Why the Church?

Written by mfernandez on June 10th, 2010

All around us are many para-church organizations that have popped up, and they are continuing to pop up.  Should they replace the church?  Are they the same as the church?  If we attend these, does that mean we have attended “church”?  The answer is, “No.”  Here are a few things to consider regarding the church:

  1. Jesus Christ began His church with His disciples, according to the Scriptures.  The church does not have a man-made, unless you mean the God-Man Jesus Christ, origin as do many of these para-church organizations.
  2. The church is the last of three Biblical (emphasis BIBLICAL) institutions, according to the Scriptures.
  3. The church is local and visible according to the Scriptures.
  4. The church is mandated to be obedient to the Great Mandate according to the Scriptures.
  5. The church does not have the goal of changing herself or prostituting her purity to bring people in, but rather edifying believers so that they can go out and fulfill the Great Mandate, according to the Scriptures.
  6. The church is the pillar and ground of the truth according to the Scriptures.
  7. The church is the institution that Christ gave Himself for, according to the Scriptures.
  8. The assembling together of the church is not to be forsaken according to the Scriptures.

There are many other things which the Word of God gives regarding the church, and para-church ministries are not evil.  There is a common goal, but the Biblical method for accomplishing the work of God is the local, New Testament church — Not para-church ministries.  If you want to remain Biblical, get into a local, visible, autonomous church.  Work through that church.  Remain faithful to that church (all gatherings), and begin ministries through that local body of people.

One of the greatest mistakes young people can make is to replace Christ’s church with attendance to some para-church ministry.  Don’t make the mistake, and if you have, simply get back to the Word of God and see what He says about His church.

 

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Follow the Faith of…

Written by mfernandez on May 28th, 2010

Hebrews 13 is a great chapter of many imperatives given to the Jewish believers.  Verse 7 says, “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”

There is an interesting phrase in this verse that says, “…whose faith follow...”  The word “follow” means to imitate or mimic.  The Lord has given to us spiritual leaders within the church (our pastor), and we are enjoined to imitate their faith.  For those who have not yet developed certain convictions or are still young in the Christian life, follow the faith of those who have the “rule over you.”  Consider their end: Jesus Christ!

 

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Listen, and STOP Listening!!!

Written by mfernandez on May 19th, 2010

Recently, I met a parent of a teenager who has a quite common philosophy of our day with regards to her teen making decisions.  In short, she felt that her teen should be presented with all options, and then he could make a decision.  This was based upon the popular philosophy of our day that says they are individuals and should be allowed to choose for themselves.

The problem with this philosophy is that a teenager must be taught to discern good and evil.  He or she must be taught how to make decisions before they should be simply expected to make the right decisions.  Any human being left to himself or herself, with no training, will make selfish decisions.  That is our nature, and this is especially reflected in the youth years.

As I was reading, I came across this Proverb that must be applied today.  Proverbs 19:27 says, “Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.“  Teens are often told to listen to the right authorities.  It is just as important that they be taught to STOP listening to the wrong advice or those who they have been counseled against (by Godly counselors).

There is such a thing as instruction that causes young people to go in the way in which they are not to go, and it is foolish to present truth and error to one who has not been trained or learned discernment; and then to expect them to make the right decisions.  The Lord has given to us one life, and He has the done the same for our children.  Teach them the Truth inside and outside your home.  In addition, teach them to not listen to those who teach them contrary to what the knowledge they have been given.

 

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Quick Thoughts on Your Teens Choosing a College…

Written by mfernandez on May 12th, 2010

Calling all Parents of Teens,

Over the last several years, I have been asked on multiple occasions what I thought about certain colleges.  It really does not matter what I think about the school, but rather what matters is that there is a Biblical decision-making process in place when choosing the college.  Here are some thoughts that may help when you young person is deciding about a college:

  1. Teach your young person the importance of their daily walk with God. I am a firm believer that the Lord will now allow you to take the wrong step if you are right with Him.  The will of God is not something that is evasive or that He is trying to hide from us.  When a young person comes to me, this is usually the first information I ask about (re: devotional life).
  2. Teach your young person the importance of the church according to the Scriptures. Many parents are sending off their children to “CHRISTIAN” schools who have no concept of what the church is or what Biblical worship is.  As a result, these young people come away with an accredited degree but absolutely no right or Biblical concept of the church.  Thus, they become casual church attenders or go to a seeker-sensitive assembly.
  3. Teach your young people that education is more about influence than the actual learning process. Who will your young people be learning from?  They will learn from those people more than what those people say from a book.
  4. Teach your young people the importance of rules. I have heard many young people say, “I could never go to that college because they have too many rules.”  I have seen the parents agree with their young people.  What a shame!  Don’t teach your young people to avoid or run from rules.  Teach them to yield and submit to rules.
  5. Teach your young people that they should go to at least one year of a solid Bible college (not these secularized “CHRISTIAN” institutions).  Every young person should use that first year to get thoroughly grounded in the Word of God.

If you are a parent who is looking for accreditation, there are some solid Bible schools who offer this.  Please read carefully the very next statement.  It would be better for your young person to stay home and actively learning and growing in his or her home church, while obtaining a degree at a local public school than to send them off to a school that says they are CHRISTIAN but use a secular philosophy for the church and worship.

My recommendation to all Christian young people is that they go to a SOLID, BIBLE-BASED college for their first year out of high school.  If after that term they believe the Lord is leading them to another area that is not local, they need to be plugged in to a local, Bible-believing church in that area where they are heading.

There are other things that can be listed above, but these are simply some for a helpful starting point.

 

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“Youth” According to the Scriptures

Written by mfernandez on May 7th, 2010

Over the last couple of months at Grace we have been studying each time the word “youth” is mentioned in the Word of God.  It is clear that God knows more about “youth” than we know, so what does God say?  Thus far we have covered five lessons, and the sixth is forthcoming.  Here is a brief list of these truths covered:

  • Man’s heart (the imagination of) is evil from his “youth.” Genesis 8:20 – 22.  Let is be clearly stated, that we are not to follow our heart.  Rather the Word of God teaches us to guide our heart.
  • God desires to bless “youth.” In Genesis 43:26 – 34 we see the story of Joseph and his brethren.  While most “youth” either don’t see God’s desire for them or they may not care, God wants to use young people for His glory; and He wants to bless them as Benjamin was blessed.
  • Every “youth” should learn to work or learn a trade in the time of their “youth.” Genesis 46:28 – 34.  While most people wait to get to college to learn a trade, the Biblical young person should learn to work while he and she are in their “youth.”
  • “Youth” need a father’s house in which to grow and learn. Leviticus 22:1 – 8, Numbers 30: 1 – 3, 16.  In the father’s house is where the youth is to live.  Our enemies are seeking to destroy our homes.  God gave the parent’s an important privilege to raise their children, specifically fathers.
  • Insecurity is part of being a “youth.” This insecurity will cause young people to stop short of claiming the victory that has already been won.  Judges 8:13 – 21.
  • The Biblical young person overcomes man’s degradation, and recognizes the truth about deliverance (being of the Lord). He also has a purpose, and this purpose is proven in his decisions.  The Biblical youth person does NOT stop until the job is done.  I Samuel 17:28 – 46.
 

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Turning from the Truth

Written by mfernandez on May 5th, 2010

Daily Grace
Turning from the Truth
“Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.”
- Titus 1:14

Titus was left in Crete to set in order things that were lacking in the churches there.  He was to make sure that the right leaders (bishops – pastors) were in place.  He was to make sure that these men were qualified and that they were leading the church in the right direction.

The Truth (vv. 1, 14)
“Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness…”

Truth is tied to godliness.  Godliness means reverence, respect, or piety towards God.  The truth was the starting point for Titus.  The truth about Who God is and the truth about what the church is for must be sound.

What is the truth?  Jesus said, “Thy word is truth.”  The foundation for faith and practice is the Word of God.  We cannot be right with God and not following the precepts of His Word.

The Trouble (v. 10)
“For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision…”

These individuals were coming into the churches in Crete.  What was the trouble?  The trouble is that they were causing people to turn from the truth (v. 14).  Notice verse 9, “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine [teachings or beliefs] both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”  A gainsayer is one who contradicts.

The Troublemakers (vv. 15 – 16)
“Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.  They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”

These troublemakers were causing individuals to turn from the truth.  They, as individuals, were not pure; and they were unbelieving.  Contextually, verse 15 would speak about their teaching and doctrine.  Their teachings were not consistent with truth.  It may have sounded good, but it simply was not truth.

This ultimately leads to works that deny God.  They verbalize something that is not consistent with their living.  Their living is not godly (v. 1), and remember that truth and godliness are connected.

Daily Thought:
The teaching and preaching of the truth of the Word of God is central to producing godliness.

Personally, I am very passionate about this topic.  What we are seeing in many of today’s churches is a blending of carnal, worldly philosophy to attempt to accomplish the work of God.  Unfortunately, ungodliness (not being judgmental, simply truthful) has become accepted in the homes of the believers as well as in the churches.  What is the real problem with the individuals in a church and a home that seek to pursue a non-Biblical philosophy for leading these two institutions?  The problem is that they have ceased to teach and preach TRUTH, as found in the Word of God.

Men and women have found ways, in their own minds, to justify why they have overlooked Biblical principles of leadership in the church (such as this chapter points out).  People have continued to go even further and adopted a marketing philosophy for the church.  The church is being marketed at all expenses.  The idea is to make the church seeker-sensitive.  If you are struggling with this errant philosophy, please study the Scriptures of the New Testament and see what the church was truly for.  Don’t get caught saying, “Well, I just think…” because what really matters is what God says. We cannot continue to overlook the BIBLICAL truths of separation and the purity of the church.  Know ye not that a little leaven (type of sin in the Scriptures) leaveneth the whole lump.

Let me be specific about a few things, and the intent is not to offend, although the truth may do that at times:

  • The Word of God does not condone individuals of the female gender to be pastors of churches. Some will say, “Well, that was just for that time…”  My friend, the Word of God is for all time.  God is clear on this matter.  You will either accept truth or you will accept your own opinion.  They may be exegetically, hermeneutically, and homiletically correct; but they are not Biblical!
  • The Word of God condemns lack of separation between the church and this world. In other words, the church is not to be another social club.  To be very technical, the Word of God says “…all that is in the world” and then lists the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is NOT of the Father.  If we really want to split hairs, the church should be separate from anything that promotes the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, or the pride of life.  We can go even further and list other things, but this devotion is getting too long.  Point being: God’s Word is clear.  We will either accept truth or man’s opinion.
  • Dare we begin with specific areas of separation (i.e. music, methods, means…etc)

Let God be truth and every man a liar.  So, will you choose to turn from the TRUTH OF THE WORD OF GOD, or will to simply remain faithful to God’s Word?


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Order in the Church!

Written by mfernandez on May 5th, 2010

Daily Grace
“Order in the Church!”
“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.”
- I Timothy 3:15

The truth conveyed in this chapter is not the most popular.  As a matter of fact, it is probably one of the most neglected portions of Scripture in Christendom today.  When a portion of Scripture does not follow the trend of the culture, often times that portion of Scripture will be neglected or distorted to allow individuals to live as they choose rather than living as God chooses.

Let me just say this, and we will move on to the truths in this chapter. Our current culture should not determine the interpretation of Scripture. Our culture and morals are getting further and further from God’s unchanging Person as revealed in His Word. The Word of God is His revelation of Himself to man. Romans 1:23says, “And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.” We must not be found guilty of this. To change God’s Word is to change how God revealed Himself and WHO He revealed Himself to be.

Even in portions of Scripture that are in direct contradiction of what is being accepted and practiced in Christendom, we must not allow the Word of God to be changed, neglected, or distorted.

The Offices in the Church (v. 1)
“This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.“

Here are a few highlights about what we learn about this truth:

  • God established two offices in the church: bishop and deacons
  • The word bishop means “overseer” and is used interchangeably in the Word of God with elder and pastor.  The different words used simply emphasize a different aspect of the same office.  While the name “bishop” identifies overseer, the name “elder” speaks to age, rank, and authority.  The name “pastor” speaks to the shepherd who feeds the flock.  Three names are given in Scriptures for the same office.
  • A bishop/pastor cannot be a women, since he must be the husband of one wife.  There is no need to go into detail or even any attempt to justify other views.  This is plainly given in the Scriptures.  In addition, there is the issue of women usurping authority in the church which is negated by God in His Word.
  • A bishop should not be a novice, which means “new convert.”

There are many other things, but these seem to be a problem with our culture today.  It will also be worth your time to read the qualifications of a deacon, who is a servant and NOT an overseer.
The Obedience in the Church (v. 15)
“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.“

Note the word “behave.” The preceding things were given so obedience/behavior would be the result. Where is this behavior to take place? The answer is in the church.

Please read carefully: A church who is in contradiction to what is given in this passage is disobeying God. To have a bishop or deacons that do not meet the Biblical prerequisites as given, are not behaving in accordance with the Scriptures. A pastor and deacon should take seriously the things given in this passage and behave accordingly.

Daily Thought:
Behave in your church!

Most of you reading this are lay leaders. Praise God! What this means to you can be viewed in several aspects. First, let me say that there are few reasons one should ever leave a church. Refusing to adhere to Biblical Truth is one of those reasons why one should leave a church. There are churches all around us who are changing and turning away from Biblical truth. When a member sees a problem, they should do all they can to help correct the problem. Remember we are family. If the problem is one where the leader is taking the church in a direction that is not Biblically sound, then the member must keep a clear conscience before God. He must speak with the leader and move to a location that IS Biblically sound.

Many are bouncing around from church to church today because they have the wrong “test kit.” They have personality conflicts, or they say things like, “I’m just not being fed.” Wow! That is a strong accusation for those of you at Grace Baptist Church in Middletown, OH where the food is plentiful and the Sheff prepares a wonderful meal every service. The problem with this approach is that it is self-centered and not Bible-centered. We are naturally inclined to look at everything through the prism of SELF or how it impacts ME.

When you walk into a church, what are you looking for? Look for Biblical accuracy. If the church is the pillar and ground of the truth, this means she is the foundation and support for truth. Truth for the church is found in the Scriptures. Does that church uphold the truth about:
- Who God is?
- The Scriptures?
- Biblical Separation from the world and TO GOD?
- True Biblical Worship…etc?

God works through His Word. When a church is Biblically sound, God will work! We must not manufacture His working. There is no replacement that compares. Behavior is when one obeys the truth or command they have been given; so, behave in the church!

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Evaluation of “Christian Apologetics”

Written by mfernandez on April 28th, 2010

Recently, I completed a course entitled “Christian Apologetics.”  Here is the evaluation of the course and a greater review by Geisler (see http://max.gbcblogs.com/?p=104):

This particular course about Christian Apologetics has been a tremendous help.  The textbook by Geisler is laid out very well, and it leads to the final conclusion that the God of Christianity is the only true God.  The conclusion is also that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, and the Word of God is inspired an authoritative.

At first glance, most individuals who are in my position do not consider the arguments presented in this book.  After review of this material, it is clear that many independent Baptists lean heavily towards the Fideistic worldview.  The fideist has faith as the only answer or justification for his or her beliefs.  This is dangerous because this creates individuals who are gullible, and if they are gullible to one particular crowd, they will be gullible to another that may be doctrinally wrong.  It is imperative that each individual know God and His Son Jesus Christ.  In addition, each individual must know why he or she believes what he or she believes.

Geisler’s approach is somewhat nontraditional.  Most who are “fundamentally sound” simply say our God is the only God and they rely solely upon their faith to prove their position.  Unfortunately, people cannot literally see faith.  They can see actions conducted by individuals who have faith in God.  Geisler methodically lays the groundwork by debunking other worldviews such as agnosticism, fideism, deism, and many others.  He paves the groundwork for the God as revealed in the Scriptures.  From there he identifies Christ as God incarnate and the Word of God as inspired based upon Who Jesus is.  His approach can be summed up, in my own words, as follows:

(1)  All worldviews outside of Theism, as seen in Christianity, are self-defeating.

(2)  The inevitable conclusion is that there is an uncaused Cause or Supreme Being called God.

(3)  This uncaused Cause lines perfectly up with God as revealed in the Scriptures.

(4)  Hence, Christianity is the only Theism that presents a Supreme Being in line with all other philosophical, scientific, and ontological proofs.

(5)  The claim of the Bible is the Jesus Christ is God incarnate.  In other words, this Supreme Being presented Himself on this earth in human form.

(6)  The prophetical fulfillments of Christ’s birth, the miraculous life that he lived, and the resurrection all validate His claims as well as that of the Scriptures – Jesus Christ is God in the flesh!

(7)  Since Christ is Deity and what He says in true, we can trust that what He claimed about the Word of God is true too!

(8)  Thus, the Word of God is inspired and validated by Jesus Christ to be just that – the Word of God.

(9)  The Word of God is the “Final Authority” for faith and practice.

Continuing on the thought of the Scriptures, Graham Scroggie says, “No more convincingly are the unity and progress of the Biblical revelation demonstrated than in the fact that Christ dominates the whole revelation…For example, His Human Pedigree, His Redemptive Programme, and His Divine Person which are revealed in the New Testament historically, are revealed in the Old Testament prophetically, not in any general or doubtful manner, but in great and exact detail.”[2]

God’s Word is His revelation of Himself to us through the person of Jesus Christ.  Every book in the Word of God is consistent with the whole.  Every detail rests upon the authority of Who God is and Who Jesus Christ claims to be and truly is!  There has never been a man born of woman who impacted the world to the degree that Jesus Christ did.  He is 100% man; and, yet, He is 100% God.  He laid aside his royalty, but He never surrendered His deity.  He is truly God in the flesh!

John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”  Later in verse 14 the Word of God says, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”  Jesus was not created.  He has always been.  Colossians one teaches us that Jesus Christ is the Creator.

In addition to all of what has been stated, here are some questions to ponder.  How can a man predict his own birth of a virgin over 600 years prior to it taking place?  How can a man predict the exact city of his own birth?  How is it possible to predict your own resurrection?  A.W. Tozer said, “I believe that Christ died for me because it was incredible; I believe He rose from the dead because it is impossible.”[3]

I must end with this quote by C.S. Lewis, which I affirm.  “A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said wouldn’t be a great moral teacher.  He would either be a lunatic on the level with a man who says he’s a poached egg – or else he would be the devil of hell; you must take your choice.  Either this was, and is, the Son of God, or else a mad man or something worse.  You can shut Him up for a demon, or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God.  But don’t come up with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great moral teacher.  He hasn’t left that alternative up to us.  He did not intend to.”[4]

Bibliography Page

LORD God.  The Holy Bible (KJV).

Netherlands: Cambridge University Press, n.d.

Geisler, Norman. Christian Apologetics.

Michigan: Baker Academic, 1988.

Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity.

New York: The MacMillan Co., 1960

Tozer, A.W. The Knowledge of the Holy.

New York: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1961

[1] C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (New York: The MacMillan Co.), p. 41.

[2] Graham Scroggie. The Unfolding Drama of Redemption (Michigan: Kregel Publications) p. 30.

[3] A.W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy (New York: Harper & Row, Publishers), p. 27.

[4] C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (New York: The MacMillan Co.), p. 41.

 

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Great Article on “Problem with the Fun-Focused Youth Ministry” by Cary Schmidt

Written by mfernandez on April 17th, 2010

This worth your time.  Cary Schmidt pointedly puts down what the problem is with the making “Fun” the focus of a youth ministry.  Thank you, Bro. Schmidt!

http://tinyurl.com/y8sozsq

There are also other very practical articles that are worth the time.  God bless you!

 

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“Christian Apologetics” by Norman Geisler

Written by mfernandez on April 13th, 2010

I am finishing up a very good book on Christian Apologetics.  It is certainly not an easy read, but Geisler does make the case very clear that Christianity is the only true and believable Theism, that Jesus Christ is God, and that the Word of God is authoritative and inspired.

I would not recommend this for light reading, but for a student who is engaged in conversations with atheists, gnostics, or agnostics this book would be a help.  Part ONE covers Methodology.  Part TWO covers Theistic Apologetics.  Part THREE covers Christian Apologetics.

 

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