, those in the next towns, in other states, and in other countries. Th e EMC must grow primarily through the winning of the lost. Any church which grows through proselytizing is failing to add to the Kingdom of God through such activity. A love for the lost and unlovely should send us forth into the highways and byways of life, around the world to seek and to save those without God and without hope.
FIFTH, to be truly great, we must not think
of ourselves as being great. Th ere are many denominations or groups of people who think of themselves as being members of the “only true church.” Th ey look down upon others, for they are “the chosen people.” God save the EMC from ever coming to the time when its people should think that they are “the church.” Th e EMC exists to serve. Th e more we realize that we are the servants of God and mankind, the more humility we will possess. Jesus Christ is “meek and lowly in heart.” (Matt. 11:28). All who are truly great must bear these spiritual marks. “God resisteth the proud, but gives grace unto the humble.” (James 4:6)
GOD NEEDS MEN AND WOMEN.
HE ALSO CALLS THE YOUTH. Th is is the time for greatness. Th e glory of God needs to be revealed. His Spirit stands ready to possess those who are humble of heart. Th e more EMC members who yield their hearts unreservedly to Jesus Christ, the more of God’s glory we will experience in our midst.
Dr. Ralph Vanderwood was elected as the second General Superintendent of the EMC in 1962. He also served in distinguished board positions for the National Association of Evangelicals, and World Gospel Mission.
