Christianity is in real trouble...

For the most part I am a positive individual. I tend to look at things from a Christian world view which permits me to see God's providence at work even in great trials and adversity. But I am continuously alarmed at the growing illness which has plagued the body of Christ in our Western Culture. Salvation by faith alone in Christ alone has been replaced by salvation through church attendance. Hopefully in this article I will be able to articulate my concern...

What is "trending" these days that concerns me is not necessarily a Twitter topic. I'm more concerned with the trend of new language that has infected popular Christianity in America. We seem to think a discussion about Christianity can not take place without tossing around certain terms such as community, culture, multicultural, relevant, radical, non-threatening, and last but definitely not least, UNCHURCHED. It's the term "unchurched" that has raised my theological warning antenna, and brought a great deal of concern to myself and many others who truly are concerned for the souls of men.

Why am I concerned? I mean, doesn't it make us more "relevant" and "non-threatening" to use the term unchurched? After all, saying that people are lost or unsaved is offensive and we are well aware that the Jesus of 2013 is never offensive, never confrontational, and wants everyone to feel special. In our "multi-cultural communities" it is the cool and "radical" thing to say when speaking of people who are on the threshold of eternity, and are facing the wrath of a Holy God who pours out eternal indignation on those who don't know Christ Jesus as Lord. Our priority should never be a straightforward explanation of their condition and the solution found in Christ alone, should it? sarcasm

By the using the term "unchurched" we have sent the message to the lost world that their only problem is their lack of church attendance or membership. The direct result of that is a generation of lost men and women who now think salvation is found by being "church'd." I personally see it on a daily basis. When I converse with people about their spiritual condition they immediately respond with, "Oh, I go to ___________ church!" Their language is horrific, their lifestyles are ungodly and wicked, and they have absolutely zero commitment to Christ whatsoever. In further conversation you find them to be casual drug users, borderline alcoholics, sex addicts, supportive of homosexuality, abortion, partying, the worship of other gods, and no idea of the Biblical doctrine of salvation. But in their minds they are safe, secure, and heaven bound! Why? Because they are no longer in the "unchurched" crowd, they now attend a church occasionally. The church has become their cross, and their membership has become their empty tomb. The greatest threat to the salvation of sinners in 2013 has become the institution of the church itself. What a frightening thing. 

The church is called the "pillar and ground of the truth" (1 Timothy 3:15), and yet she has become the entity by which truth is viewed as offensive and the enemy. Our mission is NOT to "relate to and relevantly reach the unchurched" and thus grow our assemblies into large "multi-cultural communities." Our mission is to equip the Saints in order that they might go forth into the world and share the Gospel truth with lost sinners before it is eternally too late. My prayer and hope is for a commitment from churches everywhere to re-commit to discipleship, re-commit to faithful Biblical study, re-commit to obedience, and re-commit themselves to sharing the truth of fallen man's condition, and the truth of fallen man's only hope... Jesus Christ. 

SERMON: 2 Timothy 2:5 "Follow the example of the greatest athlete"

On Sunday mornings we've been studying the subject "How To Grow Spiritually." This Sunday's text was 2nd Timothy 2:5 in which we are instructed to imitate the example of the greatest athlete. I chose Kurt Angle as an amazing illustration of the greatest of Olympic athletes. Hope you are encouraged!

The selfishness of Man versus the Preeminence of God

The Selfishness of Man versus the Preeminence of God

Ephesians 1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

Dr. John MacArthur rightly asserts, “Preeminence implies supreme standing, picturing one who excels over all others in a particular quality or achievement. There is no one more preeminent than God. You were redeemed and granted an eternal inheritance that God might be glorified. Certainly you benefit greatly from salvation, but God's glory is the primary issue.”

After a careful examination of the sociological characteristics of selfishness in our culture, I have been captured by the influence of hedonism within our own Christian community. Understanding hedonism as the doctrine of self pleasure and self satisfaction as a way of life, I believe a careful examination of the three major doctrines of the Christian experience will reveal that we tend to approach them from a very self centered view (sin, salvation, and glorification). While sacred writ holds as its general foundation the idea that man must forsake himself and seek a life experience that exalts God preeminently, we have somehow manufactured an interpretation of the text that allows for our greatest good at the cost of God’s glory.

Let us first turn to the doctrine of Biblical anthropology. Scripture is abundantly clear that our nature is that of opposition to God, tainted with sin, transgression of His law as the expression of our nature, and rebellion against the Almighty as our most basic instinct. We often define sin only within the parameters of what it does to man…

• We tend to view sin just within the parameters of its negative effect on such things as our families. We will focus on such rebellion as the sin of adultery, and focus on how it has lead to the destruction of many American families. We emphasize how it destroys trust, shatters emotional stability, and it leads to painful difficulty with the children and the extended families of those involved. While all of these things are true, this is not the supreme difficulty of adultery.
• I have heard many a discourse on how sin destroys the body. Much emphasis is placed on how many illnesses, diseases, and deaths are caused because of our wicked indifference to Biblical mandate. Consider just a few “amen” statements that are frequently used from the pulpit…
1. HIV and other diseases are spread rampantly because of sharing needles. Therefore intravenous drug abuse is wrong.
2. Sexually transmitted diseases are spread when we live immorally. Therefore homosexuality, promiscuity, and all forms of sexual sin are wrong.
3. God has instituted civil government as a means of punishing the wicked, and rewarding the righteous. When felonies are committed such as theft, murder, and rape, the individual’s civil liberties are then removed, thus limiting his opportunity for freedom. Therefore, the sin of civil disobedience leads only to imprisonment and loss of personal liberty.
4. Liver failures, heart failures, cancer and so forth come from alcoholism, gluttony, and drug abuse. Therefore excess is wrong.

Once again we should agree with the warnings coupled with each of the above scenarios, and all those warnings are supported by scriptural text. However, those consequences are not the supreme consequence and reasoning behind the scripture forbidding such activities.

We must learn to look beyond selfish concerns of this temporal life, and realize what sin truly does: It offends a thrice holy Almighty God.

• We are separated from Holy God because of our sin. Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
• God’s purpose for reaching others through our testimony of righteousness is destroyed by our transgression. Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

We tend to view sin only in how it affects us personally, or as a community. In reality we must view sin as an offense to our Creator and Sustainer. Our motivation to forsake sin and the manifestation of sinful activity should be birthed from a reverential fear of how that wickedness affects a righteous Deity who “is angry with the wicked every day.” To be lavished with the blessings of life, opportunity, intelligence, free moral agency, abundance of supply, and the many other gifts afforded by our Creator, to offend Him should be enough motivation to abstain from rebellious behavior. Yet, our own selfishness is manifested as we simply see sin as that thing that brings ruination to our personal comfort and happiness. If sin is best defined as “missing the mark” then we have sinned on the matter of sin.

We turn now to the matter of salvation; perhaps the most endeared doctrine within Christianity. When it comes to a presentation of this doctrine we tend to focus on what salvation offers to us from God. Take a moment and ponder these great Biblical truths…

• Salvation offers us freedom from the wrath of God. Romans 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
• Salvation offers us freedom from the bondage of the law in order that we might live our lives by faith. Galatians 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
• Salvation offers the most blessed truth that all of our sins are forgiven. Psalms 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
• Salvation offers the most marvelous teaching that God has eternally secured us in the love of Christ. Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,  (39)  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Most lectures, teachings, and sermons focus all their attention on bringing the listeners to the understanding that salvation offers all the above. But we rarely focus on the aspect of salvation in which we are to forsake all selfish wants, and commanded to turn to a life of self-sacrificial obedience toward God. Consider now these truths pertaining to salvation…

• We are told in scripture that in order to enter that eternally secure love relationship with Christ we must enter with a heart of total obedience to His commands. John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
• Rarely is it mentioned that salvation means complete and total submission to Christ as Absolute Lord of every aspect of the human life. Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved.
• When was the last time you heard a lengthy discourse reminding fallen humans that salvation means forsaking everything and everyone else for Christ? Matthew 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
• Where is the Charles Spurgeon of our generation to gently remind us salvation means we must die to self completely, and crucify ourselves in order to be pleasing to God? Matthew 10:38-39 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.  (39)  He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

The aspect of salvation that entails complete and total selflessness is as rare as the proverbial hen’s teeth. We would much rather focus on the human benefits of salvation, rather than the God honoring sacrifices commanded by Him in salvation. This has birthed the age of seeker friendly evangelism, easy believism, and modern antinomianism, all of which are an affront to the holiness of the Almighty.  

Now let us conclude the big three by turning to the doctrine of sinless perfection. By this I mean glorification, or simply put; arriving in heaven. When we think of heaven we too often return to thinking selfishly. The most popular of Biblical texts dealing with the doctrine of glorification is found in the Revelation of Jesus Christ:

Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

• We rejoice in the idea of no more personal struggles with the flesh.
• We rejoice in and emphasize the idea of no more sickness, death, and heartbreak as a result of our bodies of fallen flesh.
• Too many of our hymns, poems, and promises focus on reunions with family and friends.

I recently heard a song entitled “Thank you for giving to the Lord.” The song depicted heaven as a place where those greatest affected by our lives would be singing songs of celebration for our service. Again, heaven in this popular song is depicted as a place where WE will be celebrated and rewarded.

In reality heaven is that place where we might be humbly presented to Christ, the Lord of heaven, in order that we might glorify Him for all eternity.

Revelation 21:2-3 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  (3)  And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

In heaven Jesus Christ is the central theme, and not family reunions and personal bliss. He will be our all in all, and thus will be the object of eternal praise. Rather than singing “thank you for giving to the Lord,” the Saints will simply be singing “Thank you Lord!”

The Christian experience in this life is about growing into Spiritual maturity. Spiritual maturity is best manifested when we discover that God’s preeminence in all matters takes precedence over our own selfish desires and pleasure. When we finally reach the place in life where we are truly living for God’s glory it will be manifested in our daily living, and in the motivation for the simplest acts of Christian service.

1. We should see ourselves making a priority of things like prayer and Bible study, rather than entertainment and slothfulness. Not that we might understand righteousness, and live free of the consequences of breaking of law, but that we might honor the Almighty and live for His glory.
2. As we understand the true calling of Christianity is not service for personal reward, we will begin seeking a life of serving others for God’s glory. We are not called to serve in order to be blessed personally; we are called to serve because living a life of service best honors Immanuel.
3. We should mature to the point that as we do everything in our lives, we do these activities while intensely considering whether or not God is glorified in the things we do.

In closing let us consider the simplest of Christian matters; attending a place of worship. Why do you attend? While many answers can be offered, a careful examination of the reasons people stop attending is very revealing. Consider just a few…

• They switched from a more traditional worship service to a contemporary service. I just can’t stand this new music!
• I don’t like the way people dress these days. I was raised with the belief that men wear suits and women were dresses. I just can’t stand to look at all those disrespectful people.
• The service just lasts too long. If you can’t be finished by twelve o’clock, then I’m not going. I have things I need to do before returning to work on Monday!
• They don’t have programs that best fit the needs of my family. I want specific class opportunities for each of my children, and if they can’t offer those then I’m not going.
• It’s never warm in that building! I can freeze to death at home! What are they trying to do, hang hog meat in there?
• It’s too hot in that church house. What are they trying to do, roast beef in that building? I just can’t stand that heat, I’m staying home!
• Someone sat where I always sit! That meddling old lady did it on purpose too. She knows I like sitting there. I’ll just sit at home, and she can have that seat!

There was not one reason listed above that wasn’t based on selfish hedonistic comfort or preferences. The ultimate purpose of attending a house of worship is that we might seek to serve others, deny ourselves, and glorify God to the fullest. Yet, even in the simplest matter of attending church we tend to be completely selfish in our approach.

This matter of selfishness is not confined to the unregenerate. It is a massive problem within our Christian ranks. Its effects are overwhelming the Church with difficulties, and destroying the foundation of our faith. It is not a problem for the unbeliever to deal with. It is a problem staring you and I as Christians dead in the face. The question is now, what will our response be? If this article has made you as uncomfortable as it’s content made me, perhaps we have just been blessed by the Spirit of God with the revelation of our own selfishness. May the Lord grant to us now repentance. 

Christian Response To Today's School Shooting

Several people have asked me to offer a Christian perspective to today's tragedy. I am completely inadequate to do so. There are no words, no expression of compassion, or act of charity that can bring peace and understanding to the Moms and Dads, Grandmas and Grandpas, and close family members of those precious little children who were murdered today. There is absolutely no way whatsoever that I can even begin to understand the depth of their pain and heartbreak. 

What we as Christians must do is pray diligently for them, and be ready and willing to offer any support and help these families may need in the days, weeks, months, and years to come. Christmas is often a time of joy for most families, but the holiday season will never be the same for those families effected today. We often pray for and extend charity to the grieving in the immediate aftermath of such a tragedy, but we must continue to do so in the years to come. 

My heart goes out as well to the other little children who were subjected to this horrible day. It will no doubt be a traumatic day that will haunt and confuse them for years to come. The teachers, staff, and parents of the school will be faced with heartbreak, uncertainty, and emptiness. The first responders who walked into the aftermath will undoubtedly be effected for years to come. I can't imagine walking into such a heart stopping scene. The entire community needs prayer, encouragement, sympathy, and whatever charity is needed. We as Christians should respond with compassion, love, understanding, and a great willingness to help in any way possible. 

Days like today serve as a strong reminder that none of us are guaranteed another moment of life. What a beautiful and precious gift life is, and what a sobering reminder that death may come at any moment without warning. We should all be diligent today in making sure that we have made our peace with God by receiving Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. None of us are guaranteed another moment. Have you told the people in your life that are special to you just how much you care for them? Have you slowed down long enough to open a door for a lady, or help an elderly person load their groceries? Life is such a precious thing which is here one moment and gone the next, so we must use every moment to it's fullest. 

One question I was asked is, "Why would God do this, or why would He allow it to happen?" Friends, God didn't do this. A man who chose to rebel in the wickedness of his heart against every command of God to not do this, that man is the cause. God has given us free moral agency, and we are free to choose Him and His way, or to follow sin. We are not robots who are forced against our will to do horrific acts. Again, we are free moral agents and that is both the beauty and tragedy of our human existence. Sadly, many refuse to observe the moral laws set forth by a God of love, and in breaking those laws such as "Thou shalt not kill" they bring nothing but tragedy and heartache. If anything, these events should remind us that God's principles for human living bring about the very best in quality of life. It's when we as wicked people rebel that tragedies like today happen. However, God is ready even now to offer peace, grace, mercy, and love to everyone who needs Him in this desperate hour. 

Moments ago I heard a commentator smirk with the question, "Where was God today?" Must I remind everyone that we have told God that He is not wanted in our schools, He is not wanted in our government, and often He's not wanted in our homes. Maybe today will serve as a reminder of How desperately we need Him in our culture. 

My heart breaks today for all those who were murdered, and like most people I have a specific pain in my heart when I think about the innocent blood of the children that was shed today. Not only the currently reported 20 children in this school shooting, but the other 3,500 little children that will be murdered today before they ever have the opportunity to be held by loving arms, or to play with a puppy, or make friends at school. My heart breaks for the 3,500 little babies that today will be considered an inconvenience, or unwanted, or a mistake. The health of 3,500 new Mothers will not be threatened today, but they will make a decision to end their child's life. This breaks my heart every day. God may have already given us the next great scientist who would've created a vaccine for the AIDS virus, or the next great doctor who would have found a cure for cancer, or the next great preacher who would've reached the world with God's love, but they were an inconvenience and thus were murdered before ever having the chance to draw their first breath. This breaks my heart every day. 

This a dark and tragic day in our nation. If your children came home safe today, then give them a hug and tell them you love them. Begin now raising them in the fear and nurture of the Lord. Make getting them to Sunday school a higher priority than getting them to ball practice. Set an example for them by living a life that builds up your community rather than tearing it down. Discipline them when they do wrong so they'll realize there are consequences when they do wrong. Teach them morality, virtue, and accountability, and do it by example. Pray with them, go to church with them, and teach them to read God's word by the example of you doing it. Love them, because tomorrow may not give the opportunity as today has so shockingly reminded us.

Put Some Clean Clothes On!

Ephesians 4:17-24 (17) This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,  (18)  Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:  (19)  Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.  (20)  But ye have not so learned Christ;  (21)  If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:  (22)  That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;  (23)  And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;  (24)  And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Everyone who is a Christian has received a change of nature. We are literally brand new creations. Take special note of this passage. – 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Our new life is not a matter of adding something new to our old nature. We are literally transformed and have been made something new! - Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

We must however be constantly reminded that our new nature is wearing what Dr. John MacArthur calls, “my humanness--the smelly coat that my new nature has to endure until it goes to be with the Lord.” What God calls you and I to do is take off that coat. - Ephesians 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 

Not only are we to take off the old sinful clothing, but we are to put on the clothing of Christ-likeness. - Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Perhaps this verse should be the driving force in a new direction for our lives… Romans 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

In Ephesians 4:17 until the end of the Epistle, the Apostle Paul focuses on how you and I are to take off the clothing of sin, and live our lives clothed in newness after the image of Christ.

The Ephesians’ world was appealing to the clothing of sinful humanity…

1. They had the largest bank in the world, and one of the wealthiest cities in the world.
2. Ephesus housed a giant museum in the temple erected to the Greek goddess Diana which housed all types of art, including a multi-breasted beast representing Diana which became the trademark symbol of the wicked culture.
3. The temple to Diana was filled with prostitutes calling themselves priestesses, and the religious practice was that of sexual depravity and drunken parties.
4. The Christians there had a difficult time living separate from the wickedness of the city.

I think we can now clearly see that the culture of Ephesian living was not so much unlike our culture today. We still worship at the altar of humanism. We still pursue our gross sexual lust at all costs. We openly embrace every type of materialism as if success is measured only by wealth and power. We are a culture that refuses God, and accepts hedonism. 

Before we meet Christ, we are no different from the world system mentioned above. We are saturated in lives of selfishness and sinfulness as the scripture clearly states. - 1 Peter 4:3  For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

Yet, now we are clearly commanded to abstain from these types of wickedness. We are commanded to remove the old coat of sin and self. - 1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.

What we must remember as we look at this text that this is not the opinion of men, but the command of God! - Ephesians 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord,

Now we want to contrast and examine the old life and the new life, the old coat and the new coat. In verses 17-24 Paul does this with four contrasting characteristics. We have to understand that this is a matter of the heart and mind. It’s not a matter of reforming our actions, but a matter of changing our hearts. It’s a matter of genuine repentance. - Ephesians 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Ephesians 4:23  And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

THE OLD WALK

SELF CENTEREDNESS - (17) This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, - This speaks of vanity! Self-centeredness! Solomon had everything and concluded that all was vain unless you served God! Oh that we might have the wisdom of Solomon. What does it profit us if we gain the whole world and lose our very own soul?

IGNORANCE - (18) Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: - No matter how educated a man may be, apart from Christ he is blind and unlearned. Apart from knowing Christ, he knows nothing of eternal value. What a pitiful condition Christians are in today. It seems we are pursuing all forms of knowledge, but lacking a deep knowledge of fellowship with Christ.

SHAMELESSNESS - (19) Who being past feeling – This speaks of the inability to have concern over the consequences of one’s actions. This is totally shameless behavior with no thought, care, or concern with how it affects anyone else.

PERVERSION - (19) Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. – Let’s examine this perverse living…

• Lasciviousness means, “Shameless wantonness and unblushing obscenity.” It was used to speak of sexual and violent obscenity. What drives our culture today?
• To work with greediness means they literally make their living from evil, violence, and sexual misconduct. What drives our evil commercial marketing today?
• The entire culture of Ephesus was built around making merchandise of and marketing everything sinful and wicked that appealed to the pleasures of men. Does this not sound like our culture today?

So now let’s consider what we are to do with those things?

1. We are not like that anymore! (20)  But ye have not so learned Christ
2. We are to make every exhaustive effort to abstain from wickedness. (22)  That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man,

This passage stands as a strong reminder that we are to be different from the world. The sinful habits, perverse lusts, commitments to self and materialism, and indifference to serving Christ are to be a part of our past and not prevailing in the present. While the temptations to worldliness loom over head, we are to put on the new clothing of righteousness as we face each new day. Everything needed to in order to be suited with new attire has been provided: the indwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit, a new nature, the sacred scriptures, the local church, and the blessing of communion with God through prayer. To neglect dependency on any of these is to leave a portion of our lives unclothed and subject to be covered by the old attire of sin.

Prayer – Thank God today for making you a new creation in Christ. Praise Him for the great gift of salvation, and the gifts mentioned above which equip you for faithful living and committed service. Ask Him to examine your life and reveal any and every area in which repentance is needed. Plead on the behalf of other believers, and earnestly pray that He would do the same for them. 

Through It All...

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

What a wonderful admonition from the Apostle Paul! Might it be the earnest expectation, and fervent labor of every genuine believer to have "the word of Christ" dwelling in us "richly in all wisdom!" However, it is the second part of this deep well of wisdom that I wish to pursue: Teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.

As I examined this verse my heart was immediately taken to the night the Lord saw fit to begin a work of grace in my heart. Some many years ago, in the midst of a horrible Winter storm I wandered into First Baptist Church in Irvine, Kentucky on a Sunday evening. I wasn't sure what to expect or what would happen, and then I was completely overwhelmed by the Spirit of God! It was not when Pastor Sherl Thomas began his stirring sermon on our Lord's death and resurrection. Rather, violent conviction began when they opened the service with a hymn, "How Great Thou Art!" I well recall feeling so small, so sinful, and so wicked as God's people lifted their hearts and voices to heaven to praise the Great God of all creation. By the time Pastor Thomas began preaching, I was more than ready to hear a message of redemption for my wicked estate.

Thinking of the many great hymns that God has used to influence me, I often think of Trust and Obey. What truthful, and powerful instruction is found in this great hymn! "Trust and obey. For there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey." How often I have needed to be reminded that my disobedience was causing the discontent and sorrow in my heart. Then upon hearing these words I'm reminded that joy returns when I turn from wickedness and pursue righteousness with all my heart!

One of my favorite hymns is "Grace Greater than all our Sin." I love and cling to the words, "Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace. Freely bestowed on all who believe." How often I've struggled with those things left behind, and have needed the reminder of God's everlasting love and grace.

How could I fail to mention the great hymn of our Christian testimony, "Amazing Grace." That first stanza revealing the truth of our initial experience with God's amazing saving grace. Now I'm currently living the third stanza, "Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come. Twas grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home." And oh how we long for the conclusion of our salvation when "we've no less days to sing His praise than when we first begun."

My favorite modern hymn writer is Andrae Crouch. I absolutely love "Through It All" and in moments of uncertainty and struggle, I often drift toward that great hymn for encouragement and reminder. Soon and Very Soon, The Blood Will Never Loose It's Power, To God Be The Glory... So many powerful and encouraging hymns from Andrae Crouch!

In closing, I thought I'd share one of my favorite hymns. I pray it encourage you as it has me!

God Knows Everything

In the scriptures, in order to help you and I better understand our God, certain attributes of God are described with anthropopathic and anthropomorphic language. Anthropopathic language consists of human emotions attributed to God in order to help us better understand Him. You might read, "It repented the Lord that He had done this." You might read "It angered the Lord." You get the jest. Anthropomorphic language consists of human attributes given to God to help us understand Him better. You might read "the hand of God" or "finger of God" etc.

With anthropomorphic language in mind, consider the following... In the 15th Proverb and the 3rd verse the wisdom writer declares, "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good." What a humbling and sobering thought this invokes. Everywhere we go, and everything we do is seen by the eyes of our Sovereign Lord! In the 33rd Psalm the Psalmist makes the following assertion, "The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works." From God's heavenly throne He beholds every work committed by the hand of every man, woman, boy and girl. There's is absolutely nothing you and I can do that escapes the eyes of the Lord.

God not only sees the actions performed by every living being, He also knows the very thoughts, desires, and motives of every human being. Consider carefully the words of David in the 139th Psalm and the first 8 verses, "O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there."
A. God knew everything about David's daily living, including every thought he had.
B. Before David took any journey in His life's path, God already knew of that journey.
C. David understood that God's knowledge was far too great for him to ever comprehend.
D. David understood that there is no escaping God's knowledge. Every action, and every thought of man is clearly seen by God Almighty.

Not only does God know everything about human actions, and not only does God know everything about human thoughts, but God knows everything about everything! Note these words from the 147th Psalm and the 5th verse, "Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite." There is no end to God's knowledge of all things! Paul considered this great truth, and here was his conclusion of the matter from Romans 11:33-36, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen."

We can sum this all up by stating the following: God is omniscient. Simply put, God knows everything about everything! There is no limit to God's understanding and knowledge of all things. He truly is the I Am.

Now, we might be curious as to how God can know everything about everything. How can God know with certainty what shall happen tomorrow, or what we will do tomorrow? The answer is profound, and actually causes this writer to live in reverential fear of this awesome Creator we serve. Here is the answer from Isaiah 46 and verse 10, "Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure." Consider those words carefully dear friend. God knows what will happen tomorrow because He sovereignly created and declared everything that will happen tomorrow, when He created the beginning of all we know in the heavens and the earth. I must agree with Paul that when contemplating God's knowledge it leads me to declare, "The Lord's ways are past finding out! To Him be the glory forever, Amen!"

What is to be our response to these things? How do we as finite humans respond to such marvelous truths about God's omniscience?
1. Since God sees every action we perform, we should do all things to the praise of the glory of His good name. Our daily manner of living should consist of holiness, righteousness, and obedience to His truth. Whatever we eat, or drink, or whatever we do should be done to the glory of God.
2. Since God knows every thought, we must seek to flee from wicked influence, and we renew our minds with the things of God. Bible study, prayer, fellowship with other believers, and filling our minds with things that are lovely and true should be our daily routine. We should also avoid watching, reading, listening to, touching, or even keeping company with anything that is wicked and would lead to the pollution of our minds.
3. When we as God's children truly believe God knows everything, and that He is in sovereign control of all things, we should take comfort in Him. Our faith should increase, our trust should grow, and our fears should fade. Note these words from Isaiah 40:28-29 "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength." Even as we pray Jesus reminds us, "Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of even before ye ask Him."
4. I believe it was RC Sproul who said that for the unbeliever the thought of God's omniscience should bring a reaction of genuine terror. After the Psalmist asks in Psalm 94, "LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph? How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?" he continues on to mention the evil boasting of these same wicked men who say, "The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it." Yet the conclusion of the whole matter comes in verses 9-11, "He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see? He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know? The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity." The hearts of the wicked that think they can hide their words, actions, and thoughts from God are here reminded that God sees all they do, hears all they know, and even knows every wicked thought they have. Furthermore, a coming day of His judgment will deliver to each of them their just reward. The reward of the wicked is described by Paul as being a day of "flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." The wicked man's response should be fear, followed by repentance from sin and faith in Jesus Christ.

Consider these matters today. Pray about the matter of God's omniscience, and pray the Lord examine your heart and reveal if there be any unclean thing. What a great a mighty God we serve! He alone knows the depth of our hearts, and He alone is capable of cleansing us of all unrighteousness. Cry to Him today.

What to do when struggling with a besetting transgression...

I was pondering this morning the various conversations I've had with others pertaining to particular besetting transgressions. What I mean by a besetting transgression is a re-occurring sinful action that one struggles with, and seems to be incapable of overcoming. All of God's children struggle with besetting sins.

In Hebrews 12:4 the scripture mentions our "struggle with sin." In Romans 6 the Apostle Paul says much of our struggle and warfare with the sin which seeks to entangle us, and competes against the Spirit of righteousness we have been granted as God's children. James even tells us that a besetting sin could be our failure to do what is right. Regardless of what our personal struggle might be, the scripture is clear in that we all struggle, wrestle, compete against, and make war with besetting sins.

So I began to ponder on how God, by His grace, has helped me with besetting sin. It might seem very simple, but I believe the following to be Biblical and practical. I pray the Lord use it to bless and encourage you...

1. Scripture. The Psalmist proclaimed it is God's Word that is hidden in our heart that prevents us from sinning against God (Psalm 119:11). Paul told Timothy that the Word of God was completely sufficient for correction, and for training us to do what is right (2 Timothy 3:16-17). James tells us that sin begins in the heart with evil thoughts, and then is manifested in evil actions. Yet when our hearts are filled with memorized scripture speaking directly to our particular struggle, we'll find the Holy Spirit using them to convict us and steer us away from transgression.

2. Prayer. Oh that we might cry out to God for grace! It is God that works within us both to be willing, and to perform the actions that are pleasing to Him. We look to self help books, twelve step programs, pop culture fads, and celebrity endorsed literature to help us "overcome our illness." The problem is not that we just have "a social illness," the problem is that apart from the grace of God we will do nothing but transgress! How much time are you spending broken before a Holy God, praying His grace transform your heart and life? "Oh what peace we often forfeit. Oh what needless things we bear. All because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer." The scripture speaks of sanctification performed within us by the Holy Spirit as we submit to God and flee from sin. Therefore, yield to Him in prayer, and plead for His Spirit to sanctify to strengthen you.

3. Repentance. Understand, I mean genuine repentance. Genuine repentance is a true change. It is from one direction toward another. If we are genuinely to repent, we must cease from the influences that tempt us to transgress. If a man's besetting sin is that he finds himself in a drunken stupor when around alcohol, then genuine repentance would lead him out of the bar! If a man's besetting sin is that he commits adultery by flirting with a waitress, then genuine repentance will lead him to eat elsewhere! Saying I'm sorry, and then continuing to be influenced by and frequenting those things which tempt us to sin is NOT repentance. Genuine repentance seeks to flee from all forms of ungodliness and unrighteousness.

4. Accountability. Not only from God, but from others. James tells us to "confess to one another our faults, and pray for one another." I have found that certain Godly men have been the greatest of treasure in my life as they have prayed for me, encouraged me, and helped to hold me accountable as I have struggled in various areas of besetting sin. I can not count the times that I have been in great battles with unrighteousness, but have had Godly men and women on the battlefield with me. Oh what a precious gift from God we have in the Church! Often we fail to use the church, one of our greatest gifts from God.

I pray these things have encouraged and helped you. I know they have helped me many times, and still do. Grace to you all.

Winter Bible Study Conference Jan 17

I am very excited for our 2010 Winter Bible Study Conference. This year's theme is apologetic as we tackle three very important questions many unbelievers wrestle with. I truly believe you'll be blessed tremendously as you join us for this year's conference.

The conference takes place Sunday January 17th and is broken into four parts. A teaching meeting at 10:00 a.m., one at 11:00 a.m., a question/answer time and free meal at 12:15 p.m., and the final teaching meeting at 6:00 p.m.

At 10:00 a.m. we'll be joined by Brother Jeff Ryder as he answers the question, "What is true, Evolution or the Biblical account of Creation?" Jeff's lovely wife Missy will be blessing us in song prior to the lesson.

In the 11:00 a.m. service Brother Sherl Thomas answers the question, "What must I do to be saved?" With so many opinions and philosophies, find out exactly how the Bible answers man's most pressing question. Prior to Brother Thomas preaching, the New Found Four gospel quartet will be ministering in song.

In the 6:00 p.m. service Brother Matthew Perry will be tackling the question, "Is the Bible truly God's word?" With all the attacks against Holy Writ in our new age society, Brother Perry brings much needed insight into the veracity and validity of the Bible. The New Found Four will again be ministering in song during this service.

We hope to see you there are we worship together on January 17th, 2010.

http://meansbaptistchurch.webs.com/

Justification Part II

Against the contemporary concept of non-sacrificial Christianity comes the harsh and most often times difficult to embrace words of our Lord from Matthew's tenth chapter, "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

These words are spoken from the very authority of very God, and carry with them powerful consequences to becoming a follower of Christ. Following Christ could very well land one in the most despairing situation of broken relationships with family and close friends. Christ must take preeminence over all earthly relationships to such an extreme that earthly relationships must be forsaken for the cause of His Lordship and Kingdom if necessary. Whoever loves his Father or Mother more than Christ is not worthy of Him! This in no wise makes null and void all the Biblical texts speaking to the responsibility we have within the family unit. Christ is stressing the reality of the high cost of being his disciple.

Contained at the closing of the quote comes an even more powerful statement, this one pertaining not to our relationships with others. This statement from our Lord strikes directly against the hardened heart of hedonism that resides within all fallen mankind, "Whoever does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me." Self-crucifixion. Death to self. The giving up of one's life, for the cause and purpose of the Kingdom of our Redeemer.

This self-sacrificial, high cost life that Christ is speaking of must be taken in a couple different perspectives. First, the cost of following Christ might truly lead to literally death. Oh how many have fallen due to the sword of opposition to the Kingdom. For preservation of truth, and loyalty to our Triune God, many have made their stand and tasted the martyrs death. Yet with so great an entrance into our Father's Kingdom were they ushered! What a blessing indeed to have suffered together with Christ, and what great a reward to sit down in the Abode of heavenly bliss.

Most often it is our experience in our Western Culture that literal death by martyr's sword is not the closing chapter of this temporal life. We rarely hear of persecution unto death. We scarcely are faced with any form of threatening because we are followers of Jesus. We do however carry a responsibility of self-crucifixion. Our responsibility insists upon a daily sacrifice of self. Not of literal self-sacrifice to the taking of this mortal life, but a purging and putting away of the deeds of the flesh. Those vile things which have brought enmity between God and man. A mortification of those things which separate us from living and walking by faith. Paul captures these thoughts with the following words, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" Notice this powerful statement of Paul's to the Church at Rome, "For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." These words command our putting away the deeds of the flesh, dying daily in Christ, crucifying self so that Christ may live through us, and living our life by faith in the Son of God.

You could sum up the sacrificial Christian life by appealing to the doctrine of sanctification. To be "sanctified" in it's simplest understanding is to be set apart unto God. The very moment we enter salvation we have been set apart unto God, a vessel now prepared for his glory. This is called most often "immediate sanctification." Yet, this is not the only Biblical understanding of sanctification. It is also a continuing process by which the Person of the Holy Spirit works within us that the deeds of the flesh might be put to death, and thus the fruit of the Holy Spirit is manifest in our lives. This is called "progressive sanctification." Scripture is abundantly clear in it's assertion that those who have been justified will enter the process of progressive sanctification. There will never be any argument from me, or any other orthodox theologian about the validity of the doctrine of universal progressive sanctification.

Now, with that being said, I must at this point return the reader's thoughts to the very doctrine that I originally set forth to discuss... Justification. Let me now urge the reader to carefully consider the following statement: Justification is not Sanctification. Let me repeat, justification is not sanctification. Once more, justification is not sanctification!

Justification is by faith alone in the Person and work of Jesus Christ alone, and justification is not contingent upon any act or action that follows converting faith. It is the most grave error of any individual to appeal to progressive sanctification as the means of declaring one just. This is why the thief on the cross remains the scripture's most beautiful example of justification by faith alone. The thief was indeed sanctified and set apart unto the Lord, and he did indeed confess our Lord, but as far as a long life experiencing the battle between flesh and spirit, he never experienced it. He did however believe on Christ and his faith was counted as righteousness.

James makes it clear that genuine faith will be accompanied by progressive sanctification as our life in Christ is "worked out." No one should ever argue against this point. Yet, it must be fervently argued with every bit of our being that justification is by faith alone! For this very cause I can state today with great authority that everyone believing on the Lord Jesus Christ will have eternal life (John 3:16).

The Christian life is capsuled in the concept of self-sacrifice. The Christian life includes good deeds that God before ordained that we should walk in them. The Christian life includes progressive sanctification. Any genuine Christian life will include these attributes as it is lived out. However, the Christian life is not entered into by these things! It is entered into by regeneration which produces faith which is counted as righteousness. Should another moment of this temporal life never be granted after that moment of faith by which we are alone justified, we will forever be with our Lord in eternity. Justification is by faith alone.

Again, let me reiterate that last statement: Should another moment of this temporal life never be granted after that moment of faith by which we are alone justified, we will forever be with our Lord in eternity.

Increasingly Alarmed: Justification by faith under attack.

I can't help but find myself increasingly alarmed at the discontent of professing believers with the doctrine of justification by grace through faith alone in Christ alone. As a matter of fact, I find the preceding statement quite alarming! Should it ever be conceived in the mind of a believer that justification by faith alone would be questioned in any manner? This entire conversation is quite frightening.

Recently in conversations with professing believers I have found myself defending the doctrine of justification by faith alone. I have also recently been preaching through the book of Romans, and I have become ever more aware of subtle attacks against the doctrine. Paul's argument for justification by faith has been pressed into my conscience with such effect that I'm very sensitive to any conversation pertaining to justification.

Paul's entire argument to the Church at Rome is demonstrated with no greater clarity than in the words, "And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness." Paul makes it clear that...

A. He is making it clear that justification is for the "one who does not work," and that justification is not the result of any form of work on behalf of any individual. If it is then that individual would have just cause to boast before God.

B. He is making it clear that justification is realized for the "ungodly," and is not granted when the ungodly find faith and then improve their ungodly condition. We come by to Christ by faith while in the most miserable condition! Any other view is in direct opposition to the historic doctrine of total depravity.

C. He makes a most powerful assertion that for the ungodly man who does not work to merit justification "his faith is counted as righteousness."

Let me now state a couple things for clarity sake, even though they may seem at first of no importance to the present writing. First, faith and repentance (two sides of the same coin, so to speak) come as a result of regeneration. We are granted the gifts of faith and repentance by God. Second, along with faith and repentance, God the Holy Spirit empowers and indwells the believer in order that they might then be conformed to Christ, and manifest the fruit of the Spirit. Just as Abraham himself showed forth his genuine faith from God as he offered up his son Isaac. Finally, all of salvation, whether regeneration, conversion, sanctification, or glorification, are all the result of God's grace. For we are made alive by grace! Faith and repentance are gifts of His grace! It is God's grace that works within us both to will and to do according to His good pleasure! We will be raised by the same power with which Christ was raised from the dead! Soli Deo Gloria! (I'm working on a few thoughts for a future post about the believer's obedience to the commands of scripture, so don't leap to an attack thinking I'm denying Christians should be obedient to the commands of scripture.)

Now, I hope the reader does recognize that I do not seek to invalidate the claim that states "genuine faith will result in genuine fruit." I do however hope the reader will understand that justification is not by fruit. Justification is not by turning one's life from repulsive ungodliness to accepted moral excellence. Justification is not by religious activity. Justification is not by the outworking of gracious gifts granted us by God. Justification is by faith! Will that faith result in good works that God before ordained that we should walk in them? Sure! However, justification remains by faith alone.

The thief on the cross manifested no great amount of "fruit" as it would be assessed by today's fundamentalist standards. He was never immersed in water. He was never involved actively in ministry local or worldwide. He never contributed financially to the work of missions. He never contributed to the ministry of a local assembly of believers. However, as an ungodly man with nothing in and of himself that he might present before God as acceptable, he was granted the marvelous gift of faith to which Christ responded, "Today you will be in paradise with me."

With that said, had that thief lived past that very dark hour he was immersed in, would he have been baptized? Would he have joined himself to other believers for fellowship? Would he have then found himself searching the scriptures that he might grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ? I certainly believe he would have! Genuine salvation according to scripture is accompanied by a manifestation of work of the holy Spirit within the believer. However, all that aside, he was justified when he believed! When he came clothed in self-abasement and totally dependent upon the Lord who hang beside him, his faith was counted as righteousness. According to many modern Evangelicals the thief should have went to torment because there was nothing to validate his conversion experience.

I have been told not to take obscure passages like that and build a doctrine upon it, because it's not the norm. I've been told the actual norm we find in scripture is the opposite of this. I've been told that opinions like mine are nothing more than silly excuses to preach people into heaven who make death bed confessions. I will now attempt to deal with each of these accusations.

1. Don't take an obscure passage and build a doctrine upon it, because it's not the norm.
I haven't. I have taken the entirety of scripture that teaches justification by faith alone, and simply set forth one of the most beautiful examples ever given to prove the veracity of the doctrine. It is actually far more dangerous to insinuate that in some obscure way this thief was justified in some manner not found elsewhere in scripture. This opens the door to a floodgate of religious philosophies that all claim various ways of justification. This thief was justified exactly like every other individual in Holy Writ. He believed God and his faith was counted as righteousness.

2. The actual norm in scripture is the opposite of the thief's account.
Such a statement tosses away the Biblical doctrine of God not being a respecter of persons. Such a statement concludes that the thousands saved on the day of Pentecost were all fitted into the same mold. Such a statement concludes that any mention of entire households believing was merely speaking of households with certain age groups, life spans, etc. On the Day of Pentecost we are told that Jews from all walks of life were present. Did God limit His saving grace to those who still had long days and much life ahead of them? The scripture actually does not give us a "norm" for the recipient of saving grace. Rather, it expresses God's saving goodness toward people from all walks of life, which definitely includes those with little life left to live(say that five times real fast). Perhaps it is our experience that most conversions we are familiar with include people who have much life left to live. Our experience does not dictate doctrine. The account given us in Holy Scripture must dictate our doctrine. The account given in scripture is that of justification by faith alone.

3. Opinions like these are silly excuses to preach people into heaven who have made death bed confessions.
I once knew of a gentleman who would visit hospitals and nursing homes religiously. He was a Free Will Baptist, and relentlessly pursued "professions of faith" from those he felt were facing death. He used scare tactics, empty philosophy, and other un-scriptural methods. He would then go on to preach some of their funerals, and would pronounce the individual heavenly bound as a result of their "death bed confession." This is wrong on so many levels that it would take a series of posts to deal with it. But to assume the position that I would desire such a practice for myself simply because I claim justification by faith alone apart from any human effort, is totally unfounded. It is honestly an attack on my character, and an attack on my ability to perform my duties as a minister in a Biblical manner. I have never addressed the eternal destination of an individual at their funeral. I always proclaim the Gospel with clarity and simplicity, and make sure those in attendance know that our church is ever ready to assist in any way possible. Even so, just because some have a twisted view of Biblical salvation, and they desire to offer false security to hurting families and friends, it does not negate the fact that justification is by faith alone apart from any work.

There is a part II coming very soon. I have also heard that such view of justification by faith alone stands in contrast to Jesus words in the Sermon on the Mount(Matthew 7), and that my view presented an easy Gospel, and that I was like so many who are ashamed to get tough and really tell the truth. I will deal with those things in a future post. For now, I pray these words find you well, and that your heart be ready to search the scriptures and see if these things be of God.

It's not what you say, it's how you say it?

I honestly believe miscommunication to be the cause of much discord among friends, family, co-workers, church members, etc. because we have become a careless people with our speech. We rarely clarify ourselves, we say much more than we need to, and we've become a people who praise the loudest tongue in the group for being "bold, assertive, and telling it just like it is." I wander at what point did being rude, obnoxious, and hurtful became a quality that we admire? Indeed there are times to be bold and assertive, and there are times "to tell it like it is." But, when we are damaging lives, alienating others, hurting the public testimony of the church, and representing our God and Savior in the most horrible of ways, we need to re-examine our speech.

I think most will be familiar with the multitude of Proverbs written in regard to the dangers of a loose tongue, gossip, slander, etc. Most can recite James' Epistle in which he likened the tongue unto a small flame that sets ablaze a large fire that destroys everything in it's path. Most will inform you that you should "speak the truth in love." I'm constantly hearing sermons on 1st Corinthians 13, and hearing about the need to love in word and deed. If we as Christians are so familiar with these texts, why are we saying the things we are saying that seem to exemplify the opposite of love?

Here is something I hear quite often, "Just read Matthew 23, and you'll see the example Jesus gave of how to witness when he nailed the Scribes and Pharisees to the wall! He sure wasn't all lovey dovey with them!" Then it's always followed with either "...and Peter flat called the Jews a bunch of murderers in Acts 2" or the old "Paul called false teachers like Hymenaeus and Philetus gangrene, just go read 2nd Timothy!" These scripture passages are often used as excuses to call people such vile things as morons, devils, idiots, and a few other things I wont repeat, all in the name of "not compromising Biblical truth."

Let me clarify there is absolutely nothing wrong with having a deep running passion for the truth of God's word. I would pray that all men everywhere would diligently search the scriptures, and be passionate in presenting it's salvation message to others. We should be ever ready to give an answer to the unbelieving world when we are put on trial for our faith, and should it happen we should earnestly contend for the faith! We should make known heresies as gangrene, and if needed to protect the flock of God we should name those who are teaching such damnable doctrines. HOWEVER, our passionate proclamation of truth must always be coupled together with meekness, love, compassion, and fear!

Meekness carries the idea of control. Nothing rages out of control any faster than our tongue. It is a slippery serpent which reveals our sinful heart at every given opportunity. Perhaps the admonition to speak less and listen more would save us all much heartache and woe. How often have we allowed a few moments of unbridled spewing by our "little member" ruin our entire day? How often has the poison of our tongue driven someone farther away from any interest in the things of God, rather than being used of God to proclaim Him? I dare to say we are all guilty of not controlling our tongue. Our very nature is revealed in our speech for from the abundance of our heart, the mouth speaks. Paul stated in Titus 2:8 that his speech should be of such soundness that he never be condemned because of it. He told Titus in the conclusion of that verse that sound Godly speech puts his opposition to shame in a manner that no one could speak evil of it. When we finish "contending for the faith" and even the unbelievers around us are condemning the way we speak, we've failed in this imperative.

Love must saturate all we do. Love for God, and love for others. All the law and prophets hang upon these two commands. Love does not compromise, is not coated in sentimental hypocrisy, and does not rejoice in evil. Love also does not belittle, aimlessly rant, and express itself in a vile and heartless manner. Love seeks to express the truth in such a manner that the wicked are warned, the righteous are encouraged, and the world is compelled and commanded to repent and believe, and it does so without wrath, vengeance, malice, and bitterness intervening.

Compassion for those in error, and compassion for the lost should not even be discussed. When we consider the mire from which we were raised from death to walk in newness of life, we should be overwhelmed with compassion for others. But for the grace of God, there goeth I.

Fear must govern our speech. Rather, let me interpret my use of the term fear to mean reverence. We should so revere the Holy Scripture that we treat it and express it in a most careful manner. As we speak God's truth we should be reminded of the Supreme Judge which shall hold each man accountable who speaks on His behalf. While Paul rightly asserted in Galatians 1 that his example was not that of preaching to please men, but rather he preached to pleaset God, and that he even withstood Peter over a dispute about Gentiles and Jews, Paul never stooped to screaming slurs toward Peter or anyone else. Paul understood the weight of bearing upon our shoulders the message of God. Therefore he governed his speech, and chose his words wisely.

We can and should proclaim what we believe, and we should be ready to earnestly contend for the faith. We should be passionate in doing so, and eager to do so in a manner that glorifies God, edifies the church, and proclaims the Gospel to the lost. Yet, as we do so I pray we keep the following statements in mind...

1Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Titus 2:7-8 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

1 Peter 3:8-11 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For "Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.

Hermeneutics Part III

Finally, the opportunity to sit down and post a few thoughts on point 5 from the original post on hermeneutics!

5. Perspicuity of scripture, in that it can be understood (and should be read and studied) by the layman.

First it should be noted that the ten rules of Biblical interpretation that I set forth were given in simplicity, and hopefully in clarity to the reader. Yet, as rightly pointed out, this point should be clarified further for the advanced reader.

In the 1689 Confession in Chapter 1 Of the Holy Scriptures, we find the following statement in paragraph 7, "All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all; yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed and observed for salvation, are so clearly propounded and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of ordinary means, may attain to a sufficient understanding of them.( 2 Peter 3:16; Psalms 19:7; Psalms 119:130)" I believe this statement perfectly captures the thought I intended to relay. Scripture is knowable! What a marvelous truth this is indeed! The layman may delve into Holy Writ and see clearly those magnificent truths so beautifully articulated by the most learned theologian. Those great and marvelous truths pertaining to justification by faith alone, the security of salvation in Christ alone, the sufficiency of scripture alone, and so forth. Not only can these great truths be known, but they should be regularly read with a prayerful heart, and meditated upon as the Holy Spirit effectually applies these things to the readers heart so as to produce the peaceable fruit of righteousness.

The concern made known in an earlier comment was well noted. Perhaps we could marry that concern to the following statement, "Truth can be known to every believer, and indeed is. The Holy Spirit is the true Teacher of truth, and apart from Him truth can not be known. Therefore, I need no earthly institution such as the church, nor earthly teacher such as a Pastor, nor earthly witness such as a fellow Christian mentor." To much of this statement we can say "Amen!" Yet the statement carries with it certain untruths that hopefully we can address.

"Truth can be known to every believer, and indeed is." And all God's people said "Amen!" The Holy Spirit is the true teacher of Truth, and apart from Him truth can not be known. And all God's people said "Amen!" Therefore, I need no earthly institution, teacher, guide, helper, Pastor, etc. And all God's people said "Ummmm, wrong conclusion dear friend."

Note the following statements, prayerfully consider them, and then re-examine the above question...

In writing to Timothy to encourage and edify, Paul says in 1 Timothy 3:14-15 "I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth." Notice the church is the pillar and buttress of the truth. It is the church which God has chosen to be His earthly institution by which He preserves, proclaims, and professes His truths. We need the church of the Living God! Some of the greatest error found in our Culture could be corrected if the rebellious would abandon their private interpretation tainted by hedonism, and turn itself to the historic Christian faith still proclaimed by the Lord's faithful church.

The wisdom writer rightly asserts in Proverbs 11:14, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." Also we might note Proverbs 24:6, "for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory." Here is perhaps the most convincing statement speaking of the value of wise counsel found in Proverbs 8:33, "Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it." Even the novice understands the value placed upon truth and wisdom by the Author of the Proverbs. Statements such as these, statements exalting the benefits of listening to wise teachers, and growing wise yourself from their instruction are showered throughout the wisdom literature. Oh that we might heed Proverbs 13:14, "The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death."

The New Testament scriptures are no different. God has placed within His church Pastors/Teachers for the edification of the body of Christ. Our building up, our edification, is accomplished through the God chosen means of Pastoral care, and their feeding sound doctrine to the flock. We are warned not to make their labor difficult, lest they become of no benefit to you. The polar opposite is that of encouraging your Pastor that he might be of benefit to you! It's true, your Pastor is not there to be your personal lawn care provider, your plumber, electrician, mechanic, and psychologist. He is to be given to prayer and the scriptures that he might instruct you in sound Biblical doctrine. Paul reminds young Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:1-2, "You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." There were great and precious truths taught to young Timothy from Paul, and Paul expected young Timothy to then entrust those things unto others, and so forth. This was accomplished through the fellowship, and teaching ministry of the church local.

My prayer is two-fold. I pray that we all as God's children would hunger and thirst for a prayerful personal study of His great truths contained in Holy Writ. Yet, I also pray that we be given over in prayerful excitement for the ministry of the Word as it is taught by His servants whom He has chosen.

Too often we as Pastors are met with such bitter scrutiny that our every syllable is examined with such microscopic accuracy that the slightest miss pronunciation of "Jesuit" will lead to a theological lynching following the service. One such conversation followed a sermon I once preached on the subject of the Perseverance of the Saints. I was informed afterward by a visitor that such dribble is why they never attend churches. I was a mere follower of men, and God had told them through their study of scripture that if they didn't "live it" they would never "make it." They had no desire to be fed, no desire to hear instruction, no desire to grow in grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ. They wanted someone who would agree with their private interpretation, or the rope would swing from the gallows. I asked him why he came at all if he needed no earthly teacher, and his response was that he, "thinks the Preacher is just there to confirm what God has already shown me, and not to teach some kind of new stuff I can't get on my own." Heart breaking. This man never understood the blessing of accountability. We need not only accountability as far as morality and church discipline is concerned, but we need accountability theologically.

A wise man rejoices in correction, and this I truly believe. I have personally rejoiced in times past as I have been corrected by scripture, as well as wise counsel. I have learned to enjoy, and appreciate the great teaching ministries of others. I've also come to understand that wise counselors and gifted teachers are a blessing from the Almighty. So may we each experience the joy which comes from helpful teaching ministry! God bless, and grace to you.

Hermeneutics Part II

In response to questions/comments pertaining to yesterday's post, I've decided (pun intended, some will get that joke) to expound upon on point 4 today, and Lord willing point 5 in the near future.

4. Scripture interprets scripture, never tradition.

First, just let me say that I used the term "tradition" in it's historic theological context. By that I mean both the Roman Catholic view of "sacred tradition" in which their sacred traditional doctrines and practices, though unfounded in scripture, are viewed as being on the same hermeneutic pillar as scripture itself. I include as well the view in which tradition represents beliefs and practices not found in the historic Biblical Christian faith and practice.

Now, in this post I intend to open the scope of the term tradition, and hopefully do so in a manner that keeps the conversation coupled together with simplicity and clarity. Complexity can lead to confusion if we're not careful, so may the Lord grant patience to me in formulating these thoughts.

The church is called in Holy Writ the "pillar and buttress of the truth." The church of the Lord Jesus Christ as an institution has offered to the believing world confessional statements declaring what Christians believe and why they believe it. Here is what I believe to be an excellent example from the 1689 Confession of Faith Chapter 1 Statement 10, "The supreme judge, by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Scripture delivered by the Spirit, into which Scripture so delivered, our faith is finally resolved." Scripture is declared in this statement as the supreme authority in all matters of faith and practice. This is an orthodox view of the Holy Scriptures. This was confessed and proclaimed by the messengers and churches representing the church as an institution in their time. The church has been the means chosen of God to uphold, confess, and proclaim His truth. Therefore, private interpretation which contradicts the historic traditional theological stance of the church is actually un-Biblical. Even so, in various times through various personalities, confessional statements pertaining to Christian thought, worldviews, and theological concepts which are un-Biblical have been set forth. In these situations the Lord has always brought forth His true church to speak against them, and confess and uphold the true Christian faith as founded in God's word. Though it has often cost the most heavy price of blood through faithful martyrs, God has chosen to preserve His truth through His church. In this sense, the tradition of the historic Biblical understanding of orthodox Christianity is not to be avoided, but rather to be embraced with thankful hearts and attending ears. Again, for clarity purposes let me state, this does not mean extra-Biblical statements are always correct and to be upheld. As the confession itself states, any confessional statement of man is subject to correction by the sacred text of scripture.

What about those who claim they approach scripture with no traditional presuppositions? In that they mean they approach the scripture without the influence of man or culture. I would say they are simply unaware of the impact of man and culture on their worldview. I would go on to say the most difficult thing for us to do as individuals is to admit the traditional values and opinions placed within us by our community, family, friends, educational systems, entertainment venues, etc. For myself, coming from an upbringing in which we were not in a local church regularly hearing Christian doctrine, I thought I had an advantage when coming to the scripture. I was wrong. I had so many un-Biblical presupposed ideas of God that it was pitiful. Looking back, most were instilled in my thought process through statements by family members, dear friends, co-workers, and others whom I thought had a better understanding matters of religion and theology. As I read scripture I found myself actually looking for proof texts at times! I would actually focus upon statements or phrases I believed would support my radical presuppositions. I was engulfed in tradition, and would commonly state in the same smug tone as the Pharisee staring over the Publican in the temple, "I'm so glad I'm not battered with tradition like so many others are who can't see clear Biblical truth." All the while I was corrupted from years and years of un-Biblical influence which was imposing itself upon my study of scripture.

Moving on, here are a couple questions for the reader... If you found out today that your view of the work of the Holy Spirit in the church was never held to by anyone in the church's history, and that it has been condemned by orthodox Christianity for let's say 300 years when someone outside the church first proposed it, would you continue to hold to your position? Would you shout as many do that others are followers of traditions of men, and your view comes from you and the Holy Spirit teaching you? Or, would you re-examine your view in light of the historic Christian interpretation of the work of the Holy Spirit in the church? These are important questions to ponder. Are you actually going to claim that 2000+ years of faithful Christian interpretation of scripture is wrong, and you are the first to get it right? Sadly, many do.

"It's just me and my Bible and the Holy Spirit!" "I don't follow dead men!" "I follow THE BOOK, not some book written by know-it-all theologians!" "I don't need some church to tell me what to believe, it's just me and Jesus!" Ever heard or made those statements? Here are some questions to ponder in light of those statements... If it's just you and your Bible and the Holy Spirit, why did God place Pastors/Teaching Elders in his churches? If you don't follow other men, why do you impose your own presupposed ideas into the text you read? If it's not important to be a MEMBER of a local church, why does God command the church to be over the matters of discipline in a believer's life? How can you be disciplined and held accountable if you refuse to be a part of His church? If the Holy Spirit is teaching you all things in scripture, why doesn't He teach you Hebrews 10:25(I admit, some sarcasm in that question)? Why does scripture mention Pastors(who I might remind you hold the primary responsibility of teaching Biblical doctrine to the church) as being those who have watch over your souls if they are not needed in your life? Just some questions to ponder.

Finally, let me say that apart from the work of the Holy Spirit no one will ever know truth. The Holy Spirit must effectually work in our heart as truth is presented to us in whatever format. Yet, therein lies the key to this post... the format. We are all to meditate upon the word, and that's a given. However, that is not the ONLY means by which truth is presented to us. God has given to us pastors, teachers, Godly parents, etc., as means of proclaiming His truth to us. God has again chosen to uphold, protect, and proclaim His truth through His church and not apart from His church. It is not that we mindlessly follow the teachings of men when we hold to the historic orthodox Christian faith. Rather, we are being Biblical and we are holding fast the things handed to us from faithful men, and are now going to faithfully teach others.

As the Ethiopian Eunuch rode in his chariot he responded to Philip by explaining his understanding of Isaiah's text with the question, "How can I understand these things unless someone explains them to me?" God had sent Philip, a missionary of His church, to explain the truth as the Holy Spirit illuminated the message in the heart of the Ethiopian. We should thank God for His servants who faithfully present His truth, for this is the very means by which God has chosen to save those who will believe (1 Corinthians 1:21).