In the first article in this series, “A Call to Return,” I wrote the following paragraph, which I have expanded here to accommodate the present article. “The New Testament church was established in the first century; it also began falling away (apostatizing) in the first century. By the second century it had become something entirely different from what it was in the beginning – Christ’s spiritual body was taken over and organized by men. A hierarchy replaced congregational independence and eldership oversight, and the church was ruled from above (not heaven above but men in high paces). The church became rich and powerful, political and cruel, waged wars, demoralized and exploited her people, and fell into “the dark ages” that lasted for a thousand years. But light came with the Great Reformation of the 16th century.
As the church was reforming it was also fragmenting into many denominational factions. Then there came the Great Awakening of the 18th century, followed by a number of significant reformations, restorations and revivals in following years. Later there came the restructuring and progression that gave rise to the progressive post-modern church of the 20th and 21st centuries. By then many of the denominations who were rich and powerful had formed themselves into the World Council of Churches (WCC) and were fleecing their flocks to support this monster in its quest for global dominance. The idea of returning and the quest for holiness were largely forgotten. Many of the churches that did not join the WCC merged, compromised their faith for the sake of unity, and formed new and larger denominations. Others, claiming to be the Lord’s exclusive church (and there were a great number of them), separated themselves to protect their doctrine, and in doing so became cold and legalistic. The Great Reformation and the Great Awakening, along with the following reforms, restorations and revivals, ran their course and were largely replaced by the restructuring and progression of our time.” Add to this the dullness and deadness of the fragmented groups and you will realize the need for a return to the holiness that the early saints knew.
Now I want to comment on four methods men have used in an attempt to get back on track. While these methods overlap, each has its own distinctive characteristics.
1. Reform: Martin Luther was reading Romans when he came upon 1:17, which read, “The just shall live by faith.” Being the scholar that he was, he knew this meant that those who have faith are considered righteous and that justification does not depend on works. Righteousness is both realized and retained by faith. This insight and the power of this truth broke the bonds of the apostate church that held millions captive and began the great Protestant Reformation. But it had a down side; Luther was a Catholic monk who brought deeply held traditions and Catholic interpretations of the Scriptures into the new movement with him. This process was repeated with every attempt to reform the fallen church. This was the beginning of contemporary denominationalism. Other reformers have followed this pattern, only to develop their own theology, impose it on the Bible, and teach it as Scripture. History has shown that long-established churches cannot be reformed because they become so committed to their own particular theology that they cannot be moved. But they can divide and form new churches after their kind; this is what usually happens. These churches and their theologies hinder the cause of Christ by enforcing human rules and regulations rather then allowing the Holy Spirit to form new lives in the image of Christ. Reformation hasn’t worked.
2. Restore: In the early 18th century, some good men, seeing the futility of reformation, set out to restore the original church. If they could “do Bible things in Bible ways” and “speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent,” surely they could restore the New Testament church. This gave rise to a century of debate and division, resulting in a number of separate groups, each claiming to be “the Lord’s church” that was “follow the pattern.” While they began by restoring the church they eventually claimed to have restored the church. Then they developed the attitude that “We are right because of who we are.” This thinking was exemplified in a letter I received recently, which said, “The church (name given) is nearest to the first century church that I have found so far. Even though they show their lack of faith, are gossipy, show their lack of respect of others, are closed minded and rude.” I responded by saying. “My mind is having trouble processing such a contradiction.” I should think that this kind of a church, in spite of its achievements and restoration claims, is most unlike the New Testament church. Attitudinal values are the greatest of values. The church will not have been restored until the Holy Spirit has been welcomed back and she bears the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness (and) self-control. Until then we are pretending. Restoration hasn’t worked.
3. Restructure: In the 1960’s churches were “restructuring,” just as banks and motor companies are today. This amounted to accommodations and compromises – unity by conformity, and led to deeper division in the Restoration Movement, crystallizing segments of it by making them fiercely independent and competitive. In 1964, The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), who had preferred the term “Disciples of Christ” over a denominational name ever since its beginning in 1810, became a leader in the restructuring movement, and gladly took “The Christian Church” as a denominational name in order to be in a position to negotiate for Christian union. They formed a consultation group of seven denominations under the title Consultation on Christian Union (COCU) and tried to work out a merger with these churches. For many years churches have tried to find ways to merge and unite in the interest of global unity. They tried everything except returning to the Word of God and submitting to His Will. Restructuring didn’t work. What are we to do now? There must be some way to get back on track and be the New Testament church again. There is one way: return.
4. Return: But Churches won’t return. Every attempt men have made in their own strength to advance the cause of Christ has resulted in Babel (Gen. 10:10-11:9) rather than in the church. But individuals can return to the faith and holiness of the early saints. As Christian individuals, we can read our Bibles for ourselves and come to our own understanding. We can practice what is holy, no matter what position our denomination holds. Churches will inevitably grow dull and fall into traditional patters of belief (and disbelief), and when they do they will demand loyalty to their cherished doctrines and traditions. I have known many Christians, even ministers, who grew so weary with church doctrine and practice that they just quit attending or left the ministry. As Alexander Campbell said, “Sometimes all one can do is put his hand over his mouth and walk out the door.” Some find other churches, some remain “unchurched,” and others proclaim their freedom from church doctrine and traditional restraint and feel at home among godly people wherever they found them. All who are serious with Christ will be loyal to Him, denomination doctrine and tradition not withstanding. Nothing, not even the church, can “separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus.”
Ever since the church fell away, God has been calling for a return. And ever since the church fragmented, men have tried to put the pieces back together, or else have claimed that their piece is still the New Testament church. Rather than engaging in a futile attempt to reform, restore or restructure the church, we must simply and sincerely return to Christ and be His church. Many sincere people are leaving the churches because they can no longer endure the confines, conflicts and contradictions. Some go from church to church trying to find a suitable place for fellowship and worship. Others quit trying and stop going to church altogether. Many sincere seekers are learning that when they became Christians, “The Lord added them to the number of those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47), and that their salvation does not depend on belonging to one church rather than another; it is enough that they belong to Christ and have been added to His church. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could all return to Him and be His church—one holy brother and sister at a time?
I would be pleased to publish helpful comments on this subject.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
The Life and Times of Pentecost
Pentecost: “This word is derived from the Greek word Pentecoste, fiftieth, because the feast of Pentecost was celebrated the fiftieth day after the sixteenth day of Nisan, which was the second day of the feast of the Passover. The Hebrews called it the Feast of Weeks, Ex. 34:22, because it was kept seven weeks after the Passover.” Alexander Cruden
“You shall count seven weeks for yourselves; you shall begin to count seven weeks from the time you begin to put the sickle to the standing grain. Then you shall begin to celebrate the Feast of Weeks to the Lord your God with a tribute of a free will offering of your hand, which you shall give just as the Lord your God blesses you; and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God, you and your sons and your daughters and your male and female servants and the Levite who is in your town, and the stranger and the orphan and the widow who are in your midst, in the place where the Lord your God chooses to establish His name” (Deut. 16:9-12).
Historical timeline: Moses’ deliverance, Judges’ rule, King David’s wars, King Solomon’s peace, the Prophets preaching and prophesies, Israel divides into Israel and Judah, Israel taken captive by Assyria, Judah by Babylon, Many return to Judea , some remain in Babylon, others are scattered throughout the 120 provinces of Persia
World powers: Assyria, Babylon, Persia
Assyria and Babylon became strong in the East, Greece and Alexander strong in the West
Babylon and Alexandria become centers of culture
Western Jews are influence by Greek culture; eastern Jews by Babylonian culture
Babylonian languages: Aramaic, Chaldee, Syriac
Greek language becomes universal
ALEXANDRIA
Greek language
Great library
Philo, the great Hebrew scholar
Septuagint translation, Old Testament Hebrew into Greek
Egyptian mysticism, pagan gods, mystical interpretation of Scripture
Scriptures stripped of Jewish nationalism, everything Jewish became symbolic
Biblical truth replaced by intellectual “truth” (reason)
Beauty and reason prevail
Hebrew compiled Apocryphal (mythical) writings (As does the church after she fells away)
ASSYRIA
A world power, destroys Israel and takes many captives
Troubles Juda but unable to destroy her
Is overthron by Babylon
BABYLON
Overthrows Assyria and other nations
Destroys Jerusalem and takes many Jews captive
Is overthrown by Persia, who releases the Jews from captivity
ROME
Unites Alexander’s fragmented empire
Makes Judea a Roman province
Appoints Herod king, an Idumean (Edomite), a descendant of Esau), whose family has been forcibly converted to Judaism)
Appoints high priest in Jerusalem
JUDEA AND JERUSALEM
Hebrew literature:
Mishna—Interpretation of Law
Midrah---Commentaries and preaching
Targum---Paraphrase of Scripture
Kabala----Mystical writings (Babylonian)
These writings, rather than the Scriptures, were read in the synagogues
Pagan culture permeates Hebrew nation
Simon, a Maccabean leader, opposed Greek culture, founds the party of the Pharisees
Onias II encouraged Greek culture, founds the party of the Sadducees
Jerusalem became oppressed and poor and finally a slum city
Jews make treaty with Rome
Gamaliel is the most prominent conservative teacher of the Law – a Pharisee, Paul’s teacher
Hilleal is the most prominent liberal teacher – a Sadducee
Pharisees become the ruling party (strict and troublesome) Legalists
Sadducees are priests (political and less religious) Liberals
Publicans are Jews who collect taxes from the Jews for Rome
This is a time of freedom, peace and travel with synagogues everywhere
God fearing Gentiles becoming converts (proselytes) to Judaism
Passover was established through Moses and practiced until Jesus died
Jesus is born, lives, dies, is raised from death and ascends to heaven
Fifty days later, Pentecost! The Holy Spirit comes! The church is born! The rest is in the Book.
“You shall count seven weeks for yourselves; you shall begin to count seven weeks from the time you begin to put the sickle to the standing grain. Then you shall begin to celebrate the Feast of Weeks to the Lord your God with a tribute of a free will offering of your hand, which you shall give just as the Lord your God blesses you; and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God, you and your sons and your daughters and your male and female servants and the Levite who is in your town, and the stranger and the orphan and the widow who are in your midst, in the place where the Lord your God chooses to establish His name” (Deut. 16:9-12).
Historical timeline: Moses’ deliverance, Judges’ rule, King David’s wars, King Solomon’s peace, the Prophets preaching and prophesies, Israel divides into Israel and Judah, Israel taken captive by Assyria, Judah by Babylon, Many return to Judea , some remain in Babylon, others are scattered throughout the 120 provinces of Persia
World powers: Assyria, Babylon, Persia
Assyria and Babylon became strong in the East, Greece and Alexander strong in the West
Babylon and Alexandria become centers of culture
Western Jews are influence by Greek culture; eastern Jews by Babylonian culture
Babylonian languages: Aramaic, Chaldee, Syriac
Greek language becomes universal
ALEXANDRIA
Greek language
Great library
Philo, the great Hebrew scholar
Septuagint translation, Old Testament Hebrew into Greek
Egyptian mysticism, pagan gods, mystical interpretation of Scripture
Scriptures stripped of Jewish nationalism, everything Jewish became symbolic
Biblical truth replaced by intellectual “truth” (reason)
Beauty and reason prevail
Hebrew compiled Apocryphal (mythical) writings (As does the church after she fells away)
ASSYRIA
A world power, destroys Israel and takes many captives
Troubles Juda but unable to destroy her
Is overthron by Babylon
BABYLON
Overthrows Assyria and other nations
Destroys Jerusalem and takes many Jews captive
Is overthrown by Persia, who releases the Jews from captivity
ROME
Unites Alexander’s fragmented empire
Makes Judea a Roman province
Appoints Herod king, an Idumean (Edomite), a descendant of Esau), whose family has been forcibly converted to Judaism)
Appoints high priest in Jerusalem
JUDEA AND JERUSALEM
Hebrew literature:
Mishna—Interpretation of Law
Midrah---Commentaries and preaching
Targum---Paraphrase of Scripture
Kabala----Mystical writings (Babylonian)
These writings, rather than the Scriptures, were read in the synagogues
Pagan culture permeates Hebrew nation
Simon, a Maccabean leader, opposed Greek culture, founds the party of the Pharisees
Onias II encouraged Greek culture, founds the party of the Sadducees
Jerusalem became oppressed and poor and finally a slum city
Jews make treaty with Rome
Gamaliel is the most prominent conservative teacher of the Law – a Pharisee, Paul’s teacher
Hilleal is the most prominent liberal teacher – a Sadducee
Pharisees become the ruling party (strict and troublesome) Legalists
Sadducees are priests (political and less religious) Liberals
Publicans are Jews who collect taxes from the Jews for Rome
This is a time of freedom, peace and travel with synagogues everywhere
God fearing Gentiles becoming converts (proselytes) to Judaism
Passover was established through Moses and practiced until Jesus died
Jesus is born, lives, dies, is raised from death and ascends to heaven
Fifty days later, Pentecost! The Holy Spirit comes! The church is born! The rest is in the Book.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Remember, Repent, Return -- A Memorial Day Sermon
The following is from a survey taken by George Barna, founder of The Barna Group and author of books analyzing research concerning America's faith, which appeared in Word Magazine April 14, 2009 titled, “Most U.S. Christians don't believe Satan, Holy Spirit exist.”
· The majority of American Christians do not believe that Satan is a real being or that the Holy Spirit is a living entity. (Perhaps our author should have said “nominal Christians” rather than “Christians.”)
· Nearly six out of ten Christians agreed that Satan "is not a living being but is a symbol of evil." In contrast, about 35 percent of American Christians believe Satan is real.
· Only one-third of Christians believe that the Holy Spirit is a person. Interestingly, about half of those who say that the Holy Spirit is not a living entity, agreed that the Bible is totally accurate in all of the principles it teaches.
· Most Americans, even those who say they are Christian, have doubts about the intrusion of the supernatural into the natural world.
· Hollywood has made evil accessible and tame, making Satan and demons less worrisome than the Bible suggests they really are. It's hard for achievement-driven, self-reliant, independent people to believe that their lives can be impacted by unseen forces.
· More than six out of ten (61 percent) of American Christians strongly agreed with the idea that a person must either side with God or with the devil - that there is no in-between position.
Believing that we all tend to drift from the way of holiness, I have three Scriptures that tell us what we can do about our condition.
1. Israel in the days of the prophets: God spoke through Micah to Israel saying, “From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from My statues and have not kept them. Return to Me and I will return to you....” The people replied, “How shall we return?” Like Micah, I am calling for a return to God and to holiness, and like Israel, Christians are saying, “How hall we return?” This is not a penitent question; it is a denial. “Where have we gone wrong that we should return? What do you mean, ‘Return,’ we haven’t been away!” One must realize that he is away from God before he will return to Him.
2. The prodigal Son in Jesus’ parable. When the prodigal son “came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my fathers hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.’ And he got up and came to his father...The father said...this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found...let us eat and be merry” (Luke 16:17-24).
3. Jesus’ words to the drifting church of Ephesus: “Remember” He said, “from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first” (Rev. 2:5). Remember, repent and return.
Conclusion:
On this Memorial Day We remember those who have gone before us. We remember the truth they taught us and the holy lives they lived before us.
We remember our own sincerity and dedication, from which we have drifted.
· We remember the cause we advanced with zeal but have now largely forsaken. Martyrs die for their cause, which they consider to be greater than their lives. Missionaries deprive themselves of the comforts of life so those who have never known Christ may have life. Dr. Viktor Frankl spent three years in a Nazi concentration camp, and after his release he said, “Somehow, suffering ceases to be suffering when one has a cause.
· How shall we pay tribute to the dear ones who have gone before us? We shall remember, repent and return to God to live holy lives for others as they did for us. This is our memorial to them.
“Return to Him from Whom you have deeply defected” (Isa. 31:6).
· The majority of American Christians do not believe that Satan is a real being or that the Holy Spirit is a living entity. (Perhaps our author should have said “nominal Christians” rather than “Christians.”)
· Nearly six out of ten Christians agreed that Satan "is not a living being but is a symbol of evil." In contrast, about 35 percent of American Christians believe Satan is real.
· Only one-third of Christians believe that the Holy Spirit is a person. Interestingly, about half of those who say that the Holy Spirit is not a living entity, agreed that the Bible is totally accurate in all of the principles it teaches.
· Most Americans, even those who say they are Christian, have doubts about the intrusion of the supernatural into the natural world.
· Hollywood has made evil accessible and tame, making Satan and demons less worrisome than the Bible suggests they really are. It's hard for achievement-driven, self-reliant, independent people to believe that their lives can be impacted by unseen forces.
· More than six out of ten (61 percent) of American Christians strongly agreed with the idea that a person must either side with God or with the devil - that there is no in-between position.
Believing that we all tend to drift from the way of holiness, I have three Scriptures that tell us what we can do about our condition.
1. Israel in the days of the prophets: God spoke through Micah to Israel saying, “From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from My statues and have not kept them. Return to Me and I will return to you....” The people replied, “How shall we return?” Like Micah, I am calling for a return to God and to holiness, and like Israel, Christians are saying, “How hall we return?” This is not a penitent question; it is a denial. “Where have we gone wrong that we should return? What do you mean, ‘Return,’ we haven’t been away!” One must realize that he is away from God before he will return to Him.
2. The prodigal Son in Jesus’ parable. When the prodigal son “came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my fathers hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.’ And he got up and came to his father...The father said...this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found...let us eat and be merry” (Luke 16:17-24).
3. Jesus’ words to the drifting church of Ephesus: “Remember” He said, “from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first” (Rev. 2:5). Remember, repent and return.
Conclusion:
On this Memorial Day We remember those who have gone before us. We remember the truth they taught us and the holy lives they lived before us.
We remember our own sincerity and dedication, from which we have drifted.
· We remember the cause we advanced with zeal but have now largely forsaken. Martyrs die for their cause, which they consider to be greater than their lives. Missionaries deprive themselves of the comforts of life so those who have never known Christ may have life. Dr. Viktor Frankl spent three years in a Nazi concentration camp, and after his release he said, “Somehow, suffering ceases to be suffering when one has a cause.
· How shall we pay tribute to the dear ones who have gone before us? We shall remember, repent and return to God to live holy lives for others as they did for us. This is our memorial to them.
“Return to Him from Whom you have deeply defected” (Isa. 31:6).
Friday, May 15, 2009
Sanctification
“Sanctification” is used of (a) a separation to God, (b) the course of life befitting those so separated... Sanctification is that relationship with God into which men enter by faith, and to which their sole title is the death of Christ... Sanctification is also used in the NT of the separation of the believer from evil things and ways. This sanctification is God’s will for the believer... and His purpose in calling him by the Gospel;... it must be learned from God as He teaches it by His Word... and it must be perused by the believer earnestly... For the holy character is not vicarious, i.e., it cannot be transferred or imputed, it is an individual possession, built up, built up, little by little, as the result of obedience to the Word of God, and of following the example of Christ... in the power of the Holy Spirit...The Holy Spirit is the Agent in sanctification...” W. E. Vine, Expository Dictionary
Sanctification is both a Christian experience and a possession—a verb as well as a noun, which has neither been properly understood nor appropriated by contemporary Christians. Does it happen when one is justified? Does it happen as a subsequent experience, a “second work of grace”? Or is it a gradual process, “built up, little by little, as the result of obedience to the Word of God, and of following the example of Chris?”
Christians once debated these views, but there is little debate now because there is little interest. The purpose of this essay is to reintroduce the subject of sanctification and apply it to our lives as we engage in a spiritual restoration.
Prior to James Arminius (1560-1609) and John Wesley (1703-1791), sanctification was thought to be a gradual life-time experience. With these two theologians came the doctrine of entire sanctification or “Christian perfection.” With the fading of sanctification theology and the churches that held it, the former view returned. But all of this seems irrelevant now because churches of different views `have abandoned not only their view of sanctification but also the infallibility and inspiration of the Bible. The best I can do is to set forth the simple teaching of the Word and ask my readers to accept it by faith. I have no interest in debating the subject because
I need no other argument,
I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me
.
I am convinced that if we would just leave our opinions out of this process and take Paul’s word at face value, we would have an adequate understanding of sanctification. Here is what Paul says: “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved completely, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who called you and He also will bring it to pass” (I Thes. 5:23, 24). If God will bring it to pass, why don’t we let Him and quit speculating about it? We’re not trying to impress anyone with how holy we are; we are grateful to God that He has sanctified us and made us holy. If you are a Christian, this is who you are; if you are not a Christian, salvation will make you a member of the Lord’s church and endow you with these heavenly blessings.
I suspect some of my readers will ask, “Why didn’t you tell us what people must do to be saved?” I reply that if God will bring it to pass we must not get in His way by trying to do it ourselves. I chose to believe that Jesus is who He says He is, to turn away from my sins by dying to them, and by being buried in water and raised to a new life in Christ (Rom. 6:3, 4).
Enough for me that Jesus saves,
This ends my fear and doubt;
A sinful soul I came to Him,
He’ll never cast me out.
No one needs to ask what to do to be justified before God or to be sanctified by the Holy Spirit.; the work has already been done.
Let the water and the blood, From Thy wounded side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure; Saved from wrath and make me pure.
The “double cure” is justification and sanctifications. Justification is being saved from wrath and sanctification is being made pure.
“Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling.”
Sanctification is both a Christian experience and a possession—a verb as well as a noun, which has neither been properly understood nor appropriated by contemporary Christians. Does it happen when one is justified? Does it happen as a subsequent experience, a “second work of grace”? Or is it a gradual process, “built up, little by little, as the result of obedience to the Word of God, and of following the example of Chris?”
Christians once debated these views, but there is little debate now because there is little interest. The purpose of this essay is to reintroduce the subject of sanctification and apply it to our lives as we engage in a spiritual restoration.
Prior to James Arminius (1560-1609) and John Wesley (1703-1791), sanctification was thought to be a gradual life-time experience. With these two theologians came the doctrine of entire sanctification or “Christian perfection.” With the fading of sanctification theology and the churches that held it, the former view returned. But all of this seems irrelevant now because churches of different views `have abandoned not only their view of sanctification but also the infallibility and inspiration of the Bible. The best I can do is to set forth the simple teaching of the Word and ask my readers to accept it by faith. I have no interest in debating the subject because
I need no other argument,
I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me
.
I am convinced that if we would just leave our opinions out of this process and take Paul’s word at face value, we would have an adequate understanding of sanctification. Here is what Paul says: “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved completely, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who called you and He also will bring it to pass” (I Thes. 5:23, 24). If God will bring it to pass, why don’t we let Him and quit speculating about it? We’re not trying to impress anyone with how holy we are; we are grateful to God that He has sanctified us and made us holy. If you are a Christian, this is who you are; if you are not a Christian, salvation will make you a member of the Lord’s church and endow you with these heavenly blessings.
I suspect some of my readers will ask, “Why didn’t you tell us what people must do to be saved?” I reply that if God will bring it to pass we must not get in His way by trying to do it ourselves. I chose to believe that Jesus is who He says He is, to turn away from my sins by dying to them, and by being buried in water and raised to a new life in Christ (Rom. 6:3, 4).
Enough for me that Jesus saves,
This ends my fear and doubt;
A sinful soul I came to Him,
He’ll never cast me out.
No one needs to ask what to do to be justified before God or to be sanctified by the Holy Spirit.; the work has already been done.
Let the water and the blood, From Thy wounded side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure; Saved from wrath and make me pure.
The “double cure” is justification and sanctifications. Justification is being saved from wrath and sanctification is being made pure.
“Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling.”
Friday, May 8, 2009
Hollow or Holy
If something is hollow, it is empty inside. If the hollow object is a person, he is “lacking of significance or sincerity.” If an object is not hollow, it is solid or sound. This essay is about the kind of people it will take to restore the holy church of the first century. I say “restore” rather than reform, because an apostate church cannot be reformed; they choose to restructure instead, as the Christian Church did in the 1960’s.
Let me suggest that you look inside yourself and be keenly aware of what you see—or don’t see. You will know what is in your heart and life, whether you are empty or full, hollow or solid, lacking in significance and sincerity or sincere and fulfilled.
In my first essay in this new series, I asked you to accompany me in a quest for holiness and restoration. We must begin by looking inside ourselves to see if we are capable of such a task. We shall also look inside the church to see how far she has drifted from her original holiness. I have hope for individuals but I am not very optimistic about churches. Hosea was committed to the task of restoring Israel, but after consideration he said, “Since Israel is stubborn like a stubborn heifer, can the Lord now pasture them like a lamb in a large field? Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone” (Hos. 4: 16, 17). So God left him alone and he was taken into captivity by Assyria. He will be no less severe with a stubborn unfaithful church. Like Hosea’s adulterous wife, who could not be restored, the church will have her way to the end and we, like Hosea, can do nothing about it. But we can restore the principles and the passion of the early Christians, and in doing so have a holy church in our time.
Scores of years ago President Lincoln, faced with a national crisis as we are faced with a church crisis, had some wise words that can be adapted to our situation. “It is...for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us ... We here highly resolve ... that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom...”
You and I cannot go back to the first century to prevent the apostasy, we cannot altar history, we cannot change the post-modern church; but we can dedicate ourselves to the great task before us and highly resolve that, under God, there shall be a new burst of holiness that will fill hollow lives and result in a spiritual restoration. Why not a new birth of holiness! Holiness was a leading characteristic of the early church, but one hardly thinks of holiness as a characteristic of the post-modern church. It is far better to be holy than hollow. Most folk think about being healthy, happy, successful and secure, but how few give serious thought to being holy. People need holy models. One could do nothing better for his family, friends and church than to show them that the holiness of Christ still lives in sincere dedicated people. Why not do this for the sake of Christ? You will see others blossom as they come to know what you know and experience what you experience. This is not an impossible request that I make to you; it is the normal Christian life that you have longed for ever since you began your walk with Christ.
Isn’t it amazing what people stuff into their bodies and minds without the slightest thought as to whether it is healthful or holy? Obese people would have shapely bodies if they would control their eating. Obscene people would have healthy minds if they would stop feeding them the stuff that offends normal decency. Churches are either hollow or so stuffed with useless traditions and contemporary doctrine that they have no room for holy matters. They justify themselves to one another rather than safeguarding their justification before God. People are more concerned about relevance, progression and conformity than they are about restoration, soundness and sanctification. “Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness’” (2 Tim. 2:19).
When we have submitted to the authority of Christ, welcomed the Holy Spirit into our lives, followed the Word of God as our guide and our conscience as our witness, and recognized our spiritual kinship with every blood-washed one, we will be holy rather than hollow, and a spiritual restoration will have begun.
Let me suggest that you look inside yourself and be keenly aware of what you see—or don’t see. You will know what is in your heart and life, whether you are empty or full, hollow or solid, lacking in significance and sincerity or sincere and fulfilled.
In my first essay in this new series, I asked you to accompany me in a quest for holiness and restoration. We must begin by looking inside ourselves to see if we are capable of such a task. We shall also look inside the church to see how far she has drifted from her original holiness. I have hope for individuals but I am not very optimistic about churches. Hosea was committed to the task of restoring Israel, but after consideration he said, “Since Israel is stubborn like a stubborn heifer, can the Lord now pasture them like a lamb in a large field? Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone” (Hos. 4: 16, 17). So God left him alone and he was taken into captivity by Assyria. He will be no less severe with a stubborn unfaithful church. Like Hosea’s adulterous wife, who could not be restored, the church will have her way to the end and we, like Hosea, can do nothing about it. But we can restore the principles and the passion of the early Christians, and in doing so have a holy church in our time.
Scores of years ago President Lincoln, faced with a national crisis as we are faced with a church crisis, had some wise words that can be adapted to our situation. “It is...for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us ... We here highly resolve ... that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom...”
You and I cannot go back to the first century to prevent the apostasy, we cannot altar history, we cannot change the post-modern church; but we can dedicate ourselves to the great task before us and highly resolve that, under God, there shall be a new burst of holiness that will fill hollow lives and result in a spiritual restoration. Why not a new birth of holiness! Holiness was a leading characteristic of the early church, but one hardly thinks of holiness as a characteristic of the post-modern church. It is far better to be holy than hollow. Most folk think about being healthy, happy, successful and secure, but how few give serious thought to being holy. People need holy models. One could do nothing better for his family, friends and church than to show them that the holiness of Christ still lives in sincere dedicated people. Why not do this for the sake of Christ? You will see others blossom as they come to know what you know and experience what you experience. This is not an impossible request that I make to you; it is the normal Christian life that you have longed for ever since you began your walk with Christ.
Isn’t it amazing what people stuff into their bodies and minds without the slightest thought as to whether it is healthful or holy? Obese people would have shapely bodies if they would control their eating. Obscene people would have healthy minds if they would stop feeding them the stuff that offends normal decency. Churches are either hollow or so stuffed with useless traditions and contemporary doctrine that they have no room for holy matters. They justify themselves to one another rather than safeguarding their justification before God. People are more concerned about relevance, progression and conformity than they are about restoration, soundness and sanctification. “Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness’” (2 Tim. 2:19).
When we have submitted to the authority of Christ, welcomed the Holy Spirit into our lives, followed the Word of God as our guide and our conscience as our witness, and recognized our spiritual kinship with every blood-washed one, we will be holy rather than hollow, and a spiritual restoration will have begun.
Friday, May 1, 2009
A Call for a Spiritual Restoration
The New Testament church was established in the first century; it also began falling away (apostatizing) in the first century. By the second century it had become something entirely different from what it was in the beginning – Christ’s spiritual body was taken over and organized by men. A hierarchy replaced congregational independence and eldership oversight, and the church was ruled from above. The church became rich and powerful, political and cruel. It waged wars, demoralized and exploited people, and fell into “the dark ages” that lasted for a thousand years. But light came with the Great Reformation of the 16th century. As the church was reforming it was also fragmenting into many denominational factions. Then there came the Great Awakening of the 18th century, followed by a number of significant reformations, restorations and revivals in following years. Later yet came the restructuring and progression that gave rise to the progressive post-modern church of the 20th and 21st centuries. By the 21st century there were many who called themselves Christians but by then the church had become a political organization and the quest for holiness had been largely abandoned. Some still claimed to be the Lord’s exclusive church, while others were merging and striving for ecumenical unity and global control. The Great Reformation and the Great Awakening, along with the following reformations, restorations and revivals, ran their course and were replaced by the restructuring and progression of the post-modern church. Add to this the dullness and deadness of the fragmented groups and you will realize the need for a “spiritual restoration.” As in earlier times, there is still a remnant that is loyal to Christ and follows the Bible, but many of them left the church of their family and early life and went in search of a place to be that they could call home; they were neither able to accept the exclusive claim to the Lord’s church nor the post-modern drift of the human cause. They do not believe that the present-day confusion is the Lord’s church of the first century, but that it contrasts with the first century church instead. Nor do they believe that just doing things as the first century church did is a restoration of the first century church. The church must be restored in spirit as well as in letter, and this is scarcely being done. This essay pleads for brothers and sisters in Christ to assist in a spiritual restoration of the New Testament church.
If you have been blessed in a free church that recognizes the love and grace of God and is recognized by showing this love and grace to others, you should jump for joy! Many of us were not so blessed. We are more familiar with legalism, self-justification, arrogance and disrespect for others, while at the same time claiming to be the restored New Testament church. Seeing this some years ago, I saw also that it is a mistake for a church to equate itself with the apostolic church while is holds unscriptural views and manifests unchristian attitudes. The early church had its rotten apples to be sure, but it also had it “saints and faithful brethren,” as Paul said. These are the ones we must emulate if we are to have a spiritual restoration. Let us be very serious and see if we can’t establish some high and holy principles on which to engage in this grand adventure.
1. We must recognize the need for a spiritual restoration and ask Christ to ignite a spiritual fire within us to fit us for the task. This Spiritual Fire in Scripture is the Holy Spirit. Restoration always begins with informed, inspired individuals and spreads to others who pass it on. Lord, restore us and us in your work of spiritual restoration.
2. All who are informed and inspired to work must work in unison and in accord with the Holy Spirit in order to restore what the church has lost. Bind us together, Lord, and use us as one in your holy cause.
3. The cause must be greater than the cost. Martyrs die because they consider their cause greater than their lives. Missionaries deprive themselves of the comforts of life so that those who have never known Christ may have life. Dr. Viktor Frankl spent three years in a Nazi concentration camp, and after his release he said, “Somehow, suffering ceases to be suffering when one has a cause.” What might we suffer? What will we learn? What shall we profit by giving our lives totally to Christ and live as He directs us?
If you are with me, I welcome your prayers and input as we engage in this spiritual restoration and quest for holiness.
If you have been blessed in a free church that recognizes the love and grace of God and is recognized by showing this love and grace to others, you should jump for joy! Many of us were not so blessed. We are more familiar with legalism, self-justification, arrogance and disrespect for others, while at the same time claiming to be the restored New Testament church. Seeing this some years ago, I saw also that it is a mistake for a church to equate itself with the apostolic church while is holds unscriptural views and manifests unchristian attitudes. The early church had its rotten apples to be sure, but it also had it “saints and faithful brethren,” as Paul said. These are the ones we must emulate if we are to have a spiritual restoration. Let us be very serious and see if we can’t establish some high and holy principles on which to engage in this grand adventure.
1. We must recognize the need for a spiritual restoration and ask Christ to ignite a spiritual fire within us to fit us for the task. This Spiritual Fire in Scripture is the Holy Spirit. Restoration always begins with informed, inspired individuals and spreads to others who pass it on. Lord, restore us and us in your work of spiritual restoration.
2. All who are informed and inspired to work must work in unison and in accord with the Holy Spirit in order to restore what the church has lost. Bind us together, Lord, and use us as one in your holy cause.
3. The cause must be greater than the cost. Martyrs die because they consider their cause greater than their lives. Missionaries deprive themselves of the comforts of life so that those who have never known Christ may have life. Dr. Viktor Frankl spent three years in a Nazi concentration camp, and after his release he said, “Somehow, suffering ceases to be suffering when one has a cause.” What might we suffer? What will we learn? What shall we profit by giving our lives totally to Christ and live as He directs us?
If you are with me, I welcome your prayers and input as we engage in this spiritual restoration and quest for holiness.
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