I just finished reading an article claiming "there hasn't been a Restoration Movement for well over 100 years" and the movement was "doomed to fail, as it is based on a faulty ideal" - coming out in the June 13th edition of a periodical sent weekly to many Churches of Christ and Christian Churches.
I respond with a quote by one of my teachers at Florida Christian College, the late Roger Chambers (spoken and written in 1985):
The Restoration Movement is alive. Hundreds of intelligent, faithful leaders preserve and preach New Testament Christianity. While nothing could be clearer than that our outfit needs revival (when has that not been true of the Church?), it isnot a given that we cry out for redefinition. I don't trust these fellows who, of late, have been reading over the grave of the brotherhood. I fear they want the movement certified dead so they can apply for the commission to resurrect it to their own vision. We may have lost our nerve; we have not lost our reason for being. And the preacher who has little or no experience in strong doctrine has no right to declare that the Restoration Movement isn't working and call for a new plan.
Things haven't changed, have they?
I am reminded why I do not subscribe to the periodical anymore! More rebuttal to come!
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Unity in Truth
I have a book in my study with the title “Union in Truth”. The restoration plea is about unity—but any unity MUST be based in TRUTH! So many, even within the churches of Christ, have placed all their emphasis on unity and left out truth, or left out some of the truth! It has gotten so bad, that when a church of Christ like South Side places a strong emphasis on TRUTH they are considered as being divisive and legalistic! Believe me, I have heard all those labels thrown at me! Some would even argue that a church that stands solidly on the Biblical plan doesn’t want unity! I can speak for most, if not all, of the assembly here at South Side Church of Christ when I say that we love unity. We love the unity we have as churches of Christ when we have our county meetings! It is a great time of fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ!
Biblical unity, though, MUST ALWAYS be based on the truth of Scripture. Division does not happen when the truth is being taught and preached. Division comes when something is taught or practiced that goes against the Scriptures. So, in reality, it is not the truth that divides the church—it is false teaching!
I have always said, at least since I was taught well, that I am not non-denominational, I am anti-denominational. The very word “denomination” means to divide. When used in religious circles, denomination means: “a religious organization whose congregations are united in their adherence to its beliefs and practices” (according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary). I thought the definition describes denominationalism well. But I also thought about how sad it is . . . “congregations are united in their adherence to ITS beliefs and practices”. At South Side Church of Christ, a person does not adhere to OUR beliefs and practices—you simply follow the Bible and the Bible only! That is the plea of the church of Christ. Remember the old slogan: No creed but Christ; No book but the Bible!
You see, it is truth that unites! It is truth that brings true biblical fellowship! This is the type of unity that we here at South Side Church of Christ are protecting (Ephesians 4).
When I consider things happening in the church of Christ, I have to wonder what happened to the plea to throw off all denominational names and creeds and be simply Christians. I personally came out of denominationalism—I have NO desire to ever go back. In fact, I would just love it if all those in our entire world would simply follow the Bible and the Bible only and be New Testament Christians!
In one way I can relate with what Pliny wrote in a letter to Trajan about the impact Christians had upon some of the places he visited. About 50 years after the death of Jesus, he wrote that Christians have “pervaded not merely the cities but the villages and country places, so that the temples were nearly deserted.” The Christians had been SO strong that the pagan temples were nearly closed!
Here is where I relate to Pliny: My desire and plea is that the churches of Christ can stand so solidly on the Bible that any denomination or church not following the New Testament plan would desert their teachings and simply become Christians! That is my prayer for Danville and Vermilion County, and our world!
Unity, yes, when based on truth!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Isn't That a Church of Christ?
Download PDF file of the South Side Church of Christ "Side Lites" Newsletter
I ask that question often when browsing through some Church of Christ web sites and reading very weak positions on God’s plan. Sometimes as I am listening to a Church of Christ sermon, I ponder the same question—thinking that maybe I tuned into a denominational church, and when I check, I am disappointed that I heard that at a Church of Christ!
Now those of you who know me well, know that I am a stickler in “saying Bible things in Bible ways”. But what I am referring to here, is not simply using bad terminology and calling your evangelist a “pastor”. This article is not about using sloppy terminology. Rather, it is about teaching and promoting false doctrine; or by leaving out the truth. What ever happened to sound biblical teaching?
You can go to many church websites and not know what you must do to be saved, even though they have their “statement of faith” right on the website! Often times I have to go back to the homepage and make sure that I am still on the Church of Christ website! Unfortunately I have experienced this a lot!
This isn’t just limited to websites! One time I listened to a sermon by a Church of Christ preacher on John 3. It was on the new birth. How could a Church of Christ preacher go wrong when preaching about the new birth? But in the entire sermon, not once did the evangelist make reference to immersion—including the invitation! I had to check the bulletin cover! Sure enough, it stated that I was at a Church of Christ!
How about no invitation at all? I have both heard and attended Churches of Christ where no invitation is ever given. Now I know that a “standard” invitation may not be recorded for us in the New Testament. But isn’t it interesting that at the end of every sermon recorded in Acts, the listener was challenged to make a decision—if the preacher didn’t offer one, it was only because he was interrupted before he got to it (like in Acts 2). One service I attended, when the preacher was done with what he called preaching, he said a prayer and then he said, “you’re dismissed”. No invitation! No challenge! No decision time! I guess that day was not the “day of salvation” in that assembly (II Corinthians 6:2)! When I checked the sign on the way out of the parking lot—yes, the sign still read Church of Christ!
Another sermon I listened to included an invitation for a person to become a Christian. All right! An invitation! But wait! The Church of Christ preacher then invited those who were Christians, but have not been baptized, to be baptized, even inviting these Christians to be baptized into the church as an outward sign! The Bible teaches that a person is immersed into Christ, not the church! When someone is immersed, they become a Christian, not the other way around! Mark 16:16 teaches, "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved”? It does NOT teach “He who has believed and been saved shall be baptized”. This one really made me wonder whether I was listening to a Church of Christ preacher or a denominational preacher who is confused about the order of salvation. And when I checked, sadly I was listening to a Church of Christ preacher!
If one is Church of Christ, be the Church of Christ! Be His church, not simply in name, but in teaching and preaching! And it doesn’t matter whether it is on a website or in our daily lives or in the classroom or from the pulpit! “All the churches of Christ greet you” (Romans 16:16).
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Coming Sunday!
It has been a while since I posted my South Side Church of Christ "Side Lites" newsletter article. This Sunday, Lord willing, I will post my newest article. The goal of the article is to promote New Testament Christianity!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Satan's tactics - the same today as they were with Eve
Evangelist Ed Bousman, in his message this morning, dealt with this very subject:
Giving the second reason he wants to be a friend of the Bridegroom, Ed Bousman quoted the warning of the Apostle Paul in 2nd Corinthians 11:2, "For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy: for I espoused you as a pure virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity, and the purity that is toward Christ."
The Devil uses the same temptation on the Bride of Christ as he did for Eve in the Garden of Eden. Listen to him as he says to Eve, "Yea hath God said?"
Eve, are you sure God said, you shall not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil?
Eve, do you think that is a good translation? Eve, don't you think that is just your interpretation?
Eve, don't you think God is too good to let you die for such a thing as eating just one bite of forbidden
fruit?
Eve, don't you know some of the scholars think that statement is not in the original manuscript?
Eve, do you really believe God actually said, "In the day ye eat thereof ye shall surely die?" Surely your heavenly Father would not say anything like that!"
Not until she was stripped of the sheen of her immortality, and found that she was standing in the dark, cold, naked, ashamed, and afraid, did she realize that the Word of God does in fact mean exactly what it says.
Click on the title of this post to listen to the entire sermon.
Giving the second reason he wants to be a friend of the Bridegroom, Ed Bousman quoted the warning of the Apostle Paul in 2nd Corinthians 11:2, "For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy: for I espoused you as a pure virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity, and the purity that is toward Christ."
The Devil uses the same temptation on the Bride of Christ as he did for Eve in the Garden of Eden. Listen to him as he says to Eve, "Yea hath God said?"
Eve, are you sure God said, you shall not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil?
Eve, do you think that is a good translation? Eve, don't you think that is just your interpretation?
Eve, don't you think God is too good to let you die for such a thing as eating just one bite of forbidden
fruit?
Eve, don't you know some of the scholars think that statement is not in the original manuscript?
Eve, do you really believe God actually said, "In the day ye eat thereof ye shall surely die?" Surely your heavenly Father would not say anything like that!"
Not until she was stripped of the sheen of her immortality, and found that she was standing in the dark, cold, naked, ashamed, and afraid, did she realize that the Word of God does in fact mean exactly what it says.
Click on the title of this post to listen to the entire sermon.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Saved by "Faith Only"?
Just raise your hand? Only believe? Only trust Him? Say the “sinner’s prayer”? Is it possible for a person to be saved by “faith only”? One verse should be enough to answer this question, but I am a preacher and tend to have longer answers!
Here is the one verse: James 2:24. Go ahead—look it up in the version in front of you. Here is what the NASB says, “You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.” Can the Scriptures be any clearer? So you are not a NASB fan.
KJV—”not by faith only”
NIV—”not by faith alone”
Amplified—”not alone through faith—through works of obedience as well as by what he believes”
RSV—”not by faith alone”
If those don’t work for you—simply go back and check the original Greek. It reads like the versions above “not by faith only.”
Hopefully you still have your Bible open to James 2. Just go up a few verses. James asks a rhetorical question in verse 14: “What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?” The anticipated answer by James is a resounding “NO”.
Still have it opened to James 2? Look at verse 17: “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.” Seems pretty clear to me!
Even the demons themselves practice “faith only”. Look at verse 19: “You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.”
So why is it that the Church of Christ has often bought into this “faith only” teaching? Maybe we watch too many “faith only” shows or movies? Maybe we read too many “faith only” books? Maybe we walk into any restaurant in Danville and there is a tract rack with “faith only” tracts in them? Maybe we heard too many of our own preachers and teachers be weak on the subject of the rest of the plan leaving “faith only” as an viable option unto salvation?
Here is where I lay out a principle I learned from Clearance Greenleaf at Hillsboro Family Camp: “There are more terms of pardon that are found in anyone verse—but there can never be less.”
So, when the “faith only” teachers go to Acts 16:31, and other verses like it—"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." - remember the principle! Besides, as Ed Bousman points out, if you close the book there, you leave the jailor’s home too quickly. Verse 33 says, “And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was immersed, he and all his household.” There are MORE terms of pardon than are found in Acts 16:31—in other words, you must do more than believe—but you MUST believe! You can use this great principle with any verse that talks about a term of salvation.
But before I run out of room on the page, if a “faith only” preacher or teacher tries to take you to Revelation 3:20 and says that Jesus stands at the door of the sinner’s heart asking to come in, suggest they look at the CONTEXT of the passage. Who is Jesus writing to: a lost sinner? NO! He is writing to a church! Jesus stands at the door of His church and wants back in!
As you can probably tell, “faith only” teaching gets me a little worked up! But I will stick with the New Testament teaching—a complete teaching of what a person needs to do to be saved—Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess, Be immersed and walk the faithful life! Anything else is simply man’s doctrine and not God’s teaching.
Here is the one verse: James 2:24. Go ahead—look it up in the version in front of you. Here is what the NASB says, “You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.” Can the Scriptures be any clearer? So you are not a NASB fan.
KJV—”not by faith only”
NIV—”not by faith alone”
Amplified—”not alone through faith—through works of obedience as well as by what he believes”
RSV—”not by faith alone”
If those don’t work for you—simply go back and check the original Greek. It reads like the versions above “not by faith only.”
Hopefully you still have your Bible open to James 2. Just go up a few verses. James asks a rhetorical question in verse 14: “What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?” The anticipated answer by James is a resounding “NO”.
Still have it opened to James 2? Look at verse 17: “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.” Seems pretty clear to me!
Even the demons themselves practice “faith only”. Look at verse 19: “You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.”
So why is it that the Church of Christ has often bought into this “faith only” teaching? Maybe we watch too many “faith only” shows or movies? Maybe we read too many “faith only” books? Maybe we walk into any restaurant in Danville and there is a tract rack with “faith only” tracts in them? Maybe we heard too many of our own preachers and teachers be weak on the subject of the rest of the plan leaving “faith only” as an viable option unto salvation?
Here is where I lay out a principle I learned from Clearance Greenleaf at Hillsboro Family Camp: “There are more terms of pardon that are found in anyone verse—but there can never be less.”
So, when the “faith only” teachers go to Acts 16:31, and other verses like it—"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." - remember the principle! Besides, as Ed Bousman points out, if you close the book there, you leave the jailor’s home too quickly. Verse 33 says, “And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was immersed, he and all his household.” There are MORE terms of pardon than are found in Acts 16:31—in other words, you must do more than believe—but you MUST believe! You can use this great principle with any verse that talks about a term of salvation.
But before I run out of room on the page, if a “faith only” preacher or teacher tries to take you to Revelation 3:20 and says that Jesus stands at the door of the sinner’s heart asking to come in, suggest they look at the CONTEXT of the passage. Who is Jesus writing to: a lost sinner? NO! He is writing to a church! Jesus stands at the door of His church and wants back in!
As you can probably tell, “faith only” teaching gets me a little worked up! But I will stick with the New Testament teaching—a complete teaching of what a person needs to do to be saved—Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess, Be immersed and walk the faithful life! Anything else is simply man’s doctrine and not God’s teaching.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Where are all the preachers?
Vermilion County has a very special event that happens monthly! Each month, the churches of Christ and Christian churches gather together in one of our church buildings for fellowship, encouragement, and exhortation. Each county meeting is different, as our churches each have their own personality—but standing solid on the “one Lord, one faith, one immersion” of the Bible!
I have been to some great county meetings (and some not so great county meetings—I am not going there in this article). South Side had the privilege of hosting the February meeting. And as is the tradition during the business meeting, the roll was called and many of our churches were represented. The final “official” count was 100. (We also had some Girl Scouts who were not here for the business meeting, making the total 120—and that is NOT a “preacher’s” count)!
I have been attending the Vermilion County Churches of Christ and Christian Churches monthly meetings since before I became the evangelist here at South Side. Now I don’t have perfect attendance (I am not shaving a week off of my vacation to be at a county meeting), but I do try to make as many as I can. I write all of that not to pat myself on the back, but rather to make an observation (this is where I really get in trouble—but that is okay, I am used to trouble): During that whole time (roughly four years), the most preachers that I can recall being at a “regular” county meeting was nine—of course many times that included three, or more, retired preachers! Usually the total number is more like five to eight. The count at the most recent county meeting that we hosted was five, two of whom are not currently preaching in a local ministry—meaning that three active preachers were in attendance. My question is, as the title asks, Where are all the preachers?
Okay, I know the first thing you are going to say is that nowhere in the Bible does it say that we have to attend a county meeting. Well, I must admit, you do have me there! But as we all know, the Bible is “silent” on lots of issues. Sunday School, church buildings, revivals, mid-week prayer meetings, Bible colleges, church camps . . . and the list goes on and on. That doesn’t mean, though, that we cannot support and be a part of these types of functions, unless they violate Scripture! In fact, I would venture to say that most of the preachers of the county attend these functions regularly.
Now I know, preachers are busy—I wonder how I know that? Between preaching, calling, lessons, working on newsletter articles, and a host of other things (not to mention personal or family time) our time is limited. But just thinking from a preacher’s perspective, if I am going to promote any event, wouldn’t it make sense that I, as the evangelist of the church, also show up? I wonder how big the county meetings would be if the preachers not only promoted the meetings, but also attended them? My question again is, as the title asks, Where are all the preachers?
Okay—I vented! I think I actually feel better! Before you call or email me with all kinds of nasty comments, give the whole matter some thought—and remember the words of the Hebrew writer: “not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near“ (Hebrews 10:25).
I have been to some great county meetings (and some not so great county meetings—I am not going there in this article). South Side had the privilege of hosting the February meeting. And as is the tradition during the business meeting, the roll was called and many of our churches were represented. The final “official” count was 100. (We also had some Girl Scouts who were not here for the business meeting, making the total 120—and that is NOT a “preacher’s” count)!
I have been attending the Vermilion County Churches of Christ and Christian Churches monthly meetings since before I became the evangelist here at South Side. Now I don’t have perfect attendance (I am not shaving a week off of my vacation to be at a county meeting), but I do try to make as many as I can. I write all of that not to pat myself on the back, but rather to make an observation (this is where I really get in trouble—but that is okay, I am used to trouble): During that whole time (roughly four years), the most preachers that I can recall being at a “regular” county meeting was nine—of course many times that included three, or more, retired preachers! Usually the total number is more like five to eight. The count at the most recent county meeting that we hosted was five, two of whom are not currently preaching in a local ministry—meaning that three active preachers were in attendance. My question is, as the title asks, Where are all the preachers?
Okay, I know the first thing you are going to say is that nowhere in the Bible does it say that we have to attend a county meeting. Well, I must admit, you do have me there! But as we all know, the Bible is “silent” on lots of issues. Sunday School, church buildings, revivals, mid-week prayer meetings, Bible colleges, church camps . . . and the list goes on and on. That doesn’t mean, though, that we cannot support and be a part of these types of functions, unless they violate Scripture! In fact, I would venture to say that most of the preachers of the county attend these functions regularly.
Now I know, preachers are busy—I wonder how I know that? Between preaching, calling, lessons, working on newsletter articles, and a host of other things (not to mention personal or family time) our time is limited. But just thinking from a preacher’s perspective, if I am going to promote any event, wouldn’t it make sense that I, as the evangelist of the church, also show up? I wonder how big the county meetings would be if the preachers not only promoted the meetings, but also attended them? My question again is, as the title asks, Where are all the preachers?
Okay—I vented! I think I actually feel better! Before you call or email me with all kinds of nasty comments, give the whole matter some thought—and remember the words of the Hebrew writer: “not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near“ (Hebrews 10:25).
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Celebrate Lincoln's 200th - Church of Christ Style!
America has such a rich history! And this month we celebrate the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln. Of course, Illinois is truly the “land of Lincoln”. The last couple of years I have had the privilege of going to some Lincoln sites—including right here in Danville.
One of those sites is the Fithian House. According to the Vermilion County Museum website, on September 21, 1858, Lincoln made one of his last visits to Danville. He was campaigning for a U.S. Senate seat and had just completed four debates with Douglas. Lincoln arrived at Dr. Fithian’s home, and in his stocking feet, he gave an informal speech from the balcony.*
Also here in Danville, is the Lamon House. The Lamon house was buit in 1850. Joseph and Melissa (Beckwith) Lamon built the home. Joseph was the cousin of Ward Hill Lamon. Ward Hill Lamon was the law partner, and later body guard of Abraham Lincoln. This is an easy one for us to visit as it now sets across the street from our home here in Danville. And, as many of you know, our daughter volunteers during the summer for their open houses.
One other place we had the privilege of visiting in 2008 was the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. What a great memorial for one of our greatest presidents. The Memorial was officially dedicated by President William Howard Taft May 30, 1922. The Lincoln Memorial has 36 columns—one for each state during Lincoln’s day—25 in the Union; and 11 who had seceded from the Union. The view from the steps was incredible looking over the national mall—Washington Monument and the US Capitol all in view.
History is important to be studied. Sometimes history is portrayed as boring and meaningless. But there are so many lessons to learn from history. In fact, as the old saying goes, “those who do not know their history are bound to repeat it”.
The Bible, which is a historical book is meant to be studied. In fact, the events that have been recorded for us, have been preserved by God for us! In I Corinthians 10:6, Paul writes about the Old Testament: Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. I hope that we can learn the lessons of history and stay faithful to God.
*http://www.vermilioncountymuseum.org/history.htm
One of those sites is the Fithian House. According to the Vermilion County Museum website, on September 21, 1858, Lincoln made one of his last visits to Danville. He was campaigning for a U.S. Senate seat and had just completed four debates with Douglas. Lincoln arrived at Dr. Fithian’s home, and in his stocking feet, he gave an informal speech from the balcony.*
Also here in Danville, is the Lamon House. The Lamon house was buit in 1850. Joseph and Melissa (Beckwith) Lamon built the home. Joseph was the cousin of Ward Hill Lamon. Ward Hill Lamon was the law partner, and later body guard of Abraham Lincoln. This is an easy one for us to visit as it now sets across the street from our home here in Danville. And, as many of you know, our daughter volunteers during the summer for their open houses.
One other place we had the privilege of visiting in 2008 was the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. What a great memorial for one of our greatest presidents. The Memorial was officially dedicated by President William Howard Taft May 30, 1922. The Lincoln Memorial has 36 columns—one for each state during Lincoln’s day—25 in the Union; and 11 who had seceded from the Union. The view from the steps was incredible looking over the national mall—Washington Monument and the US Capitol all in view.
History is important to be studied. Sometimes history is portrayed as boring and meaningless. But there are so many lessons to learn from history. In fact, as the old saying goes, “those who do not know their history are bound to repeat it”.
The Bible, which is a historical book is meant to be studied. In fact, the events that have been recorded for us, have been preserved by God for us! In I Corinthians 10:6, Paul writes about the Old Testament: Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. I hope that we can learn the lessons of history and stay faithful to God.
*http://www.vermilioncountymuseum.org/history.htm
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Titles for Christ in the Revelation
I have been doing a lot of preparation for our Wednesday evening Bible Study in Revelation. My main resource, besides the Bible itself, will be Glenn Bourne’s personal class notes and his book Tower of Truth. Another good resource, which I will use, is The Seer, the Savior and the Saved. You may recognize the author of that book: Dr. James Strauss.
In Dr. Strauss’ book, he has a special study in it entitled Titles for Christ in the Revelation. It is not an exhaustive study, but may make a good sermon series in the future. Based on the titles, it is no wonder that Revelation 4:11 reads, “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”
Here are a few of the titles that Dr. Strauss lists in his book:
· Jesus Christ (1:1, 5)
· Jesus (1:9; 12:17 and other texts)
· Christ (20:4, 6 and other texts)
· The Lord Jesus (22:20-21)
· The Lord (1:10; 14:13 and other texts)
· The Lord’s Christ—also God’s Christ (11:15; 12:10)
· The Son of God (2:18)
· The Son of Man (1:13; 14:14)
· The Word of God (19:13)
· The King of Kings and Lord of Lords (19:16)
Dr. Strauss calls these the “simple designations”.
He then lists several “descriptive designations”:
· Him that loved us and loosed us from our sins by His blood (1:5)
· The Lamb that hath been slain (5:6, 9, 12; 7:14; 13:8)
· The Lamb (5:8, 13; 6:1, 16; 7:9-10, 14, 17; 12:11; 14:1, 4, 10; 15:3; 17:14; 19:7, 9; 21:9, 14, 22, 27; 22:1, 3)
· The First born of the dead (1:5)
· The Faithful witness (1:5)
· The Faithful and True (19:11)
· The Amen (5:14; 18:4)
· The Beginning of the Creation (3:14)
· He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the keys of David, He that openeth, and none shall shut and that shutteth and none shall open (3:7)
There are many other “special designations”, but this gives you a hint of what is to come in our study beginning January 7, 2009. Dr. Strauss ends this special study with these words: “There is some great biblical preaching to be done on the great names of Christ. They describe His person and function of His work. The imagery is not hard to communicate in preaching and teaching”.
I pray that as we study through this great book, we may draw closer to our great Savior and Lord!
(The Seer, the Savior, and the Saved, pp. 333-338)
In Dr. Strauss’ book, he has a special study in it entitled Titles for Christ in the Revelation. It is not an exhaustive study, but may make a good sermon series in the future. Based on the titles, it is no wonder that Revelation 4:11 reads, “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”Here are a few of the titles that Dr. Strauss lists in his book:
· Jesus Christ (1:1, 5)
· Jesus (1:9; 12:17 and other texts)
· Christ (20:4, 6 and other texts)
· The Lord Jesus (22:20-21)
· The Lord (1:10; 14:13 and other texts)
· The Lord’s Christ—also God’s Christ (11:15; 12:10)
· The Son of God (2:18)
· The Son of Man (1:13; 14:14)
· The Word of God (19:13)
· The King of Kings and Lord of Lords (19:16)
Dr. Strauss calls these the “simple designations”.
He then lists several “descriptive designations”:
· Him that loved us and loosed us from our sins by His blood (1:5)
· The Lamb that hath been slain (5:6, 9, 12; 7:14; 13:8)
· The Lamb (5:8, 13; 6:1, 16; 7:9-10, 14, 17; 12:11; 14:1, 4, 10; 15:3; 17:14; 19:7, 9; 21:9, 14, 22, 27; 22:1, 3)
· The First born of the dead (1:5)
· The Faithful witness (1:5)
· The Faithful and True (19:11)
· The Amen (5:14; 18:4)
· The Beginning of the Creation (3:14)
· He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the keys of David, He that openeth, and none shall shut and that shutteth and none shall open (3:7)
There are many other “special designations”, but this gives you a hint of what is to come in our study beginning January 7, 2009. Dr. Strauss ends this special study with these words: “There is some great biblical preaching to be done on the great names of Christ. They describe His person and function of His work. The imagery is not hard to communicate in preaching and teaching”.
I pray that as we study through this great book, we may draw closer to our great Savior and Lord!
(The Seer, the Savior, and the Saved, pp. 333-338)
Monday, December 01, 2008
Shepherds in Their Fields at Night
We all know the REAL Christmas story, as it is recorded in the Scriptures. Forget this “Happy Holiday” thing—”MERRY CHRISTMAS” - but that is a whole different newsletter article.
In this newsletter space I wanted to take a look back at those shepherds who received the announcement about the promised Messiah. Luke 2:8 reads, “In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night”. There are so many things we can learn from each of the characters in the nativity scene. Let me share a few we can learn from these shepherds.
First thing we learn is right out of Luke 2:8. The Shepherds stayed with their flocks! Simple lesson, but it also teaches us a little about the sheep. The sheep NEED the shepherds! The sheep needed guidance. And the sheep needed to be fed. As I think about the shepherds here at South Side (our elders, overseers or pastors), I am reminded how much we need their wisdom within the assembly.
A second lesson we can learn comes out of that same eighth verse. Luke records that the shepherds were out there even at night. They watched their flocks by night to protect the flock. Wild animals and thieves could break in and try to steal the sheep. But not these Christmas shepherds—they stayed with their flock even at night. Again, reflect on the eldership here at South Side. One of their roles as the pastors of the flock are to protect us from any false doctrine or false teachers who might enter the flock and try to steal the sheep.
Luke 2:9 gives us the next lesson I would like to bring out. As the angels appeared to them, the text says that the shepherds were “terribly frightened”. I hope I am not stretching this, but let me suggest that these Christmas shepherds were humble shepherds. We have the greatest example of a humble shepherd when we look to the Good Shepherd—Jesus—who laid down His life for His sheep. All one has to do is read Philippians 2 to read about the great humility of Jesus! James 4:10 reads, “Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you”. Humility is truly a quality of the shepherds here at South Side.
For the fourth lesson, we need to drop down to Luke 2:15 after the angels had left. The shepherds said among themselves, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us”. These Christmas shepherds did not trust their personal experience—they wanted to see for themselves! Same way “doubting” Thomas wanted to see for himself the resurrected Christ—I personally am glad he “doubted” - I want my faith to rest on the eyewitness testimony! Our shepherds are firmly planted on the eyewitness testimony of the Bible!
The fifth lesson, is that the shepherds told others about what they had seen. Luke 2:17 says that the shepherds “made known the statement which had been told them about this Child”. What a great example for our shepherds, and each one of us! Each one of us, our pastors included, are commissioned by Christ to go and share the message! May we at South Side learn from the Christmas shepherds to present the Gospel!
The final lesson (and I am running out of space) comes from Luke 2:20 which says, “The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen”. Shepherds spend time glorifying and praising God! In caring for the flock, the shepherds become examples to the sheep for worshiping and praising our God.
In conclusion—I am thankful for our shepherds—all six of them! Len, Lawrence, Larry, Denny, Myreon and Dick are all to be commended on their shepherding the flock here at South Side! I know they won’t mind me saying that I am thankful for someone else even more. I am most thankful for the Chief Pastor (or Shepherd) because when He returns, I will “receive the unfading crown of glory”. (I Peter 5:4).
In this newsletter space I wanted to take a look back at those shepherds who received the announcement about the promised Messiah. Luke 2:8 reads, “In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night”. There are so many things we can learn from each of the characters in the nativity scene. Let me share a few we can learn from these shepherds.
First thing we learn is right out of Luke 2:8. The Shepherds stayed with their flocks! Simple lesson, but it also teaches us a little about the sheep. The sheep NEED the shepherds! The sheep needed guidance. And the sheep needed to be fed. As I think about the shepherds here at South Side (our elders, overseers or pastors), I am reminded how much we need their wisdom within the assembly.
A second lesson we can learn comes out of that same eighth verse. Luke records that the shepherds were out there even at night. They watched their flocks by night to protect the flock. Wild animals and thieves could break in and try to steal the sheep. But not these Christmas shepherds—they stayed with their flock even at night. Again, reflect on the eldership here at South Side. One of their roles as the pastors of the flock are to protect us from any false doctrine or false teachers who might enter the flock and try to steal the sheep.
Luke 2:9 gives us the next lesson I would like to bring out. As the angels appeared to them, the text says that the shepherds were “terribly frightened”. I hope I am not stretching this, but let me suggest that these Christmas shepherds were humble shepherds. We have the greatest example of a humble shepherd when we look to the Good Shepherd—Jesus—who laid down His life for His sheep. All one has to do is read Philippians 2 to read about the great humility of Jesus! James 4:10 reads, “Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you”. Humility is truly a quality of the shepherds here at South Side.
For the fourth lesson, we need to drop down to Luke 2:15 after the angels had left. The shepherds said among themselves, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us”. These Christmas shepherds did not trust their personal experience—they wanted to see for themselves! Same way “doubting” Thomas wanted to see for himself the resurrected Christ—I personally am glad he “doubted” - I want my faith to rest on the eyewitness testimony! Our shepherds are firmly planted on the eyewitness testimony of the Bible!
The fifth lesson, is that the shepherds told others about what they had seen. Luke 2:17 says that the shepherds “made known the statement which had been told them about this Child”. What a great example for our shepherds, and each one of us! Each one of us, our pastors included, are commissioned by Christ to go and share the message! May we at South Side learn from the Christmas shepherds to present the Gospel!
The final lesson (and I am running out of space) comes from Luke 2:20 which says, “The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen”. Shepherds spend time glorifying and praising God! In caring for the flock, the shepherds become examples to the sheep for worshiping and praising our God.
In conclusion—I am thankful for our shepherds—all six of them! Len, Lawrence, Larry, Denny, Myreon and Dick are all to be commended on their shepherding the flock here at South Side! I know they won’t mind me saying that I am thankful for someone else even more. I am most thankful for the Chief Pastor (or Shepherd) because when He returns, I will “receive the unfading crown of glory”. (I Peter 5:4).
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Bridling the Tongue
We did it! Yes! We pulled off a surprise for Stella Good and her 90th birthday! What a wonderful day for South Side as we honored one of our many faithful Christian women!
It was great to hear Stella talk briefly after lunch about her church family. It was also nice to hear her talk about her husband, who served as an elder here at South Side.
In honor of Stella and her faithfulness to our Lord and Savior Jesus, I am reprinting an article published in a 1967 Side Lites by her husband, George Good.
As an evangelist, I am always humbled by the perseverance of people who have been in the Lord’s assembly for a good part of their lives. I am humbled even more when I realize some of the battles these saints have been through (both physical and spiritual) . Life is full of many ups and downs—and persevering can be quite challenging at times. Life can even be tougher when one stands firmly on the Word of God.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving this month—lets remember to thank the Lord for the many faithful Christians—those who have fought the good fight and the many who are still fighting the good fight right now. Thank you Stella Good for your godly example to our church family. Thank you for your continued faithfulness.
Your evangelist,
Kevin
Elders Speak
“Bridling the Tongue”
By George Good
Otherwise be swift to hear and slow to speak. We are not to be teachers unless we know what to teach. The teacher does not have power of life or death over the listener, he does have the power of eternal destiny.
All men make mistakes, only One was perfect—Jesus the Christ, the Saviour of men.
If we are able to master our tongue, we can master sin. The head controls the tongue and the tongue has tremendous power. The horse is controlled with one little piece of iron, just as a bit is small, it does control the horse. Even the small rudder controls the great ship. And the tongue, tho small, can control us—note it’s power:
James in 3:6 identifies the tongue with fire! Money and the tongue seems to be our difficulty. The tongue represents the unrighteous world in our members—the tongue can defile the whole body. The tongue setteth on fire the course of nature. No one can tame this little organ in the mouth. Notice what is done with it—With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse! Can we bless and curse at the same time? Not if we have faith and love for our fellow man and for God.
Those who truly worship and honor God will be afraid to speak slanderously against men or God. Can blessings and cursings come from the same mouth? It cannot be for the Christian. A fountain cannot send forth sweet and bitter water at the same time. It is against nature to do this. A tree does not grow grapes and a vine figs. To one who knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (James 4:17)
Plan your life with God. If you are sinning, God has all power over sin. Remember James 3:7-8.
Side Lites, March 24, 1967
It was great to hear Stella talk briefly after lunch about her church family. It was also nice to hear her talk about her husband, who served as an elder here at South Side.
In honor of Stella and her faithfulness to our Lord and Savior Jesus, I am reprinting an article published in a 1967 Side Lites by her husband, George Good.
As an evangelist, I am always humbled by the perseverance of people who have been in the Lord’s assembly for a good part of their lives. I am humbled even more when I realize some of the battles these saints have been through (both physical and spiritual) . Life is full of many ups and downs—and persevering can be quite challenging at times. Life can even be tougher when one stands firmly on the Word of God.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving this month—lets remember to thank the Lord for the many faithful Christians—those who have fought the good fight and the many who are still fighting the good fight right now. Thank you Stella Good for your godly example to our church family. Thank you for your continued faithfulness.
Your evangelist,
Kevin
Elders Speak“Bridling the Tongue”
By George Good
Otherwise be swift to hear and slow to speak. We are not to be teachers unless we know what to teach. The teacher does not have power of life or death over the listener, he does have the power of eternal destiny.
All men make mistakes, only One was perfect—Jesus the Christ, the Saviour of men.
If we are able to master our tongue, we can master sin. The head controls the tongue and the tongue has tremendous power. The horse is controlled with one little piece of iron, just as a bit is small, it does control the horse. Even the small rudder controls the great ship. And the tongue, tho small, can control us—note it’s power:
James in 3:6 identifies the tongue with fire! Money and the tongue seems to be our difficulty. The tongue represents the unrighteous world in our members—the tongue can defile the whole body. The tongue setteth on fire the course of nature. No one can tame this little organ in the mouth. Notice what is done with it—With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse! Can we bless and curse at the same time? Not if we have faith and love for our fellow man and for God.
Those who truly worship and honor God will be afraid to speak slanderously against men or God. Can blessings and cursings come from the same mouth? It cannot be for the Christian. A fountain cannot send forth sweet and bitter water at the same time. It is against nature to do this. A tree does not grow grapes and a vine figs. To one who knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (James 4:17)
Plan your life with God. If you are sinning, God has all power over sin. Remember James 3:7-8.
Side Lites, March 24, 1967
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Fundamental Differences
As the presidential campaign winds to a close in the next month, you have probably noticed that there are some “fundamental differences” between the two candidates. These “fundamental differences” are seen in about every issue that the candidates debate about.
Fundamental differences can be seen in:
· Abortion
· What constitutes a family
· War in Iraq
· Economy
Some of these issues are not simply matters of opinion, but fundamental! Take the issue of abortion as an example. One candidate believes that life begins at conception and the other believes that during the pregnancy the mother has the choice about what to do with her body. (I won’t tell you who to vote for, but FYI, the Bible teaches, and agrees with science, that life begins at conception). Fundamentally different!
One more example: what constitutes a family. One candidate believes that a marriage should only be between a man and a woman and the other believes that the same privileges and benefits, including marriage, given to the traditional husband and wife relationship should be extended to same sex relationships. (Again, I won’t tell you who to vote for, but FYI, the Bible teaches that homosexuality is a sin and an abomination, and those that practice it will not enter into the kingdom of God). Fundamentally different!
You can watch the rest of the debates and distinguish between the fundamental differences of the candidates. Then on November 4, you can go to the polls and vote for the candidate that holds the same fundamental ideas as you do. The purpose of this article is not to talk about politics, though, but rather some of the fundamental differences in the church.
The church of our Lord Jesus Christ has teachings that are fundamentally different than those taught in the world, and often times, in the religious world. All one has to do is ride around town and see all the churches—each holding to a different doctrine. And many of these teachings are fundamental differences.
I am glad that our ladies class here at South Side is going through a study on denominations in our world. My wife, who grew up here at South Side, said that she was taught lessons like this as she attended Sunday School here in her teenage years.
In many churches of Christ, though, this type of teaching would not be allowed because the thinking is that “we are all heading in the same direction anyway”. Hopefully as the ladies go through the study they will see that there are fundamental differences between what the New Testament teaches and what these different denominations are teaching.
These differences go beyond simply matters of opinion. Many of them are matters of faith!
The New Testament is fundamentally different than a church teaching communion is something offered at any other regularity than once a week on Sunday (Acts 20:7).
The New Testament is fundamentally different than a church teaching a person inherits sin and must be sprinkled as a baby to be saved (any conversion account in Acts teaches otherwise).
The New Testament is fundamentally different than a church teaching “faith only” is what saves, when the Bible teaches the exact opposite (James 2:24).
The New Testament is fundamentally different than a church teaching once a person is saved, they can never fall away (Hebrews 6:4-6).
The New Testament is fundamentally different than a church teaching immersion has nothing to do with our salvation (I Peter 3:21).
The New Testament is fundamentally different than a church supporting missions that do not promote New Testament Christianity when the Bible warns against this (II John 1:9-11).
The goal of South Side Church of Christ is to be fundamentally the SAME as the New Testament. And it does not matter how unpopular it may be—and believe me, it is unpopular to hold strong to the New Testament principles! When an outsider looks at South Side, we want them to realize that we are a Bible believing church!
Striving to be fundamentally sound!
Fundamental differences can be seen in:
· Abortion
· What constitutes a family
· War in Iraq
· Economy
Some of these issues are not simply matters of opinion, but fundamental! Take the issue of abortion as an example. One candidate believes that life begins at conception and the other believes that during the pregnancy the mother has the choice about what to do with her body. (I won’t tell you who to vote for, but FYI, the Bible teaches, and agrees with science, that life begins at conception). Fundamentally different!
One more example: what constitutes a family. One candidate believes that a marriage should only be between a man and a woman and the other believes that the same privileges and benefits, including marriage, given to the traditional husband and wife relationship should be extended to same sex relationships. (Again, I won’t tell you who to vote for, but FYI, the Bible teaches that homosexuality is a sin and an abomination, and those that practice it will not enter into the kingdom of God). Fundamentally different!
You can watch the rest of the debates and distinguish between the fundamental differences of the candidates. Then on November 4, you can go to the polls and vote for the candidate that holds the same fundamental ideas as you do. The purpose of this article is not to talk about politics, though, but rather some of the fundamental differences in the church.
The church of our Lord Jesus Christ has teachings that are fundamentally different than those taught in the world, and often times, in the religious world. All one has to do is ride around town and see all the churches—each holding to a different doctrine. And many of these teachings are fundamental differences.
I am glad that our ladies class here at South Side is going through a study on denominations in our world. My wife, who grew up here at South Side, said that she was taught lessons like this as she attended Sunday School here in her teenage years.
In many churches of Christ, though, this type of teaching would not be allowed because the thinking is that “we are all heading in the same direction anyway”. Hopefully as the ladies go through the study they will see that there are fundamental differences between what the New Testament teaches and what these different denominations are teaching.
These differences go beyond simply matters of opinion. Many of them are matters of faith!
The New Testament is fundamentally different than a church teaching communion is something offered at any other regularity than once a week on Sunday (Acts 20:7).
The New Testament is fundamentally different than a church teaching a person inherits sin and must be sprinkled as a baby to be saved (any conversion account in Acts teaches otherwise).
The New Testament is fundamentally different than a church teaching “faith only” is what saves, when the Bible teaches the exact opposite (James 2:24).
The New Testament is fundamentally different than a church teaching once a person is saved, they can never fall away (Hebrews 6:4-6).
The New Testament is fundamentally different than a church teaching immersion has nothing to do with our salvation (I Peter 3:21).
The New Testament is fundamentally different than a church supporting missions that do not promote New Testament Christianity when the Bible warns against this (II John 1:9-11).
The goal of South Side Church of Christ is to be fundamentally the SAME as the New Testament. And it does not matter how unpopular it may be—and believe me, it is unpopular to hold strong to the New Testament principles! When an outsider looks at South Side, we want them to realize that we are a Bible believing church!
Striving to be fundamentally sound!
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Purity in Docrine
In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us (Titus 2:7-8).
The year was 1882 and samples of a fairly new brand of soap were sent to college chemistry professors and some independent laboratories. They compared this new soap with castile soaps, which were the standard for that day. The soap proved to be 99.44% pure. “99.44% pure” became so associated with this brand of soap, that even today, it is part of the registered trademark for Ivory Soap.
For the sake of this article, I want to compare Ivory Soap to the Church of Christ/Christian Church. And then I would like to use the Bible for the standard of purity. Just how pure is the church in doctrine? What is the standard we use to measure our purity?
I am afraid in many Churches of Christ/Christian Churches “purity in doctrine” is no longer important. At least that seems to be the case as I surf the internet and view some of the websites of our churches. One would think that if “purity in doctrine” was important to them, they would not put up some of the very weak statements of faith that I read. Many of them are so weak, in fact, they could be accepted in almost any denominational church. It is almost like they are embarrassed to make the connection between faith, repentance, confession, immersion, faithful living and our salvation! I personally agree with the Apostle Paul when he writes, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). What has happened to the boldness to share THE faith once delivered? Whatever happened to “purity in doctrine”?
One would also think that if “purity in doctrine” was important, they would not put some of the links on their websites that I find. I have been on some church websites, that if they didn’t teach faith only doctrine in their statement of faith, it was simply one or two clicks away because of a link purposely placed on the website. Whatever happened to “purity in doctrine”?
One would also think that if “purity in doctrine” was important, churches would use extreme caution when choosing curriculum for classes or which internet site or book to get the sermon from! Many of my brethren in Christ would much rather study from a “faith-only” book than a good solid book in line with the Scriptures! I have to wonder if some would rather study these “faith only” books or websites than to study from the Bible itself! We hand out false teaching in books and videos and then say we will adjust the materials to match the Scriptures. But I ask again: Whatever happened to “purity in doctrine”?
One would also think that if “purity in doctrine” was important, we would be extremely careful about the missions we support. Shouldn’t we only support missions that are going to promote New Testament Christianity? Isn’t “one Lord, one faith, one immersion” still essential in our missions? Shouldn’t our missions wear the name of the Lord instead of some denominational name? The Apostle Peter wrote, “if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name” (I Peter 4:16). Whatever happened to “purity in doctrine”?
In fact, I wonder sometimes if we have not changed the standard. It used to be that the BIBLE was our only source of authority! I believe some churches would rather use something written by Rick Warren or Bill Hybels as the standard, rather than the Word of God! If someone tries to point out the errors within the theology of men like these, they are labeled a legalist! I say, if that is the definition of a legalist, THANK YOU for the label! I would rather be simply classified as a Christian, though!
The church here at South Side, nor myself, is in no way perfect. But I would pray that we would try to stay pure to the Scriptures. The Apostle Peter encourages us to “like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (I Peter 2:2)
The year was 1882 and samples of a fairly new brand of soap were sent to college chemistry professors and some independent laboratories. They compared this new soap with castile soaps, which were the standard for that day. The soap proved to be 99.44% pure. “99.44% pure” became so associated with this brand of soap, that even today, it is part of the registered trademark for Ivory Soap.
For the sake of this article, I want to compare Ivory Soap to the Church of Christ/Christian Church. And then I would like to use the Bible for the standard of purity. Just how pure is the church in doctrine? What is the standard we use to measure our purity?
I am afraid in many Churches of Christ/Christian Churches “purity in doctrine” is no longer important. At least that seems to be the case as I surf the internet and view some of the websites of our churches. One would think that if “purity in doctrine” was important to them, they would not put up some of the very weak statements of faith that I read. Many of them are so weak, in fact, they could be accepted in almost any denominational church. It is almost like they are embarrassed to make the connection between faith, repentance, confession, immersion, faithful living and our salvation! I personally agree with the Apostle Paul when he writes, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). What has happened to the boldness to share THE faith once delivered? Whatever happened to “purity in doctrine”?
One would also think that if “purity in doctrine” was important, they would not put some of the links on their websites that I find. I have been on some church websites, that if they didn’t teach faith only doctrine in their statement of faith, it was simply one or two clicks away because of a link purposely placed on the website. Whatever happened to “purity in doctrine”?
One would also think that if “purity in doctrine” was important, churches would use extreme caution when choosing curriculum for classes or which internet site or book to get the sermon from! Many of my brethren in Christ would much rather study from a “faith-only” book than a good solid book in line with the Scriptures! I have to wonder if some would rather study these “faith only” books or websites than to study from the Bible itself! We hand out false teaching in books and videos and then say we will adjust the materials to match the Scriptures. But I ask again: Whatever happened to “purity in doctrine”?
One would also think that if “purity in doctrine” was important, we would be extremely careful about the missions we support. Shouldn’t we only support missions that are going to promote New Testament Christianity? Isn’t “one Lord, one faith, one immersion” still essential in our missions? Shouldn’t our missions wear the name of the Lord instead of some denominational name? The Apostle Peter wrote, “if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name” (I Peter 4:16). Whatever happened to “purity in doctrine”?
In fact, I wonder sometimes if we have not changed the standard. It used to be that the BIBLE was our only source of authority! I believe some churches would rather use something written by Rick Warren or Bill Hybels as the standard, rather than the Word of God! If someone tries to point out the errors within the theology of men like these, they are labeled a legalist! I say, if that is the definition of a legalist, THANK YOU for the label! I would rather be simply classified as a Christian, though!
The church here at South Side, nor myself, is in no way perfect. But I would pray that we would try to stay pure to the Scriptures. The Apostle Peter encourages us to “like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (I Peter 2:2)
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Seeker Sensitive?
Several months ago I was giving someone a tour of the South Side church building and when they walked into the auditorium they said, “Wow, this looks like a church”. I am not sure exactly what they meant by that, but I assume the pews, the stained glass windows, Bibles, hymnals, communion table, baptistery, pulpit, gave it away! But there are many in the Churches of Christ trying so hard to not look like a church. They don’t want to offend the “unchurched” (not my word, but their word). This type of thinking is called “seeker sensitive”. It is a very popular approach to the church today—popularized by the likes of Rick Warren and Bill Hybels.
Although not all churches doing some of the following things are “seeker sensitive”, these are red flags that a church is leaning that way:
* Moving or eliminating the communion table
* Promoting casual dress—including the evangelist in the pulpit (no suit and tie anymore)
* Removing the pews
* Adding lots of multimedia (movie clips, etc)
* Shortening sermons
* Using paraphrases instead of reliable translations in preaching and teaching
* Removing an invitation
* Often participate in interdenominational activities (The “seeker sensitive” often believes that we are not to judge other people’s faith)
* Expanding the song service, usually with contemporary songs on a screen
* Eliminating the eldership and promoting coaches
* Replace “saving the lost” with “reaching the unchurched”
* Evangelist becomes “the pastor”.
We saw a good example of this as we were traveling back from Delmarva Family Camp. We went by a church which had a sign outside of it that read: A church for a people who don’t like church. A church with a sign like that, seems to be a church that does what it can to be a “seeker sensitive” church. When I mentioned this to someone at South Side, they said, I wonder if there will be a heaven for people who do not like heaven.
By studying the sermons of the Old and New Testament, I wonder how many of the spokesmen for God were “seeker sensitive”? I would venture to say that even Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount would not be classified as “seeker sensitive”.
I wonder just how “seeker sensitive” the prophet Elijah was. I am sure these words were said in a way as to not offend the idol worshippers of his day:
Call out with a loud voice, for he is a god; either he is occupied or gone aside, or is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and needs to be awakened (I Kings 18:27).
“Seeker sensitive”? I think not!
I wonder if we would classify John the Immerser’s sermons as “seeker sensitive”? When he saw the Pharisees and Sadducees coming out to be immersed, he said to them:
You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance; and do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father’; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham (Matthew 3:7-9).
“Seeker sensitive”? I think not!
How about the “seeker sensitive” sermon of the Apostle Peter on the Day of Pentecost:
Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified and Be saved from this perverse generation! (Acts 2:36, 40).
“Seeker sensitive”? I think not!
It is interesting that the Apostles were not afraid of offending the lost—and even after offending them, 3000 people were immersed into Christ for the forgiveness of their sins on that day!
I want to be part of a church that is not necessarily “seeker sensitive” but rather is promoting the plan of the New Testament! I am glad that South Side is the latter!
And besides all this, the true “Seeker” is God! He is seeking fellowship with the church! He is seeking and saving those who are lost! He is seeking faithfulness in the church! He is the one and true living God who does not wish any to perish, but for all to come to eternal life. He is the God who seeks the lost and wants them to believe and be immersed in order to be saved—and if someone disbelieves that he should respond to the Gospel, he will be condemned (Mark 16:16).
“Seeker sensitive”? I think not!
Although not all churches doing some of the following things are “seeker sensitive”, these are red flags that a church is leaning that way:
* Moving or eliminating the communion table
* Promoting casual dress—including the evangelist in the pulpit (no suit and tie anymore)
* Removing the pews
* Adding lots of multimedia (movie clips, etc)
* Shortening sermons
* Using paraphrases instead of reliable translations in preaching and teaching
* Removing an invitation
* Often participate in interdenominational activities (The “seeker sensitive” often believes that we are not to judge other people’s faith)
* Expanding the song service, usually with contemporary songs on a screen
* Eliminating the eldership and promoting coaches
* Replace “saving the lost” with “reaching the unchurched”
* Evangelist becomes “the pastor”.
We saw a good example of this as we were traveling back from Delmarva Family Camp. We went by a church which had a sign outside of it that read: A church for a people who don’t like church. A church with a sign like that, seems to be a church that does what it can to be a “seeker sensitive” church. When I mentioned this to someone at South Side, they said, I wonder if there will be a heaven for people who do not like heaven.
By studying the sermons of the Old and New Testament, I wonder how many of the spokesmen for God were “seeker sensitive”? I would venture to say that even Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount would not be classified as “seeker sensitive”.
I wonder just how “seeker sensitive” the prophet Elijah was. I am sure these words were said in a way as to not offend the idol worshippers of his day:
Call out with a loud voice, for he is a god; either he is occupied or gone aside, or is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and needs to be awakened (I Kings 18:27).
“Seeker sensitive”? I think not!
I wonder if we would classify John the Immerser’s sermons as “seeker sensitive”? When he saw the Pharisees and Sadducees coming out to be immersed, he said to them:
You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance; and do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father’; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham (Matthew 3:7-9).
“Seeker sensitive”? I think not!
How about the “seeker sensitive” sermon of the Apostle Peter on the Day of Pentecost:
Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified and Be saved from this perverse generation! (Acts 2:36, 40).
“Seeker sensitive”? I think not!
It is interesting that the Apostles were not afraid of offending the lost—and even after offending them, 3000 people were immersed into Christ for the forgiveness of their sins on that day!
I want to be part of a church that is not necessarily “seeker sensitive” but rather is promoting the plan of the New Testament! I am glad that South Side is the latter!
And besides all this, the true “Seeker” is God! He is seeking fellowship with the church! He is seeking and saving those who are lost! He is seeking faithfulness in the church! He is the one and true living God who does not wish any to perish, but for all to come to eternal life. He is the God who seeks the lost and wants them to believe and be immersed in order to be saved—and if someone disbelieves that he should respond to the Gospel, he will be condemned (Mark 16:16).
“Seeker sensitive”? I think not!
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
The Love of Preaching
I love to hear good, solid, biblical preaching. You would expect to hear that from your preacher, though, I suppose. It is great to have many of you here at South Side that are as excited about good biblical preaching as I am. If you are like me, you expect to hear a good sermon when the church meets; whether on Sunday morning or evening, or at the county meeting. In fact, you may be disappointed when there isn’t a good, challenging message. Now there is nothing wrong with a few good songs, but nothing beats a good Bible-based sermon!
Along with this love to hear good preaching comes a lack of much patience for preaching that is not sound. I would much rather listen to a boring, but solid biblical preacher who stumbles on words than to listen to a polished preacher who may be able to motivate you, but couldn’t pass Bible 101.
I suppose that is why I love to go to family camps. From 9 AM—9 PM, with the exception of a few breaks, one can enjoy getting into God’s Word. I wish more from South Side could join my family as we travel to Delmarva and Hillsboro this month. I believe between the preaching, music and fellowship—you would love the camp meetings!
This is my twentieth year attending Hillsboro Family Camp in Ohio and my first one in Delmarva. And this is my first time to be asked to speak (at Delmarva). I consider it quite an honor to be on the same program as Lee Mason, Raymond Bennett, Kevin Yeager, and many others. I pray that I represent our Lord with my finest. And I also pray that I can do my best in representing South Side Church of Christ.
God has used preaching throughout human history to get His message out. Noah is called a “preacher of righteousness” in II Peter 2:5. And of course Solomon considered himself a preacher as recorded throughout the book of Ecclesiastes. John the Baptist was a preacher. Even Jesus, Himself, was a preacher. One of His greatest sermons recorded is in Matthew 5-7: the Sermon on the Mount.
The Apostle Paul told the church at Corinth in I Corinthians 1:21, “For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe”.
Of course proclaiming the good news is every Christians’ ministry. Jesus commissioned the disciples to: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.”
It was the Christians who “preached the Word” as they scattered away from Jerusalem because of persecution (Acts 8:4). Simply put, they shared the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus with everyone they had opportunity to talk with. And I am confident that they told the lost what they needed to do to be saved as they preached Jesus.
It has been wonderful to see several Christians here at South Side be excited about the Gospel! I pray that this trend will continue. You want your family, neighbors and friends to hear about the “one Lord, one faith, one immersion.”
One last thing: pray for boldness in preaching. But be prepared, because when you share the Gospel, you may be rejected. We should expect that because the early New Testament preachers were rejected. For that matter, Jesus Himself was rejected.
But there is great joy, even in heaven, when a sinner obeys the gospel. This makes any rejection worth the effort! May we continue to preach and teach the good news in all of it’s clarity!
Along with this love to hear good preaching comes a lack of much patience for preaching that is not sound. I would much rather listen to a boring, but solid biblical preacher who stumbles on words than to listen to a polished preacher who may be able to motivate you, but couldn’t pass Bible 101.
I suppose that is why I love to go to family camps. From 9 AM—9 PM, with the exception of a few breaks, one can enjoy getting into God’s Word. I wish more from South Side could join my family as we travel to Delmarva and Hillsboro this month. I believe between the preaching, music and fellowship—you would love the camp meetings!
This is my twentieth year attending Hillsboro Family Camp in Ohio and my first one in Delmarva. And this is my first time to be asked to speak (at Delmarva). I consider it quite an honor to be on the same program as Lee Mason, Raymond Bennett, Kevin Yeager, and many others. I pray that I represent our Lord with my finest. And I also pray that I can do my best in representing South Side Church of Christ.
God has used preaching throughout human history to get His message out. Noah is called a “preacher of righteousness” in II Peter 2:5. And of course Solomon considered himself a preacher as recorded throughout the book of Ecclesiastes. John the Baptist was a preacher. Even Jesus, Himself, was a preacher. One of His greatest sermons recorded is in Matthew 5-7: the Sermon on the Mount.
The Apostle Paul told the church at Corinth in I Corinthians 1:21, “For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe”.
Of course proclaiming the good news is every Christians’ ministry. Jesus commissioned the disciples to: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.”
It was the Christians who “preached the Word” as they scattered away from Jerusalem because of persecution (Acts 8:4). Simply put, they shared the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus with everyone they had opportunity to talk with. And I am confident that they told the lost what they needed to do to be saved as they preached Jesus.
It has been wonderful to see several Christians here at South Side be excited about the Gospel! I pray that this trend will continue. You want your family, neighbors and friends to hear about the “one Lord, one faith, one immersion.”
One last thing: pray for boldness in preaching. But be prepared, because when you share the Gospel, you may be rejected. We should expect that because the early New Testament preachers were rejected. For that matter, Jesus Himself was rejected.
But there is great joy, even in heaven, when a sinner obeys the gospel. This makes any rejection worth the effort! May we continue to preach and teach the good news in all of it’s clarity!
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Twenty Years and Counting!
The old saying is that “time flies when you are having fun”. It seems like yesterday that I began as an evangelist. It was twenty years ago this month (June 5, 1988) that the elders at the Central Christian Church in Tampa, FL, ordained me as an evangelist of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I had already been working as a youth evangelist. But as I graduated from Florida Christian College (May 1988), my desire was to preach. It was May 7, 1988, that the eldership at Lawshe Church of Christ in Seaman, OH, woke me up from my afternoon nap to interview me to become their evangelist. They liked me well enough that they flew me up so that I could preach two trial sermons on June 12, 1988. They were either desperate, or they really liked my preaching, as they wanted me to begin the following week! After packing up all my things in a large truck, I moved north and began full time at Lawshe on Father’s Day, June 19, 1988!
Being an evangelist involves a lot of things. Here are some specific things that Paul wrote to a couple of young evangelists in the first century.
Duties of an evangelist:
o Public Ministry of the Word
o (I Timothy 4:13)
o Herald the Message of Salvation
o (I Timothy 2:7)
o Remind the Saints of Basic Christian Virtues
o (Titus 3:1,2; I Timothy 4:16; 6:17-19)
o Rebuke Unchristian Attitudes and Actions
o (Titus 1:13; 2:15; II Timothy 4:3)
o Warn Divisive People
o (Titus 3:10,11)
o Preach the Word
o (II Timothy 4:1,2)
o Teach
o (I Timothy 4:11)
o Passing onto others what he has been taught
o (II Timothy 2:2)
o Set things in order
o (Titus 1:5)
o Train and install Godly men into leadership positions
o (I Timothy 3:1-12; Titus 1:5-9; I Timothy 5:22)
o Rebuke those who sin and deal with them
o (Titus 3:10; I Timothy 5:20)
o See that Widows are properly cared for
o (I Timothy 5:3-16)
o Responsible for proper conduct within the Assembly
o (I Timothy 2 - Paul instructs Timothy on the proper conduct of men in prayer, women, etc.)
o Guarding against False Teaching
o (I Timothy 4:1-6; Titus 1:10-14)
o Servant
o (II Timothy 2:24)
o Student
o (II Timothy 2:15) The word “diligent” (NASB) or "Study” (KJV) means to “become a master-craftsman.”
WOW! That is a lot of things! Thankfully here at South Side, I have a great group of elders who encourage and support me completely and assist me in doing the work of an evangelist! The congregation has also been wonderful in loving and taking care of my family. Thank you for your patience and encouragement. I consider it an honor and a privilege to be the evangelist at South Side Church of Christ.
Being an evangelist involves a lot of things. Here are some specific things that Paul wrote to a couple of young evangelists in the first century.
Duties of an evangelist:
o Public Ministry of the Word
o (I Timothy 4:13)
o Herald the Message of Salvation
o (I Timothy 2:7)
o Remind the Saints of Basic Christian Virtues
o (Titus 3:1,2; I Timothy 4:16; 6:17-19)
o Rebuke Unchristian Attitudes and Actions
o (Titus 1:13; 2:15; II Timothy 4:3)
o Warn Divisive People
o (Titus 3:10,11)
o Preach the Word
o (II Timothy 4:1,2)
o Teach
o (I Timothy 4:11)
o Passing onto others what he has been taught
o (II Timothy 2:2)
o Set things in order
o (Titus 1:5)
o Train and install Godly men into leadership positions
o (I Timothy 3:1-12; Titus 1:5-9; I Timothy 5:22)
o Rebuke those who sin and deal with them
o (Titus 3:10; I Timothy 5:20)
o See that Widows are properly cared for
o (I Timothy 5:3-16)
o Responsible for proper conduct within the Assembly
o (I Timothy 2 - Paul instructs Timothy on the proper conduct of men in prayer, women, etc.)
o Guarding against False Teaching
o (I Timothy 4:1-6; Titus 1:10-14)
o Servant
o (II Timothy 2:24)
o Student
o (II Timothy 2:15) The word “diligent” (NASB) or "Study” (KJV) means to “become a master-craftsman.”
WOW! That is a lot of things! Thankfully here at South Side, I have a great group of elders who encourage and support me completely and assist me in doing the work of an evangelist! The congregation has also been wonderful in loving and taking care of my family. Thank you for your patience and encouragement. I consider it an honor and a privilege to be the evangelist at South Side Church of Christ.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
From Darkness to Light
I am currently reading a great book entitled “From Darkness to Light”. Each chapter is written by a different author. It is part of the Restoration Reprint Series of books. The book is about how people left the darkness of denominationalism and came into the light of New Testament Christianity. Ever since starting to read it, I have thought that we need a book like this today! If I were to write my conversion from denominationalism to New Testament Christianity, it would include the following:
I remember as a child, at a fairly young age, going forward one Sunday morning and saying the “sinner’s prayer”. The Wesleyan church which we attended believed that a person should be immersed, but only as an “outward sign of an inward act”. The building where my Dad took us to church did not have a baptistery in it. So a group of us kids went to the Nazarene church in town to be immersed. As I was lowered in the water, I was reminded that this immersion had nothing to do with my salvation. What saved me, according to their teaching, was God’s grace when I went up and repeated the “sinner’s prayer”.
I spent a few years after this in the Jehovah’s Witnesses, including being immersed as an “outward sign of an inward act” - this time into the Jehovah’s Witnesses. And then I spent a few years not going to any kind of church or “kingdom hall” at all.
This all changed in 1984. I am so grateful for the grace of God that He sent into my life some people who would help lead me out of darkness into the light. Two of those people would be my neighbors, the James family, who constantly invited me to attend the Central Christian Church near my home in Tampa. I am glad that they did not give up on me, but kept persevering as I kept promising that I would attend sometime.
I decided to finally attend and was surprised when I saw people actually carry their Bibles to church with them, and they used them! In fact, I attended a Sunday School class like I had never attended before. God used my new Sunday School teacher Daniel Hefner to teach me some of the basics of the faith. Dan’s goal was that we would learn. In order to meet this goal, he had us memorize Scripture. You read that right! My adult Sunday School teacher had us memorize Scriptures that I still have in my memory today. These Scriptures included verses that would help us win others to come to New Testament Christianity.
I am also thankful that God placed Edgar Harris into my life. Edgar Harris was the evangelist at Central Christian Church. God used him to set me straight on the order of salvation—belief, saved, baptized (as the Wesleyans and Jehovah’s Witnesses taught)? or belief, baptized, saved? All he really needed to do was quote Mark 16:16—He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. Edgar Harris became the “Aquila and Pricilla” in my life, as he explained to me “the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26). Using the Jule Miller film strip series, he taught several newcomers the basics of the faith, right in his own study. Between that and his solid Biblical preaching, he convinced me from the Bible that salvation does not take place when one lifts up their hand and says a prayer. Rather it happens when a repentant believer is lowered and then raised in the watery grave of baptism. I remember going up to him and telling him after the fifth film strip that I needed to be immersed, this time into Christ to have my sins finally removed. That evening, October 21, 1984, Edgar Harris immersed me into Christ to have all my sins washed away!
There were many others who would influence me during this time of my life. God used each of them to lead me to the New Testament position. I was so convinced of the restoration of New Testament Christianity that less than a year later I was in Bible college training at Florida Christian College to be an evangelist.
The plea to return to the New Testament position is so logical. And that plea must begin with winning people to Christ the way it was done in the first century church (as we read in the book of Acts).
I remember as a child, at a fairly young age, going forward one Sunday morning and saying the “sinner’s prayer”. The Wesleyan church which we attended believed that a person should be immersed, but only as an “outward sign of an inward act”. The building where my Dad took us to church did not have a baptistery in it. So a group of us kids went to the Nazarene church in town to be immersed. As I was lowered in the water, I was reminded that this immersion had nothing to do with my salvation. What saved me, according to their teaching, was God’s grace when I went up and repeated the “sinner’s prayer”.
I spent a few years after this in the Jehovah’s Witnesses, including being immersed as an “outward sign of an inward act” - this time into the Jehovah’s Witnesses. And then I spent a few years not going to any kind of church or “kingdom hall” at all.
This all changed in 1984. I am so grateful for the grace of God that He sent into my life some people who would help lead me out of darkness into the light. Two of those people would be my neighbors, the James family, who constantly invited me to attend the Central Christian Church near my home in Tampa. I am glad that they did not give up on me, but kept persevering as I kept promising that I would attend sometime.
I decided to finally attend and was surprised when I saw people actually carry their Bibles to church with them, and they used them! In fact, I attended a Sunday School class like I had never attended before. God used my new Sunday School teacher Daniel Hefner to teach me some of the basics of the faith. Dan’s goal was that we would learn. In order to meet this goal, he had us memorize Scripture. You read that right! My adult Sunday School teacher had us memorize Scriptures that I still have in my memory today. These Scriptures included verses that would help us win others to come to New Testament Christianity.
I am also thankful that God placed Edgar Harris into my life. Edgar Harris was the evangelist at Central Christian Church. God used him to set me straight on the order of salvation—belief, saved, baptized (as the Wesleyans and Jehovah’s Witnesses taught)? or belief, baptized, saved? All he really needed to do was quote Mark 16:16—He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. Edgar Harris became the “Aquila and Pricilla” in my life, as he explained to me “the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26). Using the Jule Miller film strip series, he taught several newcomers the basics of the faith, right in his own study. Between that and his solid Biblical preaching, he convinced me from the Bible that salvation does not take place when one lifts up their hand and says a prayer. Rather it happens when a repentant believer is lowered and then raised in the watery grave of baptism. I remember going up to him and telling him after the fifth film strip that I needed to be immersed, this time into Christ to have my sins finally removed. That evening, October 21, 1984, Edgar Harris immersed me into Christ to have all my sins washed away!
There were many others who would influence me during this time of my life. God used each of them to lead me to the New Testament position. I was so convinced of the restoration of New Testament Christianity that less than a year later I was in Bible college training at Florida Christian College to be an evangelist.
The plea to return to the New Testament position is so logical. And that plea must begin with winning people to Christ the way it was done in the first century church (as we read in the book of Acts).
Monday, March 31, 2008
The Ancient Paths
When I was at Florida Christian College and taking Hebrew under the late Dr. W.W. Winter, I used the Hebrew name “Yirmeyahu” in class. I am sure you are wondering who “Yirmeyahu” was, never having heard that name in your Old Testament reading. It was simply the name Jeremiah, just spoken in the Hebrew dialect. There were basically two main reasons that I chose to use the name of the great prophet Jeremiah in Hebrew class. One of them is not that I was always crying (he is known as the “weeping prophet”).
The first reason was Jeremiah 20:9—But if I say, “I will not remember Him or speak anymore in His name”, Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire shut up in my bones; And I am weary of holding it in, And I cannot endure it. As a future evangelist in the mid 1980’s, this verse of Jeremiah became like a theme verse as I prepared to go out and preach the Gospel. Nothing could shut me up because the message was like a fire in my bones—I was weary of holding it in! Wouldn’t that be a great attitude for all Christians about sharing the Gospel?
The second reason was Jeremiah 6:16—Thus says the LORD, "Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ As I continued to be taught about the foundations of the faith at FCC, this verse was a constant reminder to go back to the “ancient paths”! If you will—go back and restore the New Testament Church! Go back to the “old paths” - the New Testament!
Too often in the New Testament church, we are more concerned about “new things” than we are the ancient order of things.
I remember being in Nazareth at the church building built overtop of the traditional home of Jesus. The guide was very proud of the building and as he lead us through the courtyard, he pointed out the new baptistery the church had put in. As the 40 or so Church of Christ members looked over, all we saw was what looked like a bird bath. It was obviously a place to sprinkle or pour water onto someone. As we continued on our tour into the ancient ruins underneath the modern church—we came upon something that looked like an ancient hot tub. It was obvious to us that it was an ancient baptistery used to immerse. We asked the guide what that was and he answered, “That was the ancient way of baptizing people”.
Wow! The old paths! The ancient ways! The old Jerusalem Gospel and the old ship Zion! What has happened to preaching and teaching of the Old stuff—just some good old fashioned Gospel preaching?
While at FCC I also was privileged to study under Dr. James Smith. “Doc Smith” as we called him (or “Doc”), is a great preacher and teacher of the ancient paths. He is also a great scholar. Doc Smith wrote the whole Old Testament commentary set for College Press. He also wrote a couple of those Bible Study Textbook Series Commentaries. In his one on “Jeremiah and Lamentations” he writes, “True reformers are not those who are advocating new things but those who give due weight to old truths. The person who walks the old path will find spiritual rest for his soul. He will live a life free from anxiety about the here and now and the hereafter as well.”*
South Side—lets be a church that is constantly looking back to the “old paths”! Lets be a church that is continually devoted to the Apostles’ teaching! Lets be a church that is restoring New Testament Christianity, always seeking the “old paths”! The Bible is our source of absolute authority—for the things we do in the church building and for our lives!
Have you ever felt all alone in this endeavor? Don’t feel bad, even Jeremiah was told that the people would not walk in the old paths! So, if sometimes you have this feeling—keep pressing on! For as we do, we ensure salvation for ourselves and for those we lead to Christ.
*Bible Study Textbook Series: Jeremiah and Lamentations, Dr. James Smith, College Press, 1972, p. 214.
The first reason was Jeremiah 20:9—But if I say, “I will not remember Him or speak anymore in His name”, Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire shut up in my bones; And I am weary of holding it in, And I cannot endure it. As a future evangelist in the mid 1980’s, this verse of Jeremiah became like a theme verse as I prepared to go out and preach the Gospel. Nothing could shut me up because the message was like a fire in my bones—I was weary of holding it in! Wouldn’t that be a great attitude for all Christians about sharing the Gospel?
The second reason was Jeremiah 6:16—Thus says the LORD, "Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ As I continued to be taught about the foundations of the faith at FCC, this verse was a constant reminder to go back to the “ancient paths”! If you will—go back and restore the New Testament Church! Go back to the “old paths” - the New Testament!
Too often in the New Testament church, we are more concerned about “new things” than we are the ancient order of things.
I remember being in Nazareth at the church building built overtop of the traditional home of Jesus. The guide was very proud of the building and as he lead us through the courtyard, he pointed out the new baptistery the church had put in. As the 40 or so Church of Christ members looked over, all we saw was what looked like a bird bath. It was obviously a place to sprinkle or pour water onto someone. As we continued on our tour into the ancient ruins underneath the modern church—we came upon something that looked like an ancient hot tub. It was obvious to us that it was an ancient baptistery used to immerse. We asked the guide what that was and he answered, “That was the ancient way of baptizing people”.
Wow! The old paths! The ancient ways! The old Jerusalem Gospel and the old ship Zion! What has happened to preaching and teaching of the Old stuff—just some good old fashioned Gospel preaching?
While at FCC I also was privileged to study under Dr. James Smith. “Doc Smith” as we called him (or “Doc”), is a great preacher and teacher of the ancient paths. He is also a great scholar. Doc Smith wrote the whole Old Testament commentary set for College Press. He also wrote a couple of those Bible Study Textbook Series Commentaries. In his one on “Jeremiah and Lamentations” he writes, “True reformers are not those who are advocating new things but those who give due weight to old truths. The person who walks the old path will find spiritual rest for his soul. He will live a life free from anxiety about the here and now and the hereafter as well.”*
South Side—lets be a church that is constantly looking back to the “old paths”! Lets be a church that is continually devoted to the Apostles’ teaching! Lets be a church that is restoring New Testament Christianity, always seeking the “old paths”! The Bible is our source of absolute authority—for the things we do in the church building and for our lives!
Have you ever felt all alone in this endeavor? Don’t feel bad, even Jeremiah was told that the people would not walk in the old paths! So, if sometimes you have this feeling—keep pressing on! For as we do, we ensure salvation for ourselves and for those we lead to Christ.
*Bible Study Textbook Series: Jeremiah and Lamentations, Dr. James Smith, College Press, 1972, p. 214.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Gospel in a Nutshell
My Mom loved to go to a restaurant where we could throw the nutshells on the floor. As you walk in, there was a big barrel of peanuts and you could fill up your pail and take it to the table with you. One of her last birthdays we celebrated together before her death, we went to one of these restaurants. Every time I go to a restaurant today where you can do this (which isn’t very often), I am reminded of different passages of Scripture referred to as the “Gospel in a nutshell”. Usually what is meant by that, is the Gospel is presented in a clear, concise package.
One such text is I Corinthians 15:1-8:
Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also.
To summarize the Gospel from this passage:
* Jesus died, according to Scripture
* Jesus was buried
* Jesus rose from the grave, according to Scriptures
* All this was confirmed by eyewitness testimony
That puts the Gospel in a very clear, concise manner. If you will, the “Gospel in a nutshell”. If we believe that a person must start with hearing the Gospel—this would be at least a good place to start.
I remember hearing Ed Bousman speak of an experience he had one time at a meeting in Cincinnati of some big denominational preacher. As he described the sermon, he said it was one of the best sermons on the blood of Christ that he had heard. He continued on, though and said that the only problem with it was (and this is a BIG problem), the preacher didn’t tell us how to apply that blood. So I Corinthians 15 may lay out the groundwork for sharing the Gospel, but how do I apply it to my life?
One other passage I like to think is the “Gospel in a nutshell” is Acts 8:35:
Then Phillip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture (Isaiah 53) he preached Jesus to him.
Now you ask, where is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus in that passage! You would have to open up your Old Testaments to Isaiah 53 to find out about the death of Jesus—that is what the Ethiopian was reading. But Luke, the author of the book of Acts, summarizes the Gospel in the translated phrase “he preached Jesus to him”. “Preaching Jesus” is pretty concise and to the point. But what did it mean?
* To “preach Jesus”, is to share Jesus!
* To “preach Jesus” is to share His death!
* To “preach Jesus” is to share His burial!
* To “preach Jesus” is to share His resurrection!
* To “preach Jesus” is to share His love!
* To “preach Jesus” is to share His grace!
* To “preach Jesus” is to share how to apply this whole event to our lives.
All one has to do is to look at the very next verse in Acts 8 and you will find one of the things that “preaching Jesus” included:
As they traveled along the road they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?”
(Acts 8:36)
How did the Ethiopian Eunuch know he needed to be immersed UNLESS the preaching of Jesus included it? Now I challenge you to go back through the other conversion accounts in the book of Acts and see what sharing Jesus meant! Read through sermons! You will find the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. But you will also find the need for the non-Christian to believe this Gospel and to apply it to his or her life by repenting of sin, confessing Christ, being immersed into Christ for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit, and then continued faithful living!
Lets all learn the “Gospel in a nutshell”. And then lets all “preach Jesus” - share our faith in Christ!
Your evangelist,
Kevin
One such text is I Corinthians 15:1-8:
Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also.
To summarize the Gospel from this passage:
* Jesus died, according to Scripture
* Jesus was buried
* Jesus rose from the grave, according to Scriptures
* All this was confirmed by eyewitness testimony
That puts the Gospel in a very clear, concise manner. If you will, the “Gospel in a nutshell”. If we believe that a person must start with hearing the Gospel—this would be at least a good place to start.
I remember hearing Ed Bousman speak of an experience he had one time at a meeting in Cincinnati of some big denominational preacher. As he described the sermon, he said it was one of the best sermons on the blood of Christ that he had heard. He continued on, though and said that the only problem with it was (and this is a BIG problem), the preacher didn’t tell us how to apply that blood. So I Corinthians 15 may lay out the groundwork for sharing the Gospel, but how do I apply it to my life?
One other passage I like to think is the “Gospel in a nutshell” is Acts 8:35:
Then Phillip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture (Isaiah 53) he preached Jesus to him.
Now you ask, where is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus in that passage! You would have to open up your Old Testaments to Isaiah 53 to find out about the death of Jesus—that is what the Ethiopian was reading. But Luke, the author of the book of Acts, summarizes the Gospel in the translated phrase “he preached Jesus to him”. “Preaching Jesus” is pretty concise and to the point. But what did it mean?
* To “preach Jesus”, is to share Jesus!
* To “preach Jesus” is to share His death!
* To “preach Jesus” is to share His burial!
* To “preach Jesus” is to share His resurrection!
* To “preach Jesus” is to share His love!
* To “preach Jesus” is to share His grace!
* To “preach Jesus” is to share how to apply this whole event to our lives.
All one has to do is to look at the very next verse in Acts 8 and you will find one of the things that “preaching Jesus” included:
As they traveled along the road they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?”
(Acts 8:36)
How did the Ethiopian Eunuch know he needed to be immersed UNLESS the preaching of Jesus included it? Now I challenge you to go back through the other conversion accounts in the book of Acts and see what sharing Jesus meant! Read through sermons! You will find the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. But you will also find the need for the non-Christian to believe this Gospel and to apply it to his or her life by repenting of sin, confessing Christ, being immersed into Christ for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit, and then continued faithful living!
Lets all learn the “Gospel in a nutshell”. And then lets all “preach Jesus” - share our faith in Christ!
Your evangelist,
Kevin
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Lunar Eclipse
Tonight my family and I watched the lunar eclipse together. The picture shows our view right before it was completely covered. It was a beautiful, clear and cold night here in Illinois. The next full lunar eclipse does not occur until December 20, 2010.When I see events like this, it reminds me of our Great Creator God, who with His word. On the fourth day of creation the Bible says, "Then God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth"; and it was so.16 God made the two great lights, the greater light to govern the day, and the lesser light to govern the night; He made the stars also. God placed them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to govern the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness; and God saw that it was good. There was evening and there was morning, a fourth day" (Genesis 1:14-19).
Great is our Lord and worthy to be praised!
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