Discerning the Difference

By Bob Jackson

“Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts? And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered. Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord harkened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.” Malachi 3:13–18

The remnant of Judah was back in the Promised Land, but the spiritual condition of these people was not good. God is dealing with His people about a number of spiritual problems in their lives, which are recorded in the Book of Malachi. We are just going to look at one section of this book as God deals with His people.

Keep in mind that the nation of Israel is God’s chosen people, but not every individual is a child of God. For an example of this fact, let us think on the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas. These two men were Levites, descendants of Aaron. Certainly they were part of the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people. However, God says about these two men, “Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord (1 Samuel 2:12) .” These men did not know the Lord, even though they were part of the nation of Israel. Therefore, they were not children of God individually.

Speaking Against God

The first thing that we see about some of the people of Judah in our text in Malachi 3:13 and 14 is that they were SPEAKING AGAINST GOD. They made the statement that “It is vain to serve God:” The word “vain” means worthless. So the idea of this group of people in Judah at that time was that it is a waste of time to serve God. We know, all too well, that such an idea is alive and well among many people today. This idea even shows itself among those who claim to be Christians, the children of God. The fact of the matter is that we are SAVED TO SERVE GOD, Ephesians 2:8–10. Serving God, of course, is more than attending church services. It is important for believers in Jesus Christ to attend church services in the scriptural church of which they are members (Hebrews 10:24,25), but serving God is much more than attending church services. Serving God has to do with doing what God wants us to do in and with our lives. The word “serve” comes from the same root as the word “servant.” God tells us that we are free as believers in Jesus Christ, but we are not to use this liberty as a cloak of maliciousness, but we are to use our liberty as servants of God, 1 Peter 2:15–17. Jesus tells us in Luke 17:7–10 that we are to serve God because we have a duty to do so as His servants. We need to submit to God as the Lord of our lives in regular prayer, regular Bible study, faithful church attendance, faithful tithing and giving of offerings, faithful witnessing and visiting, and in living in a manner that honors God. According to Malachi 3:14b, these people saw no profit in spending their lives following the will of God. Their idea was that it did them no good to attend the house of God and to think on the things of God. God says that in saying these things that are recorded in this passage, these people were speaking against God. The Lord tells us in Matthew 6:33 that we are to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness first in our lives. This does not mean that we will never again have any problems in our lives, but it does mean that God will be with us and will help us in the midst of our problems, etc. But these people in Judah thought that the difficult life of following God’s will gave them nothing good in this world, Malachi 3:14c. This reminds us of the psalmist, Asaph, in Psalm 73:12–14. He thought he was being cheated because he was trying to follow God’s will in his life. His attitude did not change until he went into the house of the Lord and understood the truth about life.

These people in Judah at the time of the Book of Malachi set up those people that did not follow God as people who are successful and as examples of happiness and living life like it should be lived, Malachi 3:15. They thought that those people who are living as they please and following their own way were the ones who were really happy. How sad that this kind of thinking permeates our society these days. Of course, this idea has always been held in high esteem by fallen human nature. Fallen human nature is rebellious to the core, and nothing is more desired and deified than “doing your own thing.” In Malachi 3:15, the reference is to “the proud.” By looking at Psalm 12:3,4 we see that pride is the idea of doing what we please and not allowing anyone else to tell us what to do. “The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?” Of course, the Bible declares that pride precedes destruction, Proverbs 16:18. Among the people of Judah at that time, those who were living according to their sinful flesh were lifted up as the example to follow. Sadly, too many people are following this same ungodly direction today. The Hollywood crowd, some ungodly sports figure, some unholy musician, etc. are the ones that are lifted up as the example in lifestyle, in fashion, in speech, in music, etc. However, the Bible tells us that the example for God’s people is THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, 1 Peter 2:21. The Bible tells us that if we are going to “serve” God, then we must follow Jesus Christ, John 12:26. People who went their own way and see if God would do anything about it were identified as truly delivered by these people in Judah. Jesus told the devil during His temptation that we are not to tempt God, Matthew 4:5–7. All of these things mentioned above formed the popular thinking of that day among the majority of these people in Judah. God warns us not to run after a multitude to do evil, Exodus 23:2. We ought not to follow popular thinking which is not based on the truth of Scripture, but is contrary to the teaching of the Word of God.

Spoke About God

There is a second group of people mentioned in this passage in Malachi 3, and that is a group of people who SPOKE ABOUT GOD, Malachi 3:15,16. These were the people that feared God, in contrast to the first group of people described in this passage. Fearing God is certainly promoted in Scripture. There are many positive things that fearing God brings into our lives. Fearing God is the beginning of true knowledge, Proverbs 1:7. God shows a contrast between those who fear Him and those who do not. God calls those who do not fear Him “fools.” Fearing God is also the beginning of true spiritual wisdom in our lives, Psalm 111:10. Fearing God causes us to hate evil, and this should be especially true in our own lives, Proverbs 8:13. It is hypocritical to hate evil in the lives of others while we overlook the evil in our own lives. Fearing God leads us to eternal life as we come to Christ in repentance and faith, Proverbs 14:27. Fearing God leads us to follow the Word and the will of God, Ecclesiastes 12:13. Fearing God is not really part of the lives of those who reject Christ and those who refuse to follow God, Romans 3:13–18. Fearing God is to reverence God, to realize He has every right to tell us what to do, Hebrews 12:28,29.

God responded to the godly fear of this second group of people we see in this passage, Malachi 3:16b. He knew and was aware of their speech and their attitude. Of course, that is true for every human being in this world, Hebrews 4:13. He stored the records of these people, especially of those who feared Him, Malachi 3:16c. One day we will all answer before God according to the records that He has kept about us, 2 Corinthians 5:10. God says that these people who feared Him would be saved eternally, and that He would spare them from eternal judgment, Malachi 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; Revelation 20:15. Notice His statement about “his own son that serveth him.” Yes, we who are born again into the family of God are children of God. But, even though we are His children, He still expects us to serve Him! God considers His redeemed people to be valuable jewels, Malachi 3:17. Truly “it will be worth it all . . . when we see Christ!”

Seeing Accurately the Things of God

Now we come to the conclusion of this short passage in Malachi chapter 3. By looking at the pronouns in this passage of Scripture, we understand that the first group of people that He mentioned, “ye,” are finally going to SEE ACCURATELY THE THINGS OF GOD, Malachi 3:18. Those who have spoken against God will at last discern between the righteous and the wicked. The Bible tells us that the “righteous” are those who know Jesus Christ as their own personal Lord and Savior, 1 Corinthians 1:30; Romans 10:4; Isaiah 64:6. The wicked is anyone who has not received Jesus Christ, because he is still in his sin, Ephesians 2:1–3. Those who know Christ are those who serve God (are servants of God), John 10:27,28; 12:26; Hebrews 9:14; 1 Thessalonians 1:9. Those who do not know Christ, even those who are religious but lost, fail to truly serve God, Matthew 7:21–23; 15:7–9; Romans 16:17,18.

Sadly for these people, this discernment will occur after it is too late for their own salvation, Malachi 3:18. Verse 17 talks about the time when God makes up His jewels, and verse 18 begins with the word “Then . . . .” This tells us that this discernment does not occur until eternity has arrived for these people. We know from other passages in the Bible that lost people who have already gone out into eternity desire their loved ones to repent and be saved, Luke 16:22–31. The lost will acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ in eternity, but it will be too late for their own salvation, Philippians 2:9–11. Do YOU know the difference between the righteous and the wicked? Do YOU know the difference between those who serve God and those who do not serve God? Please do not wait until it is too late for your own eternal salvation to discern this difference!

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Unbelievable Apostasy

By E. L. Bynum

It is astounding to read the religious news today. Just when you think you have heard it all, we read of some other shocking news of the fast-growing apostasy in American religion.

Presbyterians in the News

A paper was presented to the 2006 General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) meeting in Birmingham, AL. It was received on the basis of 282–212 vote. The paper shows the apostasy on even the name of God. No longer do they all speak of the Father, Son, and Holy, Ghost the biblical names for the Trinity. Now it can be the name of the “Compassionate Mother, Life-Giving Womb and Beloved Child.”

Some other triads that are now acceptable are never linked in Scripture as Trinitarian language, include:

Rainbow, Ark and Dove; Speaker, Word and Breath; Overflowing Font, Living Water and Flowing River; Sun, Light and Burning Ray Giver; Gift, Gift and Giving; Lover, Beloved and Love; Rock, Cornerstone and Temple; Fire that Consumes, Sword that Divides and Storm that Melts Mountains; The One Who Was, the One Who Is and the One Who is to Come.

The Trinity paper does, however, declare that it is appropriate to use only Father, Son and Holy Spirit during baptisms. How noble of them to admit this.

Sexual Standards

The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) has voted to allow local and regional governing bodies to set aside sexual behavior standards when approving candidates for ordination.

This makes it possible to ordain homosexuals in the Presbyterian ministry.

No wonder the Presbyterian Church (USA) lost 48,474 members in 2005. Their membership has been steadily dropping for more than 30 years.

There are some fighting a losing battle to stop this nonsense. They are beaten in almost every vote, and a split in Presbyterian (USA) is now in the making. Many congregations are now considering leaving this group. The leading publication that is against this apostate insanity is The Layman (Presbyterian). (Of course if they leave the Presbyterian (USA), they will likely form another branch of the Presbyterian Church.

Please note the apostasy in the Episcopal Church. The quote below was taken from The Layman.

The apostasy that is going on today among Protestant and Baptist groups would have been unbelievable 40 or 50 years ago. However there were stalwart men that valiantly warned 70 or 80 years ago what would happen unless the modernists were defeated. Not many believed them then, so now they are reaping the results of their blindness. Much of this would be hilarious if for the fact that this is a deadly and dangerous movement in the Christian religion.

In fact, Episcopalians in Africa are far more orthodox than their American cohorts. Where is all this headed? This paves the way for the one world-church that will be established before the reign of Christ in the last days. May God help the real Christians of our day to wake up and get busy. We need to be aware of what is going on, but most are not interested. They are content to slumber on in their ignorance and in their worldliness.

Please help us to sound the alarm.

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The Nicolaitans Have Returned!

By Jerry Jackson

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” Revelation 2:12–17

The Nicolaitans are only mentioned twice in Scripture. Once, when their deeds were hated (Revelation 2:6), and again where their doctrine was held (Revelation 2:15).

Their doctrine was similar to the doctrine of Balaam, in that they taught that all Christians were free to eat things offered to idols and to commit fornication (Revelation 2:14–15). This leads us to understand that they taught a total freedom of the flesh. They also held Gnostic tendencies, which means that they felt that they held superior knowledge of spiritual things. The Nicolaitans caused a great controversy which threatened to destroy the unity of many churches, and afterwards threatened to taint the purity of these churches. They did not simply follow the indulgence of appetite, they held to a “doctrine” which taught that this indulgence of the flesh was spiritual and right before God.

Their doctrine was contrary to the decision of the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:29). The two sins of eating meat sacrificed to idols and committing fornication were considered to be closely allied, since both could and did occur at any of the local heathen temples. In the days of persecution, eating things offered to idols was more than ever a test of faithfulness to Christ. However, the Nicolaitans taught that it really didn’t matter whether a believer was involved in these sins or not. In fact, they taught that the “spiritual” Christian would partake in these sins. And, not only did the Nicolaitans defile themselves with these pagan feasts and orgies, they brought this same filth into the churches of which they were members . “These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots (Jude 12).”

Their Doctrine Permeates Our Churches

It is sad to note that, in these last days, this same doctrine of the full freedom of the flesh is alive and well. Many of God’s churches are full of this doctrine, not only in the pew, but even preached from the pulpit. There are many different catch phrases that are used to justify this doctrine and these deeds. For example, “Nothing matters except believing on Jesus.” This sounds good to the unsuspecting believer, but it cannot stand up in light of Scripture.

Those who hold this doctrine believe that the places you go do not matter. When the individual believer chooses to frequent the movie theater, go to dances or take dance lessons, attend an apostate church’s special events and services, or ecumenical prayer meetings, is he not practicing the doctrine of the Nicolaitans? Of course, churches are also guilty of this same thing. When a church group goes to the movie theater to view a “religious” movie (i.e., The Passion of The Christ, C. S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch, And the Wardrobe, etc.), takes part in ecumenical gatherings, or goes on lake or beach outings where godly dress standards are not followed, this church is involved in the doctrine and deeds of the Nicolaitans.

Those who hold this doctrine also believe that the things you do are of no matter. Most of us have probably heard the idea that the outside doesn’t matter to God. This doctrine is used to justify such things as tattoos, body piercing, long hair on men/short hair on women, as well as sensual and immodest dress. We are told that we are “judging” if we dare to speak a word against these types of things. We are told that nothing matters to God but the heart. This, of course, is false doctrine, since the scripture teaches that what is outside reflects the heart. “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies (Matthew 15:18–19).”

Churches, too, fall prey to this idea that the outside doesn’t matter to God. As a result, churches will seek for ways in which they can emphasize the carnal man. There are many ways of doing this: church sports teams, meals before the midweek service, followed by a 30 minute service, and church work out centers, to name a few. Each of these things is specifically geared to appeal to the carnal man, while there is nothing for the growth of the spiritual man. Churches also seek for ways in which they can entertain the carnal man. They do this by allowing drums in the church, using dramas and plays in the place of preaching, promoting dancing in the aisles and calling it the Spirit of God, placing less importance on preaching, or allowing no application of the preaching into church policy or daily life. All of these things are happening today in the name of “getting closer to God,” but no one can come closer to God by emphasizing or entertaining the carnal man, while starving the spiritual man.

All doctrine and practice should be based upon the Bible. Those who hold to the doctrine of the Nicolaitans seek the support of Scripture, even though none can be found. The first Bible verse that those who adhere to this doctrine cling to is Galatians 5:1 : “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” The fact that they have to take this verse out of context to justify their doctrine and practice is of no importance. All that matters is that they can point to some verse of scripture to support their doctrine. Once they feel that they have justified themselves, they have no problem with performing that which is contrary to Scripture (Galatians 5:17). This makes no sense, but it is exactly what has happened in many good churches across our nation. How is it that the Lord would lead us to live contrary to His written Word? Of course, the Lord would not do that, but it is imperative to believe that He would in order to believe this doctrine of the Nicolaitans.

These Nicolaitans feel that they hold a “superior” knowledge of spiritual things, because they have learned enough to be “free.” This knowledge gives them a condescending, superior attitude toward anyone who truly desires to follow the standards that God has set. They will disbelieve that anyone would be so na ve as to choose to live a godly, separated life. They will ridicule and pity those who seek to maintain a godly life; those who are too “weak” to be “free,” in their estimation. Their false humility does not hide the pride and utter carnality of their position.

The Nicolaitan is so busy being “free” that he will not listen to the clear teaching of God’s Word. “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths , where is the good way , and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein (Jeremiah 6:16).” “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world (Titus 2:12);” When a godly preacher brings forth God’s message concerning standards and holiness, one of two things will happen. Either the Nicolaitan does not believe or receive the application (Ezekiel 33:32), or he becomes angry and leaves the church to find other “free” thinkers. It is sad to see people turn away from God’s Word, so that they can “grow closer” to the Lord.

In the end, the Nicolaitan develops the attitude that “no one can tell me what to do.” This is like a spoiled child. This is like the nation of Judah that would rather hear lies than the truth (Isaiah 30:9–11). No one, who cares enough to study the scriptures, can honestly believe that God is going to bless any Christian who develops this terrible attitude in his life. If God were to let this attitude by without any action, then He is not being true to His Word (Hebrews 12:5–11). We know that God is always true to His Word, therefore, we must make sure that we do not allow this attitude to gain ground in our hearts.

The Nicolaitans have been known to put forth a great effort to undermine the efforts of those who seek to follow the Lord. “But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink; and commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy not (Amos 2:12).” They glory in the opportunity to cause another brother to fall into sin, because they feels that they have been able to help their brother to be “free.”

Finally, the Nicolaitan brings judgment upon himself and his church (Revelation 2:16). When this doctrine is allowed entrance into the Lord’s church, it will spread like wild fire, defiling the whole church (1 Corinthians 5:6). How sad to think that one person can be the cause of so much trouble and heartache in a church. It is sad to think, but it does happen.

This doctrine is dangerous, because it is easy for the flesh to go along with this. If we are not careful we, and our churches, can fall prey to this doctrine, and bring upon ourselves the judgment of God before we even realize that we have strayed from the truth and the right.

The Deeds and Doctrine of the Nicolaitans must Be Exposed and Eradicated

The Nicolaitan must realize that his “freedom” has caused him to worship another, not the Lord God. In the case of the original Nicolaitans, as they partook of the meat offered to idols, they became partakers of the heathen worship that went along with the sacrifice. “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds (2 John 10–11) .” In the case of the present-day Nicolaitans, when they seek to fulfill the desires of the flesh, and hide their lust, impurity, and carnality behind “doctrine,” they are worshiping themselves, rather than the Lord God. And, in doing so, they actually ally the church of God with their idolatry (2 Corinthians 6:14–16). This is certainly not the will of God, and must be exposed for what it is.

The “freedom” that the Nicolaitan speaks of is nothing more than a full surrender to a carnal life. In this doctrine of the Nicolaitans, self is placed first, and that is called spiritual and right before God. There is no turning from sin, but an embracing of sin . “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:17–24).”

This “freedom” is contrary to God’s will for any believer. It is not God’s will for some believers to be holy, while others are free to fulfill the desires of the flesh. No, it is God’s will for every true believer in Jesus Christ to be holy and separate from this world and the desires of the flesh (Romans 6:6). Christ did not redeem us so that we might continue to serve the flesh (1 Peter 2:11–12). Instead, Christ redeemed us so that we might serve His desires (Romans 6:16–18; Ephesians 2:8–10). While it may seem to be easier to allow the old man full control in our lives, it certainly is not better.

For those who hold the doctrine and deeds of the Nicolaitans, there is a call to repentance (Revelation 2:16). The Lord does not simply turn a blind eye and allow His children to do as they please, thus bringing Him shame. He demands a change, not only inwardly, but outwardly also (2 Corinthians 5:17). Repentance is to change one’s sinful ways, or to return to holiness. This means that the Nicolaitan must first accept his own error (Proverbs 26:18–19). When the Nicolaitan will not accept his error, he will see no need to repent. Usually, we speak of repentance as something that the lost sinner must have in order to be saved, but there are times when the people of God must repent of their ungodly deeds and doctrines (Revelation 2:5, 16: 3:3, 19). And sometimes it takes sharp words to open the eyes and heart of the sin-hardened Nicolaitan (2 Corinthians 7:8–11). The sinner can never enjoy hard, direct preaching, but that is what is needed in order for him to realize his need to repent. Preachers need to be direct and plain in their preaching, so that people will be able to understand exactly where they have failed to follow the Lord, and correct their error. Woe to the preacher who does not preach against sin and false doctrine, because his people will never know or acknowledge the need for repentance.

For those who hold the doctrine and deeds of the Nicolaitans, there is also a call to holiness. In order to heed the call to holiness, we must be separated from the world (2 Corinthians 6:17). This does not mean that we should seek to have no contact with the world. There are groups around which hold to this very philosophy. They seek to have no contact with anyone not associated with their group. While this may appeal to some, there is no way to seek isolation and reach the world with the Gospel at the same time (Luke 14:23). What this means is that we are to have no fellowship with the world in any area of our lives: in dress, in activity, in action, and in speech (Ephesians 5:11). We must understand that as long as we retain ties with the world, we negatively affect our relationship with God (James 4:4).

Anytime that we are separated from one thing, we must be separated to another thing. When we are separated from the world, we must not remain neutral, or we will fall right back into the same carnal life. We must be separated to God as we heed the call to holiness (1 Peter 1:15–16). In order to achieve this separation to God, we need to study and seek to understand His holiness. Also, we need to imitate His holiness (Leviticus 11:44–45), so that we may be holy, as He is holy. Of course, this means that we must put forth an effort to achieve true holiness in our daily lives. Holiness is not something that just comes natural to us, but it is rather something that we must really work toward (2 Corinthians 7:1).

In the days of the original Nicolaitans, eating meat offered to idols became a test of faithfulness to Christ. In these last days, with our own Nicolaitans to deal with, true repentance from carnality and holiness are a test of our faithfulness to Christ (1 Corinthians 5:7–8). Many have failed in their faithfulness, but can be restored through repentance and renewed holiness. We must constantly be on our guard and monitor our own faithfulness, so that we might pass the test, and be found free of the deeds and doctrine of the Nicolaitans. “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men (Titus 3:8).”

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Why Attend Church? (Part 3)

By Thomas Hastings, B.A., G.Th.

(Continued From Last Issue: Part 2)

(Complete Article Available Here: Why Attend Church?)

5. We Attend Church Services Because We Need the Cleansing

1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

One result of walking in the light is the fellowship we have in Church. That means that we come under the preaching of the Word and will be strengthened. The Bible also has a cleansing power: Ephesians 5:25,26 “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (26) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.” The loving relationship in the Church and the preaching of God’s Word allows the continual cleansing power of His blood in our midst. Our desire is to honor God and to help each other. We claim God’s will for each other in prayer and love. Christ works His healing power in the midst of this relationship. King David sang from this love relationship in Psalm 133:1–3 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (2) It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; (3) As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.”

How important is this cleansing for our lives?

2 Corinthians 7:1 “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

1 John 3:3 “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”

2 Timothy 2:21 “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”

Hebrews 9:14 “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

6. We Assemble Ourselves So as to Follow Christ’s Example.

Luke 6:14 “And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.”

Jesus Christ was God revealed in the flesh (John 1:1,14; 1 Timothy 3:16). Did He need to be in Church? He certainly did not need to go to Church to receive anything from God, because He was (is) God! Christ did it simply because it was and is the correct and God-honoring thing to do. He did it also to be a blessing to others and set the correct example for others. If we profess to be Christians, that means we are to be Christ-like, and that we follow Him. This world, our families and neighbors need desperately Christians who indeed do that which is correct, who honor God, seek to be a blessing to others and also set a correct example for others. Some believe that they do not “get anything” (or at least enough) from attending Church. Hopefully the self-centeredness of such thinking is obvious to all.

If we are honestly to follow Christ, then we must also follow His custom of attending services. Of course, we need to attend a biblical Baptist Church, otherwise we will be uniting ourselves with unbelievers and/or the worldly Babylonian religion: 2 Corinthians 6:14 “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? (17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,”

7. We Need to Attend Church Regularly, to Function as the Churches of the New Testament Did.

Hebrews 10:24 “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works: (25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more as ye see the day approaching.”

Sad to say, there were also people then that neglected Church attendance! Our Lord commanded them and us to regularly assemble together. From what we have already studied, it is easy to understand why God warned them and us. We again need to emphasize that we always do ourselves more harm than anyone else when we stay away from Church. When we fail to fulfill our function in our Lord’s Church, it will indeed have a negative influence on the rest of our Church. Every member of a Church has at least one gift to minister in that Church, 1 Corinthians 12:4–27. Every ministry is important, and it does damage when one of these ministries is missing. The Church does indeed miss that member, but the member misses the whole body!

It is our special privilege, honor and duty to Christ, Who purchased us with His precious blood, that we become members of one of His Churches, and that we regularly serve Him there. It is a sin against Him and His Church for us not to be there. When something in us says, “I do not want to be in Church,” then wake up! That is a warning signal that something very serious is wrong in our lives! Do we want no part in God’s work and Word? Are we crazy and on the road to self-destruction? Dearly beloved, when we have the least amount of interest in attending Church is when we need it the most!

Satan, the flesh and the world want to use other people in a Church to keep people from attending. That is a shame, but it is true. First of all, if we only come to Church because of other people, then our basic reason is false: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31. When we stay away from Church due to a disappointment in someone (even in the Pastor), then we are egotistical and hold our personal feelings as being more important than our Lord, His Church and His Word. Do you think that the other Apostles should have stopped going to Church because Judas betrayed our Lord, or because Peter denied our Lord three times and cursed (Matthew 26:74,75) ? Should we let others rob us of God’s blessings, just because they are wrong? God only knows if you might be the very person that He wants to use to help that person: “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Galatians 6:1.

There were many problems in the Corinthian Church, and the Apostle Paul sent Titus to help them, while he himself could not go. Not a pleasant work, but the result is described in 2 Corinthians 7:13 “Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.” Amazing, but God uses our problems (we all have them) to help us grow closer to each other in the Lord, as we work through these problems in humility, love, obedience and faith. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28. Whatever problem is involved, it will never get better by staying away from Church, but it will only be compounded.

Sometimes people enter into a time of depression when they do not want to see or talk to anyone. I can understand this well, since my dear wife went through just such a very difficult time. My thanks to God for His grace at that time was great, because she knew and felt her need of the ministry of the Holy Spirit working through the preached Word. It was a difficult time, but she would come into the auditorium after everyone was seated, and she left before the invitation was completed, so she would not have to face others. Not going to Church due to depression is like not going to a hospital or doctor because you are hurting too much!

(Continue Next Issue: Part 4)

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Profiling Possible Terrorists

To ensure we Americans never offend anyone – particularly fanatics intent on killing us – law enforcement and security screeners are not allowed to “profile” people in public places or security checkpoints. However, they will continue to perform random searches of 80-year-old women, little kids, airline pilots with proper identification, Secret Service agents who are members of the President’s security detail, 85-year-old congressmen with metal hips and even Medal of Honor recipients. But targeting Middle Eastern male Islamists between the ages 17 and 40 constitutes “ethnic profiling.”

Let’s pause a moment and review . . .

In 1968 Bobby Kennedy was shot and killed by a Middle Eastern Islamist male between the ages of 17 and 40.

In 1972, 11 Israeli athletes were killed at the Munich Olympics by Middle Eastern Islamist males between the ages of 17 and 40.

In 1979, the U.S. embassy in Iran was taken over by Middle Eastern Islamist males between the ages of 17 and 40.

During the 1980's numerous Americans were kidnaped in Lebanon by Middle Eastern Islamist males between the ages of 17 and 40.

In 1983, the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut was blown up by Middle Eastern Islamist males between the ages of 17 and 40.

In 1985 the cruise ship Achille Lauro was hijacked, and a 70-year-old disabled American passenger was murdered and thrown overboard by Middle Eastern Islamist males between the ages of 17 and 40.

In 1985 TWA flight 847 was hijacked at Athens, and a U.S. Navy diver was murdered by Middle Eastern Islamist males between the ages of 17 and 40.

In 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 was bombed by Middle Eastern Islamist males between the ages of 17 and 40.

In 1993, the World Trade Center was bombed by Middle Eastern Islamist males between the ages of 17 and 40.

In 1995, a plot to blow up U.S.-bound international flights over the Pacific was attempted by Middle Eastern Islamist males between the ages of 17 and 40.

In 1998, the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania were bombed by Middle Eastern Islamist males between the ages of 17 and 40.

In 2000, 17 sailors died in an attack on the USS Cole (DDG 67) in Yemen by Middle Eastern Islamist males between the ages of 17 and 40.

On 9/11/01, four airliners were hijacked – two flown into the World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon and one into the ground in rural Pennsylvania. They were hijacked by Middle Eastern Islamist males between the ages of 17 and 40.

In 2002 the United States liberated Afghanistan from Middle Eastern Islamist males between the ages of 17 and 40.

In 2002 reporter Daniel Pearl and other Westerners were kidnaped and beheaded by Middle Eastern Islamist males between the ages of 17 and 40.

In 2002, more than 330 hostages in Beslan and 130 hostages in Moscow were murdered in sieges by Middle Eastern Islamist males between the ages of 17 and 40.

In 2003 the United States liberated Iraq from “The Butcher of Baghdad,” but most American military personnel were killed by Middle Eastern Islamist males between the ages of 17 and 40.

In 2004, more than 200 Spanish civilians were murdered on trains by bombs in Madrid, detonated by Middle Eastern Islamist males between the ages of 17 and 40.

In 2005 more than 50 UK citizens were on trains in London killed by bombs, detonated by Middle Eastern Islamist males between the ages of 17 and 40.

In 2005, there were hundreds of casualties, men, women and children, killed by bombs in Jerusalem, Riyadh and Amman. These innocent civilians were murdered by Middle Eastern Islamist males between the ages of 17 and 40.

In 2005, the city of Paris, and other European cities experienced an extended period of riots and destruction. The unrest was led by Middle Eastern Islamist males between the ages of 17 and 40.

Since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom, more than 2,500 Americans have been murdered by terrorists. 35,000 Iraqi men, women and children have also been murdered by terrorists. Most of the combat and civilian casualties were the result of bombs detonated in civilian population centers by Middle Eastern Islamist males between the ages of 17 and 40.

In 2006, hundreds of Israeli civilians have been killed by rockets launched by Middle Eastern Islamist males between the ages of 17 and 40.

In 2006, a plot to blow up 10 U.S.-bound planes from the U.K. was attempted by Middle Eastern Islamist males between the ages of 17 and 40.

Since 2001, the FBI reports that there are major terrorist cells still in U.S. urban centers. Several of these cells have been uncovered and cell members arrested. In every case, the terrorists cell members were Middle Eastern Islamist males between the ages of 17 and 40.

President George Bush said this week, “America is at war with Islamic fascists who will use any means to destroy those of us who love freedom, to hurt our nation.” The Council on American-Islamic Relations issued an immediate objection to the President’s reference to “Islamic fascists.” Nihad Awad, executive director of CAIR protested, “We have to isolate these individuals because there is nothing in the Koran or the Islamic faith that encourages people to be cruel or to be vicious or to be criminal. Muslims world wide know that for sure.” In light of this objection, we are left to ponder why every Islamic leader in the U.S., and the world, does not publicly condemn every terror action being undertaken in the name of the god of Islam. Their silence is deafening . . .

Between 1970 and present, there were more than 60 other notable examples of terrorism perpetrated by Middle Eastern male Islamists between the ages 17 and 40, but we think you get the point. Singling out “Middle Eastern male Islamists between the ages 17 and 40 is not “ethnic profiling,” it is “terrorist profiling” — acting on prolific evidence.

Anyone for Terrorist Profiling?

—Adapted from The Patriot Post

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Open Letter to the Readers

August 15, 2006

Dear Recipient and/or Reader;

We hope that the “Plains Baptist Challenger” is a blessing, encouragement, and truly a “challenge” to you in your Christian life. Because of recent developments and changes in circumstances, the cost of getting a finished copy of the Challenger to you has greatly increased for us here at Tabernacle Baptist Church. God has blessed this church over the years, and we have been able to handle the financial burden of preparing, printing, and posting the Challenger at a very reasonable rate for you, the reader. However, because of these recent changes, we must at this time raise the cost of the Challenger to our readers. We certainly do not want to make the price of the paper out of reach for anyone, so we have decided to make the raise in price only $2.00 more per year as well as $2.00 more for a two-year subscription. This makes the price for a subscription to the Challenger $7.00 for one year and $10.00 for two years. Please note that this change takes effect immediately.

We are also raising our rates for those churches that receive bundles of the Challenger. We will now ask that a church pay $3.00 per copy of the Challenger per year with the same minimum of 5 copies to constitute a bundle and qualify for the bundle price. Therefore, a church that receives a bundle of 10 copies each month would now need to pay $30.00 per year. Perhaps your church has been receiving bundles of the Challenger without sending us any payment. Please remember that it is costing us even more money now, as well as all the time and effort to get these Challengers to you, we would surely appreciate your cooperation in sending your annual bundle payment.

There are a number of people who are receiving the Challenger without making any payment. If you are a church-sent, board-free or clearinghouse-free, independent Baptist missionary, we want you to receive the Challenger as our gift to you. If you are an individual that truly cannot afford to pay for the Challenger, please contact us about your desire to continue to receive the paper. However, if you have been receiving the Challenger free of charge and you do not fit under these categories mentioned above, please respond to our need to keep the printing of the Challenger going by sending us your subscription fee.

We believe that the Challenger is well worth the price we are now charging for a subscription. We receive many positive responses to this paper that let us know that it is meeting a need in lives and being used by the Lord. We hope that you will agree with us that the Challenger is worth the increased subscription price. Please pray with us that the new subscription price and the response to our request to pay for subscriptions will meet the operating expenses and allow us to continue sending the truth to many places around this world.

Thank you so much for your interest in the Plains Baptist Challenger and for your consideration of the needs we are facing at this time.

In Christ, Bob Jackson, Pastor

Yours for Truth, E. L. Bynum, Editor

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News & Views

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.)

Crosses Attacked — The New Mexico city of Las Cruces now faces a trial date in federal court for a lawsuit which seeks to remove the three crosses in the city’s emblems and seals. The city, whose Spanish name means, the Crosses, is fighting the suit claiming that the crosses are symbols of the city’s modern heritage. (LifeSiteNews, 8/8/06) It is really the Christ of true Christianity that is under attack. The greatest assistance to the Islam invasion comes from Godhaters that claim freedom of speech or the suppression thereof as their greatest weapon. One day every diabolical scorner will bow before the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. (Titus 2:13b) (W. W. Mosley, hereafter —WWM)

Sin Sells — A letter representing 78 Texas Ford dealers was sent to Ford’s Detroit headquarters earlier this summer, urging the company to ‘cease’ advertising in homosexual publications. The letter acknowledged that a pro-family boycott is hurting their business. (Baptist Press, 8/10/06) Many of our fathers and grandfathers drove a Model T or Model A Ford until the V8s came out in the early to mid-thirties. Most of them would have joined these TX dealers, if for nothing else but to find out what homosexuality was. If they were still living, they could ask their 5-year-old great, great, great grand child. They are taught a gay lifestyle in school. —WWM

Product of Higher Learning — In a July 26 column that reads almost like a parody of the slogans of the abortion movement, a sophomore at Michigan State University has declared that the unborn child is a parasite, similar to a tapeworm that should be annihilated. (LSN, 8/2/06) That an unborn child has feeling as well as excitement is noted in the reaction of Elisabeth’s unborn son. (Luke 1:41,42) Children are the heritage from the Lord and a reward to the womb that bears them. (Psa. 127:3) The only parasite here is the abortionist feeding on the lust of the flesh. (Gal. 5:16) —WWM

Madonna Churched? — A Vatican Cardinal has called for the pop-singer Madonna to be formally excommunicated, calling her plan to perform a blasphemous mock crucifixion in the Eternal City an open act of hostility. (LSN, 8/4/06) This would be hilarious if it were not so pathetic. Did this cardinal miss the open mouth kiss between this sin saturated sadist and her partner in debauchery, Britney Spears? (PBC, 9/03) It is little wonder that there is flooding in one area of America and burning drought in another. Some who call themselves Christians spend money they cannot afford, to watch and listen to these performers who have but one end. (Ezek. 32:18) —WWM

Mutilation vs. Mutation — Our American service personnel are fighting terrorism for our safety & freedom. It is actually a battle for religious freedom. The price is high for service men as they die. They are also being brought before magistrates for seeking information to keep more from dying. Anything short of crucifixion can be assessed on a soldier for mutilating (?) or simply mishandling the Islam bible. The Word of God, however, has suffered mutation at the hands of learned professors of theology without drawing a yawn from multitudes. A nation that has dismissed God from public areas & assemblies now furnishes a Koran and prayer mat at the request of any Muslim prisoner. Can the following be said of our nation? This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the LORD their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth. (Jer. 7:28)

Wide Gap in Eternity — “. . . many museums in Europe and the United States have begun highlighting collections and exhibitions of Islamic art as a way of promoting greater understanding and bridging the cultural gap between the Judeo-Christian and Muslim worlds. In Western Europe this strategy also implies recognition that, because of heavy immigration from North Africa, Turkey, Pakistan and Bangladesh, Islam is now also a European religion, and it is therefore important both for Europeans to show respect for Islamic culture and for Muslim immigrants and their children to take pride in their past.” (NYTimes, 8/9/06) This clip from the NYT isn’t dealing with a cultural gap. It is an eternal gap between the Eternal God and Islam’s false god, Allah. The Eternal God says, “Love your enemies and pray for their salvation.” Islam’s false god says, “Kill all the infidels (Judeo/Christians) if they don’t convert.” It is impossible to respect a culture with the disposition to annihilate Christianity. (Emphases mine, WWM)

Responding to Christ or Camaraderie? — “On Wednesday evening, June 28, Long Hollow Baptist Church here (Hendersonville, TN) baptized 130 people, mostly students. This included about 20 people who responded to the service by making professions of faith. They also were baptized.” (Baptist & Reflector, 7/19/06) The article said these were middle & high school students who attended a camp held by the church. Before they responded to Christ, they responded to this activity. “This year the youth responded to an American Indian tribe theme, coming up with face decorations and silly games. They also enjoyed obstacle courses after which each student is covered with muddy water, a climbing wall, ropes activity, and water activities.” (B&R ) My prayer is that those who were truly saved will soon be saved from such enticement of the flesh. This is sure to make this writer open to much criticism. Read the Bible report of early church activities before you do. Bedford jail didn’t draw a big crowd. —WWM

Muslim Men Burn Bible — The burning of a Bible and other sacred texts by four Muslim men in the Tibba Shomali area of Tehsil Mian Channu has prompted over 1,500 Christians to stage a protest against the incident that occurred on Tuesday evening, April 4. Four men were caught while burning the Bible, calendars carrying the picture of Jesus and other Christian booklets, reports the Pakistan-based Daily Times. (RT, 4/10/06) One political leader had made the claim that Muslims and Christians in that area were living in ‘complete harmony.’ This may last until a non-Muslim kicks around the Koran. It may seem politically correct to say Islam is a peaceful religion. More are joining the ranks of those who know better. Satan is always roaring and roaming. Don’t be deceived about the route he takes. (Prov. 28:15) —WWM

Blurred Distinction — If one subscribes to the “eternal struggle” paradigm, it becomes difficult not to acknowledge the fact that the struggle has increased dramatically in its ferocity. The "moral relativism" which has become so contentious over the last few years has reached surreal proportions. Good is indeed becoming evil, especially if one is familiar with the secular socialist view of religion. (Eric Rush in GOPUSA, 4/10/06) Staying true to the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only method that can possibly determine what is evil and what is good. Another generation had the same problem, and the verdict remains the same today. (Isa. 5:20) “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” One day the cry will be decidedly differently. —WWM

Larceny of God’s Heritage — Concerned Canadian pharmacists have published a list of vaccines in use in the country that are currently sourced from aborted fetal tissues. It turns out that all vaccines with the exception of the flu vaccine utilize aborted fetal tissues. (LSN, 4/10/06) (Psa. 127:3) “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” Those liable in this kind of larceny have untold charges to face. (Matt. 18:10) “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.” What horrible despite to the unborn is exemplified by such scientists. —WWM

Women Elders? — Each and every day, the nine members of Willow Creek’s Elders Board are committed to shepherding and leading all of the people who call Willow their church home. “The tasks and responsibilities of the Elders vary greatly and require discernment, as they strive to keep the church on its biblical course.” (AIBI Editor’s comment: Reading that one of the responsibilities a Willow Creek Elder has is to “strive to keep the church on its biblical course” was of great interest when five of the nine “Elders” at Willow Creek are women! 2/16/06)

One Changed Lawyer — “Once you really examine the evidence and take a cold, hard look at it, it’s almost inescapable that killing a baby is not a solution...Killing babies is not the way out of social problems or personal problems. Killing off your elderly or disabled is not the way to keep your healthcare budget in balance.” (Pat Anderson in BP, 4/11/06) Ms. Anderson was the first attorney for Terri Schiavo in her family’s fight to avoid her dehydration death. Killing anyone is absolutely not a solution, but it is sin. God has placed a high priority on life from Him. (Gen. 1:20; 2:7: John 6:33) “For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” —WWM

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