This article is from the January 1973 edition of the "Christian Courier", published by the Church of Christ in Stockton, California and edited by Wayne Jackson.
There are only two religions which can even begin to compete with the religion of Jesus Christ as far as universality is concerned. These are Mohammedanism (Islam) and Buddhism. The rapid growth of Mohammedanism in some countries can be accounted for on the basis of: (a) It is propagated by force; (b) It advocates the sensual gratification of the flesh and incorporates such into its promise of paradise. The other, Buddhism, promises an escape from the grim realities of life through asceticism and self-hypnotic meditation. It assures its adherents a release from the burdens of the caste system and the dread of transmigration. This accounts for its progress in a land of such miserable conditions.
But how does one account for the success of the Christian religion? Jesus forbade its spread by force (John 18:36), and rather than indulge fleshly lusts, it positively prohibits such (Galatians 5:19-21). Neither is the Christian permitted to escape from the problems of life through ascetic seclusion. On the contrary, he is to overcome the world by his faith (I John 5:4) and let his influence radiate among men that they might come to God (Matthew 5:16).
In the parable of the mustard seed, Jesus prophesied the extensive growth of His kingdom (Matthew 13:31-32). That such was remarkably fulfilled, no competent historian will deny. Obviously, the successful spread of Christianity can only be accounted for on the basis of: (a) The divine origin of the movement - proved by the resurrection of Christ; and (b) The zeal of the early disciples - evidencing their belief in its divine origin. The phenomenal growth of that first century church is still a marvel twenty centuries later.
The Lord's church began on the day of Pentecost with a nucleus of 3,000 souls (Acts 2:41). Shortly however, the company had doubled consisting of 5,000 men alone (4:4). Then, we are told, "believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women" and certain apostles were charged with having "filled Jerusalem" with their teaching (5:14,28). When persecution came, disciples were scattered into Judea's outskirts and over into Samaria, and "they went about preaching the word" (8:1,4). Yes, the word of God "grew and multiplied" (12:24). According to Acts 13, the gospel went into Asia Minor, then into Europe (Acts 16). "Yea, verily, their sound went out into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world" (Romans 10:18). In fact, amazingly, within thirty years of the establishment of the kingdom of Christ, Paul could affirm that the gospel was preached in all creation (Colossians 1:23) increasing and bearing fruit therein (Colossians 1:6). No wonder Christians were accused of turning the WORLD upside down (Acts 17:6).
How desperately we need to recapture that evangelistic fervor of long ago. We must become converted to the concept that we were saved to save others; we are under a debt to all men until they hear the good news (Romans 1:14). Tragically however, the church of today, at least in many places, has little zeal for teaching the truth of God either at home or abroad. Let's face it, the evangelistic energy of God's people is expended by a minority in the church!
What are some of the reasons behind this neglect? (1) Liberalism- A spirit of compromise and softness toward some religious error is doing untold harm in the family of God. After all, if one isn't quite sure whether those outside of Christ are lost, he will hardly be zealous for their conversion. (2) Worldliness- An unbelievable worldliness pervades our brotherhood today. The enticements of Satan have corroded the hearts of many and, while they hold to a "form of godliness" they have little desire to seek the lost. (3) Pleasure seeking- Some have become so enamoured with sports, hobbies and recreation that, rather than using these legitimately for brief periods of relaxation, they have become the dominate thrusts of their lives, hence, they will not take the time which must necessarily be involved in gospel teaching. (4) Materialism- A preoccupation with the physical has drained the church. We have strangled ourselves with the financial burdens of elaborate buildings, steeples, stained glass and plush decorations. We have mortgaged ourselves to the hilt for accommodations which are scarcely used four hours per week (there are exceptions). Are we not missing the whole emphasis of our vocation? Regarding these matters, some serious soul searching needs to be done.
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