Some Words Are Almost Unrecognizable! - Christian

Christian is probably the most misused and abused words with religionists today. The true meaning of this word is so overused in our society, that almost no one knows what it God meant what the New Testament means when it uses this unique term. However, God has given us an accurate definition, and we must turn the pages of the ultimate dictionary - the Bible – to find His description of this noble name.

Widespread definitions: (1) A good person (2) A believer in some form of Deity described in the Bible. (3) A religious person (4) A sincere person (5) A member of any church

As we search His Word for the answer, one thing must be acknowledged: God’s Word is the truth, and we must conform our misconceptions and misinterpretations to His perfect law (Psalm 19:1-7).

The first time the word Christian appears in the Scriptures is when Luke wrote, “the disciples were first divinely called Christians” (Acts 11:26). A special name? Yes. This event is a direct fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy that God would call His people by a new name (Isaiah 62:2). This would happen when the nations (Gentiles) would see their (the followers of Christ’s) righteousness. Consequently, Cornelius (a Gentile) and his household had recently obeyed the gospel of Christ (Acts 10). The gospel message had been taken to the Jews first, and then to the Gentiles (Romans 1:16). The event in Antioch was clearly divine in scale and a fulfillment of Isaiah’s inspired utterance nearly seven centuries before!

Aside from this point, two terms are specifically used to describe God’s people before the term Christian was “coined” in Acts 11:26.

The church

As was pointed out in a previous article, the word church means a called-out group of people. Jesus promised to form His church, and He fulfilled His promise (cf. Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:1-47). So, Paul and Silas did not meet and teach a man-made group for one year, but the Lord’s one called-out group. Therefore, only members of His church were called Christians.

Disciples

Jesus Christ is the ultimate Teacher. He explained and taught in a way that even great crowds would hear Him gladly (Mark 12:37). Those who would keep His teachings were (and are) called disciples (students, pupils). Disciples are people who follow their leader/teacher/mentor very closely, and listen closely to every one of his words. This is a Christian’s relationship to his Teacher, Jesus (cf. Matthew 4:4). This was Peter’s attitude when he exclaimed, “ Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we believe and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68). Christians are students of the very words of the Teacher.

Believers

It is foolish and soul condemning to not believe in God (cf. Psalm 14:1; Mark 16:16; Hebrews 11:6). Belief (trusting faith) is essential to eternal life (John 8:24). But is belief, by itself, pleasing to God?

Many people are of the conviction that faith in and of itself makes one a Christian. What they really believe though is quite different. They really mean mental ascent to or acknowledgement of Christ’s deity is all that God requires, but the Bible teaches otherwise (James 2:20-24; Titus 2:14; Ephesians 2:8-10). Christians work out their salvation with fear and trembling.

Sincere people

Paul had done all things in his life in good conscience (Acts 23:1). This included killing innocent people (Acts 8:1-5). He was sincere but wrong. Many sincere people will plead with Jesus in judgment that they were sincere and had served Him with their whole heart, but He pronounce separation on them (Matthew 7:21-25).

Does this mean that all sincere people are on the way to eternal punishment? No! Sincerity has always been required by God (Joshua 24:14 – God must be served in sincerity and truth). Christians have “obeyed from the heart” to that standard of teaching (Romans 6:17). Sincerity is indeed essential, but it alone will not save. You can be sincerely misguided!

Religious people

“Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he who practices the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophecy in your name and in your name cast out demons and in your name do many miracles? And then I will confess to them, I never knew you: withdraw from me, you who work lawlessness” (Matthew 7:21-23). The people depicted in this sad scene have two things in common: They are religious yet they are still condemned to hell.

Death will be a rude awakening for so many religious people. They would lived their whole life attending church services and Bible classes and would still live in eternal outer darkness. It does not matter how sincere or religious, our life must be led according to Christ’s authority (Colossians 3:17). “Going to church makes you as much a Christian as standing in a garage makes you a car.”

Though a Christian is a member of a church, and is a religious and sincere believer in God, these qualities alone are not enough. Here are several things I hope you take from this article:

• It is not up to us to define who and who is not a Christian. God has already defined that for us.
• Though sincerity is essential to salvation, sincerity alone is not enough. Paul killed innocent people in all sincerity - Acts 23:1
• Though religious devotion is required in service to God, religious devtion alone is not enough. Remember the people at judgment - Matthew 7:21-23
• Believing in God is more than mental ascent, it is active. It alone cannot save either. - James 2:20-24; John 8:24; Titus 2:14
• You know whether or not you are truly a Christian, a member of the Lord's one church!

If you are not a Christian, in the purest definition of the word, become one today.

Some Words Are Almost Unrecognizable! - Baptism

There is lots of buzz in various schools of religious thought today about baptism: its purpose and necessity. Some say that it is not for forgiveness of sins, and others say that its not. Some say that you should be baptized, and others say that you shouldn not. Baptism is the source of all sorts of confusion and disorder among religious people. What is God’s definition of baptism?

Common definitions/misconceptions: (1) the act of sprinkling an adult or baby with water for his or her sins (past or inherited, or both) to be forgiven. (2) Pouring water in the head of an infant or adult for the purpose of the forgiveness of sins. (3) The act of immersing in water to show that you have already received forgiveness of sins.

The list of definitions could go on and on and on, unfortunately. Jesus charged His apostles with carrying His good news everywhere. He also gave instructions for those who would “receive the word” (Acts 2:41). He stated, “He who believes (trusts in My saving power) and is baptized (immersed in water) will be saved. He who disbelieves will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). Notice that belief (trusting faith) must come before baptism. The only correct response to the gospel, according to Christ, is belief in Him and immersion in water (cf. John 3:5; 8:24).

Paul would comment on baptism’s significance, saying, “having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through the faith in the powerful working of God, who raised Him from the dead” (Colossians 2:12). He also wrote, “We were buried therefore with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised to walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). Is it not interesting that baptism (Gr. Baptizo – To dip, immerse, plunge), is always associated with buried in these passages?

Baptism, defined in the New Testament, is a burial of a sinner in water for forgiveness of sins. Peter said that baptism “does now save us” from sin (1 Peter 3:21). This simple act corresponds perfectly to the gospel of Jesus Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Just as Jesus died physically, so the sinner dies to sin (Romans 6:2). Just as Christ was buried in a tomb for three days, likewise, the sinner is buried in water (Romans 6:3-4). Just as the Savior emerged from death to ascend to Heaven, so the former sinner emerges from the water to a new life in Christ (Romans 6:4).

From the cited passages we learn several important points.

1. One must believe first in order for baptism to be approved by God – Mark 16:16

2. Baptism means burial in water – Romans 6:4

3. Forgiveness from past sins does not come before one is baptized – 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 2:38 (baptism for forgiveness of sins not because of forgiveness o sins)

4. Baptism is not simply a ritual that must be performed, but it is a response for the sinner to the burial of Jesus Christ – Colossians 2:12 (buried with Him in baptism)

The Bible defines baptism in simple terms, words that can be easily understood by all who are interested in pleasing God.

Some Words Are Almost Unrecognizable! - Church

Any honest and objective Bible student recognizes that some words, terms, and phrases found in the Scriptures found new meaning. This dilemma has produced incomparable confusion and unrest in many, especially those who want to call and do things according to God’s will (cf. Colossians 3:13; 1 Peter 4:11). In this all-but-exhaustive assessment, we will look at the modern, contemporary, and common usages of so-called religious terms, and how the Bible’s definition of the same will clearly contradict, contest, and clarify those false definitions.

Church

Three common definitions: (1) a building where religious people meet to conduct their sacred services, sacraments, and rituals (2) invisible umbrella encompassing all religious groups that claim to believe in Jesus Christ (3) The act of worshiping God.

These are just three of the sincere misconceptions and genuine misinterpretations many people have about this five-letter word! What does the Bible have to say about the word church?

The first time the word is used in the Sacred Writings is when Jesus made an all-but-insignificant declaration. He said, “Upon this rock-mass I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18). The word church comes from a Greek word meaning “a called-out group of people; a gathering; an assembly.” In essence then, Jesus was saying that He would put together a group of people called out by Himself (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:14). This called-out, special assembly of people would be built on the foundation of the fact that He is God’s unique Son (cf. Ephesians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 3:11).

Not so surprisingly, His words proved true. Fifty days after His death, burial, and resurrection, Christ formed His called-out group through a simple message preached by His apostles on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-47). The Divine Record testifies,

“So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls…And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:41, 47b).

The plain message was delivered, and those first ones to respond to that glorious message became the church, God’s called-out group. If Acts 2 had been the only passage written about the church, then we would at least know these several things:

1. The church is not a physical building.
2. Those who obey the gospel are members of the church.
3. The church is not an all-encompassing umbrella of religious groups.
4. The Lord adds the responsive to the church.
5. The word church does not mean the act of worshipping God.

The church, as defined by God, is a living, breathing, active group made up of obedient followers of Jesus Christ.

Give Me the Bible

Many people in the world today have little to no respect for God’s Word. You rarely hear it quoted, or even alluded to in everyday conversation. People have replaced the authority of the Scriptures with human philosophy and social doctrines. Plain Bible teaching has been substituted for political rallies and comedy hours. Are these “substitutions” truly even substitutions at all?

Jesus said, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far away from me. In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men” (Matthew 15:8-9). Human teachings simply do not compare to the perfect words of God (John 17:17)! Jeremiah expressed this idea when he wrote, “I know, O LORD, that a man's way is not in himself,Nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). So, if humanity has failed to produce the correct standard for living, who has provided that correct standard?

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Jehovah God has provided us with a guidebook that “thoroughly equips unto every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). That guidebook is the Bible. The Bible is:

• truth (John 17:17)

• perfect (Psalm 19:7)

• pure (Psalm 19:8)

• the Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17)

• sharper than any double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12)

• enlightening (Psalm 119:130)

• more desirable than much fine gold, and sweeter than the drippings of the honeycomb (Psalm 19:10)

God has given us the Bible—with its records of the ancient Jews, eyewitness accounts of the life of Jesus Christ, history of the first Christians, and instruction for Christians living today—so that we will know His will for our lives. The Bible contains an abundance of accurate information that continues to change the lives of the obedient and faithful, even up to this day. May we always say in our hearts,

“Give me the Bible,

holy message shining, thy light shall guide me

in the narrow way.

Precept and promise,

law and love combining

till night shall vanish

in eternal day!”

U2-CHARIST

Last night on ABC's Nightline, there was a special segment highlighting an Episcopal church in New York that plays U2 songs during their Eucharist (communion). The pastor said that incorporating the band's music into their worship has made his parishioners more aware of opportunities to help others through involvement in social causes. Also, their worship attendance has increased by about 70% since the incorporation of the band's music. (Consequently, their weekly monetary contribution has rose, too!) How appaling! Or is it really?

New Testament worship is simple yet dignified. A typical worship gathering of 1st century Christians consisted in the singing of a few songs, prayers led by men in the congregation, an exhortation from God's Word, and a simple observance of the Lord's Supper. Worship in New Testament times did not appeal to the five senses, but rather appealed to God, the Regulator of true worship (John 4:22-24). God desires that worship be conducted in that same manner today: simple, not crowded out by rock music or organs. God demands worship from the heart, in harmony with His word.

Side note: At the end of the Nightline segment, something to the effect of, "Upon Rock the church is built" was said. He was talking about rock music, of course.

The Eastside Lectures - November 3-5, 2006

My first lectureship! I cannot express my joy in attending such an upbuilding weekend of lessons from the Book. While in Muskogee, among the brethren, I observed several factors that contributed to the success of such an enriching series of lectures.

Godly elders. It is a rarity in the brotherhood to find fine men like John Lathrop and Donnie Nero. You can tell that they genuinely care for the souls of the Eastside brethren. In so many congregations, members install "good businessmen" "excellent examples" or "unifiers" instead of qualified brothers into the eldership. God has set forth certain qualities that Christian overseers should meet, and as His people, we should make sure that only qualified men serve in such an honorable capacity. As Christian youth, we should also strive to cultivate the qualities that elders and elders' wives exhibit. It is obvious that the disciples at Eastside have made sure that righteous men have been placed in that very noble task. - Acts 20:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; 1 Timothy 5:17

Love for the Truth. Nothing is more encouraging than hearing Bible pages being flipped and turned while a faithful man gives simple explanation of the Scriptures. This is encouraging because we live in a day when sound gospel preaching has been substituted in so many places for fluffy stories and mindless personal experiences. The speakers for the weekend are excited about the gospel message and are scripturally sound. The lectures were well organized and easily understood. The subject was "The local church" and how every member has a responsibility in it. After every lecture, the speakers were bombarded by brethren eager to comment on and compliment the lessons. You could tell that everyone thoroughly enjoyed and truly benefited from the practical presentation of God's word. Lots of sound material was distributed at little (and no) cost. Eastside is obviously a congregation that loves God and His word. - Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Fellowship among Christians. Fellowship is not simply eating with and enjoying the company of your Chritain brethren. Fellowship is often only associated withe luncheons and dinners. But the Bible defines fellowship among brethren as this: Two people are in fellowship with God, therefore, they are in fellowship with each other. Brethren from at least five states (Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi) attended last weekend. We prayed, ate food, sang praises, gathered around the Table, and studied God's word together (some of us youth went to the movies, and skated together). The saints there were very hospitable and courteous. (I am personally grateful to the Stacks family for their hospitality. I felt like I was at home the whole time!) I now know what the psalmist meant when he said, "How sweet and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity" (Psalm 133:1). It is comforting to know that I got to spend a weekend with people I will be in Heaven with for all eternity!

I am so grateful to God for a great weekend of study and fellowship with His people in Muskogee. I'm looking forward to next year!

"...and He is head of the body, the church..."

Most groups (whether religious or secular) have some form of leadership. Some times the leader functions as a figurehead, not really yielding much influence or power. Basically, a leader in name only. In other instances, the leader is authoritative, dictatorial, and unreasonable. Are either one of these examples of the Savior’s relationship to His called-out group, His church?

Christ has all authority. Jesus said of Himself, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). Peter described Him as both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). John proclaimed Him as the supreme King and Lord (Revelation 19:16). God the Father acknowledged Him as His divine spokesman (Matthew 3:16-17; Hebrews 1:1-2).

In view of these inspired truths, why would so many reject Christ’s role as the eternal King and Ruler of his spiritual kingdom (John 18:36)? Maybe they see Him as being simply a powerless figurehead or only pay lip service to Ephesians 1:22-23. But a Christian’s attitude toward Jesus is similar to Thomas’ exclamation after seeing the resurrected Savior, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). He recognized the risen Christ as supreme and authoritative.

Christ's divine right rule is not falsified by anyone's unwillingess to submit to His will. Paul wrote that the head of every man is Christ (1 Corinthians 11:3).

Christ rules His church through His word. Just as with any king, Jesus rules by royal decree. Christians are apart of His spiritual kingdom (Colossians 1:13), so we are therefore in subjection to His every word. Jesus told Satan that man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes out of God’s mouth (Matthew 4:4). What does this mean to a disciple of Christ?

• We will study the Bible regularly. Ignorance equals spiritual malnutrition (Hosea 4:6). It is unacceptable to God. He expects every one of His children to grow in knowledge and grace (2 Peter 3:18). Old Testament study is valuable because we can learn from the sin of ancient Israel and those living in the patriarchal days (Romans 15:4). New Testament study is uniquely valuable because those are the words that Christ will judge us by (John 12:48).

• We will keep the words of the King. God does not want us to simply read His word, but to put it into action (James 1:21-22). Christ is saving those who actively respond to His grace and love (Hebrews 5:8-9; Matthew 7:21-23). This is what any obedient citizen would do, right?

Christians are willing members of His church. Salvation is not forced on anyone. A decision to serve Christ comes out of a genuine heart of gratitude for the Savior and His sacrifice. Either we are willing servants of Christ, or we are not. A similar ultimatum was given by Elijah the prophet, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him” (1 Kings 18:21). We should never serve the Lord reluctantly or with a sense of compulsion, but rather cheerfully and willingly (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:7).

An Important Engagement

James A. Garfield was President of the United States of America, taking office March 4, 1881. On his first Sunday in Washington after his inauguration, a member of the cabinet insisted that a meeting must be called to discuss a matter that threatened a national crisis. The President refused on the grounds of another appointment. The cabinet member then insisted that the national matter was of grave importance, and that Mr. Garfield should break his engagement, but Mr. Garfield refused to do so. Then the cabinet member remarked: "I would be interested to know with whom you have an engagement so important it cannot be broken." President Garfield replied: "I will be as frank as you are. My engagement is with the Lord, to meet Him at His house at His table at 10:00 tomorrow morning, and I shall be there."

Mr. Garfield recognized the importance of gathering around the Lord's Table with the saints. Why would such a seemingly unimportant asseembly be so important to him? What is so special about this simple service to God?

The Lord's Supper is a memorial

The setting is sombering. The Lord and His closest followers reclined at a table in an upper room in Jerusalem during the annual Passover feast. They were in the middle of the meal, and Jesus made an important statement: "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me" (Luke 22:19). The Lord instructed His disciples to eat the bread in His memory. He also said that they were to drink the fruit of the vine in His memory also (Luke 22:20). This applies to every Christian today.

During the Lord's Supper, we remember Christ's ransom sacrifice given in behalf of all people (Matthew 20:28). During that time, we think about all of the fleshly pleasure He ignored, just to be able to die sinless (Hebrews 4:15). We remember His compassion, love, understanding, and genuine affection for others. We think and remember His willingness to obey God, so that we can have an eternal hope (Hebrews 5:8-9).

The Lord's Supper is a proclamation of the Lord's death

Paul stated, "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death (AE)until He comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26). The unleavened bread symbolizes Christ's body given for us, and the grape juice reminds of His shed blood. We understand, while eating the Lord's body, and drinking His blood, that we are making a proclamation: Jesus has died for me. During this memorial service, it is good to realize that if you had been the only sinful person to live, God would have still sent His Son (1 John 4:9). Christ died for all, and we should be ready to proclaim that message everywhere (Colossians 1:23).

The Lord's Supper will be taken until He comes again

Every time we eat the memorial supper, we show our anticipation of Christ's second coming (1 Corinthians 11:26; Titus 2:11-14). The Supper is a public proclamation of our faith in our Savior's unavoidable return to judge the world, and deliver the saints up to the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24). The Supper proclaims that so well: This bread and cup reminds me of the Savior and His sacrifice for me, therefore I will live for and love Him, and will anticipate His return to earth.

The bread and sup are symbols that will no longer be needed at the second coming. At that time, "Every eye will see Him" (Revelation 1:7). The symbols will then be obsolete, for we will have the real body and blood of Jesus.

Remembering Christ through eating the Lord's Supper is an engagement that we should never miss.