Are You Committed to Your Church???

From God's Word, we know the following statements are TRUE!!!

Jesus Christ started the church.....
Jesus Christ is the head of the church.....
Jesus Christ gave Himself for the church.....
Jesus Christ shed His blood for the church.....
Jesus Christ loves the church.....
Jesus Christ nourishes the church.....
Jesus Christ cherishes the church.......

Therefore, the church is very important to Jesus Christ.

If it is that important to Him, then it ought to be important to us!!!!!

How committed are we to the local church?????

Are you an active and committed member of a local church, or do you find it easy to make excuses about not attending church and instead "worship" and "serve" God in your own personal way???

Now, you do not have to answer to me...... simply tell God about your own personal thinking and committment regarding the church which Jesus Christ Himself established during His days here on earth. Does your thinking line up with the clear instructions for believers outlined in the New Testament Scripture???

Are There Different Pews in Your Church???

In most churches the pews look alike. But they are really very different.

THE CRITICAL PEW- This pew watches the pastor of the church with an eagle eye. The singing is too soft or too loud. The building is always too hot or too cold. The critical pew finds everything but the blessings of God.

THE IRREGULAR PEW- Sometimes this irregular pew is full; sometimes it is empty. The problem is that you never know what to expect from this pew.

THE CORDIAL PEW- This pew is always radiant like the sunshine. This pew greets other pews with genuine cordiality, extends a handshake to every visitor and listens with joy to the sermons.

THE PRAYERFUL PEW- This pew spends a moment or two with bowed head in silent prayer upon entering the church. This pew comes to worship and brings the spirit of worship with it into the church.

THE SLEEPY PEW- This is the pew usually occupied by those who watched the late show. There are many "nods" in this pew but there are seldom "nods" of approval.

THE BORED PEW- This pew is occupied by those who take no mental or spiritual preparations for the service. It seldom offers a prayer for the pastor or singers or that the message will be helpful. This pew is located very near the Critical pew, usually in the back of the church. Not much music comes from the bored pew and when the services ends, it complains that the spiritual meal was blah.

Which of these pews will you occupy when you come to worship in the Lord's house next Sunday?

HOLDING FAST THE FAITHFUL WORD

Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Paul's instruction to Titus regarding the ordination of pastors is timely for our day. They were to be men who were capable of "holding fast the faithful word." Pastors, also referred to in the New Testament as bishops or elders, must be grounded in the Word of God and able to resist temptations to compromise the principles and commands of the Scriptures. Paul refers to the words of the Scripture as the "faithful word." God's Word can be trusted. It has not changed, and it will not change. It is forever "settled in heaven" (Psalm 119:89).

We are witnessing rampant attacks upon the Word of God and blasphemous attempts to change the Holy Bible. The truth will remain because its preservation has been promised in the pages of Scripture. The words, "as he hath been taught," remind us of the importance of teaching and training as far as doctrine is concerned. We cannot hold fast the Word of God if we are not instructed and strongly convinced of its message.

Churches of the New Testament are identified as being pillars and grounds of the truth. The Lord's churches are to hold to the truth, teach and preach the truth, and spread the truth to our needy world. Unfortunately, there are so many places that claim the title of church where the Bible has little place or influence. This is a sad testimony of the state of religion in our society. People need to be taught the Word of God.

How can we stand against error unless we are equipped with the sound doctrines of the Bible? What does the Bible mean when it refers to our responsibility of "holding fast" to God's holy truth? We are exhorted to hold on to the words of Scripture because there will be forces determined to loosen the grip God's servants have on the Word of God. The devil wants to steal the Word of God from the hearts of listeners, as Jesus taught in the Gospels. The enemy is always attempting to erode our faith in God and undermine the authority of the Bible.

We must hold fast against the currents of compromise and the liberal tendencies that are so prevalent. We must tighten our grip on the pure doctrines of God's Word, and refuse to be swept away by deception and false doctrine, "holding fast the faithful Word."

A devotional thought by Pastor Smith of Mt. Zion Baptist Church

HE LOVETH OUR NATION

Luke 7:4-5 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.

A centurion had a servant who was sick and near the point of death. This centurion sent a group of Jewish elders to see if Jesus would come and heal his servant. When they came to the Lord, they presented their case, requesting that Jesus should help this captain saying, "That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue." This centurion, though he was a Gentile, had a reputation of devotion to the Jewish nation, which was Christ's nation as well as theirs. He evidenced his love for their nation by building them a synagogue, a place of worship.

When we think of our nation, we know she has many faults and stands in great need of repentance and revival. Nevertheless, we love our nation. We do not love the direction she has been going or the wickedness that is permitted and promoted; but still we love our country. We are thankful for our heritage and Christian influence. We are grateful for the freedoms we enjoy. Our nation has been the birthplace and home of some of the world's most influential preachers. Many faithful missionaries have left this country to evangelize other nations. Our nation has been responsible for publishing the Word of God and Gospel literature for the benefit of millions. We have gone to the defense of struggling nations and helped defend the oppressed on many occasions.

What could we do to express our appreciation for our country? The centurion built a synagogue for the Jewish nation, and one of the greatest things we can do for our country is to build churches. Our country is in a state of moral decline that will not easily be reversed. How can we help our beloved nation? We desperately need multitudes of sound, Bible-preaching, separated, New Testament churches. We need a voice for righteousness in every community and a faithful preacher of the Gospel in every town. If we love our country, let's support missionaries and get the Gospel out wherever and however we can. Let's dedicate our lives to reaching out to the lost, discipling the saved, and building churches wherever we can. Our love for our nation can be demonstrated in our commitment to the ministry.

A devotional thought by Pastor Smith of Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Back-Seat Problem

"I wonder," said good Parson Jones,

With a little troubled frown,

"If there is any way to get

You folks seated farther down."

"You see I have to talk across

So many empty pews

Before my voice can reach the back;

I fear my point you lose."

"And then I feel so lonesome too,

Way up here - you clear back there;

It's hard to feel you're with me

When I come to God in prayer."

"I wonder if you folks are scared

Of what I'm going to preach,

That you hurry so to park yourselves

In the farthest seat?"

"Or do you fear the church someday

Will suddenly catch fire?

Or do you want to slip out quick

If of my theme you tire?"

"I wish you'd come up closer

So I wouldn't have to shout -

If you don't I'm going to have

Those back seats taken out!"

Church Membership Matters

Why Every Christian Needs a Spiritual Family

By Tim Christoson, Lancaster Baptist Church Adult Ministries Director
Published in The Baptist Voice, December 2008

Occasionally, I am asked why a Christian should become a member of a local church. Some insist that membership is merely a technicality, not seeing much difference between attendance and membership. Some argue they can worship God on their own, disconnected from a church family. Others feel qualified to invent their own, new definition of the church in an attempt to release them from responsibility.

Simply put, church membership is about making a commitment. It is a commitment to a body of doctrine, to a body of people, and to the body of Christ. To become a member is to join arms with others of like faith and to join God in His redemptive work in this world.

Being a member of a local church....

1. Gives me an environment in which to grow spiritually - Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 14:22-23 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. Heb. 10:24-25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.


2. Identifies me with my fellow believers - Eph. 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 1 Peter 2:9-12 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.


3. Allows for genuine friendships, edifying relationships, and voluntary accountability - Rom. 16:1-6 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Prov. 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.


4. Enables burdens to be shared and loads to be lightened - Gal. 6:1-5, 10 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. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Eccl. 4:9-10 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.


5. Builds a prayer network for mutual intercession - Rom. 15:30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; 1 Tim. 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 1 Tim. 5:5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.


6. Places me under the spiritual protection of godly leaders - Heb. 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Acts 20:28-29 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.


7. Provides a means to honor God financially by supporting local and world evangelism - 1 Cor. 16:1-2 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. Php. 4:14-18 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.


8. Serves as a place for me to bring others so they may hear the Gospel - Matt. 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.


9. Creates an opportunity to discover and exercise my spiritual gifts - Rom. 12:6-8 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 1 Tim. 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 1 Peter 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.


10. Connects me to something eternal and more significant than myself - Rom. 12:4-5 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Col. 3:1-3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

The one institution Jesus set out to build was the church. Matt. 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Jesus loves the church. Eph. 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; The church belongs to Him, and our existence was made possible through His sacrifice. Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

May we avoid the gravitational tendency to lower our esteem for God's choice organization. May we recommit ourselves and redouble our efforts of worshipping, growing, and serving together as a local church.

Heb. 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

WE WILL NOT FORSAKE GOD'S HOUSE

Nehemiah 10:39 For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.

God's people had spent many years in Babylonian captivity because of their disobedience, rebellion, and idolatry. Forsaking God's law, His worship, His day, and His house had cost them dearly. By the grace and power of God, they were returned to Jerusalem. The destroyed city was being restored, the temple rebuilt, and the battered walls of the city repaired. With their past captivity fresh in their minds, they offered this great resolution: a fresh commitment to faithfulness to God's house. The Bible records their vow of loyalty to the house of God, "we will not forsake the house of our God." Our generation of Christians would do well to make a similar commitment. It is not an exaggeration to say that the house of God is too often being forsaken. One example of this is the great neglect of the place of the New Testament church in the work of God. The extremely popular, yet false belief in a universal and invisible church has caused many professing Christians to forsake the true house of God, which is the local church. I Timothy 3:15 says, "the house of God, which is the church of the living God." The house of God is being forsaken because of the neglect of Bible doctrine concerning the church. Multitudes of those who claim membership in local congregations are also forsaking God's house. They are forsaking God's house by their lack of faithful attendance to the assembly of the saints. Church attendance by some is looked at as a suggestion rather than the command of God. Others are forsaking God's house by their lack of financial support through consistent tithes and offerings. God gave His churches the responsibility to carry out His work in the world, and that work should be financed through the generous and consistent giving of the members. The house of God is being forsaken through the failure of members to use their gifts and abilities to serve in the ministries of the local church. The laborers are few because of those who are forsaking God's house. For the sake of our Savior and His great work, "we will not forsake the house of God."

A devotional thought by Pastor Smith of Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Reverse Phariseeism

This article has been submitted by Harold Vaughn written in November 2007:

Reverse racism was a term used to denote minorities who were prejudiced against the majority. There are two sides to every coin. Those who overreact to “Phariseeism” are in the ditch as well; albeit their ditch is on the other side of the road!

You may be guilty of Reverse Phariseeism if:

1. You think anyone with higher standards than you is a “legalist.”
2. You have stretched the “narrow gate” that leads to salvation to the point it is no longer “narrow.”
3. You believe those who hold non-negotiable convictions are all Pharisees.
4. You have more question marks than exclamation points when it comes to the authority of God’s Word.
5. You believe what’s “right for you” is true for you and . . .What’s “right for me” is true for me.
6. There is hardly anything so theologically or ethically bizarre that it would offend your sensibilities.
7. Foundational truths are debatable.
8. You understand how people could feel that referring to God as “Father” expresses a bent toward sexism.
9. You discount the Genesis account of creation because it is inconsistent with science.
10. You believe the criterion of “Truth” is sincerity instead of the revealed Word of God.
11. You believe there are many roads which lead to eternal life.
12. You view “grace” as a license to sin instead of the power to overcome it.
13. You believe God’s command to separate from error must be repudiated if we are to be effective in the modern world.
14. You have the identical disgust for the Pharisee that he has for you!
15. You think those who hold to non-negotiable principles are the main problem.
16. You think the way to reach the world for Christ is to imitate it.
17. You see no significant doctrinal differences between the Apostle Paul and the Pope.
18. You can wink at all manner of compromise as long as it is slanting to the left.
19. Your have zero tolerance for “excess” toward the right side of the religious spectrum.
20. You have an extremely generous conscience and great sympathy when it comes to “extravagance” among the leftleaning brethren.
21. You believe that all the other attributes of God are eclipsed by His love.
22. You esteem feminine virtues, but become uneasy when masculine traits are exalted.
23. You would be offended if someone said you were just as prejudiced as the Pharisee!

Overreaction is never corrective. In fact, overreaction is always destructive because it always creates its own set of problems.

Jesus was full of grace and truth and He warned us to be wary of the leaven of both the Pharisees and the Sadducees.

Someone said, “Compassion without conviction equals compromise. Conviction without compassion causes contention. But compassion plus conviction equals communication.” Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can we find godly balance and overflow with grace and truth.

GREATEST NEEDS IN THE CHURCH TODAY

(The following list was submitted by Pastor Mike Walls of Freedom Baptist Church, Smithfield, NC and shared on an email list earlier this month.)

On Monday, February 28, 2000, I hosted a pastor's fellowship at our church. There were eighteen preachers in attendance. When the letters announcing the fellowship was sent to the preachers, they were asked to think along these lines: "What do you think the two greatest needs are for our churches today?" The information that precedes this is a summary of their responses at that meeting.

1. More doctrinal preaching
2. Preachers having more love for their people
3. Church members more committed to Christ and their church
4. Practical Bible living
5. Develop a desire for a Bible based revival
6. Getting people excited with the things of God especially prayer
7. Not being as quick to condemn others without first looking at ourselves
8. People getting busy for the Lord
9. Letting the Lord develop people's convictions
10. Try to get people committed to the ministry who are not already committed
11. Teach people to set priorities
12. Get people grounded in the basics of the Bible
13. Get a passionate love for the Lord Jesus
14. Train people to be able to take the place of the older men in the ministry
15. More personal soul winning
16. More personal holiness
17. Taking heed to ourselves first and then to doctrine
18. Getting a proper balance in the ministry
19. More pastoring than preaching
20. Develop discipleship
21. More emphasis on prayer
22. Make ourselves available to the blessings of God
23. Become better leaders
24. Develop better standards in our lives
25. Greater intensity to the study of God's Word
26. Maintain our love affair with the Lord Jesus like we had when we were first saved.
27. Teach our people the capabilities of God
28. A Spirit-filled life
29. Provide enough avenues of service for our people
30. Develop more faith to live by the Word of God
31. Have a greater burden and vision for the lost
32. Reach our youth for Jesus Christ
33. Have a greater relationship with Christ
34. Teach the basics of what and why we believe in the Bible so they will know what and why they believe
35. Ask God for proper humility
36. Remember the importance of the ministry

I compiled this list because of what Proverbs 13:20a says: "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise". May we glean from these words of wisdom!

Why Should A Christian Go to Church?

No attendance at any church is the way to heaven, but it is essential once you are a Christian. If one is truly saved, one should:

1. Wanna Go – The hungry, born-again soul has a desire to be fed from the Word of God as put on the heart of the church’s man of God. It also desires fellowship with like-minded people. “My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.” Psalm 84:2 “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;” Ephesians 2:19 “That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.” I Corinthians 12:25
2. Wanna Grow – Church is one of the most important places where a Christian can hear God’s word, to find out how he can improve himself, obey God, and learn what God has for him to do. “Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.” Psalm 92:13
3. Wanna Obey – We are commanded to go. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25
4. Wanna Pray – Although it is not the only place a Christian can pray, it is a good place. “And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” Matthew 21:13

It makes one wonder when a person who claims to be saved does not want to attend a church and finds excuses for avoiding it. Not regularly attending is contrary to scripture.

This article was posted by Bill Brinkworth in The Bible View newsletter.

SEVEN MARKS OF A GREAT CHURCH

Acts 2:40-47 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

INTRODUCTION: A lot of churches claim to be great churches. I am afraid often times their greatness is only a figment of their own imagination. God gives us His definition or description of a great church in Acts 2.

1. A GOSPEL preaching church. v. 40 - A church where lives are being changed. Not a monument to the saints but an emergency room for sinners. 2 Cor. 4:5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 2 Tim. 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 1 Cor. 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2. A GROWING church. v. 41, 47 - Fulfilling all three parts of the Great Commission (A growing church is always in transition).
3. A GROUNDED church. v. 42, 46a - (At least 10 references in Acts to God’s people continuing faithfully.) a. In doctrine (Doctrine is the glue that holds us together) b. In fellowship (Showed up every time doors were open v. 46a) together v. 44, one accord & singleness of heart v. 46 c. In Bible study (in the church, in the temple, and from house to house v. 46) d. In prayer (mentioned 30 times in Acts).
4. A GLEANING church. v. 43 - a. (FEAR = reverence or awe) Godly worship (To ascribe worth). Respect for God and the things of God should cause us to live a separated, holy lifestyle. b. (PRAISING GOD) They did not take the blessings of God for granted.
5. A GIVING church. v. 44-45 - 1 Cor. 16:1-3 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
6. A GOING church v. 46b - Soul winning church. Acts 20:20 vision. (And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,).
7. A GLAD church v. 46c-47, 41 - Someone said the mark of a spiritually strong church is not how long the preacher preaches but how long the people stay after the preaching. Neh. 8:10b for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Psalm 32:11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.

A sermon outline submitted by Pastor Jim Preston of Lighthouse Baptist Church, Moreno Valley, California

THE NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE OF MY CHURCH ATTENDANCE

Heb. 10:23-26 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

WHAT MY ABSENCE FROM CHURCH DID

1. It caused some people to question the reality of my faith.
2. It made some think that I was a pretender.
3. It made many think that I consider my spiritual welfare and that of others a matter of small concern.
4. It weakened the effect of the church service.
5. It made it harder for the preacher to preach.
6. It discouraged other church members and robbed them of a blessing.
7. It made it harder for me to resist the temptation of the devil.
8. It gave the devil more power and influence over lost people.
9. It encouraged me to become more irregular in church attendance.

WHAT MY PRESENCE AT CHURCH DID

1. It caused people to have confidence in me.
2. It made people realize that I regard my spiritual welfare and that of others, matters of great importance.
3. It had a good effect on the services.
4. It made my friends feel more welcome.
5. It encouraged other church members and helped the pastor in his work.
6. It caused others to come to Christ.
7. It made my life stronger for another week.
8. It removed stumbling blocks from the sinner's path.
9. It pleased God.
10. It caused others to say, "He practiced what he preaches."

These notes were posted by Pastor Mike Walls of Freedom Baptist Church, Smithfield, NC on an email mailing list Saturday, November 15.

When You Miss Church....

All should go to church: saved and unsaved. An unsaved person will learn God’s way to heaven and, hopefully, be saved. A saved person should go to church because God commands it (Hebrews 10:25); it is the place to learn about spiritual things; it is a place to serve God, and it is a place to receive spiritual encouragement.

Too many born-again people stay away from the house of God. Sometimes the excuses are legitimate, such as sickness or an emergency; but too many times, they are not legitimate. When a Christian stays home from attending services at the house of God, he can do damage to himself and to the cause of Christ. Some of the negative impacts of his avoiding church include:

• His lack of faithfulness to the house of God is a bad example to other believers and the unsaved. If his avoiding church is observed, others may justify their staying home as, “Well, if so-and-so doesn’t go to church, why do I have to go?” The lack of attendance encourages others also to miss. Others observe our actions and reactions. We may be all of “Christ” many see. It is important to be a good testimony to others. We never know who is watching us.
• He will miss a blessing that God intended for him to hear to help him through life. The day the believer stays home may be the day that God laid a special message on the pastor’s heart that was desperately needed by the one that did not make it to church that day. Encouragement from the Word of God, taught in church, is spiritual food a believer needs to make it through life’s trials.
• When a person stays home and misses church, he is showing God and others what is important in his life; and unfortunately, it may not be the things of God.
• A saved individual is born into the family of God. When he misses church, he is missing a “family” gathering. When any family does not spend time together, they grow apart. When a child of God misses church, he too, can grow apart from his spiritual family.
• A stay-at-home Christian is showing the unsaved world that church is not really important.
• When a believer stays home, it can discourage those that know he is gone, and also discourage the preacher.
• If a believer is involved in a ministry and misses church, others have to fill in the empty spot his absence has left. Most of the time, the ones picking up the slack are those that are already busy in their own ministries. They soon get tired of doing too much and get discouraged, all because a believer missed church.
• If a believer stays home, he often does not give to the cause of Christ for the time he missed. The money not given is needed to keep the ministry running. A church will suffer, because all are not giving their share.

God went to a lot of trouble to have a local church for us to go to. He called a shepherd for the flock of believers. Many gave, so the church would have its doors open. Many sacrificed their time to minister to the needs of others. Avoiding church is missing what God intended for us to have. Be at church every time the doors are open. It is the right thing to do!

This article was written by Bill Brinkworth published in The Bible View

THE HOME AND CHURCH

Numbers 2:2 Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensign of their father's house: far off about the tabernacle of the congregation shall they pitch.

This Old Testament passage gives us insight about the place of the two most important institutions for our lives, THE HOME AND THE CHURCH. We see this typified in the positioning of the tribes or families of Israel around the tabernacle. Every man was to pitch by “his own standard, with the ensign of their father’s house.” Every family had its own standard, or flag, and its own ensign, or insignia, to identify them from the other families. Family identity is important. In our nation, we have lost much of this. A few generations ago, it was common for extended families to grow up on the same piece of property that their parents and grandparents once farmed and lived on. Often, more than one generation lived in the same house. Our society has become much more mobile with occupations and other interests moving families far away from their relatives. In the Old Testament, they were to pitch their tent under the family banner. The families camped with their family, but they also pitched “about the tabernacle of the congregation.” The place of worship was central to their lives. Each family was positioned around the tabernacle as the Lord directed them. Each tribe had their assigned place around the house of God. When the tabernacle moved, they moved. They kept their family identity and maintained their nearness to the place of worship. I believe this typifies to us the importance of these two institutions in our lives. Our lives, in essence, should include a close relationship with our family while maintaining a close relationship and participation with our church family. This picture not only reveals how important these two relationships are, but it also reminds us of the importance of keeping a wholesome balance between the two. It is easy for us to over-emphasize one and neglect the other. There are those who are so zealous about the church and its work that they fail to give the home the attention it deserves. Then there are others who, for the love of the family, neglect the place and ministry of the church God placed them in. This example teaches us to keep THE HOME AND THE CHURCH in their proper places.

A devotional thought by Pastor Smith of Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Synergy

Lev. 26:8 And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.

Consider the math in this verse. If five can chase a hundred, that would a ratio of 20:1, i.e. one person chasing 20. Based on that equation, how many should a hundred chase. Mathematically, it should be 2000. However, God says “an hundred shall put ten thousand to flight!” Why is that? It is the principle of “synergy.”

The principle of “synergy” teaches when two or more energies are combined their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects. Syn­ergy is having two horses—One horse by himself can pull a load of 1,000 pounds. The second horse can pull a load of 1,000 pounds. But when harnessed together as a team they can pull 3,000 pounds!

In one Peanuts cartoon Linus and Lucy are watching TV. Lucy turned to Linus and demanded that he change TV channel, while shaking her fist. “What makes you think you can walk right in here and take over?” asks Linus. “These five fingers,” says Lucy. “Individually these fingers are weak, but when I curl them together like this into a single unit, they form a weapon that is terrible to behold.” “Which channel do you want?” asks Linus. Turning away, he looks at his fingers and says, “Why can't you guys get together like that?”

Think of what a church could accomplish if everyone would “get together” as a TEAM in reaching lost souls with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As Lucy said about her fingers, “Individually they're nothing, but when I curl them together a single unit, they form a weapon that is terrible to behold.” Satan seeks to divide the church and prevent church unity. He knows a unified church is a force to behold! (cf. Dt. 32:30 How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?)

A devotional thought by Pastor Al Hughes

WE ARE ONLY MEN

Acts 14:14-15 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

Paul and Barnabas were preaching and ministering in Lystra when the Lord healed a man who had been crippled all of his life. Seeing what had been done, the people cried out, “The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men” (Acts 14:11). They called Barnabas, Jupiter, and Paul they called Mercurius. Our text gives us the response of God’s servants to such improper behavior. They cried out saying, “Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you.” Why is it that men have a tendency to want to deify mortal men? Thank God for faithful servants of the Lord, but they are not to be worshipped. Of course, the citizens of Lystra were an idolatrous and superstitious people. Our Scripture records that Paul had preached to them that they “should turn from these vanities unto the living God.” Paul had been trying to teach them to turn from their idols, but they wanted to call him a god when they saw the miracle performed in the crippled man. We should respect and honor godly, spiritual leaders, but we need to always remember that they are only men. Many Christians have stumbled seriously in their spiritual walk because they saw some pastor or leader make a mistake. We want our leaders to be sincere and godly, but perfect they will not be, because they are only men. We pray for them to give us good advice and counsel, but their advice is not infallible because they are only men. There is another important thing to notice in the great account of this healing and the response to it. Paul and Barnabas quickly and decisively refused to allow the people to think of them more highly than they should. There is something very wrong with men who will receive the worship of those who follow them. Again, it is proper for people to respect and honor their spiritual leaders, and to go to them for advice, but to allow them to give men the praise that is due to God is wrong. As leaders, our goal is not for people to rely completely on us, but to learn to rely upon the Lord.

A devotional thought by Pastor Smith of Mt. Zion Baptist Church

The Disarming Of The Church

(Here is an article written 10 years ago, so you can imagine even more the emphasis is upon spiritual discernment in today's church; this was posted on another email list, so I am not sure of the source or anything about the author.)

"Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed;as they are in almost every kingdom in Europe." – Noah Webster of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1787.

"[W]hen the resolution of enslaving America was formed in Great Britain, the British Parliament was advised by an artful man, who was governor of Pennsylvania, to disarm the people; that it was the best and most effectual way to enslave them; but that they should not do it openly, but weaken them, and let them sink gradually." — George Mason of Virginia, 1788.

As history has shown, it is a common tactic for the oppressing force to gain control of a nation by seizing the means by which individuals might defend themselves. Once the citizenry are disarmed, it is a relatively easy matter to exert complete tyrannical control. It seems to me that the same principal holds true in the spiritual realm.

The New Testament is replete with warnings of false teachers and teachings, of lying signs and wonders, and of corrupt men who would seek to draw followers after themselves. God has not left His people defenseless. He has indwelt us with His Spirit of Truth, provided us with the example of Christ, His teachings, the teachings of the apostles, and all the other writings found in the Bible. There is a gift of the discerning of spirits given to some, but more importantly, there the ability to test all things and to be discerning, which is the responsibility of all believers. If the believer is to be armed against the deceptions of the enemy, and to remain free from his oppressive regime, then he must exercise discernment with continual vigilance. If this defensive weapon is seized and taken from you, then you are easy prey for any who would desire to take you captive.

Because of these things, it is very disturbing to me to observe a trend in the Body of Christ today. This trend is to scorn and belittle those who would exercise their God-given self-defense weapon of discernment. Those who would obey scripture and "test all things"are mocked and ridiculed and labeled 'Pharisees.' It seems that the Church has fallen prey to the pluralistic, non-judgmental mindset of our present age. The one unpardonable sin is to question someone's belief, or dare to say that it might be wrong. These new leaders demand you climb on the bandwagon, and if you cannot agree, then you must remain silent at all costs. They call for us to experience now, and evaluate later. Adam and Evehad no experiential knowledge of good and evil. The Serpent called their attention to the attractiveness and desirability of the fruit, and enticed them to experience for themselves. In their later evaluation, they knew that they had been wrong to ignore what God had said on the matter, but by then the damage had been done.

Those who would remove the defensive weapon of discernment are binding the hands of the Church. They are preparing God's people for the slaughter. Why are they doing this? Why would they want to expose millions to the myriad deceptions of the enemy with no protection? Why do they take away what the Father has given? The Church is becoming a slaughterhouse slick with the spilled blood of saints who have been seduced by false teachers. The faithful plod forward to the killing floor, their trusting eyes fixed on their leaders. Error and deception runs rampant. Charlatans rule the bestseller list. Pseudo-knowledge is dispersed around the world, speeding through electrical synapses. Make no mistake. It is a battle, and much is at stake.

Let us examine the logic (or lack of it) behind what some of these leaders are saying:

1. "You have to experience it yourself before you judge it." This is pure nonsense. You don't have to experience suicide to know that it is bad for you. Christians are never commanded to authenticate a questionable spiritual experience by submitting themselves to it.
2. "If you don't jump in the River, then you may miss out on the move of God." If you don't exercise your duty to test everything and hold on to what is good, then you may be deceived. God is not in a hurry. If you are walking with Him, seeking to please Him, then He will guide you into all He desires for you. Just because someone proclaims something is a move of God, doesn't make it so. Beware of the salesman who pushes you to make a decision on the spot. He may have something to hide.
3. "God offends the mind to reveal the heart." I don't know what this is, but it is not Scripture. It is true that God's ways may be offensive to human wisdom. Often though, this quote is used to say that if you are offended by something going on in the Church, then your heart isn't right. The real issue is, are you offended because what is going on is unscriptural? If so, then stand fast.
4. "Don't oppose what is going on, in case it turns out to be a move of God." This is the argument used by Gamaliel in Acts chapter 5. Although this argument worked in favor of the apostles, it must be pointed out that Gamaliel was a Pharisee making a pragmatic argument. His was not a directive from the Lord on how believers should conduct their discernment. If something is not from God, ultimately, it is true that it will not succeed. In the time that it takes for a false movement to runs its course however, many lives will be damaged, and many souls deceived and damned. We have seen this damage occur from various cults who have been revealed in due time. Things which occur within Christianity should receive no less scrutiny. Consider the works of Satan. We know that he will not succeed, but we certainly do not sit back and allow him to do his work unhindered. When souls are at stake, we cannot afford to sit back and do nothing.
5. "Don't you want more of God in your life?" This is a sneaky one. Of course, any sincere Christian realizes that they need to grow closer to God, and they desire to do so. This should not lead us to embrace everything that comes down the pike however. Part of growing closer to God includes obeying His commands to test and be discerning. The desperation of some Christians reminds me of King Saul turning to the witch of Endor. He wanted an answer at any price. The price he ended up paying was his own destruction.

Look for yourself. See how many times the New Testament references false teachers, false teaching. Using your concordance, look up the commands to discern and test, to not be deceived. Shake off the chains of those who would seek to bind you. Exercise your "Right to bear arms" as a believer.

"The healthy soul, like the healthy blood system, has its proper proportion of white and red blood cells. The red corpuscles are like faith: they carry the life giving oxygen to every part of the body. The white cells are like discernment: they pounce upon dead and toxic matter and carry it out to the drain. In the healthy heart there must be provision for keeping dead and poisonous matter out of the life stream." - A.W. Tozer.

This article was written by John Green in 1998

Poor Excuses for Missing Church

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Daily the Christian must prepare himself to ward off the wiles, or tricks, the devil has for us. His stratagem is to do all he can to keep us from obeying God. One of the areas he prompts us to be disobedient in is in attending church. We cannot blame all of our disobedience on him. Our own pride, laziness, and sinful nature also keep us out of the house of God. Some of the popular excuses in keeping many out of church are:

1. Church “hopping”: Church attendance is a must for Christian growth. God has raised up a pastor of a local church to minister to your needs. When you miss church, you miss what God had for you that day. When you are a member of a church and go to this church today and another one next week, your “hopping” around keeps you from attending the church God has for you.
2. Discontentment: If God originally pointed you to that church to join and attend, you need to stay there until He tells you to move! “I’m not happy with the preacher,” or “That church is too cold” are not excuses not to attend. The main question should be, “Does God want me to attend there?”
3. Hurt feelings: All churches are made up of humans. All humans are sinners; therefore there is no perfect church! People will accidently, or purposely say the wrong things at times. Everyone gets their feelings hurt sometimes. I am sure you have hurt others feelings. Again, the question should be, “Did God call me here?” If He did, hurt feelings are not a legitimate reason to leave a church.
4. Sin: When people are purposely sinning against God, they most often do not want to be reminded of it. Where will they be reminded of it? In church. However, in order to get one’s freedom back from the control of sin, one should be hearing the Word of God, not avoiding it.
5. Conviction: When the Holy Spirit of God speaks to them about their sin, instead of obeying that small voice, they avoid it by keeping out of church. Sometimes they even join another church, where watered-down preaching does not remind them of what God has already spoken to them about.
6. Lack of understanding of the things of God: Since they do not read their Bible and do not know what it teaches, when they hear hard, convicting preaching from the Bible they stay far away from strong doctrine. Ignorance of the Word of God keeps many from attending a strong, Bible-believing church.
7. Legitimate reasons, such as sickness, vacations, or work: Sometimes good excuses keep people from attending church for a week or so. That is understandable and happens. However, because they miss, it is easier to miss twice; then three times; then it is not long until they look back and realize they have not been in church for months. Breaking a routine of consistent church attendance is a subtle way of missing church.
8. Pride: “No one shook my hand”. “They are such an unfriendly church;” or “No one is going to tell me what to do.” These thoughts and others reflect that the sin of pride is involved. The sin of pride keeps many out of church.

Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

“To some people religious freedom means the choice of churches, which they may stay away from.” — York Trade Compositor

An article by Bill Brinkworth published in The Bible View, Volume 151

Church Members

(Here is a humorous post I received from another mailing list; although meant for a smile, keep in mind, that we need to pray, exhort, love, and help our fellow church members. Each member often carries a burden which they fail to share with others for support; each member is human and will make mistakes; each member is at different stages in their Christian walk with the Lord and should be exhorted and praised; and each member needs someone to love them just as they are like Jesus does!!!!!)

Some church members are like wheelbarrows -- not good unless pushed.

Some are like canoes -- need to be paddled.

Some are like kites -- if a string isn't kept on them, they fly away.

Some are like kittens -- more contented when petted.

Some are like balloons -- full of wind and ready to blow up.

Some are like footballs -- you can't tell which way they'll bounce next.

Some are like trailers -- they have to be pulled.

Some are like neon lights -- they keep going on and off.

Many, thank goodness, are like the North Star -- there when you need them, dependable and ever loyal.

NEGLECTING GOD’S HOUSE

Haggai 1:9 Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.

After God’s people returned from their captivity in Babylon, Haggai greatly influenced the progress of rebuilding the temple. The book of Haggai records some of Haggai’s message to the people. In our text, God is using this inspired prophet to point out the fact of and the consequences for their wrong priorities. Their sin was NEGLECTING GOD’S HOUSE. The words were direct, “Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.” The people were content to attend to their private homes and responsibilities while leaving God’s house unattended. Secondly, they were suffering God’s chastisement because of it. “Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it.” God was not blessing their personal lives or their work because they were NEGLECTING GOD’S HOUSE. We could name more than a few ancient landmarks that have been moved in recent generations. One of those is the importance of God’s house, the local church. NEGLECTING GOD’S HOUSE is as common in our day as it was in the days of Haggai. This neglect can be found in numerous forms. Some neglect the doctrinal significance of the local New Testament church. Confused by false teaching and tradition, they do not embrace the New Testament ekklesia, the assembly of a called out membership, which the Bible calls, “the house of God” (I Timothy 3:15). Others neglect the practical importance of God’s house by attendance that is inconsistent. When social, vocational, and family functions take priority over God’s assembly, there is NEGLECTING of GOD’S HOUSE. In Haggai’s day, God wanted His house to be a priority. Nothing is said in Haggai’s message to indicate that God wanted the people to neglect their family duties or their community obligations. These things are important, but not to the neglect of God’s business. Many are NEGLECTING GOD’S HOUSE by their lack of financial support or their failure to contribute brotherly love and service to the Lord’s house and work. Haggai’s message is still needed today.

A devotional thought by Pastor Smith of Mt. Zion Baptist Church