Posted on

The Church that Christ Built

The church is an important part in one’s journey to heaven. In the Ephesian epistle, Paul taught that it is impossible to divorce the church from salvation because all spiritual blessings are found in the church (“in Christ,” Eph. 1:3-14). All of the people in the church have been saved (Eph. 5:23), and all of the saved people are in the church (Acts 2:47, 37-41; cf. Heb. 12:23).

Wouldn’t it be a tragedy for someone to attend a church his or her entire life, and yet be told “I never knew you, depart from Me” on the day of judgment because he or she attended the wrong church? Someone may say, “That wouldn’t really happen.” Be careful to draw quick conclusions! Jesus would disagree with you. The Lord said that there will be people – religious people – on the judgment day who will not enter heaven because they did not carefully follow “the Will of My Father in heaven” (Mat. 7:21-23). It is vitally important that our religious beliefs are Scriptural (Col. 3:17).

An honest Bible student will find that it actually DOES matter what church you attend. Please prayerfully consider the following points.

[highlight] Christ promised to build only one church.[/highlight] The text is Matthew 16:18. Jesus said, “I will build my church.” He promised to build His church upon the foundation of His deity as the Son of God (1 Cor. 3:11). Note that Jesus said, “I will build My church.” It belongs to Him. Also, notice that the word “church” is singular. The notion that modern denominations are simply off-shoots of the church that Christ promised to build is simply false. He clearly said that He would build one church, His church.

[highlight] Christ died to purchase only one church.[/highlight] In Acts 20:28, Paul was speaking with some elders from Ephesus. He charged them to feed the church, which was “purchased with His own blood.” Once again, please note the singularity of the word “church.” This makes Christ’s church unique. Elsewhere, the New Testament links Christ’s shed blood with man’s salvation (Hebrews 9:14, 22). This is further proof of the inseparable link between salvation and the church.

[highlight] The New Testament teaches that there is only one true church.[/highlight] This is a big statement; one that I am very careful to propose and defend. Look carefully at these words from Ephesians 4:4: “There is one body.” The question naturally follows: what is this body of which Paul refers? Paul already answered the question earlier in the Ephesian letter: “And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Eph. 1:22-23, emp. added). The body and the church are the same thing. Therefore, it is appropriate to read Ephesians 4:4 as follows: “There is one church.”

Frankly, man-made denominations have nothing to offer us. I do not want to be a part of a denomination. I want to be a part of the church that Jesus promised to build. I want to be a member of the church for which Christ died. I want to be a part of the only church that I can read about in the New Testament.

Posted on

Countering the Porn Problem

It’s no secret that pornography is a problem in our culture.

  • There are well over two BILLION searches for pornography each year.
  • 1 in 5 mobile searches are for pornography.
  • 24% of smartphone owners admit to having pornographic material on their mobile handset.
  • 9 out of 10 boys were exposed to pornography before the age of 18.
  • 6 out of 10 girls were exposed to pornography before the age of 18.
  • The average age when young boys are first exposed to pornography is 11 years old.
  • 50% of all “Christian” men and 20% of all “Christian” women say they are addicted to pornography.

These stats indicate the problem is not just in our culture. Tragically, it is also in our churches.

[highlight]Does the Bible have anything to say about pornography?[/highlight] Take a look at these Scriptures and you can tell me whether they’re appropriate to regulate what we consume through our eyes.

I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look upon a young woman? (Job 31:1)

I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me (Psalm 101:3).

But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart (Matthew 5:28).

I don’t know whether you – or someone you know – struggles with pornography. Statistically speaking, it’s possible that someone reading these words is a regular viewer of pornography. What can you do to overcome the sin of pornography? My purpose in this post is to offer some resources that all of us would do well to check out, if for no other reason than to prevent this sin from creeping into our lives.

[highlight]Internet Filters:[/highlight]

  • Covenant Eyes Web Content Filtering – Paid software that will actually block the bad stuff from your computer screen. This is great for families who want to be sure that nothing accidentally pops up on screens in front of young eyes. But it’s not just the young eyes that need to be guarded!
  • InternetSafety Filtering – A similar resource to the one mentioned above.
  • K 9 Web Protection – FREE software to install on your computer that will block the bad sites, force safe searches on all search engines, set time parameters for online use, and much more.

[highlight]Accountability:[/highlight]

  • Covenant Eyes Internet Accountability – This service tracks websites you visit on your computers, smart phones, and tablets, and sends them in an easy-to-read report to someone you trust. This makes it easy to talk about the temptations you face online.
  • Here’s a non-techy option: get an accountability partner. This is someone, whom you trust, in whom you can confide regarding the sin of pornography. You can check in with that person periodically and they can check with you to see how things are going. This is a Biblical solution (James 5:16; Galatians 6:2). If I can help you in any way, please let me know.

[highlight]Informational Resources:[/highlight]

Pornography has been scientifically proven to be addictive. Don’t be a slave to sin. Take control of your life by surrendering your entire existence to God and to His will for your life (Rom. 12:1-2; cf. Rom. 6:12-13).

[divider]

Photo Credit: Tim Parkinson on Creative Commons

Posted on

World Wide Weekend: November 30, 2013

Hey there! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving full of family, fun, and maybe even some football!

This is a big batch of links. I highly recommend a careful reading of each one.

Posted on

Four Ingredients to Spiritual Revival

In an old, familiar song, worshippers blend their voices and ask God to “revive us again.” To revive is to restore to life or consciousness, to give new strength or energy, or to improve one’s position or condition. Are we really seeking that kind of revival?

Some of us are too comfortable where we are to truly ask that God revive us. Why would we want God’s revival when we have good jobs, enough money both to pay the bills and to enjoy our hobbies, and good standing with our fellow man? Why breathe new life into Christianity when you’ve been “going to church” for decades, and you feel good about your spirituality? We must be careful that we do not deceive ourselves (James 1:22).

Spiritual improvement is not easy, but it is necessary. Psalm 119 offers at least four key ingredients that will help us to be truly revived.

[highlight]1. DAILY BIBLE READING.[/highlight] Revival will not happen apart from God’s word. Sensationalism and emotionalism may make people feel good, but it will never begin to do what the powerful word of God can do (Rom. 1:16). The psalmist said, “Revive me according to Your word” (Psa. 119:25, 107, 154). How much time do you spend in God’s word each day?

[highlight]2. DAILY BIBLE APPLICATION.[/highlight] Spiritual revival will come from more than mere exposure to God’s word. Reading the Book must be followed by applying the Book. This is the hard part. We are revived in righteousness (Psa. 119:40). “All Your commandments are righteousness” (Psa. 119:172). Taking care of our sin problem through the blood of Jesus in baptism (Rom. 6:1-4), followed by continual holiness as we walk in the light (1 John 1:7) is vital to spiritual revival. We must protect ourselves from sins of all kinds: sins of conduct, sins of speech, and even sins of thought (cf. Psa. 119:37)!

[highlight]3. TENDER-HEARTEDNESS.[/highlight] God’s word is designed to prick hearts (cf. Heb. 4:12), but our hearts must be tender enough to accept what the word teaches. God’s ways are best (Jer. 10:23); His justice is true and right. When God’s word rebukes, we must be willing to listen and to conform to God’s will. The psalmist said, “O LORD, revive me according to Your justice” (Psa. 119:149, 156).

[highlight]4. HUMILITY.[/highlight] The Bible is a message of grace (Titus 2:11-12). God loves us, and the Bible tells us the extent to which He loves us (John 3:16). The psalmist felt that understanding God’s grace and God’s love was key to obedience to God, and thus, to spiritual revival. He said, “Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, so that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth” (Psa. 119:88, 159).

You may be surprised at the power of the gospel in your life when you, through humble obedience, read and apply the Scripture. It is designed to convict us, to cut to the heart, and to bring us to our knees in godly sorrow (2 Cor. 7:10).

May this ever be our prayer: “Hallelujah! Thine the glory, revive us again!”

Posted on

Seven Baptisms in Two Weeks: What I Have Learned

Baptism

The power of the heart-pricking message of the gospel has been clearly seen in the past few days at East Hill. Since two Wednesdays ago, we have rejoiced with seven individuals who have put on their Lord in baptism (three of which were in one Wednesday night!), and we have prayed with and been encouraged by one sister who wished to rededicate her life to the Lord! These eight precious souls have served as a motivation for us all to examine and re-examine ourselves spiritually (2 Cor. 13:5).

Do we realize the potential of one obedient soul? I’m talking about our influence. This past Wednesday evening, I was talking with five of these new, young Christians. I asked them: “Do you see what you’re capable of?? Look at what has been sparked here by your decision to obey the gospel!” They smiled and agreed. These eight souls have influenced one another and, through their actions, have exhorted all of us to secure our souls in Christ. I see at least three lessons that I can learn from them.

[highlight]1. NO ONE IS AN ISLAND.[/highlight]
Over the past few days, we have been eye witnesses to the fact that our actions influence other people. Two sisters in the flesh became sisters in Christ because of this truth! However, let us learn this lesson both in the positive way and in the negative way. Just as one person’s obedience can encourage another to obey, so can one person’s disobedience influence another person to disobey God. Christians are to shine like the lights of a city on a hill or a lamp on a lampstand (Mat. 5:14-16; Phil. 2:15). No one can deny it: our actions affect other people.

[highlight]2. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.[/highlight]
Satan wants us to feel isolated because we are Christians, as though there is no one else in the world who struggles with sin. The truth is, you are not alone in your struggles. Paul said that temptation is common to all men (1 Cor. 10:13). The blood of Christ can wash our sins away (Acts 9:22)! God’s mercy can restore us back to faithfulness (1 John 1:9)!

[highlight]3. DO NOT WAIT TO OBEY THE GOSPEL.[/highlight]
The longer you procrastinate with petty excuses, the longer you waste precious time for your soul to be saved and for you to fulfill the purpose for which God made you (cf. Eph. 2:10). Paul understood the power of Timothy’s influence. He said that Timothy’s obedience would not only save himself, but also those who heard him preach (1 Tim. 4:16). Whose heart will God touch through your righteous life?

Kurt F. Kaiser wrote a song called Pass it On. His words seem appropriate here:

It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;
That’s how it is with God’s love;
Once you’ve experienced it,
You spread His love to everyone;
You want to pass it on.

Posted on

Conquering Indifference: Lessons from Laodicea

Yesterday morning, I concluded a sermon series based on the letters to the seven churches of Asia in Revelation 2-3. The final letter is addressed to the church in Laodicea, Christians to whom no words or praise are offered. This little post are a few related thoughts to yesterday’s sermon.

[divider]

The appointment was routine, but the results were far from it. What started as an annual checkup at the doctor’s office became a life-altering moment of human mortality. More tests needed to be done. Current information was inconclusive, but there was a chance that something was seriously wrong. The man felt healthy that morning as he went in to see the doctor, but he left that afternoon feeling broken.

We all know people who have experienced the above scenario. They weren’t sick – or, at least, they didn’t feel sick – but, shockingly enough, something was seriously wrong. That is exactly what happened to the Christians in the congregation at Laodicea. When the Great Physician came, they thought that everything was fine, but the facts were far different.

THE DIAGNOSIS. In Revelation 3:17, Jesus describes how these Christians viewed themselves. They said, “I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing.” But Jesus had the truth. He said that they were actually “wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.” These brethren had lulled themselves into a spiritual coma. They were “neither cold nor hot” (Rev. 3:15); they had grown lukewarm, complacent, and indifferent. Little more than a flicker remained of the spiritual flame that once blazed in their hearts. Perhaps you and I can relate. Let’s hasten to the solution!

THE PRESCRIPTION. There was a three-fold prescription for the three-fold problem:

  1. A co-payment. The Lord said, “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich” (Rev. 3:18). Though they were spiritually poor, Jesus commanded that they pay a price. Jesus gave His life for us, and we must give our lives to Him (Luke 9:23-25; Gal. 2:20). They were to give their lives to Jesus, and remain faithful to Him through the fiery trials of life (1 Pet. 1:7).
  2. A uniform. Jesus commanded them to put on “white garments, that you may be clothed.” The white color represents the holiness to which all of God’s children are called (1 Pet. 1:13-16). Holiness is to be our identity, character, and reputation.
  3. An ointment. The Laodiceans excelled in ophthalmology, yet they knew nothing of their spiritual blindness. God’s Word had the cure (2 Cor. 4:18; 5:7).

Jesus diagnosed them as poor, naked, and blind. Then, He gave the prescription so they could be spiritually rich, spiritually clothed, and have spiritual sight.

I’m afraid too many Christians are like our Laodicean brethren. This is no small issue! Let us take action TODAY to follow the prescription of our Great Physician.

Posted on

World Wide Weekend: November 16, 2013

I have a fresh batch of links hot out of the oven! But first, enjoy some tweetables from this week.


[divider]

[divider]

Tomorrow is the Lord’s day! Are you ready to worship Him? Check out the archives of TLN’s podcast Ready to Worship for a short devotional to prepare your mind for worship. If you’re around Pulaski, come worship with us at East Hill! We meet at 9:30, 10:30, and 6:00 on Sundays.

Posted on

The Church is Not a Country Club

CountryClub

Some Christians treat the church like it is a country club. Webster defines the term as follows:

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]A private club where people go for social events and to play golf, tennis, etc.[/box]

When something is decided that they do not like, these “country club Christians” start breathing threats to the elders, the deacons, or the preachers. It has nothing to do with what is doctrinally right or wrong, but is all about personal preferences and opinions. They might threaten to take their membership elsewhere or to quit church altogether!When this becomes one’s view of the church, something is seriously wrong.

Here are four reasons why the church is not a country club.

[highlight]1. You can’t pay for your membership in the church.[/highlight] Your weekly contribution on the Lord’s day is not a check to pay any club dues (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7). Jesus paid the price so you could become a member of His church (Acts 20:28). You do not own the church. The church is comprised of those who have obeyed the gospel and, therefore, are “in Christ” (Gal. 3:26-27). Jesus is the only way we could be adopted into God’s family (Eph. 1:5-6). We belong to Him (Rom. 6:11-13, 22-23). Isaac Watts conveyed the proper response to our having been purchased by Christ: “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all!” The Holy Spirit put it this way:

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s (1 Cor. 6:20).[/box]

[highlight]2. The church is not just for society’s “elite.”[/highlight] According to Wikipedia, “Country clubs are founded upon the concept of private membership and exclusion of the general public”. Alleged Christians who ostracize visitors (and even other Christians) because of race, gender, income-level (or any other reason) do not know true, New Testament Christianity. Everyone is invited to accept God’s gracious offer to be saved and be added by the Lord to His church (2 Thes. 2:13; Acts 2:38, 47; 10:34-35).

[highlight]3. The church does not exist for your pleasure.[/highlight] This is neither a social hangout nor a recreational hotspot. The church does not exist to be a baby-sitter or youth group entertainer. There certainly isn’t anything wrong with Bible-focused childcare services or with youth groups enjoying times of fellowship together, but the church is about more than just those things. The Lord’s church is to serve as a light in your community and throughout the world. Being a “light” is about more than just having a positive influence in the community; it has to do with reflecting the light of Jesus that shows the way of salvation (Mat. 5:14-16; John 3:19-21; 14:6). The church exists to do the Lord’s Will. Paul addressed the church that met in Ephesus and commanded them as follows:

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (Eph. 2:10).[/box]

[highlight]4. Your congregation’s assembly building is not a social status symbol.[/highlight] Many of our brethren throughout the United States are blessed with great facilities – to God be the glory! How great to have an inviting, welcoming place where we can assemble together in a comfortable environment to worship and study God’s Word. But let’s remember this: assembly buildings – and other congregational possessions (such as church buses) – are to be used with stewardship in mind to God’s glory (Col. 3:17; Rev. 4:11). May we never misuse these blessings or elevate these things as though they are intrinsically holy. They are instruments for God’s holy people to use in His holy service.

How can you avoid becoming a “country club Christian”? Remember these four things:

  1. The church is about telling lost sinners about Jesus (Mat. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16; cf. Acts 8:1).
  2. The church is about encouraging fellow Christians (Heb. 10:24-25; Eph. 4:12-16; 1 Cor. 14:26; 1 Thes. 5:11; Rom. 14:19).
  3. The church is about helping those who are less fortunate (2 Cor. 8:13-15; Gal. 6:10; Mat. 25:34-46).
  4. The church is about salvation. As new creatures (John 3:3, 5; 2 Cor. 5:17; Col. 3:5-11), we have a whole new purpose in life. Our outlook has shifted from seeking the temporal and the earthly to seeking the eternal and the heavenly (Col. 3:1-2; 2 Cor. 4:16-18; 5:7). We are Lord’s church. Life is now about heaven, about being saved and living a saved (faithful) life. We want to go to heaven, and we want to help others get there, too (Phil. 1:21; 3:8-11).
Posted on

What Does it Take to be a Worship Leader?

Today’s post is for us men (including young men). I recently preached a sermon about the role of women in the church. While studying 1 Timothy 2, I noticed several instructions given to men regarding worship. What does it take to be a leader in the worship assembly? Per God’s instructions in 1 Timothy 2, we understand that women are not permitted to lead in our public assemblies.

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ] I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting (1 Tim. 2:8).[/box]

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ] And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence (1 Tim. 2:12).[/box]

The Greek word translated “men” in verse eight is aner. The term is never used of the female gender. In fact, it stands in distinction from a woman. The Holy Spirit, through Paul, was clearly commanding the men to be the worship leaders. However, being male is not the only requirement for being a leader in worship.

Per Paul’s apostolic, inspired commands, we see two areas of a man’s life that qualify him to stand before the congregation and lead them in worship before the Father.

[highlight]First, a worship leader must have the right ACTIONS.[/highlight] Paul says that men must pray, “lifting up holy hands” (1 Tim. 2:8). This has nothing to do with prayer posture. If it did, then what exactly are literal “holy hands”? The point is that a man must live a righteous, holy life. The Bible often uses hands to refer to one’s actions. Look at the inspired writing of James:

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded (James 4:8).[/box]

Cleansed hands represent pure, holy actions. As new creatures, Christians have put off the old man of sin and “have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him” (Col. 3:10).

[highlight]Second, a worship leader must have the right ATTITUDE.[/highlight] Paul continues in verse eight: “without wrath and doubting.” The word wrath refers to anger and indignation. Doubting refers to disputatious reasoning, skeptical questions, or criticisms. Attitudes go beyond our reputation to our character, who we really are.

These two qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 2:8 help us to realize that leading in worship is a serious responsibility and a tremendous privilege. Men should not take these qualifications to be discouraging hindrances from leading in worship. Rather, we should view them as challenges. May we accept the challenge to have holy actions and righteous attitudes so that we can be God’s men and faithfully lead our brothers and sisters in Christ before God’s awesome throne.

Posted on

Faith through the Fire, #3

This week on the blog, I’ve been focused on the incredible account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the fiery furnace (check out part 1 and part 2 in my “Faith Through the Fire” series). Today, three simple lessons that remind us, yet again, that “whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:4). Here’s some hope for your Friday.

1. As a child of God, wherever you are, He is there. God was with these three Jews even when they had been plucked from their home and taken to the foreign land of Babylon. He was there when they were placed in Nebuchadnezzar’s training program and as they were forced to serve the king. God was there when Nebuchadnezzar made the great golden image, and He was there when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego refused to worship it.

God is with you, too. Mankind is reminded of His presence in the psalms (Psa. 139:7-12). We read how He was there beside all of the faithful men and women in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, His only begotten Son comes into the world and is called “Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us” (Mat. 1:23). Jesus promised to be with us “always, even to the end of the age” (Mat. 28:20). Paul said that nothing can separate us from His love (Rom. 8:38-39). The Psalmist believed that nothing could separate him from God’s deliverance (Psa. 68:20).

Wherever you find yourself today, remember that God is there. He’s at work, and He knows the temptations you face there. He’s at home, watching your family. He’s at school, and He knows your struggles, hurts, and pains. Are you on that spiritual mountaintop? He’s there, too. Are you in that spiritual valley – or, maybe even a fiery furnace of sorts (1 Pet. 1:7)? Yep, He’s there, too.

2. God’s protection is complete and perfect. Nebuchadnezzar couldn’t deny the miracle that God brought about that day. Three men were thrown into the furnace, but four men were seen inside moments later. When the three men emerged from the furnace,  it was as though they hadn’t even been around a fire (Dan. 3:27)!

God will protect you, too. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psa. 46:1). The three Jewish men put their entire trust in God. They knew He was able to deliver them and they trusted His Will to do what was best (whether God chose to deliver them or not, Dan. 3:18). Do I trust Him that much? Do I have the faith to cast “all [my] care upon Him, for He cares for [me]” (1 Pet. 5:7)? If I don’t, it isn’t because God hasn’t told me of His love and concern for me. Give it to God. Let go. Let God.

3. The glory of God is more important than our deliverance. Wow. That’s a huge statement. Think about how history describes the death of the apostles. All of them, with the exception of John, died the death of martyrs (John certainly was not exempt from suffering, Rev. 1:9). God’s glory was more important than their lives. They gave themselves for Him. That’s why they suffered as they did (2 Cor. 11:24-33; 12:15).

No matter what, we must resolve to honor God always and in all things. He is worthy, and we are His servants. To be clear, it is not God’s Will that we be a type of “suicide Christian.” It is God’s Will that we live so we can spread the gospel message and shine as lights in the world. But, when sainthood leads to suffering (and it always does, 2 Tim. 3:12), and when suffering leads to a be-faithful-or-die situation, we know what God wants.

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life (Rev. 2:10).[/box]

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? (2 Cor. 2:15-16).[/box]

Let’s follow Christ’s example in suffering and in death (1 Pet. 2:23) and let’s commit ourselves to do the Father’s Will.