The faith of the brethren in Rome was spoken of throughout the whole world according to the apostle Paul (Rom. 1.8). In the same manner, the church at Thessalonica also had a faith towards God that was known far and wide; so much so that the apostle Paul did not have to say anything concerning it (1 Thess. 1.8). Their faith spoke for itself and that’s a testimony to their love for God and His church. When we consider the work of the church of Christ in San Angelo and the world, it is to go about doing good as Jesus did (Acts 10.38). The church was created unto good works, to be the light of the world and an instrument of righteousness to bring glory and honor to God (Eph. 2.10; Matt. 5.13-16). With this being said, it is our aim this month and every month to increase our presence through righteous conviction in San Angelo.

What presence are we supposed to make in our neck of the woods? Jesus said, “As you go, preach…” (Matt. 10.7) and this is our focus as well in the areas of influence we find ourselves daily. In other words, brethren, we should be consistently reminding ourselves and one another of the beautiful honor we have to represent Christ to a world looking for guidance, wisdom and hope. As they attempt to navigate through life by their own wisdom and understanding, we bring clarity and judgment to light through the wisdom of God from above (James 3.17-18). For this purpose we continue to prepare ourselves for those encounters to enhance the sinner’s life in times of triumph, trial and turmoil. Furthermore, we can be a source of humility for those who are on “cloud nine” when things are going well and they need to be encouraged to be humble and give God glory.

How can this presence be made better or spiritually secured? We need to be like Ezra the priest who, as a scribe and expert in the commandments of the LORD, “prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7.10-11). Making ourselves ready is key to bringing God success and ensuring His name is not blasphemed among the world (Rom. 2.24). Other ways we can prepare ourselves to be a presence in San Angelo is by taking our spirituality seriously. In other words, we can have true conviction in God and His word through obedience. We should emulate people like Queen Vashti, who should be commended for her morals and values that were obviously instilled in her and who refused to parade herself before men at her embarrassment and their pleasure (Esther 1.10-12). We should take on these attributes as well and bring glory to God.

We have many in our congregation (known and unknown to us) who are making an impact in our community. They are helping those who struggle with right and wrong see the way of morality clearer as Paul instructed the church at Corinth to do (1 Cor. 6.1ff). Helping our fellow man to judge matters, small and great, is important and causes the honest soul to seek more wisdom from those following Christ (Dan. 5.11-16). Some are helping in benevolent ways and thus doing their part to bring honor and glory to God in their areas of opportunity. This is why we must not allow our left hand to know what our right hand is doing when charitable deeds are performed in the community (Matt. 6.3). There are many opportunities to go out and do good if we keep our spiritual eyes open to them.

Jesus told His disciples, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13.35). When the world visits our assembly and sees our devotion to God and honoring of His Son, coupled with our genuine fellowship with one another, they cannot help but see our love for one another (1 Cor. 14.23-25). Brethren, this is why we must be pure in heart from sun up to sundown. This is why we must allow the word of God to dwell in us richly and purify the new man daily (Col. 3.15-17; 2 Cor. 4.16). This is why we must invite those outside of Christ into our assemblies and allow them to see the purity, power and presence of our God and His blessed Son, Jesus Christ in our midst. All will know we belong to Jesus when we ban together for His glory and honor by simply being Christians in San Angelo and the world at large.

Finally, let us show true conviction as Christians while increasing our presence in San Angelo. Let us stand on our convictions as New Testament Christians in the midst of temptation and testing. Those in the world may not agree with our biblical conclusions; however if our morality and speech align with each other, the name of God will be glorified. It is our prayer that the God of heaven and the church of our Lord be lifted high in a world of darkness (Phil. 2.15). So, let’s watch our lives and be just, upright, spiritual and holy before God and men. Let God be TRUE.