Always Saved? Part II

Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.


This passage in Galatians clearly contrasts the life without Christ and the life with Christ. The characteristics found in verses 19-21 are those of a person who is without Christ. The true believer ought to display the characteristics found in verses 22-23. We are to have “crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts thereof". However, we know we are not without sin (1 John 1:8), and we know that when we do sin, we can have our fellowship with God restored (1 John 1:9). But what about the believer who falls back into a repeated pattern of sin, whose life begins to resemble the characteristics of the flesh described above. Is the passage in Galatians telling us that such a person has lost his salvation when it says, “they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God”?
To answer this, we need to consider what the word “salvation” means. Salvation means deliverance from the power and consequences of sin. This deliverance begins at the moment we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior and continues until the day Jesus returns (Philippians 1:6). Deliverance is both an accomplished fact and a process. Our lives are still affected by sin and will be until the day Jesus returns. This is a bit of a paradox. I have been saved for eternity, but I still battle with sin in my life now. I need to experience each day God’s deliverance from sin. How much I experience this deliverance depends upon my willingness to yield to the Holy Spirit. Each day I have the opportunity to grow closer to Christ, each day as I surrender to the influence of the Holy Spirit, I experience more of the blessings that are mine in Christ’s kingdom. In contrast, each day I do not surrender to the influence of the Holy Spirit, but instead walk according to my own fleshly nature, I do not receive the blessings of God’s kingdom.

The believer who has fallen back to live mostly in the flesh is most miserable indeed. He is not receiving the blessings which are his inheritance as one of God’s own, yet he cannot be truly happy in his life of sin because of the convicting power of the Holy Spirit within him. The question is whether the Holy Spirit ever leaves the child of God making him no longer a child of God. Scripture tells us that the Spirit can be “grieved” (Ephesians 4:30--saddened, given grief) and quenched (1 Thessalonians 5:19—His influence is suppressed). The disobedient believer may be removed from this world (Acts 5:1-10; 1 Corinthians 11:29-32), but nowhere in the New Testament do we see the Holy Spirit being removed from the believer In fact, in Ephesians 4:30 where it says, “And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption”, there is no warning to the believer that he might lose the Holy Spirit, but rather an affirmation that he is sealed by the Holy Spirit. Consider this, if one seals an envelope, it is sealed. That which is inside the envelope cannot break the seal. The Holy Spirit seals the believer in Christ. The believer cannot break that seal. Only the One Who made that seal, God himself, can break it, and He will not.

So then, does a child cease being a child of God, because of sin? If so, we all are constantly falling out of that position because according to I John 1:8 we all do continue to sin. Some address this by saying that we are no longer God’s child when we do great sin or habitually sin. This type of supposition completely destroys any security in Christ. For if one accepts this idea, then how do I know what the limit is? How can I ever be sure I have not sinned away my salvation?

Consider John 3:3 which states that a believer is “born again”. 2 Corinthians 5:17 calls the believer a “new creation”. Can a child once born be then unborn? Can a new creation be uncreated? The position of the believer as described in Scripture is a permanent one. Consider the parable of the “prodigal son”. The son spends his inheritance. He loses all, turning from his father, until he languishes in the misery he made for himself, and finally comes to his senses and returns to his father who never gave up on his son. Did he stop being his father’s son at any point in the story? Of course not. And so it is with a believer who wanders away from God. He may be disciplined (Hebrews 12:7-8). Or God may choose to take him home early (1 Corinthians 11: 29-32). But in either case, a true child of God never ceases to be a child of God.

Notice the reference here is to a “true child of God”. There are those who associate with Christians, act like Christians, and think they are Christians. These are so Christian like that they even have convinced themselves, much less those around them that they are children of God. These are those that are the “stony ground” described in the parable of the sower. These are those that live a Christian-like life until they fall away when it no longer suits them. These are they that never had any root. They were never born again. They may have said a prayer. They may have gotten active in church, but only God knows their true heart. These have not lost their salvation, for they never had any to begin with.

So, how can one be sure he is a child of God? John 1:12 tells us if any will receive Him, meaning Jesus, he has the power to become a child of God. To receive, means to accept Him as Lord and Savior, giving your life to Him. Romans 10:13 says whosoever shall call shall be saved. The Bible is clear God calls us, we receive. So blessed are the words of John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Only God can save. Only God can keep.

Once Saved—Always Saved (or is Eternal Security a Biblical Doctrine?)

“How can you say that a Christian cannot lose his salvation? You are teaching that a person can do whatever he wants and still get to heaven?” The words were spoken in an angry tone after a church service during which I had spoken on the topic commonly referred to as “eternal security”. The person responding was clearly agitated and insisted that my teaching was giving people a blank check to do whatever they want with no fear of eternal repercussions. I assured her that this was the farthest thing from my intentions and that a true believer will not want to continue on in sin because he now has the Spirit of God within. However this lady was not fully convinced. She went on to give examples of those she knew that were once believers, but now were living in the deepest sin. My answer to this was one that is commonly given in such situations—that such a person in so living was demonstrating that he had not been truly saved in the first place. The individual confronting me seemed placated at this but kept saying, “Just so long as you’re not giving people permission to sin.”

This incident has caused me to more carefully scrutinize what I believe according to Scripture and to consider how I express the Truth to others. As the apostle Paul, I certainly do not believe that we have permission from God to do whatever we want once we have made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. When confronted by this very issue, Paul said, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid! How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein (Romans 6:1-2)?” Paul’s point is that we have been saved from sin. We have been released from its bondage. Consequently, why should we want to go back? “…work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12)”, are Paul’s words to the Philippians. Taken in context, we realize Paul was not saying that their salvation depended on their work, nor does this fear and trembling referred to in this passage say that they were to fear losing their eternal salvation. The term work refers to exercising or making full use of our salvation which is our deliverance from sin. The fear and trembling refer to the danger of falling back under the influence of sin.

We tend to confuse the terms eternal life and salvation. Salvation means deliverance from sin and the consequences of sin. Eternal life is one of the results of salvation. Those who use Philippians 2:12 to prove that our continued salvation is dependent on us, often fail to quote the following verse which says, “For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.” God is the One who works out the salvation from sin in our lives. The emphasis is on God here and not on us. Paul never advocated that Jesus brings us salvation us, but we have to keep it. In fact, Paul emphasized that God saves and keeps in Philippians 1:6 where he states, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ.”

The point of all this is that it is God who saves and keeps. Romans 8 states that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35-38: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 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.) I am thankful for a salvation from which I cannot be separated.

The Tower Of Babel: A Political Message For Today?

The Tower Of Babel


Genesis 11:1 And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. 2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. 3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for mortar. 4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. 5 And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men built. 6 And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. 7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. 8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. 9 Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

The story of the Tower of Babel is one of the more striking ones in the Old Testament. Theologians today are divided as whether to see it as a fable that teaches a profound truth or an actual event. One of the basic standards of Bible study is that when the literal sense of something in Scripture makes sense that is then the sense of it to take. In other words, if the Bible says it happened, it happened. This being said, the story of the Tower of Babel ought not to be taken as a fable, with moral lessons for today, but as an actual event recorded for us by the God of Scripture who has important Truth for us to learn from this event in history. The story of the Tower of Babel is not an allegorical lesson on human political ideals (i.e. a condemnation of Socialism and Communism) as some are saying today, but rather a true story that points out the basic nature of man and his need for a mediator to bring him to God.

In the story of the Tower of Babel, we see man’s separation from God and his attempt to reach heaven without Him. Of this Matthew Henry had the following to say: “In contempt of the Divine will, and against the counsel of Noah, the bulk of mankind united to build a city and a tower to prevent their separating. Idolatry was begun, and Babel became one of its chief seats. They made one another more daring and resolute.” The Tower of Babel was the beginning of organized religion to which end would be to reach heaven without God. The Tower of Babel illustrates the presumptuousness of man. God was not needed. They would build a great civilization without Him and a great religion as well.

The Tower itself has been described over the ages as on tremendous in height—as much as twelve miles and being forty years in construction. The truth of this will never be known until Christ’s return when all things are revealed. However, it is clear that this was some tremendous project never seen before its time, and required the cooperative efforts of the bulk of the people. Another thing that is clear is that it was religious in nature. It was the effort of the men of that day to reach into heaven. It may well have been the prototype of the heathen temples down through the ages where pagan rituals including human sacrifices were performed. It was an effort that if it succeeded would take mankind down an irreversible path of destruction, but God intervened. The people were confounded. Their speech was divided into different languages. They separated.

God intervened as He always does sooner or later. The people were divided on the basis of different languages, but there came a day when these languages were put aside when on the Day of Pentecost the Apostles of Jesus Christ proclaimed the Gospel and every man heard in his own tongue. The message of the Tower of Babel is that man’s sin put a division between him and God. The message of Pentecost is that God sent a Mediator between man and God. This Mediator is Jesus Christ.

The story off the Tower of Babel is not meant to be one with a political message, but rather the message that man has sinned and desperately needs a Savior Who is Jesus Christ—God the Son (not a son)—God Himself who became a man and took on the sins of all mankind at Calvary. Man tried to reach up to God through the Tower of Babel, but God reached down to man through an Old Rugged Cross. So sweet are the words of John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” And again: John 1:12 "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name:" God found a way to reach down to man, but we must receive His Son.

Bearing The Cross

How often do we hear the expression: “Well, I guess that’s my cross to bear” referring to some situation that requires someone to put up with adverse circumstances. Too often we encounter this attitude that Christ had to bear suffering on the cross, so we each will have our suffering to do also. After all, isn’t that what Jesus was referring to when in Luke 9:23 He said: “… If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me”?

The People’s New Testament expresses this way of thinking when it comments as follows concerning Matthew 10:38 and Luke 9:23: “The cross is the pain of the self-denial required. The cross is the symbol of doing our duty, even at the cost of the most painful death. Christ obeyed God, and carried out his work of the salvation of men, though it required him to die upon the cross in order to do it. And ever since, the cross has stood as the emblem, not of suffering, but of suffering for the sake of Christ and his gospel.”

However, the Bible does not refer to the Cross as an emblem of suffering but rather as the place where Jesus died for our sins. It was on the Cross that God “…made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him (2 Corinthians 5:21). It was there at the Cross God accomplished “blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross (Colossians 2:14).” While the Cross was indeed a place of suffering for Christ the emphasis of Scripture is that it is the place of redemption, the place where “….our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforh we should not serve sin (Romans 6:6).

Paul, in his epistles, speaks much about the fact that believers are identified with Jesus’ death on the Cross. For the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead (2 Corinthians 5:14). “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:11). I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20).

When Jesus said each one is to take up his own cross, He was not referring to the suffering each would experience but rather to the fact that we must identify with His substitutionary death for us on that Cross. We need to account that our sin natures were crucified on that Cross. This is what brings us salvation and this is what gives us the power to live a victorious Christian life. Yes, Christians will suffer many things for the cause of the Gospel, but Jesus came to give us abundant life (John 10:10). “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden,” He said, “and I will give you rest”. Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” Even in our sufferings He gives us rest.

The Cross is to be a symbol of our victory in Christ over sin and death. To take up the Cross is to identify with Christ’s sustitutionary death and to account that our old nature is dead and that through the power of the Holy Spirit we live unto Christ. The verse in Luke says to take up the Cross daily. We are to daily account ourselves dead to sin and alive unto Christ. In Matthew, we see that we are to deny ourselves. We deny our self sufficiency. We cannot save ourselves. No amount of good works or suffering on our parts can get us in bit closer to heaven. Only Calvary can.

To Believe or Not Believe

I've been looking at exerpts from Dave Hunt's Book Cosmos, Creator and Human Destiny in which
he answers the challenges of the New Athiests. While reading these exerpts, I thought of those that I know that prefer the teachings of science over the teachings of the Bible. I long to convince them that the real issue is not correctness of thought, but where they will spend eternity. Whatever one thinks about the origins of the universe, one must not miss the happenings at Calvary. The presence of wickedness in this world cannot be denied. Only the Bible has an explanation for it: It is sin that has resulted as men decided to disobey God. Only the Bible has a solution for this sin: God's Son went to Calvary to pay our sin debt so that "...as many as receive Him should become the sons of God..."

I look forward to reading more of Dave Hunt's book. It is my firm desire that many skeptics will read it also and become convinced of their need of the one and only Savior, Jesus Christ. If only they would come to see the joy that is available at Calvary.

The following was first posted on our church's website. I think it worth reposting on this blogsite.


Originally posted on Lighthouse Bible Church website--Pastor’s blog 12/30/09

To Believe Or Not To Believe:
That Is The Question

The question has come to me from an indirect source, “How can one reconcile one’s knowledge of Science with a sincere belief in the Bible?” or put another way “how can one believe in God in light of all that Science has shown us to be true?” The ready answer so often given is that the Bible does not conflict with true Science but only “science so falsely called” (I Timothy 6:20). In other words, where the facts of Science are truly verified there is no conflict with the Bible. Where Science is still only theory even though widely accepted, there can be and often is, conflict.

Let’s take a deeper look at this answer for a moment. There probably is no greater area of disagreement between accepted Science than in the area of the Earth’s beginnings. Those who accept Evolution as fact state that what we have before us today in our world, took billions or even trillions of years to form and evolve. Those of us who take the Bible’s account literally, believe that the Earth (as well as the whole universe) was created in seven days some ten thousand years ago. There can’t be a much bigger conflict than this. The one point of view looks at the current processes in place and makes predictions as to how long it would take for these processes to form the world (and universe) as we see it today. This is known as the principle of Uniformitarianism. The Idea that the world was created pretty much “as is” is known as Creationism. While the majority view in Science is the Uniformitarian view, there are accredited scientists (although often maligned by the majority) that favor the Creationist (or young Earth) point of view. Scientists from both points of view cite physical evidence that their way of thinking is right.

Can either point of view be proven scientifically? In actuality? No. The Scientific Principles that Science is based upon requires hypotheses that can be tested. Since no one can go back ten thousand or trillions of years, what we have scientifically is best guesses as to how the earth actually came into being. This is not to say Science is worthless. While the scientific advances we have seen in this last generation is mind boggling, this does not prove that all scientists are correct in their theories. Just look at the fact that even Evolutionists cannot agree on everything.

The truth is, theories of the origin of the universe cannot be proven scientifically but are formed as a best fit of the observations of things that can be currently tested in our present day world. The conclusions that are formed, depend on basic assumptions. This is why someone who does not believe there is an all powerful Creator sees a universe that has developed over a long period of time, while the person who believes the Bible to be the basis of all truth, sees the handiwork of God everywhere.

The Book of Romans discusses this very point when it says that the created world around us is proof of God’s existence (Romans 1:20). Men (Romans chapter one continues) were created with knowledge of God but have lost this because of unbelief which is a refusal to accept God’s authority in their lives (Romans 1:21 and following verses). Evolution and Creationism are both logical systems that follow basic points of view of an all powerful Creator. Thus it is not a matter of who is truly educated and who is ignorant, but whether one accepts or rejects God. We can throw insults around, but that gets us nowhere.

It is almost universally accepted that the Bible is an extraordinary book. Its influence is still strong after many years. There have been many cases over the centuries where unbelievers studied the Bible to prove it wrong, ending up embracing its truth. The Bible is the strongest evidence of God’s existence. However, the Bible never goes about to prove the existence of God. It just assumes it (In the beginning God…[Genesis 1:1]). Yet there of those of us who stand on the Bible’s truths daring to prove its trustworthiness and have never been let down. We are constantly challenged by the statement, “No one can really know”. The answer, however, is given in John 1:12: “But as many as received Him, to them gave He the power to become the sons of God even to them who believe on His name”. The issue is not whether I can convince anyone scientifically of the existence of God. The real issue is whether or not that person will receive Him into his life because only by receiving will he really know as God works within him. The new life God brings He brings will be proof enough.

Here is a final challenge to any who might read this. The only way you can really know the reality of God is to examine His claims as given in His Word the Bible. Start reading the life of Jesus, because the whole of the Bible is about how God sent Him to reconcile men to God. Start with the Gospel of John or Mark. Consider what Jesus did on the Cross for you.

When Hard Times Come To Believers

"Why?" The question was a real one out of much pain. The unthinkable had happened and a child of God was facing a great loss. We may wish that once we become saved that hardships will no more beset us, but that is not the case. God has not promised we will no longer have difficult times. The believer in Christ faces the same things as unbelievers. There will be a losses of jobs, sicknesses and even separation through death. But we are not without hope. While God has not promised to spare us these things, He will go through these things with us. This makes all the difference in the world.

The truth is that our suffering is never apart from God's sovereign will. This is not to say that God always sends the suffering or causes it but things do happen in this sinful world and God uses them in our lives to bring glory to His name. Matthew 10:30 reminds us that "... the very hairs of your head are all numbered." In other words, the smallest details of our lives are important to the One Who sent His Son to Calvary because of His love for us.When trouble comes we must remember God's love for us. Matthew 10:31 says "Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows"- Sparrows-which do not fall without God's notice (Matthew 10:29).

I Corinthians 10:13 states, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." Many take this to say that God will not give us more than what we can handle. However, looking closer we see that we will have things that we cannot handle which is why God gives us a way to escape. It is only by looking to God's provision that we can bear the testings that come to us.

Hebrews 4:16 reminds us to "... therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. God promises grace to fulfill our needs in the time of need. Our hearts may ache with sorrow and grief but Psalm 23:4 reminds us that "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

Tears will flow and they ought to. God will not rob us of our feelings. We are saddened especially at the loss of or separation from loved ones. However, as the tears flow, look to the One Who gave His life so that death is overcome and swallowed up in victory. The time is coming when Jesus will return to this earth wiping away all tears. Amen.

The Gospel For The End Times

Recently there was a comment on the blog we posted concerning the endtimes desiring to set me straight. It was obvious that the author of the comment has disdain for the pre-trib rapture view. It distressed me only in that the comment appeared to be anti-pre-trib rapture without addressing specific content in the blog. There was a subsequent blog entitled "A Better Way" which we posted concerning Christian love and how that should affect us when considering those who hold views that differ from our own (in particular views concerning the endtimes) . While the entimes blog and the Better Way blog were posted on the same day the person who commented on the endtimes blog made no comment on the other. There is no question we will always have differences of opinions concerning many things in Scripture. However, when we insist that our way is right and that those who differ are deluded, then we must consider our tolerance to others in the body of Christ. Consider the following blog which was originally posted on or church website:

Pastor’s Blog December 2, 2009


                                   The Gospel Is Truth That Must Be Received

Up to this point in these blogs, I have talked about the end times and in particular the Rapture of Christ’s Church, will it be before or after the Great Tribulation? That is a topic which we as believers will probably never be in agreement until the coming of Christ. My opinion on the subject is very clear as evidenced in these blogs. However, we must be careful to not judge one another, or ridicule their position. We must respect them as fellow believers in Christ and allow God to make His changes in them or in us as it fits His purposes. We must avoid that feeling of superiority that comes whe we feel we have the corner on the truth. Can we truly say our reactions to those whose opinion differs from our own, is directed by the Holy Spirit?What is important is the unity we need to have as believers in Christ through the Gospel of Christ. No matter when we expect the Rapture to be, we need to use the time God has given us to preach the Gospel to everyone and anyone we can.

However, in a world where pastors proclaim, “You can have a better life”, “Come to Jesus”, “Only believe”, without further explanation, we must be clear as to what the Gospel is. All the phrases above are good and true as far as they go. We can have a better life—in Jesus. We do need to come to Him—receiving Him as our Lord and Savior. We do need to believe—cling to, rely on and trust Him. I am convinced that it is possible that there are those who get “almost” saved. They make a decision without really understanding what trusting in Jesus is all about. When this is the case, it is because we who know the Gospel have not made it clear.

In I Corinthians 15:1-5 Paul clearly states the Gospel: “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve.” Paul makes it clear that the Gospel is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is this Truth that we must proclaim.

From these verses we see that the Gospel is Truth that must be received. To receive this Truth is to believe it and to accept it into one’s life. That is we receive the fact that we are sinners, bound for Hell, in need of Someone to take the punishment for our sin and that Jesus is Lord, the “mighty God” (Isaiah 9:6) whom we receive into our lives. I not only see Jesus as Lord but He is my Lord, the One who has “bought me with a price” (I Corinthians 6:20) to Whom I now belong.

Some will now say, “Hold on there, you are getting into ‘Lordship’ salvation, which is works.” However, wherever in Scripture where we are told to receive Him we see Him as Lord. Likewise we cannot have salvation if we avoid the issue of sin. A Gospel that omits the fact that we are sinners for whom Christ died on the Cross, is no Gospel at all. We can entice people to have better lives, to come to church and to name the name of Jesus, but unless they receive that they are sinners, believing what He did for them on the Cross, and receive Him, they are still lost. They may come to church, sing praise songs and hymns, but without the Lord Jesus in their lives, it is all nothing.

“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble”. Such is the warning we have in James 2:19. To know that Jesus is God is wonderful but not enough. “But as many as received Him to them gave He the power to become the sons of God, even to them who believed on His name” (John 1:12). These words are ever clear. Let us teach men to receive salvation by receiving the Living God into their hearts.

What Is Sin?

This is a topic no one likes to talk about much anymore. In fact, churches are warned to stick to “more practical” topics if they expect to see church growth (usually defined as increased numbers of attendees). However, sin is a real issue that is talked about at length in the Bible. From Adam’s fall as described in the book of Genesis, through to the events described in the book of Revelation, we see God dealing with the issue of sin—man’s rebelliousness. The truth is, God hates sin. In fact He hates sin so much that He sent His Son to die for our sin. Ought we to ignore something on which God has put such importance?

The problem that quickly comes up in any discussion concerning sin, is how are we to define it? After all, didn’t Paul say that we are not under Law but under Grace and that “…all things are lawful…”? After all, should we not avoid the lists of things that in the past that have led to legalism? The idea so often brought out is that sin is something personal between individuals and God with the idea that “What is sin to me may not be sin to you”.

While there is some truth in all the ideas brought out in the statements above, there is more to be said about sin. Paul, in Romans while affirming we are saved by grace, also very emphatically instructed us not to continue in sin (Romans 6:1-2). Paul admonishes believers in Christ to walk in the Spirit not in the flesh (Galatians 5). Paul makes it clear that while we are no longer under the judgment of the Law, there is such a thing as sin, which we are to avoid.

But what makes a particular activity “sin”? We, in our fleshly nature, are quick to justify our own actions as “not being that bad” or “something that God understands” while overlooking the fact that sin is anything that run contrary to the will of God in our live, that is, when we let our wills override that of God, it is sin. Isn’t that what we see described in Genesis 3:1-6. The serpent tempted Adam and Eve with the promise that they would “…be as gods…”, or in other words they could decide for themselves what is right or wrong. All of us their descendents have been doing that ever since. We have been doing as in the days of the judges of Israel when “… every man did that which was right in his own eyes”. To keep oneself from sin is to keep in God’s will.

To determine God’s will, we look to His Word. Certain things are clearly against His will. Certainly God does not condone murder, adultery, lying or stealing. But what about the so called “grey areas”  we encounter in life? Romans 6 gives five tests and Galatians gives two more. These tests are:

1. Can I honestly say God would have me do this thing? All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient. I Cor. 10:23 a

2. Does this activity build me (or others) up in Christ?…all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not I Cor. 10:23 b

3. Does this activity bring me under bondage? ...all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. I Cor. 6:12 b
4. Does this thing mean a step back in my Christian walk? Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. Romans 6:18

5. I am set apart for God’s purposes, does this activity honor God? …even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. Rom. 6:19b

6. Does this thing destroy or lead to eternal life? The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord? Romans 6:23

7. Will my action hurt others? 24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.
31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: 33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. I Cor. 10: 24, 31-33.

Sin is a choice. Will I choose my will or that of God? Will I seek my own way or seek to draw closer to Him?

A Better Way

You would think that with such a title as “A Better Way” that I would be writing about love as found in I Corinthians 13 and you would be right. However, before getting into that topic in full force, I think it best to make some comments about two “old” blogs about the end times I recently posted on this blogsite. Nothing seems to separate genuine believers today like this topic. If you doubt this, research end times prophecy on the internet. You will find much commentary and much heated rhetoric much of which stops just short of condemning those who disagree with the opinions expressed in the particular commentary at hand.

I do not know why two believers who look at the same Scriptures can have such different opinions about the end times. I can only search the Scripture, praying for illumination from the Holy Spirit and trust Him for what He brings to me. I certainly have a particular view concerning the end times as evidenced in these blogs, but I refuse to allow myself the luxury to judge those with a different point of view. No doubt many factors can affect how we as individuals interpret Scripture. Denominational teachings, basic presuppositions and even personal preferences can cloud our view. Only as we draw closer to the One Who authored it all will we be in more agreement. For now we must agree to agree on the most important things, in particular, the Gospel, agreeing not to let the secondary things, no matter how important they may seem to us, separate us from sweet fellowship in Jesus Christ, while we seek as individuals to draw closer to God..

I Corinthians 13 shows us that the most important factor in drawing close to God is in experiencing His love as we share His love with those around us. I begin to understand God’s love for me, as I allow His love to flow through me. When I choose not to allow God’s love to flow through me (and it is a choice), I have no real experience as to the height, breadth and depth of His love. I may believe John 3:16 that “God so loved the world” and may trust Jesus to be my Savior and Lord, but unless I allow His love to flow, my faith has no real feet. How can I believe God’s love is great enough to forgive me all my offenses, if I am unwilling to forgive those that offend me? Am I to take the place of God? I desire His forgiveness but when I am unwilling to forgive, do I see my sin somehow less than theirs?

In this blog site I try to write from the point of view of the local church. I am much concerned about the lack of love shown among believers in churches today. Differences about the doctrine of the end times, is only a drop in the proverbial bucket when we consider what separates believers today. Often it’s “If you only knew what he (or she) did (or said), you would know why I can’t forgive.” However, the love in I Corinthians is unconditional and not self serving. It is not envious, but patient, as is God’s love is with us. It is this love by which others will be able to identify us as true believers.

I am convinced that on this earth we believers will never be in total agreement on all matters. I am determined however not to let those differences separate me from fellowship with those that truly embrace the Gospel of the all-sufficient death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Gospel that begins with the words “God so loved…” is what really matters for eternity. All else will fail. For me to experience the fullness of this Gospel, is to experience the fullness of God’s love as I let it flow through me to love not only those who love me, but also those who have offended me (the greater the offense the greater the love) and disagree with me.

Read I Corinthians 13, is God’s love in you?

Tribulation or Rapture?

The following were on our church website so some may not have seen them here. I thought it might be good to review them now. I realize that by bringing out these "old" blogs I may offend some who hold opposing views. If so, I encourage you to read the next blog coming: A Better Way.

Pastor’s Blog Week of 11/23/09

End Times: Is Tribulation or Rapture, Ahead For The Church?

When the World Trade Towers were destroyed there were those who were quick to say that this event was the prophecy of the overthrow of Babylon fulfilled inferring that we are in the midst of the Great Tribulation. While this is easily refuted (more than seven years has gone by and Christ has not returned bodily to Earth), there continues to be much speculation about the relationship of prophesy and the days in which we live. A lot is being said in Christian circles about these being the end times with the inference that we are increasingly seeing prophecy fulfilled as we see increased violence, poor economic news and numerous natural disasters. Many in Evangelicals are still looking for the coming of Jesus Christ to rapture the Church to that great meeting in the air while others say that the events we now see will continue to progress, that the Anti-Christ will soon be revealed and that the Church needs to prepare for its role during the coming days of the Great Tribulation. The doctrines of the imminent return of Jesus Christ and the pre-tribulation rapture have lost their support even among respected Bible teachers who once held to their validity. The charge has been made that those who still hold to these doctrines have their heads in the sand falsely hoping that Christ will come to rescue them from the difficult days ahead. In many pulpits where the pre-tribulation was one strongly proclaimed, pastors are now saying “I don’t really know”. The time has come for us to stand strong in faith looking to Scripture and looking to that “Blessed Hope the Glorious Appearing of our Great God and our Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).

It is not surprising that the doctrine of the imminent return of Christ is being attacked alongside the doctrine of the pre-tribulation rapture, because the doctrine of a post-tribulation rapture and the teaching of the imminent return of Christ cannot coexist. For imminent return to be true, nothing (including the Great Tribulation) can remain on the “prophetic clock” before the rapture. Critics say that the teaching of imminent return along with the teaching of the pre-tribulation rapture of the Church is something not known until the mid 1800’s therefore, they imply, it cannot be true. This argument, which is not a Biblical one, ignores the dominance of the Roman Catholic Church (and the Reformers who still accepted many of the Catholics Church’s teaching) which persecuted non-Catholic groups and suppressed their teachings from the 300’s onward. The truth of doctrine does not hinge on Church History but rather on Scripture, and from Scripture, we determine that the early believers did believe in the imminent return of Christ. This is evident from the epistles of Paul. In I Thessalonians 1:10 he commended the believers at Thessalonica for their resolve to wait for Jesus’ coming. In the remainder of the letter and again in II Thessalonians, Paul writes to comfort these believers who, because of the difficult trials they faced, had apparently thought that they had missed Christ’s coming and were in “the day of the Lord”, that time of great tribulation on the Earth. Paul never once told them they were wrong to expect the imminent return of our Savior, nor does he tell them to brace for the great tribulation, but he did tell them they were not “appointed to wrath” but to “deliverance” (I Thessalonians 5:9) for whether we be awake or sleep we will living together with Him (I Thessalonians 5:10). The doctrine of the imminent return is true and so consequently is the doctrine of the pre-tribulation rapture.

The real importance in this issue is not the issue itself but how we are to live in the last days. Should we be bracing for the Great tribulation, storing up supplies so that we can be ready to share with unbelieving neighbors, winning them to Christ in a revival such as we’ve never seen before? Or should we be looking for Jesus’ soon return telling the Good News of the Gospel and warning of the days ahead? To expect the pre-tribulation rapture is not hiding our heads in the sand. We are not to do nothing, but rather are to live, watching and waiting, showing the evidence of Christ in all we do. This is what Paul told the Christians at Thessalonica (and us) for he followed the words of comfort with words of how we are to live. While the message of the pre-tribulation rapture is comforting as well as exciting, it is also very sobering. What about our friends and loved ones who will be left behind? We need to remember the imminent return of our Savior and redouble our efforts to reach those all around us who are lost and truly face the truly difficult days ahead.

Pastor’s Blog week of 11/30/09


The Greatest Revival Ever Seen

Just prior to the year 2000, the Christian community was inundated with reports of an upcoming economic collapse that would forever change things. We were warned that when January 1, 2000 arrived computers would fail, and that systems that depended on computers would shut down. Not only was the financial sector to be affected, but transportation, utilities, manufacturing facilities would be as well. Even one’s automobile would not operate properly because of technological failure. People were admonished to stockpile supplies to be ready for a disaster, which in fact, never occurred. While secular society did not seem too disturbed by these warnings, Christian leaders of all denominations were at the forefront of spreading the news. Some people gave up as much as their life savings to prepare for this event.

In the aftermath of such a non-event, we must consider why believers who look for Christ’s Coming would be so effected by these warnings. Where did these dire predictions originate? Who was behind their popularization? Why did they mostly affect the Christian community? While the origination of the predictions will probably never be clear, the whole affair was an embarrassment to the cause of Christ. Perhaps there was some obscure report in some scientific journal which was picked up by a news seeking media even though the bulk of the scientific community said the event would not happen, then, governmental officials got involved, contingency plans were made, and the public was told there was little to fear. Why then the hysteria in the Christian community? Did someone know something that secular society did not?

To answer the questions above, we need to understand who, in Christian circles were the ones who did the most to propagate this message of a coming collapse of society. Dave Hunt, in his book, Y2K A Reasoned Response To Mass Hysteria, gives us clues. Hunt points out that among the major proponents of this hysteria were those who believed that the Y2K disaster would be the impetus that would lead to the greatest spiritual revival ever seen. As Christians became prepared for this disaster, they would be able to share with their non-Christian neighbors, who would be led to Christ through this Christian generosity. While not all those who predicted this revival agreed, many felt that this event and the subsequent revival would bring about the return of Jesus Christ. Of course, Y2K proved to be a non-event hardly worth mentioning (and here I’ve spent nearly two paragraphs on it) except for the fact many of the same voices are being heard today as our world faces financial and political uncertainty .

As Post-Tribulation Rapture Theology grows in acceptance in Bible believing churches, so too is the idea that the present political and economic conditions will lead to the Great Tribulation. Consequently, it is taught, Christians need to prepare by stockpiling supplies so we will be able to share with our unsaved neighbors who will be saved in tremendous numbers because of our generosity (sound familiar?). The thought is expressed that those who believe in the Pre-Tribulation Rapture are being deluded into thinking that Christ will rescue them from the difficult days ahead and will be unprepared for the greatest revival this world has ever seen. The problem with this line of thinking is that it ignores what God has to tell us in His Word.

Jesus, in Matthew 24 had much to say about the coming Tribulation which will be a time as has never been and never again will be (Matt 24:21). In the description of these days, one can hardly see a believing Church sharing its goods and winning the unsaved world. Instead we see judgment and destruction where the inhabitants of that time are warned to flee. Verse 37 describes the coming time immediately proceeding the time of judgment as “the days of Noah”, a time of prosperity, not one of economic decline followed by complete destruction of those caught in it.

There is something else to note about Matthew 24:37. Jesus refers to this as the time Noah (and his family) was taken out before the destruction of the rest of the people of the earth. In the Gospel of Luke we have the illustration of Lot being taken out of Sodom before the destruction of that city. While those who believe in the Post-Tribulation rapture are quick to point out that believers are not guaranteed we will not go through tribulations, and that there are many examples in Scripture when believers went through hard times alongside the unbelievers (ex. Daniel during the Exile), Jesus, however, did not refer to any of these times when talking about the coming time of great Tribulation.. Instead, we see Jesus referring to a time of peace and prosperity ending with believers being removed being followed by judgment and total destruction.

Christ’s Church is called to look for His coming. We are not called to look for the time of His great wrath. In fact, we told we are not meant for this wrath but for deliverance for whether we be “…awake or asleep we should live together with Him” (I Thessalonians 5: 9&10). When Jesus is coming, we do not know. But the fact that He is coming is clear. Our call to win the lost has never been so urgent. The vast majority of those on the earth today face a Christ-less eternity with no guarantees for second chances for those who enter into The Great Tribulation. In fact, there will be a great delusion in that day, that they should believe a lie, and be condemned because they “…believed not the Truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (II Thessalonians 2:8-12). We need to be faithful –now! “…Now is the accepted time, behold now is the day of salvation” is God’s word to us in II Corinthians 6:2. Then again we are warned, “Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts…” (Hebrews 3:7&8).

Jesus can come at any time. We are not told to wait for the Great Tribulation first. The only thing that delays His Coming is that He is “…longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (II Peter 3:9). Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus, looking for His coming. Who knows what opportunities are ahead? Let’s pray that the Lord of the harvest will grant a great revival before He comes.

What To Do With Anger

Anger management is such a hot topic in our society today. We seem to treat it as a disease that has to be treated. We recognize that we all have anger, but assume it can be controlled and are surprised when it is not. Anger festers and causes destruction in the individual as well as those to whom it is directed. Anger tears apart families, communities and churches. Still, we continue to justify it, saying it is better to be angry than to be weak or impotent.

Christians are usually no better off than society in general when dealing with anger. Unbridled anger creeps into congregations disguised as “righteous indignation” and divides the Body of Christ weakening our ability to take the Gospel to a lost and dying world. The only solution is to submit this emotion to God allowing Him to deal with the supposed injustices done to us, thus freeing us to see as He sees.

Ephesians 4:26-27 says “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.” Here it is recognized that we will have anger but we are not to allow that anger give rise to sin. From verse 26 many get the idea that we are to have righteous anger. However, we must to consider that the word translated anger here is referring to the emotional force that enables us to deal with wrongful situations. It is clear from subsequent verses that while we have anger, we are not to act in anger.

Consider Ephesians 6:29-32: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” Anger that is truly righteous and not self-righteous will not to lead to unkind words and will not grieve the Holy Spirit by thoughts or actions. It will not lead to division and unkind deeds, nor will it lead to bitterness. We can be angry at a situation and that anger can be the motivating factor for us to do something about that situation, but we are to put the anger away before we act.

At this point the “what if’s” arguments are usually presented. Scenarios are described presenting situations in which wrongs are done, with the implication that we are only right in getting angry (Face it, we all can justify our anger). Here we must remember that the anger is meant to be a motivating force directed towards the sin not the sinner. This is truly how God deals with us. While He hates and is angry with sin, He loves the sinner so much He sent His Son to die for us. However, it is difficult for us to act on this level separating the sin from the sinner. We need to consider whether our actions are consistent with God’s directives or our own. The key is to consider if God is being glorified if we continue on in a particular course of anger.

When we consider these principles we can begin to deal with anger. We need to give it over to God, not allowing it to become an excuse for sin. Holding on to anger is contrary to Scripture for that will only allow it to fester and congeal. We need to present each situation to the Lord, willing to have Him to do His will in us only then can we act as he does—in love.

The Wages Of Sin

Sin is not a popular subject to write about, even in Christian circles. In fact if you even mention the topic you are in danger of being seen as judgmental, pharisaical, or even prejudiced. After all, isn’t sin a matter of one’s private convictions? Can anything be considered wrong if it is private and doesn’t hurt others?

However, contrary to the conventional wisdom of today’s society, sin is real and is something to be concerned about. The reason for this concern is that God hates sin so much that He sent His son to die on a Cross at Calvary so that the eternal consequences and the power of sin would be broken. If this is a matter so important to God it ought to be so to us.

The difficulty in writing about sin is that we all have our own definitions as to what it is. Most Christians have lists of things they consider to be sins. These lists all too often come from what men say rather than the Word of God. The Bible mentions both sin, meaning our sin nature and transgressions which are acts against the will of God. Both ideas are important as we consider what sin is.

Genesis 3 gives the account of how sin came into the human race. The serpent told Eve: “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5). In other words, Adam and Eve were told that they would be their own gods if they were to do that which God forbade. We have all done the same thing by seeking our own wills over that of God. We all have sought our way over God’s way. We have all come short of the glory of God and are needy of God’s free gift of salvation through the Blood of His Son (Romans 3:23; 6:23, John 3:16) Forgiveness comes as we receive the Gospel (I Corinthians 15:1-5) by receiving God’s Son (John 1:12).

However, Paul introduces an interesting question in Romans 6 that goes something like this: “If we are saved by grace, i.e., God’s favor alone, why not keep on doing what we have been. After all we are forgiven, aren’t we?” Such thinking is prevalent in Christian circles today as more and more activities once considered as sin are accepted as normal Christian behavior. Paul’s reaction to such a statement could not have been stronger. “God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:2). Reading further we realize that Paul is telling us that we ought not to continue in sin because it keeps us in bondage, and Christ died to free us from that bondage.

Perhaps the most compelling reason to avoid sin is found in verse 23: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Sin destroys. Sin causes destruction to ourselves and others. While God has forgiven, consequences remain to ourselves and those around us. Jesus died so we do not have to suffer those consequences, so why continues to disobey God bringing upon us hurts, pains, and destruction, God wants us to miss?

Next comes the difficulty in deciding what constitutes sin. However, going by the definition presented above, sin is anything outside the will of God. While some like to limit this to the Ten Commandments, the Bible gives so much more direction than that. Actions alone are not sin, but even ungodly attitudes (see Galatians 5:19-21). In actuality, it is not hard to find God’s will if one is willing to accept it from His Word.

The difficulty in defining sin is when we try to reconcile what God’s Word says about it with what the world around us says. We are told; “as long as it is two consenting adults”, “it’s just that he or she was made that way”, or “science says…” Make no mistake, what God’s Word says is true and men are the liars. Harsh? Maybe, but this is not something with which we ought to mess around. Sin destroys our relationship with God and men.

“But,” you say, “Doesn’t the Bible say we are not to judge others?” (Matthew 7:1) This verse refers to condemning others according to our manmade standards. Consider Galatians 6:1: Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted”. Here we are told it is our business to help other Christians who are caught up in the bonds of sin so they can avoid those things that will cause destruction to their lives. However, our attitude must be one of helping in the spirit of humility, not with one of condemnation.

What about the unsaved who are practicing sin? Note this, the reason people go to Hell is not the fact they are doing what they are doing, but rather because they do not have Christ as their Savior. It is better to talk about the need of a Savior than emphasizing a particular sin because all sin leads to Hell. We are the ones who quantify things by saying a person who does such and such cannot go to heaven. The truth is all sin would disqualify us from heaven if it were not for the Blood of Jesus Christ. We would do better to speak the Gospel and allow the conviction to the Holy Spirit.

Remember God hates sin so much but loved us even while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). So should we continue in sin? Certainly not. Should we ignore it? In no way! However we are not to set some manmade list as our standard. Instead go to the Word of God to see what He has to say and be willing to accept His Word when it conflicts with our own desires. Only in this way can have the freedom from the bondage Jesus died to secure for us.

The State of The Church

The last of the seven churches mentioned in the book of Revelation was the Laodicean Church, a lukewarm church repugnant to God. This church, according to many Bible teachers, is the one that represents the prevailing condition of the Christian Church at the return of Jesus Christ. It follows then, that there has been, and continues to be, much concern over the state of organized Christianity in our present times. Are we becoming lukewarm, hindered in our attempts to spread the Gospel because we have slipped into dead orthodoxy and are unwilling to take stands concerning God's Truth for fear of offending anyone? And consequently, has organized Christianity become ineffective?

With the assumption that organized Christianity is broken and ineffective, many teachers are giving their ideas how to fix it. The head of one Christian radio network has declared that the organized local church is no longer operating under God's blessing and suggests that believers come out of all local churches to be taught in other types of fellowships. However, the prevailing thought seems to be that we need to fix the local church, not abandon it. Methods, practices, and teachings have all come under scrutiny as a cure for malaise in the local church is sought. Churches that have experienced growth in recent days are receiving much attention as others seek the secret to throwing off ineffectiveness. The methods and practices of growing churches are imitated with the hopes of achieving the same results elsewhere. The goal seems to be to bring in excitement with a willingness to try any new thing in the attempt to throw off what is considered to be dead orthodoxy.

However, is all orthodoxy dead? Certainly not. While there are indeed historically orthodox practices, methods and even teachings that are inappropriate in this current era, not all are. We need to be careful that in our attempt to fix the local church's problems we don't bring in new ones by abandoning historical practices and principles that are biblically based and replacing them with practices and principles that are non-biblical. The question ought not to be, "How can we grow" but rather, "How can we be more like the Philadelphian Church?" The Philadelphian Church, also described in the Book of Revelation, was a church faithfully giving out the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel is what needs to be of supreme importance to us. Only by concentrating on the Gospel, can we fulfill what God has intended for us, and avoid the pitfalls that come from seeking man's methods over God's methods.

We must examine the source of the methods we are seeking to imitate. Are these methods truly of God? Numbers of excited people attending religious gatherings ought not to be the test we should be giving. Genuine conversions are. Many strange practices and teachings have been brought into churches historically known for their preaching of the Gospel. The doctrines of Eternal Security, the Pre-Tribulation Rapture and even the Sufficiency of Christ, all of which were once strongly held in Gospel preaching, soul-winning churches, are being rejected. In their place, the Gospel is being toned down in an attempt to make the church more seeker friendly. In some cases, Salvation is offered without repentance, and in other cases, Godhood is offered to those who have enough faith. Methods and teachings are being accepted without an examination as to the Gospel that is being taught.

The book of II Peter warns of false teachers who would come to teach a false Gospel. In chapter one of that epistle, Peter tells believers how to be prepared. He tells us in verses five through seven to build upon our faith in Christ, virtue, knowledge, temperance (self-control), patience (endurance), godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity (Godly love). It is by adding these qualities to our lives (through the power of the Holy Spirit) we truly grow to know the God Who has saved us (II Peter 1:3-7). By knowing God by drawing close to Him in an intimate relationship with Him, we will be in a position to spot false teachers and false teachings.

In chapter two, Peter describes the basic characteristic of false teachers, stating that they deny "the Lord that bought them" (II Peter 2:1). Consequently, the first question we ought to have when it comes to any teacher or ministry is what is said about Jesus Christ. Is the Christ presented, the unique Lord over all Creation as presented in Scripture? Or is He a Christ that man can some how become the same as? Is it being taught that the sacrifice that was at Calvary was sufficient for our salvation? Or is it being taught that our sin was only partially paid for on the Cross and Jesus had to be tortured elsewhere, or that we need to have to finish the work? Is it even being taught that we are sinners in need of being bought from the market place of sin? While it is not wrong to question methods and practices in the local church, we must be careful not to replace them with anything that is contrary to, or that will distract from, the simple Truth of the Gospel, that Jesus Christ, died on the Cross for our sins and rose again (I Corinthians 15:1-5).

In conclusion, I just want to state that the Gospel preaching, soul-winning local church is not dead. Many are faithfully rightly dividing the Word of Truth. We don't all follow the same methods, practices and programs, but if we continue to look to God and let Him be our lead, He will bring the results. Let us be faithful.

Experiencing God's Presence

In many of our churches todays much is made over experiences of a spiritual nature. This is so often the case that individuals or churches are made to feel that if they have not experienced some miracle, healing or spectacular event that there is something lacking and that individual or church is somehow second rate. The problem with this way of thinking is that does not consider God's point of view. What we want to see and to have to validate our faith is perhaps not what God has in mind for us. What we see as the most significant signs of faith may not be so in God's sight. What can be more important from heaven's view than another soul placing his or her trust in Jesus for salvation? Furthermore, what can be more precious in God's sight than his child walking in close fellowship demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians five? The true test of experiences is not how spectacular they are but how they demonstrate our relationship to God our Father. Many professing Christians have prayed a prayer or had an emotional experience but don't have evidence of an ongoing relationship with the One Who paid the price for their sin. The most important experience a Christian can have is to see God actively working in his or her life.

The first step to experiencing God in our lives is to accept His provision of salvation by inviting His Son into our hearts. Only when we've been born again can we have the relationship we so sorely need. An emotional experience won't do. In fact we may feel little emotion as we trust Him, but that does not take away the reality of that trust. God is the One that brings us to salvation. He is the One that gives us faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). We have but to receive (John 1:12). It is after we have received Christ into our lives that we walk with Him experiencing His presence. As we experience His regenerating power with in us we draw closer to Him in love.

II Peter 1 talks about knowing God's grace and promises. Peter begins by telling us to add virtue to our faith. Virtue is doing what is right to do. Consequently, Peter is telling us that if we want to really know God we need to follow His will and to do what is right no matter how unpopular it may be. We can seek for spectacular events, but we will not really know the reality of God's resurrection power within us until we determine to do what is right. The world is changing and seeks to mold us into its ways. What was once seen as wrong is now accepted as right. People who trust God are criticized more frequently and even called evil as we take a stand for God's principles. We cannot turn to Man for a definition of what is right. We will not know what is right until we study God's Word.

And so, Peter tells us to add to virtue knowledge which comes to us in two levels. First, we study Scripture to know the Truth. From God's Word we know Gods hates lying, adultery, stealing, hatred and so much more. Second, we learn as we obey His Word, of His love for us. As we obey a righteous God we experience His righteousness and we understand His love for us. As this process ensues we are partaking of His divine nature escaping the corruption that is in the world through lust (II Peter 2:4). And still, Peter goes further, add self control, endurance, godliness, brotherly kindness and Godly love. These things will make us abound; we will not fail in Christ if they are ours.

But having all these things is not an automatic process. Peter tells us to be dilligent as we add these things. This means to keep at it. If we want to experience God we must continuously seek to do and to live His will. As the little boy imitates his father and feels closer to him as he does so, we draw closer to our heavenly as we imitate Him.