“The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good; for his mercy endures forever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD.”
(Jeremiah 33:11)
Faith that is rooted in a deep abiding love for and knowledge of Scripture will involve a sound conviction that life is a spiritual journey ordained by God. This conviction becomes the foundation upon which the Christian’s beliefs and actions are built, and it is this unshakable assurance that distinguishes the genuine follower of Christ from mere cultural Christianity.[1]
As outlined in 2 Peter 1:19, Christians must “search the Scriptures” to discern whether their chosen path of worship and fellowship aligns with God’s Truth. This kind of spiritual diligence will ensure that our practices are not based on expectations, traditions, or convenience but on the divine directives established by Christ and practiced by the apostles in the early church.
Drawing from the biblical example where Jesus commanded Peter to cast his net despite previous failures (Luke 5:5), we are reminded of the importance of obeying God’s commands, even when faced with opposition or past disappointments. This unwavering obedience is crucial, for often in the act of faithful submission is where we find God’s greatest blessings.
Moreover, the call to follow the practices and fellowship of believers as outlined in the New Testament and exemplified in the early church demands a thorough understanding and appreciation of the Gospel as it was first taught, free from later additions and distortions. These foundational truths of the faith should serve as the bedrock for all religious practice and belief. Just as Christ pointed out the importance of adhering to the original design of marriage to refute the Pharisees’ practices of divorce (Matthew 19:4-8), so too must the church cling to scriptural teachings on worship and community.
Believers are therefore urged to not only study the early church’s practices but to also carefully evaluate contemporary church practices against this biblical standard. This evaluation often reveals discrepancies that should prompt reform and a return to the “good old way” (Jeremiah 6:16), described as both ancient and superior.
The challenge for Christians today, therefore, is to grow in our knowledge of Scripture that we may discern the true Gospel order as it relates to prevailing church practices, and to commit wholeheartedly to the path that aligns most closely with biblical teachings.
Contemplations:
- Examining the Scriptures: As I search the Scriptures, I am seeking clarity and affirmation that my spiritual practices align with God’s Word. This level of examination ensures that I am not merely following tradition, habit, or expectation but that my worship and service are endorsed by divine instruction.
- Standing Firm Amid Challenges: Encountering challenges and opposition can be disheartening, yet when I remember Christ’s command to Peter to cast the nets again I’m reminded of the importance of perseverance and obedience to God’s Word despite previous discouragements.
- Returning to Gospel Order: Reflecting on the early church’s practices causes me to consider how my current church aligns with those foundational times. This type of examination helps me better understand what it truly means to live out the Gospel today with a heartfelt conviction.
- Divine Timing and Providence: Recognizing the role of divine providence in guiding my spiritual journey helps me navigate my path with confidence and peace as I stay attentive to God’s leading and timing.
Further References for Jer. 33:11:
1 Chron. 16:34; Psalm 118:1; Heb. 13:15; Psalm 107:1
[1] John Rogers, Ohel or Beth-Shemesh A Tabernacle for the Sun, Or, Irenicum Evangelicum: An Idea of Church-Discipline in the Theorick and Practick Parts (London: Printed for R.I. and G. and H. Eversden .., 1653), 245.
