Challenges Young People Face: “Cultivating the Desire to Be Part of the Biblical Organization of the Church” by Willie A. Alvarenga

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One important challenge that young people face today is cultivating the desire to be part of the biblical organization of the church. When I speak of the biblical organization of the church, I am referring to the different responsibilities that God has entrusted to elders, deacons, and preachers (Philippians 1:1; Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9; 1 Peter 5:1–4). These roles are not human inventions, but part of God’s divine design for the proper functioning and spiritual growth of the Lord’s church

The young Christian should seriously consider the possibility of serving one day in one of these responsibilities and privileges available in the church. The Bible teaches that desiring to serve in these areas is good and honorable: “This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work” (1 Timothy 3:1). Therefore, it is essential that young people grow in such a way that they develop a deep desire to serve God—whether as future elders, deacons, ministers of the Word, or as faithful, committed, and active Christians in the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).

It is a great challenge to think about and pray regarding becoming part of these beautiful responsibilities one day. However, this desire begins with a willing heart to serve. The brothers who currently serve as elders, deacons, and preachers also went through a process of spiritual growth, prayer, and serious reflection regarding their responsibility to serve the church in these areas (1 Timothy 3:8–13; Titus 1:5–9). No one reaches these roles overnight; it is the result of a life of preparation, faithfulness, and maturity in Christ.

The Bible also presents examples of young people who chose to serve God from an early age, such as Timothy (2 Timothy 2:15) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:6–7). These servants understood that age is not a limitation to begin serving, but an opportunity to prepare more effectively.

We encourage all young Christians to diligently study the Scriptures so that they may be well prepared to serve the Lord’s church in the future. Knowledge of God’s Word is essential for anyone who desires to serve (2 Timothy 3:16–17; Psalm 119:11). Likewise, it is important to develop Christian qualities such as a good example, discipline, humility, and love for souls (1 Timothy 4:12).

Preaching schools can be a great blessing in training men for the work of elders, deacons, or gospel preachers. However, preparation also begins at home, within the local congregation, and in the daily life of the Christian (Deuteronomy 6:6–7).

If you begin to reflect, prepare, and pray from an early age, God can bless you with the wonderful opportunity to serve the church in different capacities. Remember that serving God is both a privilege and a responsibility (Colossians 3:23–24). I encourage you to place your life in the Lord’s hands and allow Him to use you for His honor and glory.

Practices that Hurt the Lord’s Church – Arrogance Among Brethren by Willie A. Alvarenga

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Another dangerous practice that, throughout the centuries, has seriously harmed the Lord’s church is arrogance among brethren. This term describes an attitude of excessive pride in which a person considers themselves superior to others and acts with contempt, self-sufficiency, and an evident lack of humility. In this condition, the individual comes to believe that they do not need anyone’s help, that they are always right, and that their opinions should prevail over those of others.

Arrogance is not merely a negative character trait; it is a spiritual condition that deeply affects the Christian’s relationship with God and with others. It is a problem of the heart that, if not corrected, can cause great damage within the body of Christ.

An arrogant person displays several clear characteristics. They consider themselves superior to others, reject correction (Proverbs 12:15), despise the opinions of others, and constantly seek to exalt themselves (Matthew 23:12). Additionally, they have difficulty recognizing their own faults, lack genuine love for all (1 Corinthians 13:4-5), and in many cases seek the approval of people rather than that of God (Galatians 1:10). Their spiritual life can become superficial, honoring God only with their lips (Matthew 15:8), while their heart remains far from Him.

Synonyms for this attitude include pride, haughtiness, arrogance, vanity, conceit, boastfulness, and insolence. All these terms reflect different facets of the same problem: a heart that has not fully submitted to the will of God.

From a biblical perspective, arrogance has its root in self-sufficiency and in forgetting our total dependence on God. Scripture teaches in 1 Corinthians 4:7 that we have nothing that we have not received, which should produce in us a constant attitude of humility. However, when a person loses sight of this truth, they begin to trust in themselves and elevate themselves above others.

The Bible speaks clearly about the seriousness of this sin. In Proverbs 8:13 we are reminded that God hates pride and arrogance. Likewise, Proverbs 16:18 warns that pride goes before destruction. The New Testament also emphasizes this truth by declaring that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Even in the teaching of Jesus, as seen in Luke 18:9-14, it is clearly shown that the arrogant heart is not justified before God.

The consequences of arrogance within the church are devastating. This attitude produces divisions, strife, and rivalries among brethren (1 Corinthians 1:10). It also fosters envy and vain glory (Galatians 5:26), weakening the spiritual unity that should characterize God’s people (Ephesians 4:3). In many cases, congregations are affected not so much by doctrinal error, but by proud attitudes that hinder harmony and spiritual growth.

In light of this reality, it is necessary for the Christian to take steps to prevent arrogance from taking root in the heart. Prayer is essential, asking God for wisdom and a humble spirit (James 1:5-6). It is also vital to practice sincere love toward all brethren (John 13:34-35; Romans 12:9), avoiding vain glory and learning to glory only in the Lord (Galatians 6:14). Humility must be practiced daily, as taught in Micah 6:8, always remembering our total dependence on God (John 15:5).

Finally, the biblical exhortation is clear: we must guard our hearts with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23), for out of it spring the issues of life. Arrogance is a destructive spiritual disease that can infiltrate silently, but humility—cultivated through a sincere relationship with God—strengthens the church and glorifies the Lord.

Arrogance has no place in the life of a faithful Christian. Only when we learn to submit to God and to consider others as better than ourselves can we live in harmony, grow spiritually, and truly reflect the character of Christ.

Bible Articles for Young People (Vol. 1)

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This book consists of 52 Bible articles published for the spiritual growth of our young people. This book may also be used as devotional material for the family. I pray this material will be a great source of encouragement for everyone who takes the time to read these articles. To God be the glory!

Willie A. Alvarenga

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3 Characteristics of a Diligent Student of the Word by Willie A. Alvarenga

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3 Characteristics of a Diligent Student of the Word

Willie A. Alvarenga

How can we tell if a person is a good and diligent student of the Bible? Are there any distinctive characteristics in his or her life that may give us a hint that such is the case? Personally, I think we can actually tell if a person is a good student of the Word. His distinctive characteristics are obvious in his or her life. With this in mind, let me suggest a few characteristics a diligent student of the Bible must have in his or her life.

Characteristic #1: A diligent student of the Bible will have a deep love for the Word of God. This was actually the case with David, who in Psalm 119:97 said, “Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.” A person who loves the Word of God will consider the Bible more than his necessary food. This is what Job expressed in Job 23:12. How do we know if a person has a deep love for the Scriptures? Well, if such a person enjoys studying the Scriptures, then you can tell that he or she has a sincere love for the Bible. If a person always looks for opportunities to study the Bible, then you can tell that such has a genuine love for the Bible. Do you love the Scriptures? Do you long for the moment when you can sit down and read and study the Bible? If so, then you have a great characteristic that shows people and God you are a diligent student of the Bible.

Characteristic #2: A diligent student of the Bible has a deep respect for the Word of God. To this student of the Word, the Bible is the greatest Book ever written. When a person has a deep respect for the Bible, such will always strive to live his or her life according to the commandments of God. The Bible will become a priority in his or her life. This person will always make every effort to uphold the authority of the Scriptures (Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 4:11). If a person does not care what God thinks concerning a certain conduct of life, then such a person does not have a deep respect for the Bible. We must remember that at the end of the day, the Scriptures will judge our actions in this life (John 12:48-49; Ecclesiastes 11:9). Do you have a deep respect for the Bible? I hope and pray that you do!

Characteristic #3: A diligent student of the Word of God will make sure his or her heart is pure so that God’s Word can find a special place in it. Two objects cannot occupy the same space at the same time. This is the case with God’s Word. We cannot have sin in our hearts and then expect for the Word of God to be in the same place at the same time. We must follow the prescription given by God in Proverbs 4:23, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” The phrase “keep your heart with all diligence” denotes the action of making sure our hearts are free from sin. Once we sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts, then we will be ready to treasure God’s Word in our minds (1 Peter 3:15; Psalm 119:11). Keeping our hearts free from sinful practices is something we must do on a continual basis. Are you working hard on keeping your heart pure for the Lord? I hope your answer is an emphatic, yes!

These are three great characteristics that describe a diligent student of the Scriptures. Do you have these in your life? If so, then glory be to God! If not, then let me encourage you to work hard in having them present in your life. The rewards will be great for you in this life, and the next to come!