Making the Engine Hummm

For the past several blogs I have written about " Does the Church have a Future ?" and "Tuning the Engine of the Church."  Both blogs expressed the need to review the work and ministry of our churches and focus on the words of Jesus found in Matthew 4:18-22.   Christ wants us to follow Him and lead others to do the same.   Making disciples of Christ should be primary; remember, it is the engine of the church. 

How can we make the engine hum?   Recently, I attended Valley View Baptist Church and Pastor Ernie Boren preached a sermon based on this idea including the analogy of a car.  Let me share three of his main points:   use a  master mechanic, use great spark plugs, and use the best gas.

I wish I had more mechanical skills and knowledge to make diagnostic decisions about my car and to repair it.   I cannot do this.   Shortly after moving to Carrollton I discovered a marvelous mechanic who was trustworthy, honest, and a brillant repairman.  He has kept all my cars running for thirty years and had solved many problems.   Our master mechanic is Jesus Christ.   Christ knows us better than anyone.   He knows the appropriate timing in our life, he knows the best way to fine tune our hearts, he understands all the "moving parts" in our life.    He is trustworthy and can solve all life challenges.  For me to be a strong disciple, I must allow the master mechanic to work in and on my life.

The spark plugs in an engine are vital in order to have the best performance.  In a church, people are the spark plugs to high quality ministry.   People are the arms, feet, and heart of Christ in ministry.   People ignite the church and move the church forward.   There is no subsitute for good spark plugs or good people serving the Lord.

Using the right gas in an engine is critical.   There are many blends of gasoline for various engines.   Two cylinder engines usually have more oil content  while four, six, and eight cylinder cars run best with specific ocatane ratings.   Getting the right octane and the right seasonal blend of gasoline provides for a smooth running car engine.    The right fuel for our lives is the word of God.   We need regular fill-ups of God's words in our lives.  Even during the spike in gas prices, we do not park our car.   We pay at the pump and maximize our gasoline.   God's word in our life is the same.  We must have God's word flowing in and through our lives.  Even when the cost of time is high, we must seek God's word.

Having a smooth running engine is never easy; it takes a lot of time and effort.   Being a disciple of Christ could have a high cost.  Being a Christ follower is worth it today and in the future! 

 

posted by  Dr. R. W. Bobby Martin

 

 

 Dallas Baptist Association  exists to assist our churches individually and cooperatively in fulfilling the Great Commission of making disciples of all nations.