Instructions Included

Years ago, my father purchased for my mother a vacuum cleaner for a Christmas present. After all presents were opened, he then began putting it together. I read the instructions aloud to him, and he assembled as I read. Finally it read, "Plug in and power on vacuum." We did, but when my father went to grab the handle of the vacuum, he then realized he had assembled the handle upside down. For years, my mother used a vacuum that's handle looked up at her as she cleaned the floors. Needless to say, neither of us are your typical 'handy man.'
When my sister Rachel went to college, my father purchased her a small computer desk that he then asked me to assemble. Upon finishing, I stepped back and admired my handiwork. It was perfect, but I just couldn't figure out why the back of it had a wood stain look against the wall, but that under the desk was not finished and really stood out. It is still like that to this day...and oddly enough, so is the bookshelf in my office. You'd think someone would have caught this and corrected it.
Reality is, the instructions weren't wrong, we just got off track. We had all the right pieces, the right instructions, and the right tools; we had just made an error, and by the time we caught it, we didn't want to go back and fix it all.
They still worked just fine. Most never noticed. Had the designer come in and looked at his pieces, he surely would have pointed out the errors and demanded they be corrected, but that wasn't going to happen.....
For the next few weeks we will look at different areas about the local church. I truly desire the saints of God's counsel. Some of these areas I do not know that I have a concrete answer for, and I will argue both sides. I just feel that many Baptist Churches have become so set in their ways, that they have possibly grown accustomed to errors and do not see them as such. The right pieces are there, the right Instructions are there, and the right Tools are available; but perhaps we have made a few errors that if we were to correct them would demand a lot of work and rebuilding. Not that the church is not working just fine, and most do not even notice; but should THE DESIGNER look over the church, surely he would point out the errors and demand they be corrected. But, that isn't going to happen...or then again-actually He is!

Send the Rain

On Sunday, January 10th, the Lord directed me to preach on "What is salvation." In that sermon, I shared a Biblical teaching of what salvation is and how that many are unsure of their salvation due to the fact that they are going through the motions, counting on a work (prayer), and not truly believing (entrusting) their soul with Christ's finished work on the cross. That night, to the glory of God, nine church members were saved (including my son!).
All week, while rejoicing in what Christ had done, I was so burdened. I felt the Lord was working on other hearts and that the sudden downpour of His moving last Sunday was not done yet. All week I thought of Elijah and Ahab and the great revival that took place in that day. I kept praying and meditating on the 1 Kings 18:1,where our Lord said: "I will send the rain..."
This past Sunday the Lord directed me to preach on our second question of the year, "How to Lead Someone To Christ." We examined again what the Bible says about the subject. Before the song service had begun though, there were folks getting saved. By the time the service had closed, there were another 7 saved! Each sharing with the church of their struggles in assurance of salvation and how that our Lord had been convicting them all week. To the glory of God, seven more church members were saved Sunday night. Thus far we have seen 16 saved and the waters of baptism stirred.
We have begun this month a discipleship ministry at our church like never before. I challenged our people to either be a discipler or be discipled. We have many discipleship classes going on. I met with our leaders for this ministry last Sunday night after church. I told them, "God has been moving in hearts in a mighty way. People are getting saved, and it is not because of an tear jerking illustration a preacher gave, not because of an emotional tug with music, but rather a factual preaching of the Truth that led them away from a lack of knowledge."
We have so muddied up the waters of doctrines with our philosophies and man made traditions in our Baptist churches that we have become ignorant to some basic Truths in God's Word.
Hosea 4:6 reads,

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

I truly believe with all my heart that we have become so ingrained with our traditions that we are being destroyed. We come to church, we sing our three hymns, we take our offering, we have a special singer, somebody preaches and we go home. Folks don't turn to Scriptures, many don't even bring their Bibles anymore. We do things because we always have done it that way. A generation ago, this didn't mean problems, but a generation that does things with out the understanding and knowledge of why they are doing it, will lead to error and a falling away from the Truth in their children (Hos. 4:6).
Now our churches are filled with 'Baptist' who do not know why they are Baptist and at a growing rate are going to other denominations. Our churches are lining up with the Fundamentalist (though not evil) they are not Baptist! Our churches are accepting the world's philosophies on dating-letting the world's music in their churches-dress standards are falling-immorality is running rampant in churches and pastors are too afraid of being judgmental in it all.
The problem is not false teaching in our churches, it is weak preaching. Powerful preaching is not volume, emotions, and great stories...it's expository, contextual, Truth preaching! You'll probably not be invited to preach at the big conferences, you'll not have the interdenominational crowds speaking highly of you, you'll not get to be featured in this month's magazine...but you will have maturity, strength, and a realness like never before.
As a pastor, it is not my duty to be the 'pope' to my people...that when they have a question or need to know how to live they ask me; rather, it is my duty to teach them that they know how to live, why they are living that way, and able to teach their children and others the same things. That is what we read of in our New Testament. The saints searched the Scriptures daily. The saints were discipling. God's work was being accomplished.
Pastors, ask your members to teach the Truths of God's Word. How are we saved? How do I lead someone to the Lord? Why are we baptized? Why are we Baptist? Name our Baptist forefathers? Are we eternally saved? What is Hell like?...and don't listen for your sermons, illustrations, and intellect-but do they have Scripture? If we do not equip our people with Scripture-understanding, wisdom, and knowledge-as to what we are to do, how to do it, and why we are doing it; our people will be destroyed for a lack of knowledge. There is a famine in our land, as Amos 8:11 reads

not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:

O Lord, Send the Rain!

Some Fruit from our Study

Proverbs 11:30 reads, "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise." This study our Lord has led me through culminated in a message last night on "Salvation." You can listen to the message in its entirety here: http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonID=111101150148
After sharing the Truth of the Gospel afresh, explaining the Token of our salvation, refuting man's confidence in a prayer, the Lord began a mighty work!
When the invitation began, few began to move. The Lord was greatly burdening my heart, and I turned to the chair behind me and knelt and prayed to our Lord.

Please Father, speak to one. Let that one struggling tonight find assurance and know that they are saved. Please Father, for if that one were to surrender, I believe others may follow...

After the 'amen' I turned still on my knees to see a young man with tears running down his cheeks. He looked up at me and said, "Dad, I want to get saved." Joy flooded my soul! My son, Alex, was broken hearted and desiring salvation. I took him through Scriptures I had shared in the message and ask him, "Son, how does the Bible say that one is saved?" He replied, "By believing in Christ and his sacrfice on the cross for us." After going through some Scriptures and the Gospel story once more I said, "Son, do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and His work upon the cross for you?" "Yes sir, I believe." "According to Scriptures, what is promised to those that believe?" I ask. "Eternal life. Dad, I believe, and I'm saved now!" Amen!
We spoke of repentance, we shared other verses, and last night my son was saved by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ as His personal Saviour. I then prayed with him a prayer of thanksgiving and we thanked our Lord for Alex's salvation.
I prayed for one, and God answered that prayer in a greater way than I ever imagined.
But if you remember my prayer..."If that one were to surrender, I believe others may follow." After sharing Alex's decision with the church, soon a young college age lady who has grown up in our church walked the aisle and came to me and said, "I have been struggling for years with my salvation, but now I believe!" She too was saved last night. Soon her sister, a junior in high school came forward weeping. She told the church, "I too have been struggling with assurance and have been looking to a prayer as my salvation, tonight I choose to believe. I now have peace!"
Well, as one could imagine, things were getting quite exciting in that service, but God sure wasn't done yet. Just a few minutes later, those two young ladies father, our church clerk, member for nearly 30 years of our church came down the aisle weeping. "pastor, I have been struggling for years, compromising with God, looking to my prayer with no peace, but tonight I believe in Christ and God saved my soul."
Amen!!!!
Then a 18 year old young lady, then a 8 year old girl, then a wife and mother....all found assurance last night after years of struggling. Not in a prayer, but in the work of Christ upon a cross.
Soon on the platform stood my brother in law, Jr. Church director these past 4 years. He grabbed my neck and said, "Thank you for preaching the truth, I have been struggling for years, but tonight choose to believe and I now know I am saved."
A service started at 6:30 that night, we sang about 20 minutes of hymns that dealt with salvation; then after a 91 minute sermon, hour long invitation, and a few verses of "To God Be the Glory," we dismissed...only after seeing 9 saved, hearts broken, burdens shared, and a fresh excitement for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
These words do not give justice as to what God did for us last night...and please let me underline and highlight "What God did for us"
We gave Him all the glory! We raised our hands in honor of Him last night. He did the work nearly 2,000 years ago,and praise God He is still working on hearts!
And I really don't believe He is done yet!

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. I John 5:13

Romans 10-Salvation

Ok, so I took the holidays off. It was nice and refreshing! I hope everyone enjoyed a very Merry Christmas and are experiencing a Happy New Year. Now, back to our subject. We have examined thus far that we are saved by grace through faith and that it is not of works. This of course includes church attendance, giving, baptism, and even saying a prayer. Prayer is a fruit of our salvation not a means to salvation.
We then examined the 'sinner's prayer' and the history of it. Historically speaking, it is a relatively new doctrine, begun by those who needed a means for mass evangelism in a quick moment. Again, isn't that a work? The "1-2-3- repeat after me" has caused such detriment to the cause of Christ.
So, we now go to the book of Romans. What a magnificient book of the Bible. Nearly every major doctrine can be found and taught in the book of Romans...including salvation.
If you grew up in a Baptist church as I did, you were taught at a very young age, the Roman's Road. You, like me, had it highlighted in your Bibles, memorized, and accessible at any moment. Romans 3:23, 6:23; 5:8; 10:13; and 10:9. We would 'seal the deal' by getting someone to pray that prayer. I mean, Romans 10:13 does read, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:9 reads, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." So, we tell the guy that said he was going to Heaven because he was a good person and was baptized as a child, that he is wrong...works can't get you to Heaven. Then we tell him how he is a sinner, Christ died for him, and that he needs to pray and do a different work to get to Heaven? Seemingly, God contradicted Himself in this passage, right? Absolutely NOT! Our God never contradicts Himself and He has been and will always be without error. So, what does this passage mean?
We begin in Romans 10:1 where we read,

Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

Paul is writing specifically here about Israel's salvation, not the Gentiles. (Yes, we all are saved the same way...be patient). Paul then uses an Old Testament illustration that the Jews would understand. God had given them His commandments, and when they disobeyed them, there were consequences. They could never claim ignorance. Deuteronomy 30:11-14 reads,

For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off.
It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?
Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?
But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

Paul is addressing these verses to the Jews in Romans 10:4-8,

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach

Now, I hope one can see that Paul is not saying that the Word has to be in your mouth as to some kind of prayer they must say, rather he is using Deuteronomy to point out to them just what God pointed out to them in Deuteronomy; that the Word is familiar to them. They have no excuse. It has been laid out clearly, they must believe it and apply it! Israel knew the law, they knew the prophecies, they knew the promises, they knew Jesus, they saw Him die, they heard and saw and empty tomb that He had risen, the Word was nigh unto them...they had to believe!
They knew He had died, but to acknowledge and believe that He had risen would be a recognizing that He was their sacrifice for their sins...the Lamb of God that once for all took away their sins.
That brings us to verse 9, that if they should 'confess with thy mouth' or homologeo-to agree, conceded, not denythe Lord Jesus (that yes, He did die and He is the Son of God our sacrifice) and believe or pestyuo-to entrust and place your confidence it that God did raise Him from the dead-therefore recognizing him as the sacrifice for their sins-they were saved! The truth was 'nigh them', right with them, they could not claim ignorance, they had to believe!
We have made the focus of these verses the mouth and heart, while Paul's focus was on Jesus and His death, burial and resurrection. Throughout the Bible, God uses the body to illustrate an action of inward spiritual man. One who holds that one MUST use their mouth to confess to be saved must then also say that one MUST see the Lord with their eyes, for John 6:40 reads, "...everyone which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life:" We know this isn't possible, but is an illustration that we must with the inward man look to the Lord as our way of salvation. So, Romans 10:10 and 13, we do not have to physically confess or call physically for salvation, but inwardly with the spiritual man believe in Christ atoneing death.
Now, let me say, that I don't believe it is wrong to pray when getting saved. Prayer is a fruit of salvation. I just believe we as Baptist have focused and made the prayer the means of salvation. We twist and push someone to say some prayer and when they doubt we ask them if they ever called upon the Lord.
I am not saved because I prayed, but I pray because I am saved. Reality is, Matt. 7:21 reads, "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven;" A Physical prayer and calling on the Lord will not get you to heaven.
We call because we are saved, we can't call until after we have believed, we can't believe until we have not heard, we can't hear without a preacher, there is no preacher unless they are sent...Romans 10:13-15.
To hold the mouth as a literal physical action condemns all mute people. There is a man in our church named David who has never been able to talk, but praise the Lord 8 years ago he put his faith in Christ Jesus and he is saved!
I leave you with an illustration I read on another's web page. In John 9, Jesus heals a blind man by spitting on the ground and annointing his eyes. When the Pharisees saw and heard his story, they cast him out. Jesus heard that they had cast him out and found him and said, "Dost thou believe on the Son of God?" (Vs. 35). His answer was, "Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? " Jesus said, "Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee." Jesus told him that the Son of God was someone he already knew, seen, and had heard physically, but that he needed to see Him for who He truly was spiritually, hear him as to Who He is spiritually, and know HIm as He should be knows spiritually. He did just that and said, "Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him."
In Romans 10, Israel had seen him, they had talked to Him, they had heard Him...He was nigh them, but they had not spiritually believed in Him.
My goal is not to cause confusion, but quite the opposite. I deal with so many who doubt their salvation saying, "I don't know if I meant it." I am tired of convincing people to say a prayer, but never see them darken the door of a church or display any fruits of repentance.
We have made our token of salvation a work-our prayer; when it must be His Work! Our assurance must be based upon something He has done, not something we have done. Those who continue doubting their salvation get so frustrated. They are asked if they have done this or that, and their resonse is "I have...I have..I have..but, still no peace." Those that continually doubt is due to the fact that they are counting on what they have done with their mouth instead of what Christ has done for them on a cross.
"Dost thou believe on the Son of God?" (John 9:35).

The Sinner's Prayer

As our good futuristic friend Spock might say, "Fascinating...very fascinating." This is how I feel after researching our topic more, especially this area of "the sinner's prayer." What is meant by 'the sinner's prayer?' Something like this:

Heavenly Father, I know that I have sinned against you and that my sins separate me from you. I am truly sorry. I now want to turn away from my sinful past and turn to you for forgiveness. Please forgive me. I believe that your Son, Jesus Christ, died for my sins, that He was raised from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become my Savior and the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. I pledge to grow in grace and knowledge of you. My greatest purpose in life is to follow your example and do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen

Or something like that.
One can do a search on the history of the sinner's prayer and find a plethora of information. Here is what I have found.
First, as examined last week, we are saved by grace through faith and not of any work on our own. So does this include 'the sinner's prayer?' I believe in my response to one of the comments last week, I expressed my thoughts more clear in this statement:

Many believe they are saved because they prayed,when the reality is that they prayed because they are saved.

For instance, yesterday, to God be the glory, a soul was saved at our church. The person had made a profession of faith a few years ago, but had been struggling with doubt. Their words when being dealt with was, "I don't know if I am saved, I said the prayer, but I don't know if I meant it." Another perfect example of what I am burdened about. Their salvation was based upon THEIR PRAYER and THEIR WORK. This has caused so much doubt amongst Christians today.
So, what about that prayer? Where did it start? Well, as we should with any topic, we will begin by searching our Bibles. Unfortunately, there is not a 'sinner's prayer' to be found. Throughout the history of the early church, there was no use of the 'Sinner's prayer.' Finney and the Methodist began using a 'mourner's bench' and 'anxious bench.' They began what we call 'altar calls.' They would use soft music, dim lights, and spiritual coaxing (because apparently the Holy Spirit needed help) to convince people to come forward and deal with God. We then arrive to the 20th Century and our 'Billys'. Billy Sunday, Billy Graham, and Billy Bright (Campus Crusades). Because of the style of their meetings and need to 'hurry' through their invitations, their use of the 'sinner's prayer' became popular.
This sinner's prayer was accepted by Baptist and put into action. From there the 'easy believism' was naturally spawned. There is a great division amongst Baptist today over 'easy believism.' The reality is, perhaps both sides are in some error for the debate is centered on the sinner's prayer and abuse ot it. Perhaps it shouldn't be used at all.
Thus we learn that the sinner's prayer is not a 'foundational doctrine,' but in reality a young man made device. Turn on your T.V's (if you have one) or radios and listen to the modern 'Gospel Preaching Preacher.' Probably the program will end with an invitation to say some prayer and be saved. While I am NOT saying that folks that said 'the prayer' are not saved, I am saying that many have a false hope because of it and/or struggle with doubting their salvation because of it.
I have grown up and today pastor an Independent Baptist Church. I have gone soul winning since I was weeks old (didn't participate a lot, but I was there). I have attended Trinity Baptist Church (Jacksonville-in the late 70's), People's Baptist Church, Temple Baptist Church (Dayton, Ohio, Pastor Flemming), Alapata Baptist Church (Miami, FL), Moraine Heights Baptist Church (Dayton, OH), Fairhaven Baptist Church (Chesterton, IN), and Cozaddale Baptist where I currently pastor. I have seen literally 1,000's saved on soul winning visitation through the outreaches of these churches. I have gotten on the bus after visiting a couple hours and heard shared all the numbers of 'souls saved.' Five on Tuesday night, 10 one Saturday morning, etc...then you go back and visit those homes and there is not one intention in that 'convert' to ever darken a church door. They are visited a few weeks and then disappear.
To what did we attach our confidence in their 'decision?' To be honest, the only ones we 'counted' were those that did what? Prayed! That's how we 'sealed the deal.' Now again, I am not saying that none of those were saved. I am not saying that Billy Sunday never saw a convert. I am not saying that Billy Graham never saw a convert. What I am saying is that just because there is some success doesn't mean it is right. One must look at the harm it is causing on the other side.
So many are basing their salvation on their prayer. We don't feel someone is saved unless they pray. People then look back to their prayer as 'the token' of their salvation. This is wrong.
What is our token of our salvation? It is the blood of Christ! When I want to look back on to what my salvation is based, it is the blood of Christ. Anything else will lead to doubt because it is my work.
That convert that was saved yesterday, after saying, "I said the prayer, but don't know if I meant it," was determined to 'repray' and be saved. Praise the Lord for this study. Months ago, we would have quoted Romans 10:9-13 and told her to pray (please be patient for Romans 10 explanation-it's coming next week), but we did not do this. We started at the beginning with Adam and Eve and sin and the lamb sacrifice. We spoke of the Passover and the blood that brought salvation. We went to the New Testament and read Scripture of Christ's death, His promises, and His Resurrection. We read verses such as John 3:15-18, 36; John 5:24; John 6:35; John 6:47; John 11:25; Acts 16:30-31....Believe!
With tears in her eyes, she saw it. It was not her work that saved her, but her belief in Christ and His atonement. Her token was no longer her prayer, but His Blood, death and resurrection. It was not a work she had done, but His mercy He saved her! "I don't doubt anymore." Oh that others could find this peace!

FOR BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH!....+ a work?

There are times when I sit to type on topics such as this one, that I feel like shutting down the computer and not even starting, or to start with an apology to all of those who have such a wonderful gift of expressing truth in eloquent words. 'I ain't that way.' Mine will not use such voluminous vernacular, but simpler words from the heart.
We begin a study today on the topic of salvation, or how one obtains salvation. I am Baptist! I am unashamedly Baptist! I become more Baptist with every sermon I study! Being a Baptist, I believe in salvation by grace through faith! I believe salvation is a gift of God! I believe that salvation is obtained not of ourselves, not of works! (Eph. 2:8-9, Titus 3:5) I believe that even the faith that saves me is not mine own, but a faith of God that He gives to me (Eph. 2:8). In other words, I believe that all my good works are filth in the sight of God (Is. 64:6), and that I at my best, fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). No baptism, church attendance, sacrifice, or good deed can earn my way to Heaven. It is totally by His grace and faith! I believe this salvation is free to each and everyone as He died for the sins of the world (John 3:16) and is not willing that ANY should perish (2 Peter 3:9). I also believe that every good Baptist has 'Amened' every word I have typed and we all in one 'baptiminical' voice cry out

"FOR BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH AND THAT NOT OF OURSELVES, IT IS A GIFT OF GOD. NOT OF WORKS!"

But it is then, I pick up one of our many tracts such as this one and read the back after our Gospel message is shared only to read, "If you will accept Christ as your Lord and Saviour, please pray this prayer with all your heart..."
Did we just add a work? Did we just put a standard by which to accomplish this work? Do we not 'assure' people of their salvation by pointing back to this work in saying, "Well, was there a time when you prayed and asked the Lord to save you?" Have we inadvertently added a work and as a consequence confused and robbed people of their assurance or (may God forbid) robbed people of their salvation?

A Church in Action V

We conclude our look at a church in action from Acts chapter 2. Here we see an example of what a church should be today. The beginning of the church, the role of the church, the reason for the church, ordinances of the church, and authority of the church is so discomposed today. There is only one type of church, a local visible one. It is these churches that the Lord loves and gave Himself for, gave His authority to, commissioned, and cherishes and nurtures. Therefore, the church has a great responsibility of which we must take seriously.
We have seen thus far that the early church was....
1. A Place of strong preaching (vs. 22-28)
2. A Place of conviction (vs. 37)
3. A Place of proper leadership (vs. 38)
4. A Place for the strengthening and protection of families (vs. 39)
5. A Place for Godly living (vs. 40)
6. A Place of growth (vs. 41)
7. A Place of proper doctrine and teaching (vs. 42)
8. A Place for Fellowship (42)
9. A Place of Prayer (vs. 42)
10. A Place for fear and discipline (vs. 43)
11. A Place of miracles (vs. 43)
12. A Place of unity (vs. 44)
We will conclude our study by seeing five more aspects of the early church.
13. A Place of sacrifice (vs. 45) Here we read how that the early church 'sold their possessions and goods and parted them to all men as every man had need.' This verse does not demand communism or socialism (sorry President Obama fans), but rather suggests that the church should be a body that will sacrifice what ever it can to provide and care for the brethren. All we have belongs to God, therefore, if there is a need in the church that we could help provide for, we should set out to meet it. They sold their land, their possessions, their goods, in order to put food and clothing on one another's back. In this country we have been spoiled with much, but it is not too far fetched to for see a day soon when we may be called upon to do the same. Look at your church with me. There are some who own land not used, cars undriven, clothes unworn, cable television brought in, boats at dock, and more...will we be willing to part with them for that one sitting in the pew who has been unemployed for 2 years? Will we be willing to sacrifice? Most churches are feeling the affects of our current recession in their tithes and offerings. Will the typical member be willing to cancel their Internet and cable to make sure the pastor and church needs are met? Stay tuned....
14. A place of Joy (vs. 46) They ate and fellowshipped "with gladness and singleness of heart." Every pastor prays for this spirit in their church each week. We have already seen the need for unity and fellowship, but there should be with these a great joy. For too many, the church represents hurt, bitterness, betrayal, criticism, and division; when there should be a joy associated with one's local church. Now if that bitterness or hurt is because of one's sin and the church taking the proper stand, then the trespasser needs to blame themselves for their ill feelings. But far too many church's business meetings, services, and fellowships end up in divisions, fightings, and over criticism. Oh that we knew joy!
15. A Place for Praising God (vs. 47) The early church Praised God! That was their purpose, their motivation, their joy, their objective, their goal, their satisfaction. Oh that every member of every body dedicated and purposed themselves to praising God. There is too much man praising, ministry praising, and talent praising in our churches today. The day Cozaddale Baptist Temple greets me in a service to a standing ovation is the day that I should resign. We do not praise men, we praise God. Our churches are not about size, oratory skills, amounts of ministries, or drama or music entertainment...it is about praising God!
16. A Place that has favour with the community (vs. 47) Now obviously, a church preaching against sin, sharing the Gospel, and living separated lives will be offensive to some. But by this, I believe what is meant is that the members of this church were outstanding citizens in their communities. At work, they were the best employees. At the market, they were the honest ones. At the civic meetings, their words were respected. At the park, they were trusted. Integrity, character, patriotism, a work ethic, were all expected as the normal from folks from this church. Our churches ought to have great testimonies to the community.
17. A Place where souls were saved (vs. 47) The text reads that "the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." Where these 17 attributes are being practiced, I believe the Lord will bless those churches with souls saved consistently. We 'amen' the fact that God will not ever put on us what we can not handle, then we wonder why souls are never saved. Could it be that our churches can't handle such responsibility? Our churches are not proper? Understand, by 'church' I do not refer to any other denomination but New Testament Baptist. Our churches are losing ground, our churches are growing dead, our churches are impotent, our churches are becoming flesh pleasing instead of Spirit pleasing...why? We have gotten far away from what a church truly is to be.
May we think on these things.