"God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believers in Him would not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved" (Acts 16:31). "He who has the Son has life; He who does not have the Son of God does not have life" (I John 5:12). "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching (proclaiming) to them? And how can they preach (proclaim) unless they are sent?" (Romans 10:13-15).
People need to hear the Gospel in order to be saved. They need to be born again by the Spirit, hear the Word and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ in order to be delivered from God's wrath that is to come. Without hearing the Gospel, repenting and believing, people will spend eternity separated from God, from life and from anything and everything good and holy and righteous. This is what the Bible teaches. While there are those who claim that the blood of Jesus somehow brings forgiveness and life to all, this is not the message of the Bible. Throughout the Old and the New Testaments the necessity of faith in God's promised Savior is clear. Faith requires knowledge of the truth, and those who believe are called and sent by Jesus to proclaim that truth to the world.
How much of the effort put forth by the Church today goes toward making disciples and so fulfilling the Great Commission? It is clear that Jesus sends believers into the world to be "disciple-makers." Not every believer has the same gifts, but the goal of every believer, and the Church at large, must be to see people come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and to commit their lives to following Him as Lord. Jesus encouraged His disciples by telling them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to ME, therefore, GO, and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:18-19). That covers virtually everything we do. We are called to make disciples, to train and equip disciples and to make more disciples.
In Acts 1, Jesus told His disciples that they would be His witnesses, in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the world. Jesus also told His disciples that He would make them "fishers of men." If there is one thing the Church of Jesus Christ should be focused on in order to glorify God and to advance His kingdom it would be this: lead people to Christ to find new life - eternal life. While there are other things God's people are called to do, in their personal lives and in our life together as a body, as congregations, this is the goal toward which we should be putting our greatest efforts and towards which everything else should point.
We must not be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because it is the power of God for the salvation of all who believe (Romans 1:16-17). Sharing the Gospel is the responsibility of every believer, directly or indirectly. Sometimes God gives us the opportunity to speak directly with another person. If you don't feel equipped to do that, you need to GET equipped! If you are not part of a congregation that will equip you to share the Gospel, perhaps you need to ask yourself, "Why?" At other times, you are called to work with others to reach out in your community and area of the world with the Gospel. Perhaps it will require helping others with a physical need, building a relationship where you can then share the Gospel with them. You may be led to go on a mission trip, or even to become a missionary in another country. But always, we must share the Gospel!
As Peter speaks of the coming judgment and the destruction of all things in II Peter 3, he writes, "Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming" (II Peter 3:11-12). The only way to "speed the coming" of the day of God's judgment and the day of ultimate salvation for those who believe is to finish the work God has called us to do and that Jesus sent us to do. This is the focus of the Church's mission: making disciples of Jesus Christ! We will often tell people to "FOCUS" on what is important. In all that God has called us to do, we need to FOCUS on proclaiming the Gospel and making disciples of Jesus!!
Monday, October 29, 2012
Saturday, October 27, 2012
"Can Christians be angry?"
"In your anger do not sin; and do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." - Ephesians 4:26-27
There is a building just down the street from where I am sitting at this moment where the congregation of Lighthouse Community Church served the Lord together for many years. Actually, the congregation from which Lighthouse was born existed on that corner for 95 years. That's a long time. But almost two years ago we began a process of prayer and procedures to make one last attempt to be an instrument in God's hands to open the eyes of many in the denomination of which we were a part to the reality that the Word of God was being ignored and that there were false teachers in our midst. The amazing thing was that most leaders and people in the denomination said they agreed with us, but were not willing to do anything about it. Some of them, maybe most of them, would disagree with my assessment of what happened, but nothing has changed and the false teaching not only continues, but is spreading.
The leaders and people at Lighthouse had to make a decision: stay and keep fighting, or leave the denomination and lose the building we had worked hard to erect in order to faithfully serve the Lord in our community. Some have said it must have been a difficult choice, but once we were convinced that "saving the denomination" was not God's number one priority, but rather, being "the pillar and foundation of truth" (I Timothy 3:15), the decision was an easy one. Our mission and vision statement gave us our answer: We exist to proclaim the reign of Jesus Christ over all things; glorifying and enjoying God forever! We had no choice but to do that which honored the Lord and did not water down His truth or twist it to accommodate modern social immorality of any kind. For us, it really came down to Acts 5:29: "We must obey God rather than men."
So we left the building and began worshiping in a school cafeteria on June 10th of this year. We had been worshiping with about 350-400 people total between two services while in the building. In the cafeteria we set up 390 chairs, understanding that our attendance may go down for a while. However, within a few weeks, we could see that this was not going to work long-term. We were running out of room! So on August 12th we moved again, this time to another school and a larger gymnasium. Now we are setting up almost 500 chairs and we are worshiping with 400-425 people in one service. We praise God for His faithfulness to us.
So what does all this have to do with anger? Well, all I can say is that people who are focused on a manmade agenda do things that appear good to some but which ultimately dishonor God. Many people are deceived by nice-sounding words from smiling faces. Leaders in the visible church do things "behind the scenes" without talking with their brothers and sisters in Christ in the congregation, using the excuse that they are called to lead and the people "don't need to know everything." It happens all the time. And when it does, it is a disgrace to Christ and His Church, and THAT makes me angry!! It should make everyone who loves Christ and His body angry. Leadership in the Church must be transparent and humble, seeking first the wisdom of God's Word and Spirit and then the counsel of God's people.
We can be angry at what angers God! But because God knows our sinful tendency to make it all about US, and to become bitter and vengeful, He warns us not to carry our anger over to the next day, but rather, to come to Him and find peace. How do you do that? You go back to the passage that Paul is quoting in Ephesians 4:26, when he says, "In your anger do not sin" ... Psalm 4 ...
The Psalmist begins by crying out to God: "Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?" (vss. 1-2). With David, who wrote this Psalm, I wonder how long men will delude themselves and those around them, bringing dishonor to the cause of Christ. Then he goes on:
"Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for Himself; the LORD will hear when I call to Him" (vs. 3). We can have confidence that God sees what is happening, that He knows the hearts of all men, and that He takes the side of those who stand for Him. Know that and trusting in the God who never fails, David writes, "In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent" (vs. 4). I need to be sure that my anger does not become sinful, self-centered and dishonoring to God. I need to search my own heart and be silent before the LORD, not complaining or murmuring, or allowing bitterness and resentment to fill my mind as though I am the one being offended. Those who are causing my anger are sinning against God and He will deal with their deceit in His own time and in His own way. I must confess my own sin and draw near to Christ for forgiveness and cleansing and set my heart on pleasing God.
In doing so, I must "offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD" (vs. 5). He is at work, even when I don't understand why things are happening as they are; even when it seems sometimes like those who are doing evil are "winning." I must continue to offer the sacrifice of praise and serve Him with the zeal and passion He deserves from those who are in Christ's army.
Now here's where the good part is and this is what I and all the people of Lighthouse Community Church, Non-Denominational have experienced: "Many are asking, 'Who can show us any good?' Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety" (vss. 6-8). Isn't that wonderful?? God has shown His mercy, His goodness and His kindness to us over these past few months in ways we could not have possibly imagined! He has provided for all our needs and He is bringing brothers and sisters in Christ whom we have not previously known to join with us in our labor for the Lord. Those who are seeking truth and answers to life's deepest questions are being drawn by the Lord into our midst and the Spirit continues to send us out into our community and beyond. Our God is able and He is with us! Whatever He calls us to endure for His glory, He will give us strength and peace to overcome, if we are willing to lay aside our anger and replace it with praise!!
Thank You, Father, for loving us, for guiding us, for watching over and protecting us, and for always, always giving us all we NEED as we seek first your kingdom and your righteousness!! To YOU be the glory, now and forever! Amen!!
There is a building just down the street from where I am sitting at this moment where the congregation of Lighthouse Community Church served the Lord together for many years. Actually, the congregation from which Lighthouse was born existed on that corner for 95 years. That's a long time. But almost two years ago we began a process of prayer and procedures to make one last attempt to be an instrument in God's hands to open the eyes of many in the denomination of which we were a part to the reality that the Word of God was being ignored and that there were false teachers in our midst. The amazing thing was that most leaders and people in the denomination said they agreed with us, but were not willing to do anything about it. Some of them, maybe most of them, would disagree with my assessment of what happened, but nothing has changed and the false teaching not only continues, but is spreading.
The leaders and people at Lighthouse had to make a decision: stay and keep fighting, or leave the denomination and lose the building we had worked hard to erect in order to faithfully serve the Lord in our community. Some have said it must have been a difficult choice, but once we were convinced that "saving the denomination" was not God's number one priority, but rather, being "the pillar and foundation of truth" (I Timothy 3:15), the decision was an easy one. Our mission and vision statement gave us our answer: We exist to proclaim the reign of Jesus Christ over all things; glorifying and enjoying God forever! We had no choice but to do that which honored the Lord and did not water down His truth or twist it to accommodate modern social immorality of any kind. For us, it really came down to Acts 5:29: "We must obey God rather than men."
So we left the building and began worshiping in a school cafeteria on June 10th of this year. We had been worshiping with about 350-400 people total between two services while in the building. In the cafeteria we set up 390 chairs, understanding that our attendance may go down for a while. However, within a few weeks, we could see that this was not going to work long-term. We were running out of room! So on August 12th we moved again, this time to another school and a larger gymnasium. Now we are setting up almost 500 chairs and we are worshiping with 400-425 people in one service. We praise God for His faithfulness to us.
So what does all this have to do with anger? Well, all I can say is that people who are focused on a manmade agenda do things that appear good to some but which ultimately dishonor God. Many people are deceived by nice-sounding words from smiling faces. Leaders in the visible church do things "behind the scenes" without talking with their brothers and sisters in Christ in the congregation, using the excuse that they are called to lead and the people "don't need to know everything." It happens all the time. And when it does, it is a disgrace to Christ and His Church, and THAT makes me angry!! It should make everyone who loves Christ and His body angry. Leadership in the Church must be transparent and humble, seeking first the wisdom of God's Word and Spirit and then the counsel of God's people.
We can be angry at what angers God! But because God knows our sinful tendency to make it all about US, and to become bitter and vengeful, He warns us not to carry our anger over to the next day, but rather, to come to Him and find peace. How do you do that? You go back to the passage that Paul is quoting in Ephesians 4:26, when he says, "In your anger do not sin" ... Psalm 4 ...
The Psalmist begins by crying out to God: "Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?" (vss. 1-2). With David, who wrote this Psalm, I wonder how long men will delude themselves and those around them, bringing dishonor to the cause of Christ. Then he goes on:
"Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for Himself; the LORD will hear when I call to Him" (vs. 3). We can have confidence that God sees what is happening, that He knows the hearts of all men, and that He takes the side of those who stand for Him. Know that and trusting in the God who never fails, David writes, "In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent" (vs. 4). I need to be sure that my anger does not become sinful, self-centered and dishonoring to God. I need to search my own heart and be silent before the LORD, not complaining or murmuring, or allowing bitterness and resentment to fill my mind as though I am the one being offended. Those who are causing my anger are sinning against God and He will deal with their deceit in His own time and in His own way. I must confess my own sin and draw near to Christ for forgiveness and cleansing and set my heart on pleasing God.
In doing so, I must "offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD" (vs. 5). He is at work, even when I don't understand why things are happening as they are; even when it seems sometimes like those who are doing evil are "winning." I must continue to offer the sacrifice of praise and serve Him with the zeal and passion He deserves from those who are in Christ's army.
Now here's where the good part is and this is what I and all the people of Lighthouse Community Church, Non-Denominational have experienced: "Many are asking, 'Who can show us any good?' Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety" (vss. 6-8). Isn't that wonderful?? God has shown His mercy, His goodness and His kindness to us over these past few months in ways we could not have possibly imagined! He has provided for all our needs and He is bringing brothers and sisters in Christ whom we have not previously known to join with us in our labor for the Lord. Those who are seeking truth and answers to life's deepest questions are being drawn by the Lord into our midst and the Spirit continues to send us out into our community and beyond. Our God is able and He is with us! Whatever He calls us to endure for His glory, He will give us strength and peace to overcome, if we are willing to lay aside our anger and replace it with praise!!
Thank You, Father, for loving us, for guiding us, for watching over and protecting us, and for always, always giving us all we NEED as we seek first your kingdom and your righteousness!! To YOU be the glory, now and forever! Amen!!
Thursday, October 25, 2012
"When you can't trust 'brothers' ..."
What happens when those who claim to be "brothers in Christ" don't act like it? I'm not talking about those moments in each of our lives when we fail to live up to our calling. Though we are new creations in Christ and have been saved by grace, we are still in the process of "putting off the old man and putting on the new" (Ephesians 4:22-24). All of us stumble and fall occasionally and are convicted by the Holy Spirit of our sin, moving us to confess our sin and to repent - turning from sin toward righteousness.
But that's not what I'm talking about. There are times when those who claim to be brothers live in persistent, unrepentant sin. At times like that, what is our responsibility as Christians? God's Word teaches us to be accountable to each other, speaking the truth in love and calling one another to repentance. In those instances when a brother sins against us, Matthew 18 tells us that we are to confront them and if they do not repent we are to bring two or three witnesses, and if they still do not repent, we are to call the church, and if they refuse to listen even to them, we are to consider them as unbelievers.
Most people today think that anyone who CLAIMS to be a Christian IS a Christian. So what's wrong with that? Just this, when those who live in unrepentant sin continue to be called, "brothers" or "sisters," and they are not disciplined or removed from the body of the visible church, the name of Christ is dishonored and others are encouraged to continue in their sin. It is even worse when those who are unrepentant are visible leaders in the church. As a pastor, I know the heartache of watching people throw stones at the church because of the behavior of its leaders. All people, but especially the leaders of the church, must be held accountable, and if, when confronted with their sin, they refuse to confess and repent, they are to be treated as unbelievers.
If this sounds harsh, think of the damage done to the church by those who are wolves in sheep's clothing. The sheep are scattered and led astray and devoured by their deception. There is a way to expose such leaders: examine their words and their teaching to see if it matches the Word of God. If a leader denies that the Bible is the very Word of God, beware, for such a leader is not sent from God, even if they say some "good" or "right" things. I read on a local church website recently that the church believes the Bible is a good book, but does not believe it is the very Word of God. They believe that modern psychology is equally profitable in helping people to live the "Christian" life. Such teaching is heresy.
Other leaders in the church declare that the church must be "ordered" by man-made rules. "Process and procedure" are placed above the authority of God's Word. There are leaders in the church structures of congregations and denominations who abuse power given to them and who justify their actions by appealing to a book of church order written by men to take away the rightful authority of the biblical leaders of the local congregation. I've had a front-row seat to see these things happen and I want to warn people to be aware of such deceitfulness within the visible church today.
Judge everything by the Word of God. Paul commended the Berean believers because when he preached they checked what he had to say against the only part of the Bible they had at the time, the Old Testament. How much more should we today judge everything that is being taught and practiced in the church by the unchanging Word of God. All is not well in the church today, even here in Western Michigan, because people are not examining the teaching they are receiving. If your leaders do not want to be held accountable to the Word, you and others need to sound the alarm. There's a wolf among the sheep!!
But that's not what I'm talking about. There are times when those who claim to be brothers live in persistent, unrepentant sin. At times like that, what is our responsibility as Christians? God's Word teaches us to be accountable to each other, speaking the truth in love and calling one another to repentance. In those instances when a brother sins against us, Matthew 18 tells us that we are to confront them and if they do not repent we are to bring two or three witnesses, and if they still do not repent, we are to call the church, and if they refuse to listen even to them, we are to consider them as unbelievers.
Most people today think that anyone who CLAIMS to be a Christian IS a Christian. So what's wrong with that? Just this, when those who live in unrepentant sin continue to be called, "brothers" or "sisters," and they are not disciplined or removed from the body of the visible church, the name of Christ is dishonored and others are encouraged to continue in their sin. It is even worse when those who are unrepentant are visible leaders in the church. As a pastor, I know the heartache of watching people throw stones at the church because of the behavior of its leaders. All people, but especially the leaders of the church, must be held accountable, and if, when confronted with their sin, they refuse to confess and repent, they are to be treated as unbelievers.
If this sounds harsh, think of the damage done to the church by those who are wolves in sheep's clothing. The sheep are scattered and led astray and devoured by their deception. There is a way to expose such leaders: examine their words and their teaching to see if it matches the Word of God. If a leader denies that the Bible is the very Word of God, beware, for such a leader is not sent from God, even if they say some "good" or "right" things. I read on a local church website recently that the church believes the Bible is a good book, but does not believe it is the very Word of God. They believe that modern psychology is equally profitable in helping people to live the "Christian" life. Such teaching is heresy.
Other leaders in the church declare that the church must be "ordered" by man-made rules. "Process and procedure" are placed above the authority of God's Word. There are leaders in the church structures of congregations and denominations who abuse power given to them and who justify their actions by appealing to a book of church order written by men to take away the rightful authority of the biblical leaders of the local congregation. I've had a front-row seat to see these things happen and I want to warn people to be aware of such deceitfulness within the visible church today.
Judge everything by the Word of God. Paul commended the Berean believers because when he preached they checked what he had to say against the only part of the Bible they had at the time, the Old Testament. How much more should we today judge everything that is being taught and practiced in the church by the unchanging Word of God. All is not well in the church today, even here in Western Michigan, because people are not examining the teaching they are receiving. If your leaders do not want to be held accountable to the Word, you and others need to sound the alarm. There's a wolf among the sheep!!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
"If one part suffers, every part suffers with it ..."
My heart is heavy as my brother in Christ in Pakistan suffered a heart attack on Sunday. He is a pastor - a humble, yet powerful servant of God! He spoke just last week to over 7,000 people at an evangelistic meeting. He has helped nine other congregations get started. He began a Bible institute. He opened a home for orphans. He has a heart larger than his country and is nearly ten years younger than I am ... and he is gravely ill in a hospital in Pakistan, where the necessary medical treatment is not readily available, especially to Christians who live in extreme poverty. What can I do? What can God's people do?
This man of God is not the only believer around the world who is suffering. Many are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. Others, like him, live in poverty and do not have access to medical care. We all know this is true, but it is easier to overlook if you do not have a personal connection with the people. As I have had the opportunity and privilege to travel to places like Cambodia and Haiti and Guatemala, I have witnessed sincere Christians, followers of Jesus, enduring suffering of various kinds. It is happening in many places around the world, and has been so for centuries. So how do we respond to the suffering of others - especially those who are brothers and sisters in Christ?
As Paul writes to the Corinthians, he uses the body as an illustration of the oneness of the body of Christ. He explains that we all need each other and that one part of the body cannot say to another part, "I don't need you." The parts of the body are inter-dependent. We depend on each other in times of need. But there is more than that: there is sympathy, empathy, caring, compassion. Paul writes, "There should be no division in the body, but its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it" (I Corinthians 12:25-26). As strange as it may sound, in a very intimate way, I am suffering because of the heart attack of my dear brother in Pakistan. And it's not the first time.
It is hard to watch people suffering, but it is equally difficult to know that people are suffering. When we are suffering, whether it is our health, our finances or in some other way, we want people to know it. But when others suffer it often makes us uncomfortable. We feel helpless and perhaps vulnerable ourselves because we know that suffering in this life is really just one moment away from any one of us. It's easier to ignore suffering whenever you can and pretend that all is well. But it's not what God wants you to do. Being part of the body of Christ means having the mind and heart of Christ - the very Spirit of Christ, and that means that you will have compassion and a desire to show mercy and love to those who are suffering. It comes with the territory.
Sometimes there is little we can do ... or so it seems. The power of prayer cannot be measured. Because God is sovereign, He guides His people to pray and promises to hear. The answers to our prayers are sometimes miraculous. Other times, God gives insight and wisdom through out prayers to move us to help in other ways - to care for people directly by going to other countries - or across the street, by investing our time and energy, and even our financial resources, to help our brothers and sisters in Christ and others with whom we want to share the good news of salvation in Christ. However God moves us and however He uses us, those in the body of Christ cannot and will not choose to ignore the plight of others around them.
We can't do it all ... and so sometimes our hearts will be heavy. "If one part suffers, every part suffer with it." Sometimes (perhaps often) we will not understand God's plan and we will wonder why God allows certain things to happen - especially persecution, suffering and death. But God is not only sovereign, He is also loving, merciful and faithful to all who call upon His name. I know that my brother in Pakistan is a faithful servant of Christ. I know that he loves his Savior and Lord. And I know that God loves Him. So I rest in the knowledge that my God is with him at this moment, and I pray that God will do what seems impossible ... that He will restore him to health and strength and provide the financial resources for him and his family and his congregation. It seems like a mountain - but our God moves mountains!!
This man of God is not the only believer around the world who is suffering. Many are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. Others, like him, live in poverty and do not have access to medical care. We all know this is true, but it is easier to overlook if you do not have a personal connection with the people. As I have had the opportunity and privilege to travel to places like Cambodia and Haiti and Guatemala, I have witnessed sincere Christians, followers of Jesus, enduring suffering of various kinds. It is happening in many places around the world, and has been so for centuries. So how do we respond to the suffering of others - especially those who are brothers and sisters in Christ?
As Paul writes to the Corinthians, he uses the body as an illustration of the oneness of the body of Christ. He explains that we all need each other and that one part of the body cannot say to another part, "I don't need you." The parts of the body are inter-dependent. We depend on each other in times of need. But there is more than that: there is sympathy, empathy, caring, compassion. Paul writes, "There should be no division in the body, but its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it" (I Corinthians 12:25-26). As strange as it may sound, in a very intimate way, I am suffering because of the heart attack of my dear brother in Pakistan. And it's not the first time.
It is hard to watch people suffering, but it is equally difficult to know that people are suffering. When we are suffering, whether it is our health, our finances or in some other way, we want people to know it. But when others suffer it often makes us uncomfortable. We feel helpless and perhaps vulnerable ourselves because we know that suffering in this life is really just one moment away from any one of us. It's easier to ignore suffering whenever you can and pretend that all is well. But it's not what God wants you to do. Being part of the body of Christ means having the mind and heart of Christ - the very Spirit of Christ, and that means that you will have compassion and a desire to show mercy and love to those who are suffering. It comes with the territory.
Sometimes there is little we can do ... or so it seems. The power of prayer cannot be measured. Because God is sovereign, He guides His people to pray and promises to hear. The answers to our prayers are sometimes miraculous. Other times, God gives insight and wisdom through out prayers to move us to help in other ways - to care for people directly by going to other countries - or across the street, by investing our time and energy, and even our financial resources, to help our brothers and sisters in Christ and others with whom we want to share the good news of salvation in Christ. However God moves us and however He uses us, those in the body of Christ cannot and will not choose to ignore the plight of others around them.
We can't do it all ... and so sometimes our hearts will be heavy. "If one part suffers, every part suffer with it." Sometimes (perhaps often) we will not understand God's plan and we will wonder why God allows certain things to happen - especially persecution, suffering and death. But God is not only sovereign, He is also loving, merciful and faithful to all who call upon His name. I know that my brother in Pakistan is a faithful servant of Christ. I know that he loves his Savior and Lord. And I know that God loves Him. So I rest in the knowledge that my God is with him at this moment, and I pray that God will do what seems impossible ... that He will restore him to health and strength and provide the financial resources for him and his family and his congregation. It seems like a mountain - but our God moves mountains!!
Saturday, October 20, 2012
"OK people - there is only ONE Church!"
"I will build My CHURCH, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it!" - Matthew 16:18
We all know that the visible church is divided into pieces - some large and some small, and that it seems impossible to get these "pieces" to acknowledge each other, let alone work together to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I once served a congregation in a small rural community in northern South Dakota where the older people in the congregation still spoke German. When their fathers and grandfathers settled there, they formed their own church largely because of the language barrier that existed. That was understandable then, but as time passed, other things divided those who believed in Jesus Christ from each other. Some were Baptist, some Reformed, some Lutheran ... each had their own brand name and their own distinctive doctrines. This small town had six different congregations. One day out of the year they pretended to be "one" by getting together for a community service, but this supposed "oneness" simply confused those who didn't know Christ. If you are all one, why are there six separate congregations? Actually, only a few asked that question; most simply accepted the fact that Christians can't agree on much of anything, so they just stay separated. So it seems to be true today.
There is only ONE true Church. While it is true that the Spirit spoke to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3, these churches were in different cities. They were all part of the one true Church, the body of Christ. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said that He was building His Church - ONE Church. For quite a few centuries it appeared that there was only one Church. It was called "catholic," which means, "universal." The early church leaders met together and the Spirit led them to determine which of the writings being circulated were written by the apostles, including Paul. They had one creed: the Word of God. It was their only authority and all of life was directed by what God said in His Word. The Church was one, as much as is possible where people are involved! Then men messed it up. They misunderstood, or intentionally twisted Jesus' words in Matthew 16:18 and claimed that Peter, rather than His confession that Jesus was the Christ, was the ROCK upon which the Church would be built. They gave power to one man, the bishop of Rome, and recognized his authority and his word above the Word of God. So began more than a thousand years of the church being deceived and distracted: deceived because the church was "selling" salvation; distracted, because the pope became involved in political and secular pursuits for his own power and wealth.
Praise God, He called men and women to return to His Word and brought about the Reformation; a small movement of the Spirit at first, but then an ever-expanding circle of truth grounded in the unchanging Word of God. The Reformers, as they came to be called, never intended to start different churches or to break from the ONE TRUE CHURCH. Rather, they desired to REFORM it! What followed was a century or more of the church seeking to return to its foundation: the Word alone, salvation in Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith alone, for the glory of God alone. The one true Church stands today on these truths. The authority of the true Church is the Word of God, which points to Christ as the only Savior and to grace as the only door into God's presence. Faith is the gift of God and the Church exists for the glory of God.
Today, in every city, the one true Church exists, but it is well-hidden by the reluctance or refusal of those who are brothers and sisters to acknowledge each other or to work together for the kingdom. Each works on their own, unaware of the power that is available should they determine to put aside those things that have brought division and to share in the work of making Christ known. Sadly, some have forgotten what the main task of the Church is: to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all creatures. Many forget, if indeed they ever knew, that we are not going to save this world. We must be salt and light, but the hope of this world is the return of Jesus Christ. Until then, we must preach the one message that has the power to rescue people from the dominion of darkness and bring them into the kingdom of light.
What if people would actually sit down and study God's Word together? What if we would listen to God's Word and grow and learn and trust, serving together for one purpose: to glorify the God who sent His Son to save us. I am not promoting a big merger of all churches, but I believe God calls us to begin by acknowledging for all to hear that there is ONE Church, and that every person who trusts completely in Jesus Christ and His work on the cross for forgiveness and life is part of Christ's body. From there we can go to God's Word, confessing that it is quite literally true, cover to cover, and that it is our only rule of faith and practice. As we do that and examine the heresies of the past, returning to the Word, God will unite our hearts and minds and those around us will see something they have never seen before: the ONE Church of Jesus Christ ... and they will praise and glorify the God who made it so.
We all know that the visible church is divided into pieces - some large and some small, and that it seems impossible to get these "pieces" to acknowledge each other, let alone work together to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I once served a congregation in a small rural community in northern South Dakota where the older people in the congregation still spoke German. When their fathers and grandfathers settled there, they formed their own church largely because of the language barrier that existed. That was understandable then, but as time passed, other things divided those who believed in Jesus Christ from each other. Some were Baptist, some Reformed, some Lutheran ... each had their own brand name and their own distinctive doctrines. This small town had six different congregations. One day out of the year they pretended to be "one" by getting together for a community service, but this supposed "oneness" simply confused those who didn't know Christ. If you are all one, why are there six separate congregations? Actually, only a few asked that question; most simply accepted the fact that Christians can't agree on much of anything, so they just stay separated. So it seems to be true today.
There is only ONE true Church. While it is true that the Spirit spoke to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3, these churches were in different cities. They were all part of the one true Church, the body of Christ. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said that He was building His Church - ONE Church. For quite a few centuries it appeared that there was only one Church. It was called "catholic," which means, "universal." The early church leaders met together and the Spirit led them to determine which of the writings being circulated were written by the apostles, including Paul. They had one creed: the Word of God. It was their only authority and all of life was directed by what God said in His Word. The Church was one, as much as is possible where people are involved! Then men messed it up. They misunderstood, or intentionally twisted Jesus' words in Matthew 16:18 and claimed that Peter, rather than His confession that Jesus was the Christ, was the ROCK upon which the Church would be built. They gave power to one man, the bishop of Rome, and recognized his authority and his word above the Word of God. So began more than a thousand years of the church being deceived and distracted: deceived because the church was "selling" salvation; distracted, because the pope became involved in political and secular pursuits for his own power and wealth.
Praise God, He called men and women to return to His Word and brought about the Reformation; a small movement of the Spirit at first, but then an ever-expanding circle of truth grounded in the unchanging Word of God. The Reformers, as they came to be called, never intended to start different churches or to break from the ONE TRUE CHURCH. Rather, they desired to REFORM it! What followed was a century or more of the church seeking to return to its foundation: the Word alone, salvation in Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith alone, for the glory of God alone. The one true Church stands today on these truths. The authority of the true Church is the Word of God, which points to Christ as the only Savior and to grace as the only door into God's presence. Faith is the gift of God and the Church exists for the glory of God.
Today, in every city, the one true Church exists, but it is well-hidden by the reluctance or refusal of those who are brothers and sisters to acknowledge each other or to work together for the kingdom. Each works on their own, unaware of the power that is available should they determine to put aside those things that have brought division and to share in the work of making Christ known. Sadly, some have forgotten what the main task of the Church is: to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all creatures. Many forget, if indeed they ever knew, that we are not going to save this world. We must be salt and light, but the hope of this world is the return of Jesus Christ. Until then, we must preach the one message that has the power to rescue people from the dominion of darkness and bring them into the kingdom of light.
What if people would actually sit down and study God's Word together? What if we would listen to God's Word and grow and learn and trust, serving together for one purpose: to glorify the God who sent His Son to save us. I am not promoting a big merger of all churches, but I believe God calls us to begin by acknowledging for all to hear that there is ONE Church, and that every person who trusts completely in Jesus Christ and His work on the cross for forgiveness and life is part of Christ's body. From there we can go to God's Word, confessing that it is quite literally true, cover to cover, and that it is our only rule of faith and practice. As we do that and examine the heresies of the past, returning to the Word, God will unite our hearts and minds and those around us will see something they have never seen before: the ONE Church of Jesus Christ ... and they will praise and glorify the God who made it so.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
"Who do you say that I am?"
Jesus had been preaching and teaching about the kingdom of God and doing miracles for some time when He asked His disciples a question: "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" (Matthew 16:13). The title, "Son of Man," was one Jesus used for Himself frequently. It actually comes from Daniel 7:13-14 where Daniel describes Jesus' ascension into heaven hundreds of years later:
"In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed" (Daniel 7:13-14).
Jesus was at the point of His ministry where He was beginning to be opposed by the religious leaders of the Jews. He knew that if His disciples were going to stand firm and be His instruments to build His Church, they needed to be able to answer one very important question: "Who was Jesus?!" So He first asked them, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" This was at the same time a question and a hint. They replied that some were saying He was Elijah or Jeremiah or one of the other prophets, come back from the dead. Jesus then asked them, "But what about you? Who do YOU say I am?"
Peter answered Jesus: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!" (Matthew 16:16). Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it" (verse 17-18). Some have wrongly understood this to mean that Peter, himself, was the "rock" upon which the Church would be built. The entire papacy has been built around this erroneous misunderstanding.
Jesus was talking about Peter's confession: "You are the CHRIST, the Son of the living God!" This confession is the core of the Gospel and the foundation upon which the Church is built. Jesus is the "Christ," the Messiah, the Anointed One. He is the Son of Man spoken of in Daniel 7:13. No one else qualifies as fulfilling all the requirements of the Messiah, the coming King that the entire Old Testament points to. Jesus came to be King, and even Pilate unintentionally declared that He was the "King of the Jews."
As the Christ, Jesus endured God's wrath on the cross to pay the penalty for sin. The cross is not just some symbol of Christianity. It was there that Jesus made a public spectacle of Satan and the powers of darkness, the "accuser of the brethren." Paul writes to believers in Colossians 2:13-15: "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; He took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."
Because Jesus was and is the Christ, He opened the door to heaven, to life, to God's presence, for all who believe in Him. Every person will one day have to answer Jesus' question: "Who do you say I am?" Have you answered that question? The Bible says that this is "the day of salvation" (II Corinthians 6:2). God is offering forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus to all who believe, but judgment will come to all who give the wrong answer to Jesus' question. On Peter's confession: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," Jesus is still building His Church - the "called-out ones."
If you are one of those who have believed, give thanks to God, for even as Jesus said to Peter, "flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven." Only by being born again by the Spirit of God will you come to Jesus for forgiveness and trust in His sacrifice on the cross for eternal life. Then you will be a Christian - a Christ-follower, and you will be able to take this good news to others. "On THIS rock I will build my Church!" Praise the Lord!!
"In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed" (Daniel 7:13-14).
Jesus was at the point of His ministry where He was beginning to be opposed by the religious leaders of the Jews. He knew that if His disciples were going to stand firm and be His instruments to build His Church, they needed to be able to answer one very important question: "Who was Jesus?!" So He first asked them, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" This was at the same time a question and a hint. They replied that some were saying He was Elijah or Jeremiah or one of the other prophets, come back from the dead. Jesus then asked them, "But what about you? Who do YOU say I am?"
Peter answered Jesus: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!" (Matthew 16:16). Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it" (verse 17-18). Some have wrongly understood this to mean that Peter, himself, was the "rock" upon which the Church would be built. The entire papacy has been built around this erroneous misunderstanding.
Jesus was talking about Peter's confession: "You are the CHRIST, the Son of the living God!" This confession is the core of the Gospel and the foundation upon which the Church is built. Jesus is the "Christ," the Messiah, the Anointed One. He is the Son of Man spoken of in Daniel 7:13. No one else qualifies as fulfilling all the requirements of the Messiah, the coming King that the entire Old Testament points to. Jesus came to be King, and even Pilate unintentionally declared that He was the "King of the Jews."
As the Christ, Jesus endured God's wrath on the cross to pay the penalty for sin. The cross is not just some symbol of Christianity. It was there that Jesus made a public spectacle of Satan and the powers of darkness, the "accuser of the brethren." Paul writes to believers in Colossians 2:13-15: "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; He took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."
Because Jesus was and is the Christ, He opened the door to heaven, to life, to God's presence, for all who believe in Him. Every person will one day have to answer Jesus' question: "Who do you say I am?" Have you answered that question? The Bible says that this is "the day of salvation" (II Corinthians 6:2). God is offering forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus to all who believe, but judgment will come to all who give the wrong answer to Jesus' question. On Peter's confession: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," Jesus is still building His Church - the "called-out ones."
If you are one of those who have believed, give thanks to God, for even as Jesus said to Peter, "flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven." Only by being born again by the Spirit of God will you come to Jesus for forgiveness and trust in His sacrifice on the cross for eternal life. Then you will be a Christian - a Christ-follower, and you will be able to take this good news to others. "On THIS rock I will build my Church!" Praise the Lord!!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
"Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought ..."
"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you" (Romans 12:3).
Every day, inside the visible church, there are those who reject this warning from the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans. They don't mean to do it, but they give in to the temptation to elevate themselves above their brothers and sisters in Christ, and the result is that they separate themselves from the wise counsel of others and miss the joy of true Christian fellowship that comes along with accountability. Let me explain ...
In the twelfth chapter of his letter to the Romans, Paul begins to apply the truth of the Gospel to the way we live together as the body of Christ. He begins in the first two verses by reminding us of the mercy of God in saving us from our sins, and then calls believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices of thanksgiving, no longer conforming to the patterns of this world, but being transformed by the renewing of our minds so that we know God's will and do it. Then he immediately turns to the relationship we have with each other as members of the one body of Christ.
The greatest hindrance to Christ-like love is pride in oneself. Paul certainly could have boasted, as he explains in other places. But he continually knows his own sin and his own weakness. As the Spirit works in us, these should be obvious to each of us. Apart from God, we are nothing. So Paul tells the believers not to think of themselves more highly than they ought, but rather, to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith God has given them. Any gift or ability that you or I or any believer has that glorifies God and builds up His body is a gift from God. How can you boast or brag about possessing a particular gift or ability when it comes from God? Yet, people seem to do that all the time!
Paul's illustration in verses 3-8 make the point that the body of Christ is like our physical body. He explains this further in I Corinthians 12. We NEED each other, so why do we tear each other down? Not everyone does the same thing, but each part is needed nonetheless. Jesus made it clear that in His body, the Church, the greatest ones would be the servants of all the others. Even those who are called to lead must do so by serving the body in love. When that happens, it a a beautiful picture painted by the very Spirit of God at work in His children. In families and churches where people have their minds on pleasing God and serving Jesus, pride is not an issue. It's not about US, it's about Jesus Christ! It's not about making a name for ourselves, but about making a name for our God!
When a congregation or individuals lose sight of that goal, SELF rears its ugly head and grace and mercy and forgiveness are left far behind. People become critical and are never happy with anything or anyone. Soon they become bitter and angry, and then gossip and slander are not far behind. Once in that frame of mind, they raise themselves up as judges of all things, claiming to do so because "God told me this," or "the Spirit spoke to me about that," or by using language that makes them appear more spiritual than those who are earnestly trying to live by God's Word and follow His commands.
The result is that relationships are broken, congregations are torn apart, and sheep are scattered because they have been thrown into confusion. "I thought the church was supposed to be a place where people loved each other and where there is patience and kindness." This doesn't mean that truth is not to be spoken. We can never sacrifice truth on the altar of "getting along." But Paul says it best when he says, "speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work" (Ephesians 4:15-16).
There is no perfect congregation, and no perfect leaders and no perfect people! Each of us needs to show others the grace that we ourselves have received, and then use our gifts to build the body up, not tear it down. In doing so, God will be glorified and people will be drawn to the light!!
Every day, inside the visible church, there are those who reject this warning from the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans. They don't mean to do it, but they give in to the temptation to elevate themselves above their brothers and sisters in Christ, and the result is that they separate themselves from the wise counsel of others and miss the joy of true Christian fellowship that comes along with accountability. Let me explain ...
In the twelfth chapter of his letter to the Romans, Paul begins to apply the truth of the Gospel to the way we live together as the body of Christ. He begins in the first two verses by reminding us of the mercy of God in saving us from our sins, and then calls believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices of thanksgiving, no longer conforming to the patterns of this world, but being transformed by the renewing of our minds so that we know God's will and do it. Then he immediately turns to the relationship we have with each other as members of the one body of Christ.
The greatest hindrance to Christ-like love is pride in oneself. Paul certainly could have boasted, as he explains in other places. But he continually knows his own sin and his own weakness. As the Spirit works in us, these should be obvious to each of us. Apart from God, we are nothing. So Paul tells the believers not to think of themselves more highly than they ought, but rather, to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith God has given them. Any gift or ability that you or I or any believer has that glorifies God and builds up His body is a gift from God. How can you boast or brag about possessing a particular gift or ability when it comes from God? Yet, people seem to do that all the time!
Paul's illustration in verses 3-8 make the point that the body of Christ is like our physical body. He explains this further in I Corinthians 12. We NEED each other, so why do we tear each other down? Not everyone does the same thing, but each part is needed nonetheless. Jesus made it clear that in His body, the Church, the greatest ones would be the servants of all the others. Even those who are called to lead must do so by serving the body in love. When that happens, it a a beautiful picture painted by the very Spirit of God at work in His children. In families and churches where people have their minds on pleasing God and serving Jesus, pride is not an issue. It's not about US, it's about Jesus Christ! It's not about making a name for ourselves, but about making a name for our God!
When a congregation or individuals lose sight of that goal, SELF rears its ugly head and grace and mercy and forgiveness are left far behind. People become critical and are never happy with anything or anyone. Soon they become bitter and angry, and then gossip and slander are not far behind. Once in that frame of mind, they raise themselves up as judges of all things, claiming to do so because "God told me this," or "the Spirit spoke to me about that," or by using language that makes them appear more spiritual than those who are earnestly trying to live by God's Word and follow His commands.
The result is that relationships are broken, congregations are torn apart, and sheep are scattered because they have been thrown into confusion. "I thought the church was supposed to be a place where people loved each other and where there is patience and kindness." This doesn't mean that truth is not to be spoken. We can never sacrifice truth on the altar of "getting along." But Paul says it best when he says, "speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work" (Ephesians 4:15-16).
There is no perfect congregation, and no perfect leaders and no perfect people! Each of us needs to show others the grace that we ourselves have received, and then use our gifts to build the body up, not tear it down. In doing so, God will be glorified and people will be drawn to the light!!
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