By Bob Jackson
“He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” Proverbs 13:24
We are living in a day when we hear much about child abuse. The media, which majors on the negative of everything, gives us much information about this sad subject. It appears to be a national problem. We are told that this activity occurs in a large percentage of homes in this country. We certainly do not mean to minimize this problem and say that it is not an important one. It is sad and ungodly whenever and wherever it occurs. There must have always been parents who were truly abusive, perhaps not to the extent that it is occurring today, however. One day the government may come up with THE SOLUTION; the government itself will be made the responsible authority of all of the children.
A number of years ago, there was a real push to get the U.S. Senate to ratify the U.N. Treaty for the Children. That treaty, if approved, would take the right of authority over children from the parents and give it to the government. If the wrong people ever become in control of our U.S. Senate, there will be another push to get this treaty ratified. God help Christian parents if this action ever occurs in this country.
In this message, we want to look into the manual for parents and children to see what is said about the subject of child abuse. However, we do not intend to deal with physical child abuse, but with two other types of child abuse that is taking place in far too many homes and families. Of course, the manual to which we refer for our guidance is the Word of God, the Bible.
Social Abuse
The first type of child abuse that we wish to consider is social abuse. We base this point on the text verse, Proverbs 13:24. This verse shows us the necessity of discipline in the life of a child. Discipline is primarily the responsibility of the parents, Ephesians 6:1,4; Colossians 3:20. Of course, when children are placed in the care of another person, there should be some delegated authority to discipline the child if needed. Failure to discipline our children is truly social abuse of the children. “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” Proverbs 22:15. All children possess a natural foolishness, which must be removed from them before they reach adulthood. Surely the sooner this removal of foolishness occurs the better. According to our text verse, genuine love requires punishment for wrongdoing, Proverbs 13:24. That verse tells us that when we spare the rod, we actually hate our child. God the Father gives us the example of perfect love, and the Bible tells us that He chastens EVERY SON whom he receives, Hebrews 12:6. Our text verse tells us that the parent who loves his child will chasten him “betimes.” That word is not a word that we use in our everyday language. If we compare 2 Chronicles 36:15 to Jeremiah 7:13, we can see the word “betimes” is replaced by the word “early.” This shows us the meaning of this word “betimes;” it means early. Children need to be disciplined early, before they develop a stubborn will that is never broken. Godliness is not inherited; it must be taught and demonstrated to our children, Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 29:15, “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.” Foolishness in the hearts of children must be replaced by respect for God and for right, Proverbs 20:30.
When parents are delinquent in discipline, a problem for society too often is the result, Proverbs 29:15,17; 23:13. The Bible uses the term “beatest” in Proverbs 23 , but God is not recommending abusive behavior against the child. God is telling us that corporal punishment, spanking is the type of discipline that is needed many times in the life of a child. When parents fail to discipline their children, too often society is then forced to deal with someone who has no respect for authority, Hebrews 12:9; Psalm 10:4–6,13; 12:4. There seems to be an epidemic of rebellion in the American society today. Lost people have always been rebellious against God, and rebellion is a part of the fallen nature of man. However, God shows us that disciplining children helps to control this rebellious spirit which naturally lives within human beings. An undisciplined child that is forced on society causes society to try to discipline a person who has never been taught discipline in his home at an early age as God intended. We keep building new and larger jails and prisons. Yes, the population of our country is increasing, but the problem of people who have never been disciplined in their homes is increasing as well. Another problem with which society has to deal as a result of these undisciplined people is having to support too many of this type of people. An undisciplined child is never taught his own personal responsibility and accountability, and this causes society to have to support this kind of people far too often, 2 Thessalonians 3:10.
Spiritual Abuse
There is a second type of child abuse we want to consider in this message, and that is spiritual abuse of children, Proverbs 23:14, “Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.” This verse teaches us that proper discipline in a child’s life teaches that child respect for authority, and respect for authority prepares a person to submit to God. Man’s pride tells him that he does not need to surrender to God to be acceptable for heaven, that he can accomplish whatever is needed on his own merits, Romans 10:1–3. God states many times in His Word that the goodness of man will NEVER be enough to make us acceptable with God, Isaiah 64:6; Romans 10:1–3. God alone has provided the only acceptable means to make us right with Himself and acceptable for heaven, Romans 10:4–10; 1 John 5:11,12. When we discipline our children for wrongdoing, we are teaching them respect for authority. By doing this, we are pointing children to their only spiritual hope, which is to submit to God and believe on Christ with all their heart, Proverbs 23:13,14 . What a contrast we see between Psalm 12:4 and Romans 10;9–13. “Who is lord over us?” in contrast to “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Proper discipline points a child in the direction of submitting to God.
Another very important part of the spiritual training that children receive is the example that we, as parents, grandparents, etc. set before them. We are, in reality, recommending our lifestyle through our example before our children, Proverbs 22:6. When we make the things of God last on our list of priorities before our children, then this is a form of spiritual abuse of our children, Matthew 6:33. When we concentrate on the Word of God seldom, if ever, we are training our children to follow that practice, Ephesians 6:4; 2 Timothy 2:15. When we consult God in prayer as a last resort, we are training our children to follow that practice, Luke 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17. When we attend church only at our own convenience (everything else is more important), we are training our children to follow that practice, Hebrews 10:25; 1 Corinthians 15:58. When we communicate the Word of God to the lost and to the backslider only when we are forced to do so, we are training our children to follow that practice, Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8. When we hold back the consecrated portion of our increase for our own use (fail to tithe and give offerings to God), we are training our children to follow that practice, Proverbs 3:9,10; Leviticus 27:30. Remember the true statement that what the parents practice in moderation, the children will do in excess. When we follow all of these above-mentioned practices, it will mean that our children will feel comfortable doing as little as possible for the Lord, Proverbs 22:6. This is truly spiritual abuse of our children. What kind of Christians are we raising for God in the next generation?
Failing to follow the clear instructions in the Bible in raising our children will cause us to commit child abuse against our children.
By E. L. Bynum
The liberal apostates never fail to produce a continuous supply of religious baloney and falsehood. The modern day news media always stands ready to deliver the baloney to the gullible minds of a waiting public. Modernistic scholars (?) produce a steady stream of falsehoods which their willing accomplices in newspapers, magazines, radio, and television pass on to the unknowing public. The streams of error are so vast that it is almost impossible to answer it, and get it out to the public. We try to do as much as we can through the pages of the Plains Baptist Challenger . We will now give two recent examples of what we are talking about. Both of these Associated Press articles appeared on the same page in the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal on April 7, 2006. The first dealt with the supposed “Gospel of Judas,” and the second gives us the amazing theory that Jesus never walked on water but that he really walked on the frozen ice on the sea of Galilee.
The Gospel of Judas
The Gospel of Judas (so-called) is based on some ancient documents found in the Egyptian desert in 1970. The Gospel of Judas was first mentioned by Irenaeus in 180 A.D., and he denounced it as heresy because it differed from mainstream Christianity.
Elaine Pagels a professor of religion at Princeton University, “the people who loved, circulated and wrote down these gospels did not think they were heretics.” Of course you can always find a modernist professor from Princeton or some other liberal school that will say nice things about heretics. I will refrain from quoting other professors at other schools that give credence to this false gospel.
What Is the Truth of the Matter?
1. The Gospel of Judas was written long after the death of Judas.
2. It contradicts what the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and the rest of the New Testament have to say.
3. It was written by Gnostics who were heretics and recognized as such by all sound preachers of that era, and it is so down unto the present day.
4. It advances the idea that Judas was sent from God to deliver Jesus from His earthly body.
5. Judas was never a saved man and when he died he went to his own place in hell. Jesus called him the son of perdition . “While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition ; that the scripture might be fulfilled” (John 17:12). He also said that Judas was a devil . “Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil ?” (John 6:70).
Peter tells us about Judas. “Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take” (Acts 1:16–20).
6. He was a thief and stole from the bag. “Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein” (John 12:4–6).
Please note this quote by R. Albert Mohler Jr.
The Gnostic character of the text is immediately evident. In his supposed conversations with Judas, Jesus speaks in Gnostic categories such as “aeons” and an “eternal realm.” Judas is identified as the “thirteenth spirit” who was appointed by God to be the agent of releasing Jesus from the physical body in which He was trapped in the incarnation.
When Judas speaks of a vision and asks for its interpretation, Jesus answers: “Judas, your star has led you astray.” Jesus continues: “No person of mortal birth is worthy to enter the house you have seen, for that place is reserved for the holy. Neither the sun nor the moon will rule there, nor the day, but the holy will abide there always, in the eternal realm with the holy angels. Look, I have explained to you the mysteries of the kingdom and I have taught you about the error of the stars; and . . . sent it . . . on the twelve aeons.” End of quote . (Mohler is president of Southern Seminary, Louisville, KY).
The Gospel of Judas is a false gospel written by Gnostic heretics and should be utterly rejected by all Bible believers.
Did Jesus Walk on Water or Ice?
“TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) —Jesus walked on water, according to the Bible, but a Florida State University professor says he may have actually walked on a hard-to-see patch of ice. Doron Nof, a professor of oceanography, said a rare combination of water and atmospheric conditions in the Sea of Galilee 2000 years ago may offer a scientific explanation for one of the miracles recounted in the Bible.” LAJ 4–7–06.
This is the same kind of junk that the news media feeds the gullible public of our day. Bible believing Christians will see the error of this quickly, but what about the multitudes of lost people who have no spiritual discernment? They are simply encouraged to doubt what the Bible says and will continue on in their unbelief.
No Bible passage says anything about the sea of Galilee being frozen over at any time, either in the O.T. or N.T. In fact the word “ice” is not found in the N.T., and only three times in the O.T. I have never read any thing in secular history about the sea of Galilee being frozen over. This is a very warm area of the world and is extremely doubtful that it had any ice on it at all, much less ice thick enough on which to walk.
What Does the Bible Say?
“And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea , they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear . . . And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water , to go to Jesus” (Matthew 14:26–29).
God’s Word settles the matter for the believer. Let the unbelievers continue their prattle, but we know where they are going.
By Jerry Jackson
“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:16
It seems that today there are two opposite ideologies at work among Bible-believing people. On the one hand, there are those who are so concerned about the soul that they fail to teach of the importance of baptism. In this group, a person may be saved for many years without understanding that Christ’s first desire for the saved individual is that he follow the Lord in baptism. Churches who follow this philosophy will allow these unbaptized believers to hold an office or position within the church (choir member, Sunday School teacher, etc.). Sadly, these churches are guilty of disobeying the Great Commission in two areas. First, they have not baptized the disciples they have made, and, secondly, they have not taught these disciples to observe all things that Christ has commanded.
On the other hand, there are those who are so concerned about counting baptisms that they use only a shadow of the glorious Gospel of Christ, leaving out important things like repentance. According to those in this group, the number of baptisms in a church is the thermometer of that church’s spirituality. Sadly, these churches are guilty of performing baptisms where there has been no true repentance or conversion.
The honest Bible student will understand that baptism is not essential for salvation (Romans 10:9–17), but he will also have to admit that baptism is an essential of the believer’s relationship with God (Mark 16:16). As we study the Scripture, we do not find anyone who trusted Christ waiting an extended period of time before following the Lord in believer’s baptism. In fact, these new converts were anxious to do whatever the Lord might require of them (Acts 8:36–39).
The only Bible example of a believer waiting any period of time between salvation and baptism is that of Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:1–20). It is from this example that we can discern what lies between salvation and baptism.
Saul was saved on the road to Damascus, as Jesus Himself appeared to him. This was an unusual thing that did not happen again in Scripture, nor has it occurred from that time to this. We know that Saul was saved at that time because of his words and attitude. 1. He called Jesus his Lord (Acts 9:6; Romans 10:13). Until the Great White Throne Judgment, this lost world will not admit or claim Jesus to truly be the Lord of anything, much less themselves. 2. He was submitted to Jesus, as a servant (Acts 9:6). “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” These are not the words of a lost person, but of one who has yielded themselves totally to Christ (Romans 12:1–2).
Following his salvation, Saul went for three days before being baptized (Acts 9:9). As far as I can recall, this is the longest period of time, recorded in Scripture, between salvation and baptism. There were six things evident in the life of Saul that teach us what lies between salvation and baptism.
Blindness
“And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.” Acts 9:9
The first thing that lies between salvation and baptism is blindness. There are many today that are saved, but have never followed the Lord in baptism. Of these, many have decided that they do not need to go to church to be right with God. Others have just excused themselves from the need to follow the Lord in baptism, but they are not opposed to attending church services somewhere. If we were to sit back and watch the daily decisions that these people make, we would come away with the clear knowledge that they are blind.
There cannot and will never be clear sight for those who are saved, and yet have never been scripturally baptized. They have refused to obey the very first and simplest of Christ’s commands. They have rejected this basic teaching. The Lord will not teach them more until they receive and apply what they know to be God’s will for them. By way of example, let us consider a child entering school. If this child refuses to learn the alphabet, he may as well be blind, for he will never be able to read. Also, the teacher will not allow him to pass on to the next grade until he has learned what is necessary as a foundation for his further education. Even so, the Lord will not allow the believer to pass on to other, more advanced things until he has submitted himself to the most elementary thing of the Christian life: baptism.
Lack of Purpose
“But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” Acts 9:15–16
Between salvation and baptism is a lack of purpose. All who trust in Christ as their only Lord and Savior will certainly be present in heaven, but they will not all achieve the purpose which God has for their lives. In Saul’s case, he did not understand God’s purpose for his life until after his baptism. What a perfect picture of many believers today, who mean well, but they just do not understand what God has for them, and they will never understand that purpose for their lives until they submit themselves to Christ in the act of baptism.
According to the Scripture, the Lord has a purpose for every believer, but He does not reveal that purpose before baptism. That is because baptism is the first purpose that the Lord has for every believer. World evangelism, care for the poor, or greater usefulness to the Lord are all things which are a part of God’s purpose for us after baptism.
The Great Commission was given to the church that was established during Christ’s earthly ministry. This Commission has nothing to do with the believer who has not followed the Lord in baptism, which places him into the membership of the church that authorizes his baptism. So, there is no Commission for the believer before baptism.
The book of Acts speaks of the great need that was felt among the Christians of Jerusalem, because of the famine of those days. It was not individual believers who responded to this need, but churches: organized groups of baptized believers (Acts 11:27–30; 1 Corinthians 16:1–3). There was also a need among the many widows of those days. It was the Lord’s churches which relieved these poor widows, not individual believers (Acts 6:1; 1 Timothy 5:16).
When there was a need for further strength to stand in the face of persecution, it was the church at Jerusalem that prayed for and received power from on high. It was this church that achieved a greater level of usefulness to God, not individual believers (Acts 4:23–31).
So, while the Lord has a purpose for every believer, that purpose cannot be fulfilled without first submitting to the Lord in the area of baptism.
Weakness
“And when he had received meat, he was strengthened.” Acts 9:19a
The believer who has not followed the Lord in baptism misses out on the nourishment that is reserved for the churches of God. Note what the Scriptures tell us.
“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” John 21:15–17
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Acts 20:28
“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” 1 Peter 5:1–3
Much could be said as to the nature of these sheep or this flock if it were not for the clarification given to us in the book of Acts. Here, the Apostle Paul identifies the flock that is being fed as “the church of God.” This teaches us that the spiritual food is for the church, not those outside of it.
Certainly, we can all think of at least one person we know, who has trusted Christ but has never been baptized. As we consider his life, we can readily see that he is without strength to do battle with our spiritual enemies. We also see that he is easily duped into believing each and every new doctrine which passes along his path (Ephesians 4:14). He exists on a spiritual “starvation diet.”
Loneliness
“Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.” Acts 9:19b
There is an element of loneliness that accompanies the believer who will not be baptized. While they may attend services at some church or other, they cannot feel a part because they are not a part of that or any other church. This believer misses out on the sweet fellowship that the book of Acts talks about. “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved (Acts 2:42–47).” It really is sad to consider how people cheat themselves out of so many things, just because they do not want to follow the Lord in baptism.
Silence
“And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.” Acts 9:20
It is not until after Saul’s baptism that he became active in preaching and witnessing.
“I don’t have to be baptized to worship God.”
“I don’t have to be baptized to serve God.”
These and many other statements have been made over the years, but they are nothing more than excuses for disobedience. I have never had an unbaptized believer come to my door to share the glorious Gospel of Christ, nor have I ever heard of it happening elsewhere. The believer who has never been baptized is strangely silent as to what the Lord has done for him. He tries to hide his salvation away in a corner of his heart, and allow the world or other things to take control of the rest.
On the other hand, there are countless examples in Scripture that tell us of the boldness of the believer who has been baptized. It is not that baptism has some strange power to grant boldness, but it is the obedient child who desires to speak of his Father.
Peace
“But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?” Acts 9:21
There is a great carnal peace, which accompanies the disobedient believer. Satan is sure to leave him alone as long as he refuses to follow the Lord’s first command. However, when the believer commits himself to be obedient to the Lord, beginning with baptism, there are eyebrows raised, comments made, and all sorts of trouble awaiting that believer. As we consider all that occurred in the life of Saul of Tarsus, we must realize that none of these things would have happened had he simply stayed in his room, praying and fasting.
On the other hand, we must also be aware of the fact that so many good things would never have happened had Saul not made that first step of obedience. Because of Saul’s obedience countless souls were saved, churches were established, men were trained for the ministry, not to mention that our New Testament would have been quite slim and bare without his contribution. If these good things are to come about, bad things must be endured . “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).”
As we consider all that lies between salvation and baptism, we come to the conclusion that there is nothing good there that should cause us to desire to tarry any longer than necessary. Instead, the consideration of these things should cause the believer to desire to be obedient to Christ’s command so that he can be blessed and be a blessing to others.
By Thomas Hastings, B.A., G.Th.
(Continued From Last Issue: Part 1)
(Complete Article Available Here: Why Attend Church?)
2. We Should Attend Church So That Our Prayers Will Be Answered.
Jesus Christ promised us: “Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 18:19. There are many different conditions for successful prayer, for example: 2 Chronicles 7:14; Jeremiah 29:13,14; Mark 11:24; John 15:7; James 5:16; 1 John 3:22 . God has promised to hear the prayers, especially from His house, “Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.” 2 Chronicles 7:15.
A scriptural Baptist Church is now His house. “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” 1 Timothy 3:15. In answer to a Church’s unified prayer in the New Testament, believers were freed from jail, the sick healed, the lost saved and our Lord God was glorified! Since God gives such attention to unified prayer in Church, then I want to be there to claim His working for my family, friends, neighbors and souls around the world.
3. We Should Attend Church Because We Need the Preached Word.
Jesus said in Matthew 4:4 “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Many of God’s children wonder why their growth, joy and blessings in the Lord come so slowly. God’s Word promises so much, but they experience so little. “Why can’t they stand and witness in power and joy like New Testament disciples?” It is with deep sorrow that I think upon too many people, that claim with their lips to have received Christ as Lord and Savior, yet now take part in no Church services at all.
Are these really saved? It is possible that they are, even as worldly Lot is declared “just” by God in 2 Peter 2:7 “And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:” As before mentioned, a child of God needs a Church just as a child needs a family so they can be protected, corrected and loved! Just as many people never become mentally mature and useful, sad to say many children of God never become mature, obedient and fully blessed of God.
It is also important to state that not all preaching will help. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17. Not all preaching has the Word of God as its sole basis. Most “churches” do not even use God’s proven and preserved Word, the King James Bible (Authorized Version), but they use perversions with literally thousands of omissions and changes that take away from the Deity of Christ. Others may use a Bible passage or verse as a springboard to start the message and then fill the message with philosophy, psychology, worldly and religious attitudes. Such “preaching” will destroy true faith in Jesus Christ, rather than impart it! It is without worth in the reaching of souls for Christ and the glorification of God!
Colossians 2:8 “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (9) for in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”
The message of the New Testament was always Jesus Christ: “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” 2 Corinthians 4:5. The Gospel is clearly defined in 1 Corinthians 15:1–4 “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; (2) By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. (3) For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; (4) And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” New Testament preaching preached the Word of God and the power of God unto salvation. Jesus Christ describes it so: Matthew 7:24–27. “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: (25) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. (26) And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: (27) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”
The foundation of biblical preaching must always be God’s Word alone, and it is our duty and privilege to obey! Men’s ideas and traditions will only distract us from God’s Word, God’s will, blessing and power. We often know what we should do, but we lack the inner strength to execute it.
1 Corinthians 1:18, 21 “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (21) For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, . . . . “
God chose the preaching of His Word to save us, to strengthen us and to bless us. God’s Word is the greatest treasure in the whole world!
2 Peter 1:19 “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:” Psalm 119:130 “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.”
The power and the blessing of God’s preached Word are there for the lost as well as the saved in Christ. Dear friend, we need to hear God’s preached Word often! This deals with life and death for the lost, and with growth and strength for the saved. Jesus said in Matthew 4:4 “ . . . Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” How does one live by bread? If we eat nothing, we will starve to death, and even so we will perish without God’s Word!
Perhaps you ask: “What if it is not possible for me to attend Church?” Why can’t you attend? Is it because of sports, irregular work, sickness, or is it due to laziness, a lack of desire or what people might think or say? Perhaps you have been disappointed by people. Such things happen far too often, but these are not valid reasons for failing to seek and find a true Church and worship the Lord! If a doctor disappointed you, you do not give up going to doctors (I hope). Seek and ye shall find!
There are indeed situations where a Christian cannot attend Church. Some are in jail for their faith. God knows the heart and has grace for those who really cannot attend Church, but there will still be something missing in that Christian’s life. Otherwise, they would not have such a desire to attend. It is a sin when someone purposely stays away from our Lord’s Church, because he deliberately avoids Christ Himself! By the way, just to attend and hear God’s Word preached is not enough to receive God’s blessing and salvation.
Hebrews 4:2 “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” James 1:22 “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” Isaiah 55:7 “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”
We must hear the Word before we can keep it. If we seek the Lord with all our hearts, we will find Him. Where should one seek the Lord if not among those who have already found Him? Everyone needs a Church, and that is why there were Churches established everywhere in the New Testament where souls were saved.
4. We Need to Attend Church, Because Otherwise We Will Lead Few, If Any, to Christ.
We have already noticed that God has chosen the preaching of His Word to save the lost. Because this is true, where can we take our lost loved ones and neighbors to hear God’s Word? Another good question is, “How are we going to get the power to be witnesses for Him?” Unified prayer was the key to the effectual preaching and soul winning in the New Testament. Acts 4:31 “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”
It is difficult enough to win the lost when we are united with others, as a “loner” it will only be more difficult! One normal result of staying away from the Lord’s Church is a lack of concern for the eternal condition of lost souls! Mark 16:15,16 “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (16) He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
(Continued Next Issue: Part 3)
By Jerry Jackson
As we live our lives, we seldom consider the fact that God knows everything that we are doing. Some think that God only knows about the good things we do, others doubt that God exists, or if He does exist, they doubt that He can know everything. No matter our opinion, God says that there is nothing that occurs in your life about which God does not know (Hebrews 4:13). Let us consider some of the things that God knows about you.
God Knows All About Your Sin.
You cannot hide anything from God. He knows every sin that you have ever committed, from the smallest white lie to the deepest, darkest sin in your life. As hard as we may try, there has never been anyone to live without committing at least one sin, except for Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:22). “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one (Romans 3:10):” There has never been any who could truthfully say that they have never committed a sin, for God has already spoken about our sinfulness in His Word . “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us...If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us (1 John 1:8, 10).”
God knows that it is your sin that keeps you from having a relationship with Him. You cannot hope to live with God in heaven for all eternity because your sin keeps you from being worthy of that honor. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23);” “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear (Isaiah 59:2).”
God also knows that your sin will bring you a terrible return. We can look around us and see the results of sin in this life, but there is more to the wages of sin than just a terrible life. The wages of sin are eternal. “For the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23a) ;” “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14–15).” “And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever (Revelation 14:11a):”
God Knows That When You Follow Your Own Way, You Cannot Make It To Heaven.
There are many that are seeking a way into heaven. They look for the most popular paths, assuming that in doing so they will surely find the right way. “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat (Matthew 7:13):”
For anyone to make their own way into heaven, they must attain perfection in every area of their life, from birth to death. But God knows that there are not any that are capable of attaining or maintaining works that reach this level of God’s glory. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23);”
God Knows That You Need An Offering To Make Peace With God.
What sort of offering could man bring that would be acceptable to God? We have already seen that man’s works are not acceptable, because there are none righteous. This is the whole reason that God sent Jesus into this world: to be the complete offering for every individual’s sin, the Lamb of God. “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29).”
Jesus came to this world and shed His blood as the only offering for all your sin. Jesus is the only One who is able to take away your sin. “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all (Hebrews 10:10).”
God Knows That You Need To Repent In Order To Receive The Gift Of Eternal Life.
This is the message that Jesus preached while on earth. “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15).”
The Apostle Paul preached this same message. “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent (Acts 17:30):”
Part of repentance is a sorrow or grief over sins committed. This is not a sorrow over being caught in sin, or a sorrow over the penalty of sin, but a sorrow that sin has grieved and angered God. Another part of repentance is a change of mind concerning sin. No longer is sin seen as desirable or acceptable. Instead there is a loathing of what has been done and a desire to change.
God knows each sin that is in your life. He also knows that your sin will keep you from having a relationship with Him, and from entering into heaven. God knows that to restore your relationship with Him and assure yourself of a place in heaven, you must repent of your sins and place your faith in Christ alone. “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21).”
You must repent of your sin and call on the Lord for salvation. If you do so, God has promised salvation to you. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13).”
Available as tract D-415.
By E. L. Bynum
The World Council of Churches was organized in 1948 with 147 denominations from both Protestant and Orthodox Church backgrounds. It is notoriously liberal, modernistic, and apostate. It was so from the very beginning and it has not done anything but get worse down to this present hour.
Why any Church that makes any claim to really believe the Bible would have any part in the World Council of Churches (WCC) is a complete mystery to me. The WCC is Socialistic, modernistic and anti-American. Their pronouncements for their 58–year history have advanced the cause of Communism and modernism. From all over the world the most liberal and anti-biblical churches have gathered themselves into this organization. If you think this is harsh, just wait until you read some of the pronouncements made at the 2006, Porto Alegre, Brazil meeting.
Christians should scan the list of churches who are members of this apostate organization. If your denomination is a member of the WCC, you ought to get out at once.
World Council of Churches Member Denominations in the USA
1. African Methodist Episcopal Church
2. African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
3. American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A.
4. American Lutheran Church
5. The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of New York and all North America
6. Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
7. Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
8. Church of the Brethren
9. The Episcopal Church
10. Hungarian Reformed Church in America
11. International Evangelical Church; Lutheran Church in America; Moravian Church in America (Northern Province); Moravian Church in America (Southern Province)
12. National Baptist Convention of America
13. National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc.
14. National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.
15. National Council of Community Churches
16. The Orthodox Church in America
17. Polish National Catholic Church of America
18. Presbyterian Church in the United States
19. Progressive National Baptist Convention
20. Reformed Church in America
21. Religious Society of Friends; Friends General Conference; Friends United Meetings
22. United Church of Christ
23. The United Methodist Church
24. The United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America.
Report on WCC Meeting
The remaining part of this article consists of selected quotations from a report written by Dr. Ralph G. Colas, Executive Secretary American Council of Christian Churches, which is a fundamentalist organization that opposes the WCC. If this report does not help you to see the evil nature of the WCC, I feel sorry for you.
The 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches February 14–23, 2006, Porto Alegre, Brazil
With the pulsating beat of drums as a background, the performance of “A Time to Dance,” by a group of young adults from New York City, was the first thing that took place at the opening plenary session of the 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC). The group of dancers explained their “ministry” as one which connects “theology and prayer with artistry, and explores the way in which movement can be an expression of faith.” This sensual dance was well received by the audience of more than 4800, who even gave them a standing ovation. The applause was equal to the one given to Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa when he later declared, “We all belong to one family. Bush [President George], bin Laden, all belong, gay, lesbian, so-called straight all belong and are loved, are precious.”
The participants at this major assembly were from nearly every Christian group, as well as some from the Hindu, Islam and the Buddhist faiths. They all came together in Porto Alegre, Brazil under the theme, “God in your grace, transform the world.”
The church is called upon to discern the signs of the ‘hidden’ Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit in other religions. According to biblical teachings, God’s gift of salvation in Christ is offered to the whole humanity.
Aram I qualified this even more as he then declared that the Holy Spirit operates in non-Christian religions. He said, “Likewise, according to Christian pneumatology [the doctrine of the Holy Spirit] the Holy Spirit’s work is cosmic, it reaches in mysterious ways to people of all faiths.”
This was followed by an address by Katsunori Yamanoi, a member of the Buddhist organization Rissho Koseikai. He asked the WCC to walk “hand in hand with all of the Buddhists in this organization and to participate in the Buddhist Assembly scheduled for August 2006.” Immediately he was followed by a Hindu who shared a few lines from the Hindu’s sacred text that included these words, “God is the ocean; God’s servants are the rain clouds; God is the sandal tree; God’s servants are the winds.”
Later on a brief opportunity was given to Dr. J. Norberto Saracco to speak for the Evangelical Churches of Latin America. He told how in recent years, “Evangelical and Pentecostal churches have been working the hardest in the quest for the visible unity of the church. In the past, we evangelical churches evangelized by exposing the weaknesses of the Catholic Church. Today it is different and we have repented of doing that. However, unity becomes difficult when any of you treat us as a sect and Pentecostalism as a threat. Is it not time for a new Pentecost? Only a Spirit-filled church will see the barriers come down.”
One major speaker who was welcomed by the entire Assembly was the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, who declared, “The exclusive claims of Christianity are not claims to absolute knowledge. I reject aggressive efforts to convert those of other faiths.” At the press conference when questioned about his address, he said that two approaches were very unhelpful — “One was to claim an exclusive possession of the truth, while the other was to lose confidence in one’s faith.”
Following Williams remarks, a Karen Baptist from Myanmar spoke to the delegates and told of her family’s experiences with Buddhist and Muslim neighbors. She concluded by saying, “My Muslim and Buddhist neighbors may not know the name Jesus, but I believe God has found a path for himself to them.”
At a workshop on Human Sexuality, a Filipino member of the WCC International Reference Group said that “any sexual act that is done with an attitude of love and respect is morally legitimate — it does not matter whether you are married or not. After all, sexual rights are also human rights.” Nothing of what the Bible teaches about moral purity was offered.
While there was much talk about “a transformed world,” at no time was the answer given from the Bible that “If any man be in Christ he is a new creation” (II Cor 5:17). The change comes not from without but from within, but that answer was never given. Rather the WCC teaches that all religions are equal. According to Aram I, the Holy Spirit dwells in other religions than Christianity. Nothing could be farther from the truth of God’s Word.
It is important to understand that even the very words these liberal clergy use have a different meaning. We must do what the apostle John tells us to do and “Try the spirits whether they be of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world”(I John 4:1).
God’s Word speaks of a “cage of every unclean and hateful bird” and the WCC fits that picture. But the Lord also says in that same chapter in Revelation 18, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” That involves separation!
Edited by E. L. Bynum
(Editor’s Note: In our News & Views column we quote from many different sources. Please understand that this does not necessarily mean that we approve of all of the publications from which we quote.)
Teenage Children Destroyed by Drugs and Booze. A new study, reported by Reuters News Service in May, reveals that 40% of teenage children admitted to emergency rooms in the United States are there because of booze or other antisocial drugs such as heroin, meth, etc. Of 443 patients, aged 14–17 who entered the emergency room at the University of Michigan Hospital, 29% tested positive for opiates and 11.2% for alcohol.
The tobacco industry is spending tens of thousands of dollars to support these tax-exempt groups which sponsor junkets for federal judges. Between 1992 and 2004 some 1,158 trips for 349 federal judges were paid for by these tobacco-supported groups. Those trips included travel, food, lodging and tuition expenses. Horseback riding, golf and other recreational activities are also provided according to the Community Rights Counsel. Much attention is focused on congressional junkets but hardly any on these trips. The judges who hear tobacco-related lawsuits can hardly be totally objective if they are recipients of such lavish trips, paid for in part by the tobacco companies. Phillip Morris and R. J. Reynolds were specifically named. —The National Statesman
Cohabitation—living together without the formal requirements of marriage—remains popular in the United States. Recent surveys show the majority of single young adults in five large cities favor cohabitation before marriage, according to the Web site, run by Brigham Young University. There are more than 11 million people cohabiting in the U.S. today, according to a Web site run by an associate professor at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and a couple’s counselor. —LAJ (6–30–06) Of course there is no regard for what God says, but He is keeping a record. “Thou shalt not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4).
Warning Issued on TBN. 2005–MAR: Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN): Ministry Watch advised “donors to withhold support” to this ministry. They also called for a reorganization of Trinity’s leadership. Ministry Watch is concerned that TBN does not release consolidated audited financial statements; their savings rate is unusually high; they have cash and short term investments of more than a third of a billion dollars; the TBN board of directors consists of only three members, all of whom are family members. Ministry Watch claims that: “In 1998, a former TBN employee, Enoch Lonnie Ford, was paid $425,000 for agreeing not to publicize Mr. Ford’s allegations that he and TBN founder Paul Crouch had a homosexual tryst two years earlier.” —Ministry Watch web site
Joyce Meyer’s Ministry Exposed. Reporter Carolyn Tuft of the St. Louis Post—Dispatch noted that: Joyce Meyer’s annual salary in 2002 and 2003 was $900,000; it has since been reduced to $250,000. Her husband and vice-president of the ministry’s board of trustees received $450,000 during 2002 and 2003. Joyce Meyer and her husband have free use of a corporate jet, luxury cars, and a home worth $2 million. Joyce Meyer also received a portion of the $3 million per year royalties from sales of her books and tapes. Tuft wrote that “Holman contends that the ministry is a business — the business of selling Joyce Meyer.” Holman said: “She’s using the ministry for her own private gain. That’s the position we’re taking.” —Ministry Watch web site
Decline in Americans Who Believe the Bible to Be Literally True. A new Gallup Poll reveals a long-standing decline in Americans who believe the Bible to be literally true, says a story in the Christian Post. About three out of 10 Americans continue to profess belief in a literal Bible today — a 10 percent drop over the past three decades. More than 1,000 adults were asked to describe their view about the Bible with 28 percent responding that the Bible is the “actual Word of God and is to be taken literally.” Poll results saw a 45 to 49 percent increase among those who said the Bible is the inspired Word of God but not everything in it should be taken literally. The survey also recorded a larger increase of Americans who said the Bible is an ancient book of fables, legends, history, and moral precepts. —Crosswalk July 21, 2006
Da Vinci Actor Demeans the Bible. While promoters of The Da Vinci Code have tried to downplay the film’s challenge to Christianity, actor Ian McKellen took a shot at the Bible in an interview with the Today show, saying Scripture should carry a disclaimer that it is “fiction.” McKellen, who played ... in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, was responding to a question from host Matt Lauer about the requests by some Christian groups to insert a “fiction” disclaimer at the beginning of the controversial film, which suggests Jesus and Mary Magdalene were man and wife and that the divinity of Jesus was an invention of fourth-century church leaders . . . McKellen, who announced in 1988 he is homosexual, said in a 2004 interview with the London Telegraph he rips out the Book of Leviticus, which condemns homosexuality, from the Gideon Bible in every hotel room in which he stays. —World NetDaily.com via The Sword of the Lord
Another Blasphemous Book — Dateline , 4/2/06 aired another blasphemous attack on the life, death, and resurrection of the Lord. The Dateline correspondent questioned Michael Baigent, author of “The Jesus Papers,” concerning the death & resurrection of Jesus. Question: “You believe that much of what we think we know about Jesus is a lie?” Authors answer: “It’s a lie. It’s an obvious lie.” The entire interview is saturated with blasphemy. (2 Thes. 2:11,12) “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” This author, like others, is filling his coffers with corrupted riches while wearing moth eaten garments. (Ja. 5:1–3) —W. W. Mosley (hereafter —WWM)
Two Better Than One? — Only when managed by Holy Spirit inspired directives. The Baptist Press , 4/7/06 reports SBC pastor, Tom Mooty, agreed to pastor West End Bapt. Ch., in Tenn. if they would gradually end their support of Independent Baptist Missionaries, giving their mission support to the SBC Cooperative Program. His argument is not new: “Two can do more than one.” He is right if he signifies the correct two. Jesus and His church can do more than the Cooperative Program alone & altogether. Not so many salaries to meet, you see. Every penny of independent Baptist mission offerings reaches the designated missionary. The CP was born much too late to have Matt. 28:19,20 directed to them. It is the Lord’s church who alone has this responsibility and privilege. —WWM
Mega — Church Growth — The Chicago Tribune reports that the Assemblies of God, the Mormon church and the Roman Catholic Church were the fastest-growing denominations in the United States last year, according to the 2006 Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches. The Pentecostal Assemblies of God grew 1.81 percent to just under 2.8 million members. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints increased 1.74 percent to nearly 6 million people. And the Catholic Church, by far the largest denomination in the United States, grew .83 percent to 67.8 million. ( Religion Today , 4/10/06) When Christianity is generally spoken of in the world, the majority of the time it is in reference to Catholicism. Yet this religion has an image of the risen Lord still hanging on a cross. True Christianity knows that he died on the cross, was removed and buried, and arose from the grave on the third day, according to the Scriptures. He is now at the right hand of the Father where He ever lives to make intercession for us. (Heb. 7:25) —WWM