From the Archives: Malcolm L. Hill — “From the Preacher’s Viewpoint”
The following article comes from a column written by Tennessee Bible College founder Malcolm L. Hill during his years preaching for the Northeast church of Christ. His words continue to speak with clarity and conviction on the work and growth of the Lord’s church.
Though written years ago, the principles remain timeless. The growth of the church has never depended on new methods, but on faithful Christians living with joy, zeal, faith, and a commitment to reaching the lost.
There is no reason for the church not to grow. We have everything within our reach to make it grow. If the church does not grow, it is because we fail and not the Lord. Certain principles will make the church what it should be, and it will come alive and stay alive.
1. A congregation should be filled with happiness and joy. Our assemblies and work should always declare this. We should rejoice in the Lord always (Phil. 4:4). When folks visit our assemblies the spirit of happiness and joy should fill the building. When people leave from the worship assemblies they should have the feeling that they want to return because of the wonderful spirit that prevails. If we are not happy as Christians, we should repent and get in the gloryland way. There is something wrong if the church is not happy.
2. Every member of the church should be filled with zeal and life. This disposition is catching and attractive to others. Jesus was more zealous for the Lord than any other (Jn. 2:17). The zeal for God’s house and work consumed Him. If a church is dead in worship and work, how can it attract others? None of us likes to be around death. When our loved ones die we want a grave in which to bury them. Why? Because death is not attractive. Any congregation that drags through the worship and study of God’s word will never experience the growth it wishes to see. The church at Laodicea was without zeal and life, and it was because of this that God was not with it (Rev. 3:14-21). People without zeal and life need to repent or they are going to lose their souls.
3. The church that grows must keep on the sunny side of life. Oh, yes, there are going to be trials and hard times during our life as Christians, but we must live on the sunny side of life and realize that every cloud has a silver lining. Darkness and pessimism are not of the Lord. God’s people live in the thought that they can do all things through Christ (Phil. 4:13). God’s children look for mountains to climb like Caleb of old. They do not look for sink holes in which to jump. “Life up your hands” is the exhortation of God to His people (Heb. 12:12-13).
5. The people of God have strong and abiding faith in their Maker. They know what it is to lean on Him. They know what it is to trust in Him. They know what it is to wait on their Master. There is nothing that takes the place of trust and confidence in the Lord. Every child of God needs to be filled with this trait. We sing “Living by Faith,” and we should do so. Every Christian should determine to walk by faith, and it should be strong faith. Remember, God is able!
6. Congregations that make soul winning an every-day affair will experience growth. Invite that person to worship. Talk to another about the Lord’s plan to save. Visit that family that has a lost loved one. Have your neighbors in for a meal and encourage them to remember Jesus. Write a note to someone and tell them you are thinking about them. The world is too busy to do these good things, but God’s people take time to be holy, and they seek those who need to do the same. Oh yes, the church will grow in all times if God’s people will do what they should.
Malcolm L. Hill
Founder, Tennessee Bible College
(January 12, 1934 – June 26, 2012)