There are many who have simply done things that feel right.  This could be referenced at hedonism.  As a result of their experience and the enjoyment of the experience, they have developed a false philosophy that if something feels right when you do it, then it must be right.  This is simply another lie of Satan and this world in a feeble attempt to cripple the cause of Christ.

In a previous lesson we addressed the truth about experience.  Please refer to the chapter for a more exhaustive response to this question.  Experience should NOT determine truth.  Our experience should be birthed from the truth we know.  When it comes to matters of God and His Word, our experience must line up and come out of what we know to be true in His Word.  In other words, the Truth of the Word of God must be the foundation, and NOT your feelings about the matter.

Keep in mind that we are fallen beings.  We have carnal natures.  Our flesh desires what our spirit does not want.  Our flesh wars with our spirit.  To trust our feelings, when they supersede the Word of God, is foolish.  God does not contradict Himself.  He does not negate something in His Word and then give license to commit the same act to an individual who claims to have had some feeling or impression from God.

If a certain style of music or preaching FEELS right, that does not mean it is right.  Just because your emotions flare up during a song, does not mean the song is Biblically sound.  Your feelings or emotions can misguide you.  In examples such as what I just mentioned, regarding music, a study should be made from the Bible about the topic.  Find out what the Word says about music.  Compare what the Word of God says with the words and sounds of the music.

Lastly, remember that the Word of God does not teach us to follow our heart.  You have probably heard someone tell this to a young person.  This is a flawed and carnally driven statement.  The Word of God teaches us to guide thine heart.  There is a big difference between guiding and following.  Many are following their hearts when they should be guiding their hearts.

There are three main areas that a parent should see their child growing in, as it relates to the ministry of the church.

Is the teen growing in his or her relationship with the Lord?  Is your teen challenged weekly to walk with the Lord?  Do you see greater dedication or devotion to the LORD as a result of the youth ministries’ influence?

Is your teen growing in their relationship with you?  A strong Biblical youth ministry will emphasize Biblical truth, and one key truth is submission and obedience to Godly authority, beginning in the home.

Lastly, is your teen growing in his or her relationship with the pastor of that church?  The Lord Jesus Christ gave pastors to lead churches.  The youth pastor is simply and extension of the pastor of that local body.

If you would like to see what is being emphasized and put into the heart of your teen at youth services on Sundays and Wednesdays, listen to your teens speak, when they do not know your are listening.  What are they talking about when they leave church or youth events?  Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh!  What is in the heart is what has been allowed in through the eye-gate and the ear-gate.  When your teen walks into the youth ministry or the church, they are immediately influenced in one way or another.  Be honest with God and with yourself.  If the social aspect is highlighted above God and His Word, there is something truly wrong.

Many parents have placed wrong expectations upon youth ministries and youth pastors as a whole.  This is clearly evident by the fact that one of the first scapegoats sought out, when the teen is acting out in an ungodly way, is the church and the youth pastor.  When fingers get pointed, they get pointed at the place they spend the least time at and the people they spend the least time with in their lives.

Consider the fact that there are 168 hours in each week.  Of those hours, the church represents approximately four hours per week.  Please take the time to research how many hours a week the average teen spend watching T.V. or playing sports.  Also, include the number of hours spent at school or with friends.  You should be getting the picture now.

For some reason, it has become the expectation of parents that youth ministries and departments should put on many activities and rear teens.  What a foolish philosophy.  God established the home.  When God established the home and the roles of the home, he never included the youth pastor of the church.

It is the parent’s responsibility to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.  This includes the educating of their children.  They are to be taught spiritual truths by the parents.  Youth pastors, pastors, and churches should not be expected to be the parents of the teens.  If something goes wrong, the first people to do self-examination, as opposed to finger pointing, should be the parents.  Look into your home.  How much time, or lack thereof, are you giving your children or teens.

In a day when church hopping has become the norm of life, this MUST be addressed.  Unfortunately, the seeker-sensitive, self-centered philosophy that is being promoted in the Popular Christian movement only increases church hopping.  Worse still, it increases church dropouts.

Leaving a church should be a last resort.  Clearly, if the pastor is living in open immorality, it cannot continue.  Even in this case, there are methods to correct the situation that must be exhausted before you simply bounce from one place to another.

One excuse that is often said for leaving the church is, “Well, my teens are not getting their needs met.”  Excuse me.  Did I just hear that correctly?  Yes, dear reader.  You read that correctly.  Is this all the church is?  Is all the church is a place to have needs met?  How selfishly we approach the church of Jesus Christ.  Neither Christ was selfish, nor did He create this institution for us to always be demanding that our needs to be met.  Rather than always discussing what you are coming to get from church, why not speak of what you are putting into the church?  Rather than leaving because of foolish things, why not get involved and become the catalyst for change.

One of the primary reasons that one should consider leaving a church is lack of doctrinal purity.  The Lord Jesus Christ had much to say about doctrine.  He warned of the doctrine of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians.  This was not something to be taken lightly.

Many of the Popular Christian churches of our day make light of doctrine.  I have personally had individuals invite me and our youth ministry to events, and the individuals have said, “We won’t preach doctrine or anything.”  Well, what else is there to preach?  If we do not teach and preach doctrine, what are we to reprove, rebuke, and exhort with when we preach?

If you are in a church that makes light of doctrine, speak to the pastor directly?  Address your concerns with him, and try to work through the problem.  If the problem persists, bring a brother in Christ with you to the pastor.  If doctrine is consistently made light of after than, you must let your pastor know about your decision to look elsewhere for a Biblical church, since it is impossible for your church to remain Biblical and NOT preach sound doctrine.

This leads to the next part of doctrine.  The doctrine must be pure or sound.  It must not be mingled with error.  In a prior chapter called “Here We Stand” there were some specific things given that must never be compromised.  If at any time these are compromised, the pastor should be approached humbly about the concerns.

I will say that when a church removes the defining denominational name such as “Baptist” from the sign, be leery.  What is in a name anyways?  In the case of the Baptists, it is a name that was given to us by critics.  It defines a distinct doctrinal position for which that church should stand.  It is not simply baptism, but there are at least seven clear Biblical distinctives that this name, “Baptist,” identifies.  When a church removes the name, changes the music, adjusts the Text, and alters the philosophy of worship then you can rest assured doctrine will follow suit sooner or later.  There may be a “strong” leader there now, but one day someone will take the pulpit; and that church will find herself farther down the road from truth than they could have ever imagined.

Of course there are those ignorant critics who quickly point out that Spurgeon did not put the name Baptist upon his tabernacle.  Well, it is to you that I say, “Stop using parts of history for your convenience!”  Aside of the state church, it was not allowable to have another church bearing such names in the time in which Spurgeon lived in England.  In addition, he was bold enough to clearly present his doctrinal and denominational position, which is unheard of with many of those wrapped in the Popular Christian movement.

Recently Pastor Green had an individual approach him with the question, “What do I do if things begin to change in the church that I attend, and I disagree with the changes conviction-wise?”  A non-Biblical form of new age worship was gaining prominence and this included the changing of that church’s constitution.  Pastor Green responded, as only he could in his practical manner, and said, “Well, the way I see it you have one of three options to choose from in this case.  You can stand up and voice your concern, but it will probably do no good since the body of that church has accepted the changes in the constitution.  Secondly, you could capitulate and become what they have become as a church.  By simply staying there, you are accepting the error.  Lastly, you could choose to leave.”

Dear reader, every church has problems; but please learn to pick and choose your battles wisely.  If there are no doctrinal or moral issues creating the problems then become part of the solution.  If you choose to leave because of difficulty, never consulting God, you will eventually become a common “church-hopper” who is never satisfied and ultimately you will become a “church dropout.”  Choose wisely and NOT by your fickle emotions.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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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