by Terry Laughlin | May 6, 2016 | Disaster's
Loving Christ by Having Compassion on the Hurting
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’” (Matthew 25:34-40)
Hurricane Katrina gives the church a great opportunity to show her love to the Lord Jesus Christ and show the world a church that is pleasing to God
Our nation has just experienced what many are saying is the worst natural disaster America has ever seen. According to an e-mail that I received from Pastor Rick Warren, of Saddle Back Church, hundreds of thousands of people have lost literally everything they own. More than 1 million people are without a home to live in right now. Hurricane Katrina has caused more than $100 billion in damage. I would propose to you that through this disaster, the church has a great opportunity to show her love to the Lord Jesus Christ. It is our opportunity to show the world a church that is pleasing to God. James writes, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…” (James 1:27a) Jesus can be ministered to and God will be pleased with the church that reaches out in compassion to those who are in distress from Hurricane Katrina.
Just how can Christians minister to Christ and be a witness to a people that are in distress? The results of Hurricane Katrina is an opportunity to show love to Christ through practical means in meeting the needs of those affected by this tragedy, this includes the children of God and the lost. Matthew 25:34-40 says, “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’”
It is best translated in the New American Standard Bible as “…Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” Jesus identifies Himself here with the human family. This includes the Christians who are poor, persecuted, and companions in suffering. “…The least of these…” here is like the answer Jesus gave the expert of the law when he asked, “who is my neighbor?” Then Jesus spoke the parable of the “Good Samaritan.” Our neighbor is who ever needs the ministry of mercy and helps. “The least of these” includes the poorest, the most despised and afflicted. (Barnes Notes; The Pulpit Commentary; William Barclay; Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon) This ministry involves a whole lot more than just shouting, raising hands, dancing, singing and the preaching of God’s Word in beautiful buildings. This involves getting your hands dirty, a little sweat, spending some money, some time and some risk taking.
The story has often been told of the man who was at a prayer meeting. He was praying asking God to show His hand upon a man who had a great need. He soon stopped, stood up and left the prayer meeting. Later, one of the deacons asked him if he was ill, the brother who left said, “No, I felt in my spirit that someone said, you go and be My hand.” So he went and did his part to meeting the need of the man he was praying for. It does no good for us to pray for a man to be well fed, clothed, and have shelter, if we have the means to help him and not do anything to provide food, clothing and shelter. If we have the food, clothing and the shelter, then God gave it to us and He expects us to use it for His glory.
The first thing we are to do as we enter into this battle of meeting the needs of those who are suffering from Hurricane Katrina is to pray.
The first thing we are to do as we enter into this battle of meeting the needs of those who are suffering from Hurricane Katrina is to pray. Ephesians 6:18 says to “…pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” We are to be specific in our prayers knowing that the prayers of a righteous man are powerful and effective. (James 5:16) When James wrote about the power of prayer he gave the prophet Elijah as an example so that we may be encouraged to come to the Lord in prayer. Elijah prayed earnestly (proseuche) meaning with warm intense prayer. He prayed for “…it not to rain and did not for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced crops.” (James 1:5:17-18)
Christians have the Holy Spirit of God indwelling them and they can pray intensely for the will of God to be done, with the same passion as Elijah did. They can expect great things to happen. James says Elijah was a man just like you and I. He had the same passions as you and I do, he overcame non-belief that often pulls on us and he prayed with belief to the God he served.
Those who are on the front lines meeting the needs of the victims of Hurricane Katrina are requesting prayer for. 1.) Protection for the relief workers. 2.) That the Lord would make the churches effective in helping the communities that are affected by the disaster. 3.) He would work on the hearts of business owners around the country who may donate the much-needed supplies to the region. 4.) Give pastors wisdom and insight as they attempt to lead their congregations to minister in the Gulf Coast Region. 5.) That the Lord would make Christians in the area sensitive to the urgent spiritual questions being asked by victims. 6.) That the Lord would provide the churches with the resources to meet the incredible needs they are encountering. The request for prayer came with this notation, “Nothing your church does right now is more valuable than time spent in prayer.” (Prayer request put together by Purpose Drive Pastor.com)
Through prayer we are to get guidance on how to meet the practical needs of those in distress.
Through prayer we are to get guidance on how to meet the practical needs of those in distress. The first need to be met is food and drink and it should be given in a way that shows the life of Christ is living through us. Without food and water, man cannot survive long especially in though conditions. The stress of loss weakens a man physically, mentally and spiritually. He must get food and water quickly or he will be in great danger. He cannot think straight, work hard or regain control of his life without proper nourishment. The Christian needs to be open and willing in order for the Lord to make the way for him to be a part of meeting the need of the hungry.
Paul Fritz shared the true story about a family that always prayed at the meal saying this, “Come Lord Jesus be our guest and let this food be a blessing to us.” One day the smallest boy in the family looked up at dad and said, “Dad, every evening we ask Jesus to come and be our guest, but He never comes.” His father said, “We can only wait for Him to appear!” The little boy thought for a moment and said, “Well, then if we expect Him to come and have dinner with us, why don’t we set a place for Him at the table?” Wanting to make the little boy happy, his mother set out extra silverware, a plate and a cup at the end of the table. Not long after the place was set, they heard a knock at the door. When the door was opened they saw a poor man who was hungry. The little boy looked at his father and said, “Jesus could not come today but He sent this poor man in His place.” The man was invited in and he enjoyed a good meal. This family saw this as an appointment directly from the Lord, so the family shared about Jesus, what He just did and what He had done in their family. The poor homeless man accepted Christ into his heart and life. It is those who set a place at the table for the hungry, they are the ones who minister to Christ through feeding of the hungry. There are many in this nation today who are still in need of food and water in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Provide shelter for the homeless
Jesus teaches that those who minister to the hungry minister to Him and so do those who provide shelter for the homeless.
In this sin cursed world a lot of bad things happen and there are many needs that should be met by the Body of Christ for the sake of the gospel. Many great pro-claimer’s of God’s Word have discovered the joy of ministering to the homeless.
Brett Blair, of Sermons.com shared about C. H. Spurgeon, who once a year held a special meeting to raise money for his orphans. Many would come to hear the messages Pastor Spurgeon preached and they would give abundantly to this work of the Lord, which housed orphans. After one of those meetings a “super spiritual,” narrow minded, nitpicking individual sharply addressed Charles Spurgeon saying, “Why, Mr. Spurgeon, I thought you preached for souls and not for money!” Spurgeon gravely replied, “Normally I do preach for souls and not for money. But these orphans can’t eat souls and if they did, my brother, it would take at least four with the size of your heart to give one of those children a square meal!” We are told that there are 1 million people who are homeless after Hurricane Katrina made her way through the 90,000 square acres of land on American soil. The church that wants to minister to Christ will be involved in some way of providing shelter to the homeless with a big heart full of sacrificial love.
Ministering to Christ and is providing clothes to the needy
Providing shelter for the needy is ministering to Christ and so is providing clothes. There is a blessing from the Lord given to those who make sure that the needy are provided with clothes so as to withstand all conditions that they face in this life.
Sermon Central staff provided this story of an Englishwoman named Anita Goulden. In 1958 she went on a holiday to Peru to visit her brother. Just as she was about to go home she saw an unbelievable sight—children who were sick and needing clothing. She writes in her diary, “In my wildest dream, I had never thought of human beings in such shocking conditions.” Anita never made it home accept one time and that was to purchase medicine. For 44 years she stayed. She had an unwavering faith in God’s capacity to answer desperate intense prayer for food, clothing and housing when there was none for the children. God used her to provide permanent care for the most afflicted of the children. It was said of Anita, “She has a direct line to God,” and others said, “Thank God for the British [and her].” Many in the southern part of the USA are still without the proper clothes for the up coming months. Many, I am told only have the clothes that are on their backs. What an opportunity for the church to minister to Christ by making sure people have the clothes they need. When people are ministered to in the right spirit, God gets the glory.
Ministry to Christ is ministering to the sick
Clothing the needy for the right reasons is ministry to Christ and so is ministering to the sick. Compassion must issue deeds. This is so powerfully illustrated to us in the parable of the “Good Samaritan.” We are to help all who are afflicted with physical suffering and illnesses.
Pastor Gregory Griffin shared the true story of three individuals who went the distance. They opened their eyes and hearts and offered their skills and hands to service for Jesus Christ. Their names were Kathy Gariety, Bill Koehn, and Martha Myers. It was said of Kathy Gariety, “She knew that faith in God, meant trusting God, no matter what, no matter when, no matter where.” Kathy was purchasing manager for the Jibla Baptist Hospital in Yemen. Of Bill Koehn it was said, “He preached with his life and expressed compassion.” Bill Koehn was Administrator of Jibla Baptist Hospital in Yemen. Of Martha Myers it was said, “Martha was a victorious Christian. She had no life of her own; it was of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Martha was a Doctor at Jibla Baptist Hospital in Yemen.
All three were missionaries and their ultimate and most important mission was to reach the lost for Christ as they gave medical care to the needy in Yemen. These three individuals were involved in ministering to Christ for they opened their eyes to the need, their hearts to the sick, offered their lives and skills through practical health care to those who suffered and were in need of medical attention. In December, the year I do not remember, they paid the ultimate price as all three were killed by a Muslim extremist while they were in a staff meeting at the hospital in Yemen. It cost the Good Samaritan something to be a good neighbor to the man who fell upon the unmerciful hands of robbers and who was in need of medical attention. It will cost everyone something to become involved with the health care of someone who has health problems, especially ongoing health problems. It will cost you time, strength and money to administer the love of Christ to the sick. It is costing a lot of workers of their own finances, strength and time away from their families in order to get those who have been physically afflicted by the unmerciful hand of Hurricane Katrina to proper medical facilities. The church must take this time to minister to Christ by participating in some way to help the physically injured and sick.
Our response to the poor, persecuted, despised, afflicted, sick and those in suffering is a reflection to our relationship with Him
This parable spoken by Jesus Christ is crystal clear. Our response to the poor, persecuted, despised, afflicted, sick and those in suffering is a reflection to our relationship with Him. James writes, “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.” (James 2:14-18) God’s judgment will not be finalized by the knowledge we have assumed, the fame we have acquired or the fortune we have gained. No, it is how we show our love to Him in response of His love shown to us. Our love must be expressed through meeting the needs of others.
In an article sent out by Pastor Rick Warren, the church is asked to get involved. There is a good chance that in about a month many short-term relief organizations will be slacking off and funds will slow down. Although it is of great help to send money and food now to those affected by Hurricane Katrina, the fact is that those affected will need long term help. The church must become caring distribution centers that can offer practical help in providing ways to get food, shelter, and make sure the physically injured and sick get real help. This is much more than a wake up call to a nation that has turned her back on God, it is an opportunity for the church to express Biblical love to Christ by meeting the needs of Christians and of those who do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His love. We must join with the churches that are much more than just talk, but walk in accordance with the will of God. It will take a step of faith, which involves action that enables the church to be a part of what God is doing right now.
I had the privilege to speak on the phone with Jim Difford who is working with the Louisiana Baptist Convention. In the midst of disaster they and many other churches are getting to minister to Christ by meeting the needs of the hungry, providing shelter, clothing and helping the physically afflicted. And they are seeing God do a work through them. On Wednesday, September 7, they had received a call from a truck driver, saying that he had a truckload of supplies and he needed someone to meet him at the airport as soon as possible, meaning today. They had no place for the food to go, no truck to pick it up or the help to get the job done. In less than five minutes a call came in from, Houma Louisiana, a town about three hours away, saying they needed supplies as soon as possible. The amount of supplies requested was the exact amount and type of supplies that was on that truck. Now, they were really praying and seeking the Lord for help because they have supplies, a need, and no way of getting it to the people. In five minutes they received a phone call from a man, saying that he was available to help fly supplies were they needed it, however, he was somewhat limited on money to buy fuel. In another five minutes they received another phone call from a pastor of a church, offering $5,000.00 to go to an immediate need. In around fifteen minutes they saw the Lord give supplies, make the arrangements and provide the funds to meet the need of a group of people who have been afflicted by one of the worse storms to do damage on American soil.
The Holy Spirit’s call is to first pray, have ears to listen and then obey what the Lord would have us do as a church so we can minister to Christ by meeting the needs of the hurting, the homeless and the discouraged. We have a great opportunity to join the many churches that are being a part of what God is doing in America right now. Let us Pray!!!
by Terry Laughlin | May 6, 2016 | DaVinci and Christ
The Reliability of Scripture
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
A Call to Stand in the Gap
In just a moment I am going to read several passages of Scripture that give God’s directions to us as we are faced with the onslaught of questions that are coming up since the book “The Da Vinci Code” came out and especially since the movie has been released.
A survey by Decima Research, Inc. showed out of those polled, one out of three Canadians who have read the book now believes there are descendants of Jesus walking among us today. (Exploring the Da Vinci Code) An ABC special on the book involved an interview with a Scottish man who truly believes that he is a descendant of Jesus Christ. (Sermon by John Ortberg) According to pollster George Barna, 53% of Americans who have read the book said it had helped them in their personal spiritual growth and understanding.
(Exploring the Da Vinci Code)
Many believe the book is harmless because it contains fictional characters and states on the front cover (of the hardcover edition, at least), “A Novel.” However, Dan Brown begins his book on the page just preceding the prologue with the boldfaced heading “FACT,” then he tells his readers supposed “facts” regarding the Priory of Sion and Opus Dei and then states: “All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate.” (Exploring the Da Vinci Code) Because of this convincing statement many people who do not have the time or resources to check things out are being misled in some very important areas.
The Bible gives clear instructions on how the Lord feels about the delusions that come upon mankind. His first plea is found in Ezekiel 22:30, “I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land…” Sin makes a gap in the hedge of protection that is around people of which good things will pour out and through which evil things like to crawl in.
There are Biblical ways of standing in the gap: 1.) Calling the sinner who is introducing the sin to repentance. 2.) Praying that God’s Holy Spirit would reveal truth and draw willful sinners to Christ. 3.) Reformation, meaning to be “reformed” (yasar) literally “let oneself be instructed.” (The truths found in this part of the message came about as the Holy Spirit led me to the teaching of these materials, The NIV Bible; Matthew Henry Commentary; The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia; The New American Commentary; The Expositors Bible Commentary)
I would propose to you that there are born again Christians who are called to stand in the gap and all Christians are to be ready in and out of season to share the reason for their hope. To those who are called to stand in the gap the Bible says, “…When I say to the wicked, `O wicked man, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. (Ezekiel 33:8)” To all Christians Peter writes, “…Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. (1 Peter 3:15)”
Just what questions have come up in the minds of those in the world and even in the hearts of church attendees regarding the accuracy of The Da Vinci Code? I am not going to talk about the art criticism or give you a literary critique of the book; I am not qualified to do that. I will address some Biblical issues and share with you what I have had time to study so far.
Exactly how reliable are the Scriptures?
One of the questions that has been brought up in the minds of those who have read Dan Brown’s red-hot page-turner is, “Exactly how reliable are the Scriptures?” Teabing, one of the characters in the Da Vinci Code says, “The Bible is a product of man, my dear, not of God… The Bible as we know it today was collated by the pagan Roman Emperor Constantine the Great in 325 AD.”nThis is an error. Historical studies show the idea we have the New Testament Gospels today because of the councils put together by Constantine is way off the mark. More than one hundred years before Constantine, a man by the name of Origen said, “The four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are the only undisputed ones in the whole church of God throughout the world.” This quote from at least a century before Constantine and the Council of Nicea shows that the gospel existed and was not the work of men in Constantine’s time. According to Rev. John Ortberg, research indicates that there is evidence that when the Council of Nicea met they were formally recognizing the authority of Scripture that had already been guiding the followers of Christ for centuries. (Sermon by Rev. John Ortberg – Jesus and the Da Vinci Code)
It is important to know how the New Testament canon of Scripture came about and how the church recognized it as being in divine unity. There are focal points of authority in the earliest church, all of which were ultimately important as factors in selecting the New Testament canon. They are: 1.) The Word of the Lord, 2.) The place of the Spirit, and 3.) The authoritative position of the apostles. (The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia) There are several practical approaches to helping you understand how the canon of the New Testament came together.
The one we are going to focus on today is that to be accepted as Scripture document must have its roots connected to one of the apostles by either being written by an apostle or by a student or associate of the apostles. For example, Matthew, who wrote the Gospel of Matthew was one of the twelve apostles selected by Jesus. (Matthew 10:3) John Mark, the writer of the Gospel of Mark was a spiritual son of the Apostle Peter and he became Peter’s interpreter and was led by the Holy Ghost while being in very close relationship with the apostolic authority of Peter. The author of the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts was Luke, the physician who was a second-generation Christian who was able to carefully “investigate everything from the beginning” that which was “handed down” by the “first eyes witnesses.” (Luke 1:2,3) He accompanied the Apostle Paul on his missionary work and Luke was Paul’s close companion. (Colossians 4:14; Philemon 24; 2 Timothy 4:11)
The Gospel of John is written by the Apostle John who was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Christ and an eye witness to the works of Christ. (Matthew 10:3; John 7:37-39; 18:28) He was with Christ at His Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1) and Crucifixion. (Matthew 19:25-27) John was a close associate to the Apostle Peter and a pillar of the early church. (Acts 3:1-11; 4:13-20; Galatians 2:9) He was able to hear both of Jesus’ public and private discourses and would have been actively engaged in the development of the church from its inception.
The Pauline Epistles–, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Romans, Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1 and 2 Timothy, and Titus– were written by the Apostle Paul. Paul’s call into the ministry with Christ was supernatural and confirmed in a vision to Ananias. (Acts 9:1-19) Paul spoke in at least three different letters of his anointed calling (Romans 11:13; 1 Timothy 2:7) and other noted pillars of the early church recognized God’s grace given to him. Paul writes in Galatians 2:8-9, “For God, who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles. James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me.” “Grace” (charis) means the power and equipment for ministry.
It is traditionally considered that James, the half brother of Jesus wrote the Book of James. He was the most prominent leader in the church at Jerusalem. It is very likely that James was not converted to true belief in Jesus as being the Son of God until after the resurrection of Christ. One thing is for sure, the Lord Jesus did appear to James sometime after the Lord was raised on the third day. (1 Corinthians 15:4-8) James knew first hand the life of Christ and was an eye witness to the living Christ before and after His Crucifixion.
First and Second Peter were written by the Apostle Peter. He was one of the original twelve called forth by Christ. (Matthew 10:3) At least three different times in the Gospel of Mark we read of Peter being included with James and John in the inner ring, meeting with Jesus or doing something of some real significance. (Mark 5:37; 9:2; 13:3 and Luke 8:51) Peter was present with Jesus at the Transfiguration and heard the voice of God endorsing the Son-ship of Christ as well as the command to obey what Jesus taught and said. (Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35; 2 Peter 1:18) The Bible records Peter’s confession of Christ when asked of the Lord, “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15) The Bible says, “Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Listen to what Jesus said, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by My Father in heaven. Peter was a man who could receive revelation from God and he had enough illumination of that truth to become one of God’s preachers of the truth.
John wrote the Gospel of John, First, Second and Third John as well as the Book of Revelation. We know that by gathering external evidence, which is derived from the testimony of other writers. We also know it by examining the internal evidence which is derived from what author says in his own writings. The external evidence regarding the writings of John is powerfully supported by what is known as “Sub-apostolic Literature” or more commonly known as the writings of the “Apostolic Fathers.” These Apostolic Fathers were authors of church writings of the 1st and early 2nd centuries. These works are important because their authors knew the Apostles or their associates. Writing out of pastoral concern, their writings are similar in style to the New Testament. As a matter of fact some of their writings were given as high of respect as Scripture until the official canon was decided.
One of our Apostolic Fathers was Polycarp, who was Bishop of Smyrna. This church is identified in the book of Revelation as being under persecution. Polycarp was a disciple of the apostle John and has been called the last surviving direct disciple of an apostle. He referred to the Book of 1 John in the beginning of the second century (the early 100s AD).
First John was quoted by Papias and Irenaeus. Papias, was one of the early leaders of the Christian church working in the first half of the second century. One of our most trusted encyclopedias says, (Wikipedia) “Papias’ own authority being ‘the presbyter John’ and hearers of the Apostles.” Irenaeus, was one of the great men of God who came right after the apostles. Irenaeus died in 202 AD and much of his work falls in the period of 100-170 AD. He delighted himself with the unadulterated teachings of the gospel taught through Polycarp of Smyrna. He kept himself faithful to the true faith in Christ through his entire life.
Origen was a Christian Scholar and theologian, He was considered to be one of the most distinguished of the fathers of the early church. He wrote, “John, besides the Gospel and Revelation, has left us with an epistle [1 John] with a few lines and also a 2nd and 3rd [epistle]…” Other early Christian writers wrote about John’s writings (Dionysus of Alexandria, Cyprian, Athanasius and Epiphanius). There is plenty of external evidence of the authenticity of John’s writings.
There is also strong internal evidence that the same person who wrote First John also wrote the Gospel of John. There is so much resemblance in the mode of expression and in the topics referred to. For example the gospel of John says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… In Him was life, and that life was the light of men… The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” First John 1:1 says, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched – this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The Holy Spirit is writing through the Apostle John, expressing the same truth in the same expressions on the same topic without having someone attempting to imitate the language of another. These expressions are seen at least fifteen times in the Gospel of John and the Book of 1 John. (John 1:1,4,14/1 Jn. 1:1; Jn. 14:23/1 Jn. 5; Jn. 13:34/1 Jn. 2:8; Jn. 11:10/1 Jn. 2:8,10; Jn. 17:3/ 1 Jn. 2:13,14; Jn. 1:12/1 Jn. 3:1; Jn. 17:24/1 Jn. 3:2; Jn. 8:44/1 Jn. 3:8; Jn.15:20/1 Jn. 3:13; Jn. 3:16/1 Jn. 4:9; Jn. 1:18/1 Jn. 4:12; Jn. 20:31/1 Jn.5:13; Jn. 14:14/1 Jn. 4:14; 17:2/1 Jn. 5:20)
Another comparison is John 3:16, “For God so loved the World that He gave His one and only Son, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” And 1 John 4:9 says, “This is how God showed His love for us; He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.” These passages of Scripture show John’s style; showing his mind and personality as both books cover the same points. These Scriptures show the same man who was writing again on the same subject and expressing himself in way as not to be copying. Although John is expressing the same truths that are found throughout the Bible, it is evident that the Gospel of John and the Book of 1 John are not written by Matthew, Mark, Luke or the Apostle Paul. The evidence is overwhelming in who wrote the Gospel of John, 1, 2 and 3rd John and the Book of Revelation.
The Book of Jude was written by Jude who identifies himself as the brother of James, the leader of the Jerusalem church (James 1:1; Acts 15). Both Jude and James were the half brothers of the Lord Jesus. Jude is listed among Christ’s half brothers in Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3. Like James, Jude very likely did not come to true belief in the messiah ship of Christ until after the Lord’s Resurrection. (John 7:5; Acts 7:14) Three of our Apostolic Fathers, Tertullian, Origen and Clement of Alexandria, all knew of the Book of Jude and Clement wrote, “…the Epistle under Jude’s name is a production of a prophetic mind.”
Origen wrote, “[the epistle] is full of heavenly grace.” Five of our early church fathers referred to the epistle of Jude as being the “the work of an apostle…” The four gospels and the other epistles passed a key test, that of being connected to the apostles. They were written by one of the first of the original twelve or from a student of one the apostles or lastly an associate of one the original twelve. These twenty-seven books were written in a time frame of where eyewitnesses could either yet challenge the things written in them as being false or could bear witness to the truths found in them. They have stood the test of time and intense scrutiny of Biblical and secular scholars alike as being authentic. (The truths found in this part of the message came about as the Holy Spirit led me to the teaching of these materials, The NIV Bible; The Ryrie NIV Study Bible; Who’s Who in the Bible; Thru the Bible; William Barclay; Papias of Heiraspolis; Irenaeus; Polycarp; The Pulpit Commentary; Matthew Henry Commentary; Tertullian; The Expositor’s Bible Commentary; Vines Dictionary of the New Testament; Barnes Notes; The New International Standard Bible Encyclopedia; Wikipedia Encyclopedia)
God-breathed
The historical truths of the canon of the New Testament are proof of the reliability of the Scriptures. What is more reliable is the truth of our key text about Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed…” (NIV) This is one of the greatest texts in the New Testament on how the Bible came about.
“God-breathed” (theopneustos) means literally “Prompted by God, divinely inspired.” Scripture is the production of God. The Lord in His greatness chose to use men who were sold out to Him and His Son to bring forth revelation by the leading of the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:21 says, “For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” God breathed His truth into the hearts and minds of the writers of Scripture. This gives excellency to Scriptures and therefore the Bible is God’s Word and is infallibly true. The prophets and the apostles did not speak from themselves, but what they received from the Lord as the Holy Ghost moved them to write or speak. Therefore the Bible presents to us God’s truth, purity and doctrines that should be desired to be lived out by man.
When the Holy Spirit moved Paul to write “All Scripture” he was referring to Old Testament and New Testament, from the Book of Genesis to Revelation. The Apostle Peter considered the writings of Paul to be Holy Spirit inspired and they are not to be distorted. (2 Peter 3:16) Peter warns Christians in 2 Peter 3:3, “First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires…” When scoffers arise, and they are arising today, Peter tells us to, “…recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets, and the [commands] given by our Lord and Savior through [the] apostles.” Peter is asserting that the same level of authority of the Old Testament is to be given to the writings of the apostles. All sixty-six books of the Bible as originally given are God-breathed. The truths in them are from God. (The truths found in this part of the message came about as the Holy Spirit led me to the teaching of these materials, The Complete Word Dictionary; Barnes Notes; Thru the Bible; Jamison, Fauset and Brown; Edwin Blum; Robert Tuck; Word Meanings in the New Testaments; The NIV Bible; Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon; The Pulpit Commentary; The Expositors Bible Commentary; A Commentary, Critical and Explanatory)
David Haun told the story of a mother reading the Bible to her young son. When they came to John 3:16, the little boy said “Oh, I know this one…” We can become so familiar with Scripture that when we read or hear a passages of Scripture quoted we can find ourselves just becoming too blind to the reality that these are the Words of God, the heart of God being revealed to us. Our familiarity can close our hearts to what the Lord wants to do with every Word that come from mouth of God. When mankind does not look to the Holy Scripture as being inspired by God he will disregard what God has to say about His will for them. Mankind will do whatever he can to confirm in his mind that the Bible is just written by people who write about God as they see Him. A sinful person wants to create his own image of God.
Christians who accept the truth of the Bible as being divinely directed by God will be found prayerfully reading the Word of God regularly, studying and meditating upon it. They grow in their knowledge and devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Word of God was a blessing to Edwin Hodder and he wrote this poem:
Thy Word is like a garden, Lord
With flowers bright and fair;
And every one who seeks may pluck
A lovely cluster there.
Thy Word is like a deep, deep mine;
And jewels rich and rare
Are hidden in its mighty depths
For every searcher there.
Thy Word is like a starry host
A thousand rays of light
Are seen to guide the traveler,
And make his pathway bright
Thy Word is like an armory,
Where soldiers may repair,
And find for life’s long battle-day
All needful weapons there.
Oh, may I love thy precious Word;
May I explore the mine;
May I enjoy its fragrant flowers glean;
May light upon me shine.
Oh, may I find my armor there;
Thy Word my trusty sword,
I’ll learn to fight with every foe
The Battle of the Lord…
by Terry Laughlin | May 6, 2016 | DaVinci and Christ
Biblical revelation of God about Christ
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” John 1:1, 14
I had a friend in Christ send me a cartoon this week. In the background of this cartoon was a movie theater with a sign saying, “The Da Vinci Code.” It showed lots of people running to get in to watch the film for their own entertainment. Lying on the ground is a man that was trampled under foot with footprints leading to the theater door. The man lying on the ground had a beard and you could see two feet sticking up out of the dirt that had nail scars on them. The point I got from looking at the cartoon was that Jesus is getting stepped on and trampled down underfoot for the pleasure and greed of mankind.
I would propose to you that what you believe about Jesus Christ determines where you are going to spend eternity. The beloved John wrote down these words spoken by Jesus Christ in His discourse with the Pharisees (John 8:13), “…You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be… (John 8:23-24).” Jesus is speaking to all who live in an attitude of unbelief, those you resist Biblical revelation of God about Christ. To reject Christ as God in the flesh is to completely reject His person and His claims about Himself. (The Expositors Bible Commentary) Listen to what the beloved John wrote about Jesus, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us John 1:1, 14).”
In the book “The Da Vinci Code,” Dan Brown’s character, Sir Leigh Teabing has many positive things to say about Jesus Christ. He calls Jesus a great historical figure and perhaps the most inspirational leader the world has ever seen. This is nice but not pleasing to God. Muslims and Bahais consider Jesus to be a great prophet. Hindus, Buddhists and even some atheists find many of our Lord’s teachings respectable. The Da Vinci Code makes a startling charge: that Jesus’ followers only considered our Lord to be a human being until Emperor Constantine “upgraded” His status to deity almost three hundred years after His death. Who do you think Jesus Christ was? Was He a myth, a great man, just a wise teacher, a prophet or God who became man? Can you fulfill your Christian mandate and give a Biblical reason for the hope you have in Christ? (1 Peter 3:15)
The Christ of the Bible must be understood in both aspects, being fully man and fully God
The Christ of the Bible must be understood in both aspects, being fully man and fully God. “The Da Vinci Code” charges Emperor Constantine with omitting gospels that portrayed the human side of Christ. A simple look at the Word of God shows us this is not true. Before Constantine we have the writings of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and they tell us this about Jesus’ human traits.
Luke 2:6-7 says, “[When it came time] for the baby to be born, [Mary] gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger…” Here we see the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, “But you, Bethlehem… though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for Me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times (Micah 5:2). “ Doctor Luke gets right down to the little human details in giving us the account of the birth of Christ being perfectly human while being manifested as God in the flesh.
Jesus grew as a normal child except without sin. Dr. Luke gives us a report of those silent years when Jesus was growing to adulthood. He writes, And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men (Luke 2:52).” Wisdom (sophia) meaning He grew in purity of heart and life before God. As Jesus grew into manhood he was given understanding, insight, common sense, prudence and discretion. He understood the practical application in applying God’s truths in different matters. He was able to grasp the great truths of life. He could see answers to problems of life and see the difference between good and evil.
In his investigation into Jesus’ life on earth as being fully man, Luke took notice how Jesus grew in “stature” (helikias) meaning with full vigor, in normal development mentally, physically, socially and spiritually for all these are what is involved in growing to manhood. Our Lord was certainly all man. Jesus knew what it was like to have to work. In Mark 6:3 we see the people were amazed at His teaching and knew about the miracles He had performed, yet they recognized Him as only being a carpenter. In saying, “Isn’t this the carpenter (Mark 6:3)?” The town’s people were recognizing Jesus as being a common laborer like the rest of them. The people of Nazareth despised Jesus because he was a working man a common person. To Christians that is great because it means that God, when He came to earth, claimed no exemptions. He took upon Himself the common life with its difficult tasks. A man’s status in birth, his fortune and pedigree have nothing to do with growing into true manhood that is pleasing to God. Jesus became hungry and thirsty just like any man would (Matthew 4:2; John 19:28). He became tired and fatigued (Mark 4:38). He experienced sadness and sorrow (John 11:35). He became amazed (Matthew 8:10), angry (Mark 11:15-16; John 2:13-17) and apprehensive about His impending suffering (Matthew 26:38). He felt disappointment in His disciples (Matthew 26:40-45). He bled and died a physical death (John 19:33-34).
Knowing and understanding the nature of Christ being fully man brings pure joy and hope to the illuminated child of God. The Holy Spirit has brought to life in his heart the truths found in Hebrews 2:17-18, “For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.” The nature of the work Jesus came to accomplished demanded the incarnation, the Word becoming flesh and making His dwelling among us. Jesus did this because God is merciful and the Lord is faithful, He can be relied upon. He always accomplishes His mission. His service was to make atonement for the sins of the people.
As we moved forward in the importance of knowing that Jesus was fully man and yet at the same time being fully God, it is imperative that you understand the difference of Jesus being tempted here in Hebrews 2:18 compared to man being tempted in James 1:14. James, the half brother of Jesus tells us that man is tempted by the evil desire that is within his own heart (James 1:14). He also tells us that “God cannot be tempted by evil (James 1:13).” The application for “tempted” (peirazo) in Hebrews 2:17 is better understood as “tested.” Meaning that God tried Jesus through adversity to prove Him genuine, thus giving us cause and all the proof we need to fully trust in Christ.
When Dr. Jay Vernon McGee was a small boy, he grew up in West Texas in a very small town that sat very close to the Brazos River. One year a winter rainstorm washed out the wooden railroad bridge that crossed the east fork. The railroad company came in and replaced the old wooden one with a steel bridge. When it was completed the railroad company brought in two huge steam engines and placed both of them on the new steel railroad bridge. They then opened their whistles and the whole town came running. One boy asked, “What are you doing?” The engineer said, “We are testing the bridge.” So the boy asked, “Do you think it will fall down?” The engineer laughed and said, “Of course it won’t fall down!” Another person asked, “So, why are you doing this?” The engineer answered: “We are putting these two steam engines on the bridge to prove that it will not fall down so when the next train comes through, those riding on it will have confidence that the bridge will hold them up.”
Jesus, you see, was tested to prove that He was who He claimed to be and it is very important that He, being fully man was tested and He being fully God withstood all tests thrown at Him, even in His obedience unto death.
The Holy Spirit moved through the author of the Book of Hebrews to tell us about the hope we can have in Christ. He writes, “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16) The Word “help” (boetheo) in Hebrews 2:18 means “To run on the hearing of a cry, to give immediate assistance.” Jesus is alive at this moment standing at God’s right hand interceding for every believer in Christ at this very moment. (Truths found in portion of the message came from prayerful study of the NIV Bible; Thru the Bible; The Expositors Bible Commentary; Vines Amplified Dictionary; The Complete Word Study Dictionary; Practical Word Studies; Word Meanings in the New Testament; The Bible Knowledge Commentary; Daily Study Bible Series; Analytical Lexicon of the Greek; Dictionary of Biblical Languages)
Listen to His claims of who He is
Because Jesus became fully man to give His life to redeem fallen man from eternal separation from God, everyone should listen to His claims of who He is.
Last week we looked at the “Reliability of the Scriptures.” The gospels hold the claims of Christ regarding His Divinity. What are His claims in comparison to the Da Vinci Code’s allegation that it was men in Emperor Constantine’s time that upgraded the Lord’s status to deity almost three hundred years after the death of Christ?
Jesus makes a powerful claim about Himself in the Gospel of John 8:58, “I tell you the truth,… before Abraham was born, I am!” Jesus is no doubt proclaiming His deity. “Was born” (ginomai) is better translated as “became.” This Greek word is often used when referring the birth of a person. When used as an active verb it speaks of a person that is entering into a new state or condition of existence. This is the word that is used in our key text today, “The Word became (ginomai) flesh… (John 1:14).” It can be translated as “The Word was born flesh.” The words “I am” implies continuous existence, including existence when Abraham appeared or was born. Remember the Holy Spirit gives us this truth, “…the Word was God (John 1:1).” Christ is the living, incarnate Word of God and the beloved John’s writings are some of the most profound, wonderful works penned through inspiration of the Holy Spirit. In writing “In the beginning was the Word” John is speaking of Jesus’ as being eternal. In writing “He was with God” John is referring to the personality of Christ. And in writing, “He was God” John is speaking of Jesus’ Deity.
The Bible gives many titles or names to Jesus and when He is called the “Word” we are reminded of His role in the Godhead from the beginning. Therefore, Jesus is God in the flesh expressing Himself to the world through Christ. The gospel of John tells us, “No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made Him known.” (John 1:18) The life and words of Jesus are more than an announcement; they are an explanation of God’s attitude toward men and of His purpose for them.
Christ spoke to Phillip directly on the truths of His divinity. Philip had said to Jesus, “‘Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.’ Jesus answered: ‘Don’t you know Me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father?’ Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in Me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in Me, who is doing His work. Believe Me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me…’” (John 14:8-9) Phillip had seen a greater revelation of God than Moses and Isaiah. He had seen face to face God in the flesh and had been with Him and walked in His very presence for three years.
Jesus claims that to know Him is to know God. When the Pharisees challenged the validity of Jesus’ testimony about Himself He said, “‘You do not know Me or My Father,’ Jesus replied. ‘If you knew Me, you would know My Father also.’” (John 8:19) Bluntly, Jesus told the Pharisees how He knew of their ignorance of God. The tragedy here is that all through history God had made the way for them to recognize His Son when He came; but they had become so involved in their own ideas, so intent on their own way, so sure of their own conception of what religion was that they had become blind to the true God, thus missing His visitation upon the earth. So it is with many today who claim to have belief in God. They are so involved in what they are doing, so sure of their own conception of religion that is based on traditionalism, legalism, denominationalism, faddism and worldliness that they miss worshiping the Christ of the Bible.
Jesus claims that He should be honored just as much as God. John 5:23 says, “all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father…” The Greek word for “honor” (timao) here means to give the same reverence to Christ as you would to God, the very same honor that is to be given to a Supreme Being.
Jesus claims, “He who hates Me hates My Father as well (John 15:23).” The implication is that to hate Jesus is to hate God and this stresses the great divide that is between Jesus and the world, as matter of fact between God and the world. One cannot attack the deity of Christ and claim to have true belief in God.
Jesus said, “I and the Father are one (John 10:30).” Here we see the individuality of two Persons in the Godhead. The Greek word for “one” (hen) asserts unity of equality. The Jews were quick to apprehend this statement and reacted by preparing to stone (John 10:31) Jesus for blasphemy because He, a man, had asserted that He was one with God. For them Jesus’ language did not mean simply agreement of thought or purpose with God but carried an implication of deity.
In His prayer for Himself Jesus claims He had been with God in heaven before the world began and shared divine glory. Jesus prayed, “…Father, glorify Me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began (John 17:5).” Five different times in His prayer for Himself Jesus used the word “glory” or to “glorify.” It is a very important word. To “glorify” (doxazo) means to recognize Him for Who and What He is, to celebrate with praise, worship and adoration. Jesus clearly asked for the same glory that God has and what He had when He was in heaven, the glory worthy of deity.
Jesus accepted worship and being called God. In John 20:28-29 we see Thomas giving Jesus Christ proper worship when he said, “…My Lord and My God!” Jesus told Thomas, Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Here is the last of the testimonies that John recorded to the deity of Jesus Christ and you will never find a higher testimony to the Lord than this one made by Thomas. This testimony made by Thomas is one of the great confessions of Scripture. In light of the Resurrection, Thomas applied to Jesus the titles of the Lord (kyrios) and God (theos). In the Greek as they are used here, both Lord and God were titles of deity. Pliny, a governor writing near the probable location of John’s readers two or three decades after John, reports that Christians sing Hymns to Christ “as to [God.]”
Jesus claims He would judge the world at the end of time. In John 5:22 we read of Jesus saying, “Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son.” Jesus is going to judge all men someday. Whether saved or lost, they are going to appear before Him. Christians will appear before Him at the judgment which we call the Bema seat of Christ to see whether they receive a reward (2 Corinthians 5:10). The lost will come before Him at the Great White Throne (Revelations 20:11-15). Jesus did not come to judge the first time, but He will come as judge the next time, and all judgment is committed to Him.
Considering how Jesus has full authority to judge, everyone who desires to live a repentant life should look to Him. Jesus Christ claims to have authority to forgive sin. In Mark 2:10 we read of Jesus saying, “that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins . . . .” The phrase “Son of Man” is used forty-three times as a distinctive title of Jesus being Savior. This Messianic title was used by Jesus to expresses his heavenly origin, earthly mission and glorious future coming. Some of our contemporary scholars spend way to much time trying to prove that Jesus is just pointing people to His human nature, but in doing so they are missing the truths of His heavenly origin and the divine dignity of Jesus centered around His manifestation in human form. In all that Jesus did in healing the paralytic, He was showing the forgiving power that is in Him. He has the right and power here on earth to forgive sins here and now without waiting for the Day of Judgment. This is great news for those you come to Him, they can know and enjoy the benefits of His forgiveness right now.
Jesus is the way to the Father and He claims that He will hear and answer prayers that are offered for God’s good purposes. Jesus said to those who are sold out to God’s will, You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it (John 14:14). We must keep these word’s of Jesus in proper balance with what the Holy Spirit moved the beloved John to write in 1 John 5:14, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us–whatever we ask–we know that we have what we asked of Him.”
After the Lord’s resurrection, Jesus claimed that He is omnipresent. In the giving of the Great Commission Jesus said, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20).” In His teaching on the Holy Spirit who is promised to His obedient children Jesus said, “If anyone loves Me, he will obey My teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him (John 14:23).” (The truths found in the portion of the message came about as I prayerfully studied the NIV Bible together with quality Bible study material: “The Expositors Bible Commentary; The Complete Word Study Dictionary; Thru the Bible; Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines; Willmington’s Bible Handbook; The Teacher’s Commentary; Barnes Notes; William Barclay; The Exposition Commentary; The IVP Background Commentary; Tyndale Bible Dictionary; The Bible Knowledge Commentary; A Commentary, Critical and Explanatory)
What you believe about Jesus Christ determines your final destiny
Jesus taught, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you really knew Me, you would know My Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him (John 14:23).” Jesus is speaking to His disciples in this passage of Scripture. Through the Scriptures Christians have the claims of Christ, the one who died for their sins and His claims should be held above every other claim. This is especially true when they stand against the claims that He has made about Himself and what the entire Word of God says about Him.
British Pastor John Stott wrote, “Jesus made it very clear by word and deed that to know Him was to know God, to see Him was to see God, to believe in Him was to believe in God, to receive Him was to receive God, to reject Him was to reject God, and to honor Him was to honor God.”
C.S. Lewis wrote, “Either this man was, and is, the Son of God or else a madman… You can spit on Him… or fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come to any patronizing nonsense about Him being [just] a great teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”
What you believe about Jesus Christ determines your final destiny. God always gives man the opportunity to live according to his free will. The Holy Spirit offers this question. Which Jesus will you live for and serve, the Christ of the Bible or the Christ made up in the minds of fallen man? Let us pray!
by Terry Laughlin | May 6, 2016 | Communion Truth's
The Blessings of Being Under the Blood
“In the hand of the Lord is a cup full of foaming wine mixed with spices; He pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to its very dregs. As for me, I will sing praise to the God of Jacob. (Psalms 75:8-9) “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John. 6:37-40)
Our Righteousness Is In Christ Alone
Today’s passage of Scripture is set in a Psalm that has the characteristics of a Hymn of Thanksgiving. Several passages of Scripture in Psalm 74 were prayers of Asaph. This particular song of Asaph, Psalm 75 is a song of deliverance, of triumph and a Psalm of faith. It is a song for the saints and a Hymn that proclaims the wonderful deeds of God. The opening verse of Psalm 75 says, “We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds.” (Psalm 75:1) I would propose to you that the blessings of being under the blood of Christ are many. By coming under His blood we are found righteous. His bloodshed paved the way for us to miss the wrath of God, purchased our salvation, and enables us to enjoy the blessings of God.
The Bible tells us to partake in the Lord’s Supper, “Communion,” “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians. 11:16) Biblically this is one very good way of showing our appreciation through obedience to the Word and telling others who observe us of Jesus’ sacrificial death upon the Cross.
The Word “Cup” Is Often Used In the Bible
The word “cup” is often used figuratively in the Bible for that which is portioned out and of which one is to partake. Thus, it can mean God’s Judgments, His wrath or afflictions. (Psalms 11:6; 75:8; Revelations 14:10) Jesus used this term regarding His sufferings. (Matthew 26:39) He also used the term cup in reference to what some of his saints would suffer. (Matthew 20:22) In the Old Testament the cup had also been applied to the blessedness and joy of the children of God, and the full provision made for their needs. (Psalms 16:5; 23:5; 116:13)
Dr. Dewight Jones claims there are some 32 cups mentioned in the Word of God. I would like for us consider three of them today. 1.) The Cup of Wrath, 2.) The Cup of Salvation, and 3.) The Cup of Blessing. Just what are the blessings of being under the blood of Christ? Just what are the wonderful deeds done by Christ out of love for His Father and for us? Before we can fully enjoy those blessings we must remember just what the blood of Christ redeemed us from. Just what was the source that caused Jesus Christ to willfully lay down His life?
The Cup Of Wrath
There is a “cup of wrath” and we must recognize this truth as we come and take communion together as a Body of Christ. The beloved John gives us this insight, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.” (John 3:36)“Wrath” (orge) here is “referring to divine judgment to be inflicted upon the unrighteous.” This wrath of God is not an uncontrolled, unthinking, or a violent reaction. It is a deep, sometimes permanent, thoughtful, controlled righteous anger that is good and deals justly with all who reject Christ.
This anger of God is aroused for several reasons. 1.) Romans 2:5 says “But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.” Unsaved people allow their hearts to become hardened and unrepentant. Thus they spurn God’s love – rejecting His truths. 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 tells us “He will punish those who do not… obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord.”
2.) Romans 1:18 says “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness…” Paul’s epistle also tells us that, “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to Him…” (Romans 1:21) Those who under the wrath of God, have by choice chosen to transgress God’s law.
3.) Ephesians 5:6 says “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.” God’s wrath (orge) here is a “decisive anger, a deliberate anger that arises from His very nature of holiness.” This wrath is on the “disobedient” (apeitheia) — those unbelievers who willfully walk in unbelief and are not persuadable. They have an obstinate rejection of the will of God for their lives. They live in defiance.
The Book of Ephesians also tells us this, “For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person… has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” (Ephesians. 5:6) Ephesians 5:7 says clearly “Therefore do not be partners with them.”
God Is Holy And Righteous
God’s wrath is clear and active. He is holy, righteous and pure as well as loving, gracious and merciful. He executes justice as well as love. He shows wrath and anger as well as compassion. His wrath is both present and future. Romans 1:18 tells us clearly that God’s wrath is present and active in this life. Our introductory Scripture to this first division of the message was John 3:36 and it is best translated in the New American Standard Bible as “…the wrath of God abides on him.”…. In its proper context “the wrath of God ‘abides’ (meno) means to continue to live in, or rather sin remains upon. More accurately, they remain in their sin.
God punishes the disobedient in this life most often by giving them over to uncleanness, to vile affections, to a reprobate mind. Romans 1:24 says “Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts…” Romans 1:28 says, “Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind to do what ought not to be done.”…. These two truths are set after the introductory verse Romans 1:18, “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness…”
People who are under this cup from God are like the burglar Walter B. Knight wrote about. They know it’s wrong but they are bound by their sin, needing to be set free by Christ. In Saint Paul, Minnesota, a thief broke into a U.S.O. and stole $23.50. He left a note to Mrs. Margaret Wood, the director, which read, “I am sorry I stole this. There is a day when I will pay for my sin!” I remember before I came to Christ, there were sins I would commit. I hated it when I did it, but I was bound to it.
The Cup Of Salvation
There is an indisputable fact. There is a judicial judgment of God here and now as well for the future. There is a cup of wrath for those who choose not surrender to the Lordship of Christ. Another Biblical fact is that the Lord has a “Cup of Salvation.”
Psalm 116:13 says “I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.” The opening verse to Psalm 116 says, “I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.”(v.1) Many have placed Psalm 116 right up there with Psalm 23 and it appears to be in with a series of psalms that have a special place in the Passover liturgy. It seems to be fourth in what some call a Paschal Hallel {halal}, meaning praise, which was sung or read on Passover Day. It appears to some that Psalms 113-114 were read or sung before the meal and Psalms 115-118 were read or sung after the festive meal. Several believe these psalms were sung by the Lord and the disciples on the night of the betrayal (Matthew 26:30) just before their departure for the Mt. of Olives. Something else must be noted about Psalm 116. It has all the appearance of being a personal song, in which the believing soul may be reminded of God’s love and power to deliver the man that calls upon the Name of the Lord. Therefore, to fully enjoy the communion service one must personally be worshiping the Lord in spirit and truth.
We do not know for sure who wrote this psalm, but we know that he fully understood that the “…Lord [had] delivered [his] soul from death, [his] eyes from tears and [his] feet from stumbling…” This appreciative believer wrote “How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people”. (Psalm 116:12-14)
Examination Before Communion
The illuminated child of God knows who delivered his soul from eternal damnation, he knows who sees his tears and can keep his feet from slipping. That is why he takes time to examine himself before partaking in Communion. He ask the probing question, “Am I living in a way that is worthy of the gospel I claim before my Lord and in the eyes of others?” The born again Christian has the same assurance in his heart as the writer of Psalms 116. Being under the precious blood of Christ brings salvation and this salvation has purchased much for the child of God.
1.) Salvation brings assurance. Jesus says “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John. 6:37-40)
As Adoniram Judson lay in a nasty Burmese jail with thirty-two pounds of chains on his ankles and his feet tied to a bamboo pole, one sneering prison mate asked, “What is the prospect of converting the heathen?’’ Instantly Judson replied, “The prospects are just as bright as the unfailing promises of the never failing God.” You may never be put into prison, however, there will be times in your life that you will question God’s willingness to intervene, and maybe even your salvation. Christ’s blood purchased you and that is all you need to stand upon.
2.) Salvation brings joy. “I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her saints will ever sing for joy.” (Psalm 132:16) The salvation of the saints should be as evident as one having on a garment. Time after time I have met a new born again Christian and the Lord has put such a joy in him that he overflows with joy. The New American Standard Bible says “…And her godly ones will sing aloud for joy.” The King James Bible says, “…Her saints shall shout aloud for joy.”
In a book entitled, “The Pioneers, A Narrative of the Bengal Mission,” a pioneer missionary wrote (G. Gogerly), “It would astonish and amuse the European stranger to hear these natives sing. They have not the least idea of either harmony or melody; noise is what they best understand.” A visitor once visited the Bengal Mission and made the comment “Sing softly, brothers.” The missionary’s response was, “When these Christians were Hindoos, they threw their heads back and shouted praises to their gods, who are no gods. No, sir, they cannot do less for the Lord Jesus.” And they continued to sing with all their might to their Lord.
3.) Salvation brings seasons of refreshing…. “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord…” Another translation says, “…in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” Observing the Lord’s table with a right heart, focus off of self and through a breaking away from traditionalism will open the door of the heart to genuinely observe Communion.
4.) Salvation changes masters…. “But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” (Romans 6:17-18) The Blessedness of being under the blood is that Christ paid the price for us to be set free from the old slave master, “the flesh.” A new ruler resides in the throne room of our hearts. Through the enabling of the Holy Spirit we can obey Christ now whereas before our Salvation it was impossible.
5.) Salvation gives one an abundant life. Jesus said, “…I came that they might have life and might have it abundantly.” (John 10:10 NAS) This is one of the grandest of our Lord’s claims. “Abundantly” (perissos) means in superabundance, more than enough. Christians have all they need according to God’s will for full service unto Him, provision and all that is needed for communion with God, Christ and fellowship in the Holy Spirit. On this truth life begins, is sustained, and matured.
6.) Salvation sets one apart unto God. “But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the [sanctification] by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 2:13) All born again Christians have been chosen by God for a specific purpose and they are not being changed through their own efforts, but through surrender to the Holy Spirit of God. “Sanctification” (hagiasmos) in its practical application refers to separation unto God… produced by the Holy Spirit.” What a wonderful thing. Being under the blood of Christ enables Christians to have the highest position in all the world, being God’s holy and beloved children set aside for his works.
7.) Salvation saves one to the utmost and puts the child of God under the continual intervention of Christ before God. “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” (Hebrews 7:25) The verb “to save” (sozo) is used absolutely, which means that Christ will save in the most comprehensive sense; He saves from all bondage that humanity may have gotten themselves into. Christ’s salvation is complete deliverance, no matter what the need of the sinner. This is available to all who will approach God in the name and under the authority or rather the Lordship of Christ.
Growing In Christ
Many a Christian has experienced a tremendous cleansing when they received Christ. However, they know as they walk in step with the Holy Spirit, there is a continued purifying process going on within them. The apostle Paul’s inspiration to the saints in Philippi was, “ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…” (Philippians1:6)
Our Lord conducts our cause and purpose in heaven as our Advocate. Even though He is enthroned in Heaven, He has yet power upon earth. He and God send the Holy Spirit down to indwell, guide and empower us. This gift is given to us because of Jesus’ sacrifice and through His intersession. While Christ intercedes for us in heaven, the Holy Spirit intercedes within us. The Holy Spirit works within our minds and hearts and bestows all the grace God wants to give us. As a child of God you are given the cup of salvation that saves you from the bondage of sin and enables you to live a satisfied pleasing life to the Lord.
The Cup Of Blessing
There is a wonderful cup of salvation and there is “The Cup of Blessing.” Psalm 16:5 says, “The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup…” What a wonderful blessing, the Lord is the child of God’s inheritance. “The Golden Psalm” has often been given as the title of Psalm 16. Ainsworth called it “David’s Jewel, or Noble Song.” It is one thing to give lip service to the Lord. However, a cry from the soul that says “Thou are my Lord” especially in times of trial is evidence of spiritual maturity and understanding of what it means to be under the covering of the blood of Christ.
The illuminated child of God approaches Communion, saying, “Let me have the love and favor of God and be accepted of Him. Let me enjoy the comfort of communion with the Lord and the satisfaction of understanding His graces and sustaining love. Just let me be captivated by His promise of eternal life and rest in my eternal state. What else is there to desire, what more can a man achieve and what surpasses the blessing of being under the blood of Christ?” The heart of the man who wrote that Paschal Hallelujah Psalm, should be the heart of everyone wanting to participate in Communion. The Psalmist writes, “How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me?…” (Psalm. 116: 12) “. . .This Do In Remembrance Of Me.” In remembering the precious blood of Christ, Jesus says we are to partake of Communion in remembrance of Him. The Holy Spirit of God moved the apostle Paul to write, “Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:27-28)
The apostle Paul, in warning the Corinthians about participating in idolatry feast and about the true purpose of the Lord’s Supper wrote this, “Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?”…. (1 Corinthians 10:16) The truth Paul wanted to relay to the Corinthians was that a man who sat at the table of Jesus Christ cannot go on to sit at the table which is the instrument of wickedness. If a man has eaten in remembrance of the Body and drunk in remembrance of the Blood of Christ he cannot touch with heart a life of wickedness.
The Sin Of Idolatry
There was a great statue that was done of Christ by Thorwaldsen. After Thorwaldsen had carved it, he was offered a great deal of money to carve a statue of Venus. His answer was “The hand that carved the form of Christ can never carve the form of a heathen goddess.” What is true in Corinth is true for the Christian today. He who has handled the sacred things of Christ cannot soil his soul with things that God calls wickedness.
Idolatry was the sin the apostle Paul often contended with. The word “idolatry” (eidoloatrisa) means both the worship of false gods and the failure to have a right relationship with God.” In practical terms, an idol is anything that consumes a person’s mind, heart and soul and body. It is whatever gets your extra money, time, adoration and strength. Anyone who is not working on the principal of stewardship is easily drawn into idolatry. The Christian who understands the principal of stewardship will exercise his gifts, and manage everything given to him in a manner that reflects an awareness that he will be giving an accounting to God. The modern day things that can become idols if not kept in proper perspective are self, family, possessions, business, sports, religion, sex, knowledge, and power. Not keeping these in there proper place, can cause a person to touch the Holy Things of God with unholy hands. One must be in proper relationship with God, Christ and in fellowship with the Holy Spirit before partaking in Communion.
It is always important to dwell on the fact that we serve a merciful God who mercies are fresh and new every morning. After a good healthy Holy Spirit examination of the heart a Christian may partake in Communion. Paul teaches that the cup of blessing brings us spiritually into participation in the blood of Christ and into fellowship with Him. Partaking in Communion is not only being obedient to the Lord, it is a privilege that proclaims the Lords death until He comes.
Communion Not To Be A Religious Ritual
As you are partaking in Communion, one attitude of your heart should be a proclamation of a solemn oath that you are set apart unto the Lord. Just as food and drink are necessary for sustaining the body, observing Communion is good for spiritual health. The prince of preachers, Charles Spurgeon, wrote in his exposition of Psalm 116 the heart of the today’s message. He wrote, “Personal love fostered by a personal experience of redemption is the theme of this psalm. In it we see the redeemed answered when they pray, protected in times of trouble, resting in their God, and walking at large sensible of their obligations. They are conscious that they are not their own but purchased with a price, and joining with all the ransomed company to sing hallelujahs unto God.”
Walter B. Knight wrote about an elderly Scottish woman who lived alone and was asked, “What do you do all day?” The elderly Scotch women said, “Well, I get my hymn book and sing. Then I get the Bible and let the Lord speak to me. When I get tired of reading and singing, I just sit still and let the Lord love me.”
Too often we have let Communion become a religious ritual, thus forgetting how much God and Christ love us. Therefore we miss out on the joy that is available to us. Let the Holy Spirit place so deeply in your hearts that which was in the heart of Jeremiah, “Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed, for his compassion’s never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” (Jeremiah 3:22-24)
Let Us Pray!
by Terry Laughlin | May 6, 2016 | Communion Truth's
Four Signs of a Healthy Christian
Rick Warren wrote, “The key for churches in the 21st Century will be church health, not growth.” When a congregation is healthy, it will grow spiritually and enjoy the benefits of a live, vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. A healthy Christian will not find his strength or determine his weakness in the size of the church he attends.
What are four signs that the child of God lives a life that is nourished by the Word of God and illuminated by the Holy Spirit? Acts 2:42, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” These Holy Spirit filled believers devoted themselves to these four things.
Life expressions of a Holy Spirit led child of God
Today’s text gives the first look at the early church and gives us a look at the results of a Holy Spirit revived heart. These Scriptures should prick at the heart of the modern day church and serve as a key guide for examining ourselves. All healthy things show signs of life. If the child of God is not growing spiritually in any or all of these four areas, that Christian is dying. A church will only be as healthy as those who attend her. Therefore it is a necessity that those who are part of the Body of Christ get a fair evaluation of their spiritual condition.
I would propose to you that a healthy church begins with a consuming passion for the Lord Jesus Christ. The early church at Pentecost received the Word gladly, continued steadfastly, enjoyed Christian fellowship and was a praying church. These are the life expressions of a Holy Spirit led child of God. It must be noted that today’s text does not hold the complete list to everything a born again Christian does. However, it contains seeds that determine how much spiritual life is birthed forth in all the other activities the child of God applies himself to.
Devotes himself to the apostle’s teachings
A key sign of a healthy Christian is that he devotes himself to the apostle’s teachings. The New American Standard Bible says, “…they were continually devoting themselves to the apostle’s teachings.” (Acts 2:42) Devoted (proskarteroutes) means to continue, persevere, stick to and persist.
The Christian surrendered to the Holy Spirit will not quit, back off from truth, fade away or slip back. He steadfastly stays in true Biblical teaching. He is diligent and constant in attendance to the proclaiming and teaching of the Word of God. The on fire child of God makes a conscious hearing of the Word of God and he surrenders to the Holy Spirit’s prompting to obey it. The mark of a true church is not the size and beauty of her buildings. It is not the number who attend or how modern the sanctuary looks. The important issue is whether it holds to the apostle’s doctrine. Born again Christians have a teachable spirit and a hunger to learn more and more of God’s will for them by pain staking study and listening to the Word of God.
Albert Barnes wrote, “One of the evidences of conversion is a desire to be instructed in the doctrines and duties of [Christianity] and a willingness to attend the preaching and teaching of [God’s Word]. Christians are hungry for Holy Spirit inspired teachings and they will make time to be exposed to it.”
The Christian who is devoted to the teaching of the Word of God goes to church and Bible studies, prayerfully reads his Bible, watches quality Christian programs, listens to Christian music and takes every opportunity possible to fill his eyes, mind and heart with things of God. There is an eagerness of mind and openness of heart to seek and hear what God’s will is for him. The child of God who is devoted to the teachings of God’s Word will place himself in the position where He can be lead by the Holy Spirit. He walks into church with anticipation and expectancy that the Lord has something specifically for him. These Christians are far apart from church attendees who walk out of church unmoved, critical and unfed because they refuse to eat from the table prepared for them.
Christians who are devoted to the teaching of the Word of God are like the Bereans that you read about in Acts 17:11. They were of more noble character than the Thessalonians for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Luke gave the Jews at Berea undying fame by characterizing them as being “more noble” than the Thessalonians. They tested what Paul said to the truths of what we call the Old Testament. Rather than judge what he said by political and cultural consideration, they were captivated by what he said as it agreed with the Word of the law. Once again the New American Standard Bible has the best translation with; “more noble minded,” (eguenes) meaning to be generous in giving attention.
In his research on the Berean church, Dr. J. Vernon McGee discovered that the Berean church was a persecuted church. He also notes that even though the Bible says very little about the Berean church, Scripture presents her as of having noble character. In others words very pleasing to God. I have discovered that Christians and ministries that become the most beneficial to me are those who are daily, prayerful readers and studiers of the Word of God. They have withstood the test of time and they grow spiritually in the test of trials. The Bereans “…received the message with great eagerness…” (prothumia) The King James Bible says, “readiness of mind,” meaning to listen attentively and respectfully…” They were willing to hear it, they could comprehend it, and they had hearts hungry to know God’s will for them.
Solomon in writing to those who would listen wrote, “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.” (Ecclesiastes 5:1) There are some real questions that need to be answered as the Holy Spirit brings you through the first spiritual health check today. Can those who see your life say, “There goes a Berean? There goes a man or woman of God that has high regard for the truth and one who lives out a life of devotion to the Lord.”
A healthy Christian has true fellowship
Another sign of a healthy Christian is fellowship with other Christians. “Fellowship” (koingnial) means to share in something which involves participation. Mel Lawrenz gives this definition, “It has various translations such as “fellowship,” “participation,” “sharing,” “partnership,” and “communion.” The practical application is sharing material goods, sharing ministry, and being partners in the gospel. All these are rooted in the spiritual reality of a connection between believers that is based on their connection to Christ. This fellowship is literally brought forth by the Holy Spirit of God. Christians not only devoted themselves to the apostle’s teachings, but united in the work of spreading the gospel. Christians in true service are united in feelings, interest, in dangers, in conflicts, in opinions and in the hopes of blessedness that comes in serving Jesus Christ. They have a joined life in sharing blessings and gifts bearing each others burdens, sharing in the conflicts that come and the victories that are won in fulfilling the Great Commission.
The Sunday School Times ran the story about Christians bearing each others burdens in their living to the Lord Jesus. In one section of China, there were several missionaries working together. When they held services one man would attend regularly, showing much evidence that the Holy Spirit of Christ was doing a great work in his life. One day he confessed that he was a Christian and that he no longer worshiped his ancestors in the usual manner. This occurred at the New Year time when he was supposed to perform the usual rites of burning paper and incense to his ancestors. When he refused he was given fifteen days to recant or be beaten with 1,000 stripes. As the fifteen days drew near, a Christian from a different Chinese clan went to talk to the head of the clan of the sentenced man whom was about to receive the 1,000 stripes. The Christian explained, “When a person becomes a believer and worshiper of Jesus Christ, they become a part of the family of God. We cannot stand by and watch our brother in Christ beaten, so we propose that if you insist in carrying out this sentence, we will all join in with him and take our share of those stripes.” The head of the clan knew that there would be great trouble if a member of one clan would beat a member of another clan. He said, “If we would have understood the sharing of the burdens of Christians, such a verdict would never have been passed.” Thus, the Christian man nor his Christian brothers or sister had to take one stripe.
A healthy Christian has true fellowship because he shares Spiritual experiences with other soldiers of Christ. This builds faith and trust. Through their Christian service they have shared material possessions together. (Acts 2:45) They worship together. (Act 2:46-47) The church is not to become a social club where people are just nice to one another. 1 Peter 2:4-5 says, “As you come to Him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to Him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
The Lord knows to be a healthy Christian you need Biblical fellowship. The fact is, going to church does not make you a Christian, and you can be a Christian and not attend a church. However, it is impossible for you to grow mature in the faith without Christian fellowship.
A young fellow who was fed up with church went to see this wise old Christian in his cabin to get some advice. He told him all the things that were bothering him about church, and how he felt that he would be better off without the company of other Christians. As he was speaking, the old man silently took the fire tongs and removed a red-hot glowing coal from the middle of the fire and set it on the hearth. The coal glowed for a while, but eventually dimmed and turned black. He let it sit there a while and then took the tongs and places the coal back in the middle of the fire. Within seconds the coal was glowing red hot once again. The young man took the wordless lesson and left determined to stay with church and become an active member. Just as coals soon burn out when they are removed from the company of other coals, we will not last long in the faith unless we are working closely with what other Christians are doing in the local church. A healthy Christian exercises his Spiritual gift to help make a special outreach, project or ministry become successful. It may be prayer, giving, encouraging, administrating or applying hands on work. The fact is he will be doing something. It must be noted, that he will not be a part of everything going on in the church.
Listen to what the Bible says: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Vance Havner pointed out, “Snowflakes are frail, but if enough of them get together they can stop traffic, shut down airports and cites, and take lives.” You get enough Christians who are devoted to the Word of God and living in Biblical fellowship, there is nothing God cannot do with them in accordance with His will.
Observes the “breaking of bread”
A healthy Christian will have fellowship with his Christian family and with the body of Christ. He also observes the “breaking of bread.”
A healthy Christian steadfastly remembers the Cross of Calvary with other believers in obedience to the ordinance given by Jesus Christ. Psalm 77:11-12 says, “I will remember the deeds of the LORD, yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.” The greatest deed ever done for sinners was when Jesus Christ allowed all the sins of the world to be laid upon Him and when He gave His life on the Cross.
Communion is to be observed very often in remembrance of Jesus Christ. The bread is in remembrance that His Body was given for us and the cup is for remembering that His blood was shed for us. Because of what Christ has done, Christians have been reconciled to God and can have fellowship with Him. When the child of God meditates upon all that Jesus has done, can and will do for them, there is nothing that can rob his heart of wanting to observe communion so he makes effort to be were communion is being served. He also continually asks God to search his heart so that nothing will keep him from enjoying the breaking of bread with his brothers and sisters in Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:28 says; “A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.” He remembers what he was before Christ came into His heart and life and he rejoices over what the cleansing blood of Jesus has purchased for him right now.
A powerful ruler built a great palace. Among the rooms was one that was always locked. He called it the Chamber of Memories. Every day he visited that room, but no one else was permitted inside. Finally one day the servants got a peep inside the locked room. There was no silver, no gold, no precious jewels. All they saw was a humble shepherd’s robe; the one the king had worn before he came to the throne.
The Lord’s Supper reminds a healthy Christian what he was and that it was his sin that put Jesus on the Cross. A healthy Christian is like the Apostle Paul who wrote, “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:2) A healthy Christian will strive to make decisions and live a life that revolves around the fact that he is not his own, he was purchased with the highest price that can be paid for the redemption of sinful man. Because of that price paid, the child of God will choose to attend a Bible believing church that spreads the gospel message, avoids watered downed theology and false doctrines. That is why we make time for the Holy Spirit to examine hearts before we serve Communion in this church.
Devotes himself to prayer
A healthy Christian partakes regularly in the Lord’s Supper and devotes himself to prayer.
Without the power of God there can be no lasting work done for Christ. A healthy Christian knows that if the church is too busy to pray there will be a great amount of activity with little accomplished, many services but few conversions, many programs with little life changing results. This is why the apostle Paul wrote, “I urge you brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me …” (Romans 15:30) The child of God faces many trials, many obstacles and even spiritual perils as he walks with the Lord down here.
Watchman Nee wrote, “Our prayers lay the track on which God’s power can come. Like a mighty locomotive, his power is irresistible, but it cannot reach us without rails.” Prayer is like art or music. It can only be enjoyed by and through those who have disciplined themselves to actually spend time in prayer. An artist or musicians cannot fully reach his full potential unless he learns about and spends time developing his gift. Most people enjoy the benefits of looking upon art work that has had much time and hard work put into it. All mature adults appreciate the benefits of listening to a musician that has put a great deal of time and energy into their music. So it is with prayer. It is those who spend time in prayer individually, corporately and continually who bless those for whom they have been praying.
Corrie Ten Boon expressed the life of being a vibrant Christian and she asks, “Is prayer a steering wheel or your spare tire? Christians are to use prayer for seeking God’s will, grace and empowerment. It is not to be used as a spare tire or as a tool to order the Lord around. The prayer that blesses God is the one offered according to His will and purposes.
The Bible says, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (Colossians 4:2) (James 5:16b) “…be faithful in prayer…” (Romans 12:12) “…Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and request…” (Ephesians 6:18) And there is God’s promise about prayer, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
What does it mean to be devoted to prayer? If it means anything else it means to be regular and often in prayer. It means to have a lifestyle in which prayer is an integral part. When I say that he is a devoted father or she is a devoted student what do we mean? It means that you can expect the man who is head of his family to get done what ever needs to be done. It is in his power to be a father to his kids. It means a devoted student is going to do what needs to be done in order to be seen as a student worth investing time and money on. A healthy Christian’s life is not limited to prayer, but is devoted to prayer. Saying that someone is devoted to their family does not mean that family is all they have or all they do. It does mean that their life, their habits, their attitudes gives evidence of a life devoted to their family. They provide a home, they are together at important family gatherings, and support one another in family tragedies. A praying Christian may be busy with life situations, but as the Holy Spirit moves him, he takes a moment to pray, he makes time to pray in one accord with other believers for important church issues, and he his most certainly seeking the Lord’ grace, peace and comfort in times of tragedy.
The Christian Index ran the story of a black man who was in service to General Stonewall Jackson. Many noticed that he was able to discern whenever the General was about to start another expedition. When asked how he knew, the black man said. “Mr. Jackson prays every night and every morning. But when he prays two to three or four hours during the night, that is when I pack his baggage, I know we are going on an expedition.” A healthy Christian prays regularly, faithfully and wholeheartedly. But when his church is about to go out on another expedition for the Lord, he arranges extra time to be in prayer.
For a heart check, do people expect to see you in prayer? What do you fast from to spend more time in prayer as the Lord leads the leadership of your church out in expeditions? Can those who are closest to you see that you are about to go out with the Lord to do His work by the amount of time you spend in prayer? Today’s text is recorded history of when the Holy Spirit was doing a work in the lives of those who have surrendered their hearts over to Jesus Christ. The same Holy Spirit is at work today in lives of those who understand that Jesus is much more than just Savior, He is Lord. Where there is a surrendered heart to the Lordship of Christ there are healthy Christians exhibiting these four signs. A life devoted to the teachings of God’s Word, Christian fellowship, observance of Communion, and Prayer.
Recent Comments