June 9, 2010

ZEAL AND RELIGION

     It is vital for us to understand that the Lord commands zeal in doing His work (Romans 12:11, Titus 2:14).  The Greek word translated zeal in the New Testament means to be hot, to boil, and figuratively it means to be enthusiastic and fervent in spirit.  Yes, God’s people are to be excited about doing the Lord’s work.  Not only does the Lord command zeal, He despises lukewarm indifferent attitudes towards His work (Revelation 3:15ff).  Why would anyone be indifferent toward the greatest work in all the world?

     Yet, we must also understand that zeal is not sufficient for God to be pleased. Please read (Romans 10:1-5).  This is the text I plan for us to study Sunday.  It is quite clear that God not only requires zeal, He also requires our zeal be accompanied by the correct knowledge.  Religious zeal can be a very dangerous thing, if it is not accompanied by proper knowledge.  The tragedy of the Twin Towers is an example of religious zeal not accompanied by the proper knowledge.  It was religious zeal without proper knowledge of the true God and His precious gospel that motivated religious zealots to pilot those jets into the towers killing thousands of innocent men, women and children.

It’s clear-zeal not combined with proper knowledge is not acceptable to God.  One can have all the zeal in the world, yet if it is not combined with proper knowledge this does not please God.  People can work all day every day knocking doors teaching their religious doctrine, yet if they do not have the proper knowledge of God’s plan to save man all this work is not acceptable to God.  Just being zealous and sincere is not enough to please Him. 

Then Paul gave an example to make the point: his example was the Jewish people who did not believe in Jesus.  They were ignorant of God’s plan to save man and thus tried to establish their own righteousness before God by their own means.  What were the results?  The unfortunate results were that they had not submitted to God’s plan that makes men righteous.  So, they were not right in His sight.  They believed they could be right with God by the Mosaic Law.  It had already been made clear this could not be done (Romans 8:1-4).  Yet, they believed they could do it, and were quite zealous towards this end.  Sadly, because they did not combine zeal with proper knowledge they had not submitted themselves to God.  One can be so excited about their religion they give their whole life to it, yet if it is not according to God’s plan (Romans 1:16-17), God does not accept their sacrifice.  All their zeal and sincerity does not make them right with God.  Many perform many good works, yet if it is not according to proper knowledge God does not accept those good works.  My friend, all your good works do not make you right with God.  You must believe in Jesus, repent of your sins, confess His name and be immersed for the forgiveness of sins to accept His grace-submit to His plan not man’s plan.  

June 16, 2010
 

PREDESTINATION

     Do you believe in predestination? I do. Not in the way some religious people do, yet I do believe in the predestination taught in the Bible. God’s Word clearly teaches predestination, it is a Biblical doctrine.  It is important to understand what the Bible actually teaches about this vital doctrine. 

     We also need to have an idea of what the religious world teaches on this.  A reformer during the Protestant Reformation, John Calvin, is responsible for much of the teaching in the religious world today concerning this subject. He studied from Augustine and concluded that all men are born with Adam’s sin (Totally Depraved). Because of this false assumption, he came to many invalid conclusions. These conclusions are often represented by the acrostic TULIP with each letter representing a major tenet of his teaching. Note the illustration presented below:

T - Total Depravity

U - Unconditional Election

L - Limited Atonement

I - Irresistible Grace

P - Perseverance of the Saints  

      Calvinism teaches that before the creation of the world, God decided, by name, who would be saved and who would be lost. There is nothing one can do about it-if God predestined you to be lost that is your destiny. They say all are born totally depraved and God unconditionally selected who would be saved. Jesus actually died only for these elect - limited atonement. In time, if you’re one of the elect the Spirit performs an irresistible work of grace on you. Since the exact number of the saved is set-once you are saved you can never be lost - Perseverance of the Saints.  Most Denominations today are influenced by one or more of these tenants in various ways, and even some of our brethren.      

      It would be helpful to understand the Biblical terms connected with this doctrine. Foreknow - to have knowledge of beforehand. It is found in (Romans 8:29, 1 Peter 1:20, 2 Peter 3:17). Predestinate - to predetermine, decide beforehand, appoint beforehand. It is found in (Romans 8:29-30, 1 Corinthians 2:7, Ephesians 1:5, 11).   

     The Bible teaches that God chose, before the world, a group of people to be saved, not an individual. This fact could not be more clear (Ephesians 1:3-12). Note the continual use of “us” in these verses. God decided a certain group; a class of people would be saved-individuals decide in time (free moral agents) if they accept God’s call.  If so and they are faithful they are justified then glorified (Romans 8:29-30). God’s decided beforehand there would be a group like this-not who would be in the group-and that they would have certain characteristics. Those not in this group are lost and will be punished (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9, Matthew 25:31-46).  Jesus died for all (John 3:16). We decide if we will accept what He has done for us and so be in that saved group.  His terms: You must believe in Christ (Mark 16:16), Repent of sins (Luke 13:3), Confess Christ (Romans 10:9-10), Be immersed to be saved (Acts 2:38), and live faithful (Revelation 2:10).  Why choose to be in the lost group? God has done so much for you, why not be in that saved glorified group?                                                                                        H.D.

June 23, 2010
 

THE REPLY OF A CALVINISTS

     Recently, I reviewed a book written by a present day Calvinists in which the author attempted to defend his doctrine.  The title: The Basic Ideas of Calvinism, by Meeter, publisher Baker, 1990.  He   made several statements making clear the positions of this doctrine. 

     The author often mentioned total depravity.  They believe all men inherit Adam’s sin at birth and so are totally depraved.  Men are so depraved they can’t come to God: their intellect is so depraved they can’t understand how one comes to God, as written in the Bible.  Meeter says fallen man is unable to do any good.  He is so filled with guilt God must work a miracle upon his heart for him to experience conversion. So, there is the idea of irresistible grace.  The author says the condition of man’s total depravity can’t be altered, except by a supernatural change wrought by God.  He says man can’t turn to God of himself.  God must put faith in the heart of the elect with irresistible power (pages,41,45).  Calvinists contend the Spirit works a direct irresistible operation on the heart of the elect-not through the Spirit’s Word as the Bible teaches.  So, Calvin was called the theologian of the Holy Spirit (48).  The Bible says faith comes by one hearing the Word of God (Rom. 10:17).  That Word is the power of God to save man (Rom. 1:16).  We experience the new birth through that powerful Word (1 Pet. 1:23-25).

      Meeter defends the concept of Unconditional Election by saying salvation is all by grace and only by free grace (48).  So, man’s free will is not involved in salvation, as God’s Word clearly teaches (Rev. 22:17).  He attempts to answer the problem of human responsibility and his view of predestination (that destroys human responsibility) by saying these 2 concepts are “seeming opposites.”(They aren’t seeming opposites - they are opposites.) He says: “How do you harmonize these two concepts?” He answers, “God reconciles them.”  He says this is a mystery and he will be content to let it be so (41).  Note - your doctrine contradicts the Bible and you merely say God reconciles them.  Merely brush off the problem that your belief contains an irreconcilable contradiction by saying you are content to let it remain a mystery!  What else could you say, since these two concepts can’t be reconciled under Calvinistic suppositions?  How does one reconcile Unconditional Election with God’s grace? Meeter says this study presents problems. (I reckon so! H.D.) (41).  You simply can’t reconcile the fact that God loves all men (John 3:16) with the Calvinistic doctrine that before creation He selected by name unconditionally certain ones to go to heaven and certain unfortunate ones to go to hell.  How do they attempt to reconcile these concepts?  By merely saying:  that’s God’s sovereignty.  The author is so bold he says: “Calvinism is able to maintain its balance by incorporating complimentary opposites.” (42).  Believe what contradicts the Bible and itself and then merely say that’s the way we maintain balance! 

VAIN RELIGION

   The Bible says there is such a thing as pure religion (James 1:27). The Bible also explains the worthlessness of impure vain religion (Matthew 15:9). All men who are truly interested in religion should desire God’s pure religion. In the Old Testament, God gave His people pure religion through His inspired revelation, yet this is not what they usually practiced. 

Various means had been tried by God in the Old Testament to bring His people back to true religion: wondrous blessings, precious promises, various punishments and alarming threatening of wrath, yet they refused to return to God’s truth. One might ask: For what had they traded pure religion?  They traded pure religion for the false religion of surrounding neighbors. Repeatedly God had warned them against this, yet they persisted in this folly. God revealed pure holy religion to them, yet they chose the corrupted religion of mere men over God’s truth. As one reads the long account of Israel’s apostasy the question is: Why would one choose something corruptible for what was incorruptible? Yet, this is what the Israelites  did choose. God’s people chose a religion of inconsistency (Hosea 6:4).  They were  as  fickle as God was  faithful. This can be noted throughout their history. At Sinai, they promised to be obedient to Him, then they built a golden calf.

In the Book of Judges there is a clear cycle of history: (1) Sinning by the people, then (2) God’s sends oppression, then (3) They cry to God for deliverance, then (4) God delivers them, then (5) They go back to sin. This cycle is repeated constantly over four hundred years. Even the reformations in the times of certain kings (Hezekiah, Josiah) were only short-lived.  This same element can often be seen in the lives of various ones through their history. God explained how the dew of the morning dries up in the blazing heat of the sun, early it is fresh and thick but soon it is carried away by evaporation. As the gathering cloud and dew disappears so does the faithfulness of His children. Their religion was merely an instance of momentary excitement and goodness. This religion is of no value at any time in history. It is like the dew - soon exhaled by the summer beams, it is like the cloud-empty, fickle, disappointing - it is worthless. Their religion was fickle, heedless, and incorrigible.

This type religion is totally defective, lacking any depth, with no root. Such religion makes great promises to God yet seldom does it bring forth the fruit of righteousness, and when it does, it is only for an instant. The nature of man is only superficially moved with this religion - there is no genuine conviction of sin, nor turning of one’s heart and life to God. 

June 7, 2010
 

THREE YOUNG MEN STAND FOR GOD

    Daniel chapter 3 has one of the most courageous accounts in the Bible.  This chapter has motivated God’s people through the ages.  It is a great encouragement to God’s people at any time, especially in trying times.  This account of three young men standing for God can motivate us all.  This account was written and preserved for the leaning of Christ’s church  (Rom. 15:4, 1 Cor. 10:11-12).

     Understanding the background will aid in comprehending this episode.  Three young Hebrew men have been taken into Babylonian captivity.  Though they are far from home, in a different culture, they greatly advanced politically.  In Babylon one day, they faced a dilemma: a dilemma all of God’s people have faced or will face: Will I compromise my convictions, or will I stand up for God?  What an example of courage the young men have given for God’s people of all ages.  As we study the incident, may we all be encouraged to be strong in the face of opposition-may we be inspired to stand up for the Lord.

   The Circumstances (1-7):  We find the birth of a new god.  The Babylonian king-Nebuchadnezzar made an idol of gold.  Maybe it came to his mind from the dream he had in chapter 2.  The command was given at the dedication of the image that at the sound of music all were to bow down in worship.  Those who refused were to be thrown into a burning fiery furnace.  Many likely saw this as a commitment to government - since “it” was erected by the king - refusal to worship “it” was likely seen as treason.  No heathen would likely have any problem bowing down to it, yet for God’s   people it  would be a violation of the first  principle of true religion.  Did the three men wish to be honored by the king of Babylon, or the King of the universe?  Then the music played and all foreheads touched the ground, except for these three young men.

     Accusing the Three Men (8-12): An accusation against the three men is brought to the king-they won’t worship the image-serious charge indeed.  It says “certain Chaldeans” brought the charges (8). There will always be certain Chaldeans to bring accusations against God’s people (John 16:1-3, 1 John 3:1).  Some shall even come from within the church.  This charge may have seemed like ingratitude on the part of these men - the king had honored them by giving them positions - yet they won’t return the honor by worshiping the image he set up.  It wasn’t ingratitude - it was: conviction-honor to God-steadfastness-courage. 

   Dilemma (13-18): Response of the king-fury.  How could anyone dare disobey his edict-especially 3 foreigners placed in high positions by his favor?  The three are brought and given another chance to worship.  The king was fair enough to let them answer for themselves and even ready to give them another chance to obey.  Dilemma: One more opportunity to bow down - maybe they could hear the fire!  They made their point, here’s a new chance to serve God by living - it would only take a moment - they knew the idol was nothing - their forefathers bowed down to idols for years - shouldn’t they go down this stream-it’s so strong - and so on.  Yet, they loved God more than life itself. The glory of God meant more to them than fame, position or security.  Their courageous answer: (16-18).  They won’t worship idols.  They cast themselves upon God - He would deliver them to death or from death.  He could deliver them from death, if not, no idol worship for them.  The three would rather die in integrity than live in iniquity.  The decision was made before the first note ever played.           

   Results of Their Stand (19-30): The king, in rage, has them thrown into the fire.  But, the fire didn’t even singe their hair.  They are delivered by God, and the king praises God.  God hasn’t always delivered in this manner-neither did He promise to do so.  Yet, if we stand up for Him He has promised to be with us (Rom. 8:31, Heb. 13:5-6).  Our first duty: be faithful regardless of the cost (Rev. 2:10).  Who can estimate the impact this example has had and will continue to have?  You can begin a stand for God today (Mark 16:16, 1 Corinthians 15:58).                                                                                                                                               H.D.  

HOW TO PRESENT OUR BODIES AS A LIVING SACRIFICE (#1)

Recently we noted that God expects the Christian to present his body as a living sacrifice.  In so doing, He expects the child of God not to be conformed to this world (Romans 12:1-2). cf (Matthew 6:33, 16:24-26, 2 Corinthians 6:17, 1 John 2:15-17, 3:1, 13, James 1:27, 4:4).  However, how does God expect us to do this?  In the remainder of this beautiful and practical chapter, we are informed exactly how God expects us to offer ourselves.  Please read Romans 12:3 at this time.  Remember, we are to be transformed.   The means of this transformation is by the renewing of our mind (12:2).  In Christianity, our minds must be changed (Ephesians 4:23-24, Philippians 2:5).  Because of this transformation, we learn to judge our thoughts and actions by the will of God.  Disciples must learn to think in new ways, in spiritual ways (Matthew 12: 34-37, Romans 8:4-5, Colossians 3:1-2).  God’s people must learn to think in new ways concerning themselves.  Through the Holy Spirit, by God’s Word, the mind is changed, resulting in transformation.  The mind is changed by a diligent, frequent, prayerful study of God’s Word.  So, from this discussion of transformation in (12:2), Paul passes on to a discussion concerning how one should think of himself (12:3-7).  This discussion is connected to (12:1-2) by the word for in (12:3).  Christians must be able to judge from God’s Word what God’s will is for them, and it is God’s will that one have the correct and proper attitude toward himself. 

The discussion was begun by an illusion to Paul’s apostolic authority: “For I say through the grace given unto me…” The grace given to him by God produced his apostolic authority (1:5).                

To whom is this injunction addressed?  “To every man that is among you…”  So, this lesson is to be applied by everyone: the rich, the poor, to everyone.  What was the intended lesson: that one should not think more highly of himself than he ought to think.  The literal meaning is to think more highly of one’s self than what is proper.  Paul had discussed the right toward God (1) and the world (2), now he emphasizes the right attitude toward one’s self.  Christians must never be arrogant, haughty, proud, egotistic, conceited-there is no place for this attitude among the followers of Christ.                                                                                                           H.D.      
               

July 21, 2010

July 28, 2010
 

HOLD TO GOD’S UNCHANGING HAND

The theme for our campaign: Hold To God’s Unchanging Hand.  I preached twice during the meeting: the first sermon and  the last sermon.  The following article is a brief summary of those lessons.    

It is a wonderful thing to hold to God’s unchanging hand.  We need to tell the world that it is a wonderful thing to hold to God’s unchanging hand.  We need to show the world by our lives that it is a wonderful thing to hold to God’s unchanging hand.     

The Beauty of Holding to God’s Unchanging Hand: Holding to God’s unchanging hand is a beautiful thing.  The Lord reaches out to us through His dear Son (Matt. 11:28-30).  He asks us to trust in Him through all the toils of life (John 14:1-6).  God calls to us to hold to His unchanging hand through His powerful gospel (2 Thes. 2:14, Rom. 1:16).  It is wonderful if we hold to His hand; we will have blessed fellowship through His Son (1 John 1:7-10).  This fellowship is with God and with our brothers and sisters in the Lord.  Here we find so many spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3).  There is such hope when we hold to God’s unchanging hand (Rom. 8:18, 31, 35-39, Titus 1:2, Heb. 6:19).  There is peace and joy when we hold to God’s unchanging hand (Rom.5:1, Phil. 4:4-7, Isaiah 9:6, John 14:27).  If we hold to God’s unchanging hand, there is eternal life (John 10:28-29).   

What is The Cost?  Have you thought about the cost of holding to God’s unchanging hand?  It cost God His only Son (Rom. 5:6-8, John 3:16, Titus 2:14, Gal. 1:3-4, John 10:18, Matt. 26:28).  It is unreal to think that it cost heaven so much to offer us a relationship with the divine and yet some desire this relationship without it costing them anything!  Yet, God’s Word shows us this is not possible (Matt. 16:24-26, Rom. 12:1).       

Indispensable Elements For Holding to God’s Unchanging Hand.  There are certain elements that cannot be dispensed with in order to hold to God’s unchanging hand.  One cannot hold to God’s unchanging hand without: (1) Jesus (Acts 4:12, John 14:6, 1 Timothy 2:5) (2) The body of Christ  There is no such thing as a relationship with God apart from Christ’s church  (Eph. 1:22-23, 2:16, 4:4, 5:23-25) (3) God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:15-17, 1 Peter 1:22-25, James 1:21, Acts 20:32).  (4) Baptism (1 Cor. 12:13, Acts 2:38, 22:16, Galatians 3:27, 1 Peter 3:21).                                                                                                                                                   H.D.