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.

Sound Doctrine vs. False Teachings

The Bible teaches that we are to test all teachings (I John 4:1,6), expose those teachings that are false (Eph. 5:11), confront and rebuke the false teachers (Titus 1:9-13), and then separate from those who persist in false teaching (Rom. 16:17, Titus 3:10), lest in the end, we are disqualified for service (2 Tim. 2:20-21), or worse yet, we are identified with the false teachings and the false teachers themselves (2 John 10-11).

1 John 4:1,6 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

Eph. 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

Titus 1:9-13 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. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

Rom. 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Titus 3:10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

2 Tim. 2:20-21 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

2 John 10-11 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

2 Tim. 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Titus 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

For Whom Did Christ Die??? He Died......

1. For all - 1 Tim. 2:4-6 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Isa. 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
2. For every man - Heb. 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
3. For the world - John 3:16-18 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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
4. For the sins of the whole world - 1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
5. For the ungodly - Rom. 5:6-8 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
6. For false teachers - 2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
7. For many - Matt. 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
8. For Israel - John 11:50-51 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;
9. For the Church - Eph. 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
10. For ME - Gal. 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth 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.

Merry (insert your own)mas

(Here is an article written by Marvin McElvany found in The Eagle Newsletter for all of us to ponder.....)

This time next week Christmas ’08 will be a fond memory. The trashcan will be full of wrapping paper and odd shaped boxes, everyone will be in their own little world exploring their new gifts. So…what was it all about? The gifts? The family? The food? A four day weekend?

For some of us, it will mean we paused for a moment and enjoyed the beautiful carols about the birth and wonderful story of our Saviour. We tried to put Christ back in Christmas as they say. How important is that these days? Apparently, not very.

According to an article in USAToday, December 19, 2008, most American religious believers, including most Christians, say eternal life is not exclusively for those who accept Christ as their savior. Of the 65% of people who held this open view of heaven's gates, 80% named at least one non-Christian group — Jews, Muslims, Hindus, atheists, or people with no religion at all — who may also be saved, according to a new survey released today by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. Christian believers who named at least one non-Christian faith that could lead to salvation included 34% of white evangelicals, even though evangelical doctrine stresses that salvation is possible only through Jesus. Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, calls the findings "a theological crisis for American evangelicals. They represent at best a misunderstanding of the Gospel and at worst a repudiation of the Gospel." "We are in an age when we want to tell everyone they are doing just fine. It's extremely uncomfortable to turn to someone and say, 'You will go to hell unless you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus,' " Mohler says.

We read about the boy in Mississippi who was given an “F” for writing about Jesus when asked to tell, “What Christmas Means To Me”, or how about the students who are denied to speak about their faith at their graduation ceremonies, or how South Carolina ordered a stop to making license plates that feature a cross and the words “I Believe.” It must be this “tolerance” I hear so much about. What about the state of our nation? Wall Street melt down; lay-offs; foreclosures; bankruptcies! Can we turn our backs on God and then expect Him to bless us?

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6) Pretty plain and simple. If you can still go to heaven, as some Christians claim, and not come to a “saving knowledge of Jesus”, then what did He come and die for? What do we need a Saviour for? How can we stand in front of the Maker of the Universe and plead our case without the imputed righteousness of Jesus?

Paul said in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 “…for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first…” Obviously we’ve jumped and we’re picking up speed. It’s one thing to get caught up in the gifts, food, and family. We should at least get our theology straight.

What You LIKE vs. What is IMPORTANT

2 Tim. 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

Acts 17:20-21 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

Someone said, “You can observe a lot by watching.” Well, after watching Christians during my thirty-four years in the ministry, I’ve observed a few things. One thing I’ve observed is Christians are more interested in what they like, than what is important. They like to attend church services that are entertaining and easy to sit through. They like services that make no demands on them personally. They like comfortable services without any challenge to leave their “comfort zone.” They like services that tickle their emotions with warm fuzzy feelings, instead of enduring the drudgery of sound doctrine.

Isaiah must have had this crowd in mind when he wrote, “That this is a rebellious people… children that will not hear the law of the LORD: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things” (Isa. 30:9-10). Too many Christians want a “smoothie” religion rather than a serious religion. The prophet Amos wrote, “Woe to them that are at ease in Zion” (Amos 6:1).

What is important to you? Being entertained or being exhorted to do something that will glorify God eternally? Are you merely doing what you like, or what is truly important? Wouldn’t it be great if what you like and what is important were both the same thing?

A portion of an article by Pastor Al Hughes

The Riddle of Religion, and The Truth of Salvation

Question: What is worldwide in scope, something that almost everbody has in some form or another, and is used by billions as a substitute for the real thing???

Answer: RELIGION

Christianity is by no means the oldest religion in the world, but the difference between Christianity and all other religions is Jesus Christ, and this difference is as wide as eternity. Jesus Christ makes Christianity a way of life with eternal dimensions. All other religions say in essnce, "Do and Live." Christianity says "Die to Live and Do." Under consideration is one of the most serious problems in all the world - the problem of religion. Man is incredibly religious. However, although many say firmly that all religious paths lead one directly to God, this is not the case. Who would be so foolish in thought to believe that God has many various religions, which teach many differing beliefs and actions among its members, yet they all simply end up at His feet???

Religion does not save, does not satisfy, does not secure. Religion is only a passing fancy of the mind. Most anybody in some for or another can be religious. Religion only temporarily pacifies the insatiable appetite that man has to identify himself with some mystic power beyond his own means. Man must know God before he can be saved. Man must know God by experience, not by explanation.

God has always had only one way of approach to His throne, and that is through Jesus Christ. No man can ever reach God the Father unless he goes through His Son. Therefore, religion is not the answer.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Our God is the God of salvation. When Jesus Christ, God's Son came to earth to be born as a man, the angel of God instructed Mary, his mother, and Joseph to name him Jesus, because "he shall save his people from their sins." Jesus is derived from Jehovah-hoshea; the God of salvation.

Psalms 3:8 Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

1 John 5:11-12 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

What is the difference between religion and salvation???

1. Religion is an experience with a mystical idea, while salvation is an experience with a mighty Person.

2. Religion is an experience which requires only a new thought. Salvation is an experience which requires a new birth. John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

3. Religion is an experience which takes place in the head. Salvation is an experience that takes place in the heart. Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

4. Religion is an experience that is brought about by good works. Salvation is an experience brought about by God's grace. Eph. 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

5. Religion is an experience that involves receiving a creed. Salvation is an experience that involves receiving Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.

6. Religion is external. Salvation is internal.

7. Religion is temporary. Salvation is permanent. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

8. Religion is earthly. Salvation is heavenly. Rev. 21:2-4 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

9. Religion is cheap and is a counterfeit. Salvation is the real thing.

10. Religion is endured. Salvation is enjoyed!!! 1 Peter 1:7-9 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Why Do Many Christians Accept Evolution?

Unfortunately, many Christians—in fact, many pastors—accept some form of evolution and try to add it to the Bible. They say that God could have used evolutionary processes over millions of years to bring about plants, animals, and finally man. Many accept molecule-to-man evolution because they believe that science has “proven” that the earth is millions of years old, so they simply attach God to the process.

But this view, called “theistic evolution,” is actually destructive to the gospel message. Of course, this does not mean that people who believe in theistic evolution aren’t Christians, since the Bible teaches that believing in and confessing Christ’s death and resurrection is the key to salvation. However, they are being very inconsistent in their faith.

The Bible clearly teaches that when God created Adam and Eve, the world was perfect (i.e., “very good”). There was no death and bloodshed. But because of the sin of Adam, God brought death as a judgment into the world. Of course, He also provided a means by which man could be reconciled to his Creator.

But a Christian who believes in evolution over eons as told by evolutionists must also believe that God used death and bloodshed over millions of years as a way to bring man into existence. For them, the fossil record is not a sign of God’s judgment in the Flood, but of the cruel nature of the world they believe God created. However, if death is not a result of the Fall, then why would God need to send His Son to save us from death? In this view, cancer, pain, and death would simply be part of the original plan.

But thank God this is not the true history of the world. Death came into the world because of sin, but Christ came to the earth and died to save us from sin and death. There is no room for death before sin, and no room for the evolutionary myth in the Bible.

Article from AnswersWeekly, published by Answers in Genesis ministry

The Virgin Birth - The Miracle of Christmas

Contrary to much popular lore, “The Miracle of Christmas” is not food for the hungry, or shelter for the homeless (though, of course, those are indeed wonderful things). “The Miracle of Christmas” is the Virgin Birth—better yet, “The Virginal Conception”—of Christ.

It is through the Virginal Conception that God became man while remaining fully God. Without the shedding of blood is no remission of sin. This is the blood of the eternal Son of God. Pastors are “to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood?” (Acts 20:28).

The first proclamation of the Gospel hints at the Virginal Conception. God said to the serpent, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Gen. 3:15).

Whenever Scripture speaks of descendants as “seed” it speaks of the male’s seed, i.e., “the seed of Abraham” (Gen. 17:7). It is “Abraham’s seed,”not “the seed of Sarah.” It is “David’s seed,” not “the seed of Bathsheba.” But Genesis 3:15 speaks of “her seed.” Here is a wonderful intimation that the woman’s seed would be virgin born.

Perhaps the central passage presenting this subject is Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a Virgin [Heb.: almah] shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

There has been needless confusion over the word “Virgin.” Is this really a virgin, or is it just a young women who is of the age of marriage?

Normally, a young woman who is of the age of marriage would be a virgin in ancient Israel. However, comparing Scripture with Scripture removes all doubt. In Genesis 24:43 we read of Rebekah: “Behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin [almah] cometh forth to draw water, and I say to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink…”

In verse 16 of chapter 24 this virgin is described as “a virgin, neither had any man known her.” Jesus was virgin conceived. It was done by the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:20 makes it clear: “Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.”

There are two unfortunate trends regarding Christmas. There is an effort to secularize it; and there is an effort to mythologize it. The former is seen in the mad-cap spending and wild parties. The latter is seen in ecclesiastical leaders who tell us that the virgin birth never really happened. “But,” they tell us, “it is nevertheless true in the collective consciousness of mankind.”

Such intellectual gobbleydegook will only be accepted by those whose minds are blinded by their belief that they are the final arbiter of truth.

From the Eagle Newsletter

Things A Christian Can Know From God's Word!!!

The Bible contains many truths that a Christian can know; things that we can count on, things that do not change. In contrast, the world's philosophy is based on situational ethics, relativism, and changing social mores. Listed below is a sampling of such truths that a Christian can know;

1. We can know that Jesus Christ is God - John 10:30 I and my Father are one.
2. We can know that we are saved - John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
3. We can know we are His dear children - 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
4. We can know His protection - John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
5. We can know He answers prayer - John 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
6. We can know He will help us through temptation - Heb. 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
7. We can know how we should act - John 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
8. We can know He desires us to speak on His behalf - 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
9. We can know that He will come again - John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
10. We can know of our eternal rewards in Heaven - 1 Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Reasons to Teach Biblical Doctrine

(This is an excerpt from Brannon Howse’s new book: Building A Biblical Worldview Verse by Verse. Click on the title link above to find out additional information.)

Besides the all-important reason of keeping people from having to hear Jesus say “depart from me,” there are 11 benefits here and now of teaching Biblical doctrine.

1. Biblical doctrine builds discernment and reveals the will of God for our lives. a)Discernment and sound judgment are a by-products of teaching Biblical doctrine. 1 Thes. 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Rom. 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. b) Revealing the will of God for our lives - John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
2. Biblical doctrine prepares us for every good work. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
3. There has been a vast falling away from Biblical truth. 2 Tim. 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
4. False teaching is destroying lives. Enemies of the truth know exactly how to encourage false teaching: “Education is thus a most powerful ally of humanism. What can the theistic Sunday schools, meeting for an hour once a week, and teaching only a fraction of the children, do to stem the tide of a five-day program of humanistic teaching?” (1933, Charles Francis Potter, Humanism: A New Religion) - Col. 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
5. Biblical doctrine is not boring but a strong mooring. As I said earlier, most self-professing Christians cannot articulate, much less defend, the essential doctrines of the Christian faith, but why is it that we spend so much time on things that will not last and that do not matter? Adults as well as teens can tell you all about pop culture, about sports teams and superstars but can these same teens and adults tell you how we know Jesus is God, how we know the Bible is true, or how we know Jesus rose from the dead? Biblical doctrine is the Gospel, the will of God for our lives. It is what Jesus talked about during his earthly ministry. In spite of how it’s sometimes been presented, the real picture of Jesus and His teachings is riveting. Jesus commanded respect, inspired commitment, and renewed lives in ruin.
6. Biblical doctrine taught early and consistently builds a faith that lasts. 2 Tim. 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Deut. 6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
7. Biblical doctrine stirs the heart and mind. From the heart proceed our good and bad thoughts, emotions, and behavior. So preparing the soil of a child’s or teen’s heart is crucial if we want to plant the seeds of Biblical truth and see them grow to maturity. Rom. 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Prov. 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
8. Because there is no application without acquisition. If we want to see our children, friends and family apply Biblical truth to all areas of life, they must first know what the truth is. Knowledge means the acquisition of truth; wisdom means the application of truth. If adults and teens are to acquire wisdom and knowledge, we must encourage them to study Biblical doctrine and come to understand the character and nature of God it reveals. Prov. 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
9. Biblical doctrine convicts those that contradict. The scriptures are great at setting the record straight—whether in theology, doctrine, or lifestyle. Tit. 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.
10. Biblical doctrine will last forever. When we commit ourselves to teaching and training hearts and minds with the Word of God, we are planting in the lives of others something that will last through all eternity. Isa. 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
11. Because lives are at stake, and it is appointed unto every man to die once and then face judgment. James 5:19-20 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

Why The Bible Does Not Teach Evolution

(A missionary pastor in Ireland, Bro. Bob Zemeski, recently posted this on a mailing list which I thought I would pass along to you on my blog. It is short, but very concise and gives a clear defense on why the Bible and Evolution do not mix. One is completely false!!! Friend, do you have faith in God and His written word to mankind, the Bible, or are you trusting in the so-called scientific theory of man?????)

Rom. 5:12-21 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

1. Vs. 12 - If Adam was not a real person we are not sinners.
2. Vs. 14 - If Adam was not a real person neither is Moses a real person.
3. Vs. 13 - If there is no Moses there are no 10 Commandments to break or condemn us.
4. Vs. 14 - If there is no Moses or Adam, there is no revelation as to why we die.
5. If Adam was not a real the entire argument of Rom. 5:12-21 is irrelevant if the Genesis record of creation and fall of Adam did not happen as recorded in Gen. 1-3.
6. If Adam didn't fall into sin bringing condemnation to mankind it would mean there is no reality in the saving work of the Lord Jesus Christ!
7. Destroying or distorting the creation record undermines and eventually destroys the gospel of salvation.
8. Giving of the Law by Moses magnifies the sinfulness of sin and the greatness of grace.
9. Sin has many faces, but it is basically the rejection of God as Creator and Saviour by rejecting His Word.

a. Sin originated in the heavens when Satan rejected God's Word (Isa. 14:13; Ezek. 28:15).
b. Sin entered the earth when Adam did the same (Gen. 3:1, 4, 17; Rom. 5:12).
c. Sin in practice is thus basically disbelief of God's Word (Rom. 10:15-17; 14:23 - "for whatsoever is not of faith is sin"; Jn 16:8-9) and disobeying God's Law (Rom. 3:20; 5:20; 1 Jn. 3:4).
d. God's judgement on sinners will be based on the words of Moses (Jn 5:43-47), the words of Christ (Jn. 12:44-50), and the words of God's Book (Rev. 20:12-15; 22:18-19).

Is Sound Doctrine Important???

2 Tim. 4:2-5 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Titus 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

The Bible teaches that we are to.....

1. Test all teachings - 1 John 4:1,6 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
2. Expose those teachings that are false - Eph. 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
3. Confront and rebuke the false teachers - Titus 1:9,13 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. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
4. And then separate from those who persist in false teachings - Titus 3:10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Rom. 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
5. Lest in the end, we are disqualified for service - 2 Tim. 2:20-21 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
6. Or worst yet, we are identified with the false teachings and the false teachers themselves - 2 John 10-11 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

Friend, is your doctrine sound??? From where do you get the TRUTH of your sound doctrine???

Is your trust and faith in a MAN, or in GOD, the one and only true God who sent His Son to be the Saviour of the world, if only one repents of their sin, upon the conviction by the Holy Spirit and His Word, and believes in the Gospel of Jesus Christ???

God's Progressive Revelation of the Law

Heb. 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

God's progressive revelation throughout history involves several sovereign communications to mankind. Listed below are seven such revelations listed in the Bible;

1. Written in nature - Psalm 19:1-2 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
2. Written in conscience - all men are without excuse - Rom. 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
3. Written in stone - Ex. 24:12 And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.
4. Written in scripture - Rom. 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
5. Written in Christ - John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
6. Written in believers - 2 Cor. 3:2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
7. Written in the heart - there is a day coming where God will make Himself known in a new way by ruling visibly upon the earth and being personally accessible to all - Jer. 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. Heb. 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

(A devotional thought taken from Days of Praise)

Watching For Christ's Return

Matt. 24:42,44 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

The year 2000 arrived without any special prophetic events taking place, though some had predicted that the Lord would return. Knowing of this, many have become skeptical about Biblical prophecy as well as the Christianity. But this will be a sad mistake!!! Regardless of just when it will happen, Christ will return, for so He promised, and He cannot either lie or fail. He has repeatedly made it plain that no one can determine the date of His coming. While Jesus lived here one earth, even He knew not the time; Mark 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

Again and again, however, He urged us to watch and be ready for His return. He did not tell us to watch for the Antichrist or the revival of the Rome's empire or a great apostacy or a one-world government or anything else - just for Him!!! Listed below are some commands from the Lord to watch for His return:

Mark 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

Mark 13:35-36 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

Matt. 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Mark 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

The apostles also sounded similar warnings to others about the return of the Lord Jesus Christ:

Heb. 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

1 Cor. 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

1 Cor. 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

1 Thess. 3:13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

1 Thess. 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

James 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

2 Peter 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

What about you??? Are you ready and watching for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ???

Legalism, What It Is, and What It Is Not

(Modified from an article found at the Middletown Bible Church website. I found it to be a good contrast of a term many like to throw around, usually in a negative way. The true biblical definition is much different than that used today by many people. Please click the link above to see the full article.)

The term "legalism" or "legalist" is not found in the Bible, but the serious error of legalism is certainly dealt with, especially by the Apostle Paul who ever and always boasted in the cross and championed the grace of God (Gal. 6:14; 1:6). Perhaps the best way to see what Paul had to say about how the flesh wrongly uses the law is to read carefully through the epistle to the Galatians.

Legalism, What It Is

1. It is the deadly error of legalism that teaches that justification or salvation is by the works of the law. Gal. 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
2. The law cannot justify; neither can it sanctify. The law can show us that we are unholy but it can never make us holy. Paul argued strongly that the Christian life must be continued on the basis of faith, not on a legal basis: Holiness does not come by seeking to keep the law in the energy of the flesh. Gal. 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth 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. Col 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
3. The believer is not under the law. In fact the believer has died to the law that he might live unto God. Gal. 2:19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. Gal. 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
4. The believer is not lawless. We died to the law so that we might be married to Christ and out of this relationship we bring forth fruit unto God. The life of a true believer should manifest fruitfulness not lawlessness. Rom. 6:1-2 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? Rom. 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. Rom 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Legalism, What It Is Not

1. Being obedient to God's specific commands is not legalism. 1 John 2:3-4 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
2. Living a holy life that is set apart unto the Lord's service is not legalism. 1 Thes. 4:3,7 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
3. Living a life separated unto Christ and separated from the fads and fashions of the world is not legalism. Rom. 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
4. Conforming one's life to be in harmony with certain standards decided upon by Spirit-led leaders of a local assembly of believers is not legalism. Acts 15:29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
5. Forgoing my personal rights for the sake of my brother is not legalism. Rom. 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.