PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST TO A LOST AND DYING WORLD
Edited and Published by Jack Critchfield
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Volume 5 Issue 3 |
March, 2001 |
In a previous issue, the article entitled, WHAT WE NEED IS LESS LOVE, was presented for your consideration. In
that article we discussed areas where LESS love is needed. The areas discussed were, we need less love for self,
for the pleasures of this world, for material wealth, for the wages of unrighteousness and finally, for the praises
of men! In conclusion, it was stated, "But what we need more of is love for God's truths found in the Bible.
Dear reader, where is your love focused, on things we need less love for or on the truths of God's word that all
need more love of? Which?"
Since we last discussed the need for LESS love in the above mentioned areas, in this article we will discuss areas
whereby we need MORE love. Please consider the following.
First, we need MORE LOVE FOR BOLD PREACHERS AND PREACHING! It has become the norm of some preachers to avoid controversy
and speak in such a way to prevent upsetting anyone in the audience. "Paul and Barnabas
waxed bold" in their declaration of the word of the Lord even though many were stirred
to anger and eventually ran Paul and Baranabas out of town (Acts 13:46-51). Many brethren in the first century
waxed bold in their teaching (Phil 1:14). Paul taught the Gospel boldly, even though he was persecuted (1 Thess.
2:2).
We need preaching that is scriptural, specific and to the point, with proper applications made. Bold preaching
is needed on moral issues such as, immodesty, social drinking, gambling, abortion, homosexuality, divorce, dancing,
attending the prom, materialism, filthy movies and TV shows, etc. When these issues are ignored, then you have
soft preaching. Paul command sharp rebuke of sinners, not soft, meaningless "preaching" where application
is not made (1 Tim. 5:20; Tit. 1:13).
We need preaching that clearly marks and identifies error and false teachers of error. Error must be marked according
to Paul's divine admonition - "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary
to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them" (Rom. 16:17). Paul practiced what he preached and commanded
to the Roman brethren concerning marking and avoiding (2 Tim. 2:16-18; 4:10, 14; Gal. 2:11-14). This manner of
preaching was commanded of Timothy by Paul (2 Tim. 4:1-5). Therefore, if it was needful and profitable to engage
in such preaching in the first century, it is especially needful in the twenty first century, because "evil men and seducers shall wax (grow) worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived" (2 Tim. 3:13).
It is a sad day when brethren shun and avoid preachers who preach the gospel with boldness, clarity and love. It
is not uncommon to see, preachers who follow the apostolic pattern of first century preaching to be avoided, criticized,
vilified, falsely accused, and even fired. We shouldn't think these actions on the part of some to be unusual,
though they are shameful and sad!
There are numerous accounts in the scriptures where messengers carrying forth God's word where ostracized and even
put to death for declaring "all the counsel of God"
(Acts 20 27; cf. Acts 26:19-21). A few cases in point that most Bible students are familiar with: (1) John, who
lost his head because he opposed the unlawful marriage of Herod and Herodias (Matt. 14:1-12; Mk. 6:14-28). (2)
Stephen, who was stoned to death because of the bold preaching wherein the present day Jews and their forefathers
were accused and convicted of rejecting the prophets, the law and the eventual murder of Jesus Christ (Acts 6:9-7:60).
(3) And, Jesus the Master preacher and teacher, who was crucified and slain because of the message He preached,
which is recorded for our learning in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and frequently referenced in
the epistles.
Yes, we need to have more love for the truth and those who boldly preach it. Encouragement should be given to those
willing to take a firm stand on God's word. Compromise with sin and error must be avoided and is not an option!
The proclamation of sound doctrine with boldness and love must be demanded and supported by brethren for spiritual
survival to occur in the sinful world we live in. Please encourage gospel preachers you know to "speak boldly as (they) ought to speak" (Eph. 6:20; Col. 4:4).
Second, we need MORE LOVE FOR DIVINE AUTHORITY! To act without authority and to disrespect proper authority, is
a serious matter. In every avenue of life, authority must be respected. When authority is disrespected and ignored,
problems and trouble abound. The majority of problems in every society are the result of a disrespect or lack of
authority - problems in the home, in schools, in the workplace, in government, in business, and in the Lord's church.
Jesus laid claim to all authority in matters religious. He declared, "All power (authority)
is given unto me in heaven and in earth" (Matt. 28:18). He warned religious people
of His day that works that were of the will of the Father would be accepted by Him. He also declared that works
that were of the will of men were iniquity or lawlessness! This divine warning should strike at the heart and thinking
of every religious person, yet, in the religious world today, there is gross disrespect for this warning! The Jews
of Jesus day questioned Jesus about authority, but displayed disrespect for divine authority by their rejection
of Him (Matt. 21:23-27; Jn. 1:10, 11). Clearly, the authority of Jesus was from heaven and not of men!
When one engages in worship of the true and living God, it must be based on heavenly authority for it to be "in spirit and in truth" worship (Jn. 4:21-24). Paul wrote of the
zeal of Israel, but, their zeal was misplaced zeal because they went about to establish their own righteousness
and did not submit to the righteousness of God (Rom. 10:1-3). They did not respect the authority of God.
When congregations of the Lord's people add unauthorized practices to the work and worship of the church, are they
acting by the authority of heaven or of men? When congregations engage in and sponsor recreational and social activities
such as summer camps, ball teams, meals in the "fellowship hall," Christmas plays, skits and parties,
etc., where is their Bible authority? From heaven or of men? When worship involves the use of mechanical instruments
of music, hand clapping, lifting up hands or humming in the worship, where is their Bible authority? From heaven
or of men? (cf. Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16) When women are placed in leadership roles in the worship assembly, where
is their Bible authority? From heaven or of men? (cf. 1 Tim. 2:8-15; 3:15) You see, when religious works are done
without a clear apostolic example, divine implication, or direct statement, then the noble question must be asked,
"by what authority does thou these things? and who gave thee this authority" (Matt. 21:23)? Let us heed the divine instructions of Paul regarding authority, where he said, "And whatsoever yea do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God
and the Father by him" (Col. 3:17).
Third, we need MORE LOVE FOR THE LORD'S CHURCH! To have lack of love for what Christ "purchased
with his own blood" (Acts 20:28), shows utter disrespect and disregard for "the blood of the covenant," counting it "an
unholy thing" (Heb. 10:29). While lack of love is displayed among many by disrespecting
the divine mission of the church (evangelism, edification and benevolence), there are many other areas where love
for the Lord's body is neglected. Here are at least three areas where love is often lacking.
Faithful attendance is commanded of all members (Heb. 10:23-26). To willfully forsake the assembling of the saints,
where God is worshiped and His word studied, shows lack of love. Selfishness, and disregard for other members and
the Lord's work is also displayed by those who forsake the assembly. Faithful attendance indicates love for the
Lord's church.
Holy living by members of the Lord's body is commanded (1 Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:16-26; Col. 3:1-7; 2 Tim. 2:19).
Members who live hypocritical lives bring untold damage the Lord's body. The apostle Peter wrote, "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it
is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 Pet. 1:15, 16). It is not difficult to
see why holy and pure lives are commanded of God's people. Purity in life demonstrates love for Christ and His
church.
Humbleness and submission one to another is commanded of members of the Lord's body. Paul taught that members are
to have "the mind of Christ" (Phil. 2:1-8). The lives of members are not to be driven by selfishness
and pride, but as Paul directs in Ephesians 4:1-3. Numerous divisions have occurred because of members who had
little regard for scriptural unity. Those who endeavor to "keep the unity of the
Spirit in the bond of peace," show love for the Lord's church.
Fourth, we need MORE LOVE FOR KNOWLEDGE OF GOD'S WORD! Hosea wrote, "My people are
destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee..." (Hos. 4:6). With reading comes knowledge. Without reading, one remains in ignorance. Consider some of
these passages that teach the importance of reading God's word (Ex. 24:7; Duet. 17:19; 31:11; Josh. 8:34, 35; 2
Kgs. 23:2, 3; Neh. 8:8, 18; 9:3; Isa. 34:16; Jer. 36:6-13; Acts 8:27-32; 1 Tim. 4:13; Eph. 3:4; Col. 4:16; 1 Thess.
5:27).
After reading these passages, can we not see that knowledge can come only when God's word is read? Proper study
of any subject demands reading. The only way to know God's will is to read and study it. The Hebrew writer severely
condemned ignorance (Heb. 5:12-14). Paul exhorted Timothy to "give attendance to
reading, to exhortation, to doctrine" (1 Tim. 4:13). Countless souls continue to
be destroyed because of lack of reading which results in "lack of knowledge."
Fifth, we need MORE LOVE FOR SACRIFICIAL LIVING! Inasmuch as God sent His son Jesus Christ as a sacrifice to God
for all men, all men must sacrifice their lives unto God for the cause of Christ (Heb. 7:27; 9:26; 10:5-12; 11:4;
13:15). Paul wrote, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that
ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be
not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that
good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Rom. 12:1-2).
We are to glorify God in this body (Matt. 5:13-16; 1 Cor. 6:20). Glorifying God is brought about by living a Godly
life and keeping ones self "unspotted from the world"
(Jas 1:27); by doing good works that are ordained of God (Matt. 7:21-23); by remaining "faithful
unto death" (Rev. 2:10). Our life on earth must be spent in sacrificial service
to God, preparing for the life to come (cf. Amos 4:12).
In conclusion, we have mentioned and discussed several things whereby we need more love. The areas mentioned are
by no means exhaustive. There are many other areas that could be mentioned where more love is needed, such as,
more love for the souls of the lost, for Godly homes, for scriptural discipline of wayward members, for Godly leadership,
etc. The points we have discussed should be carefully examined and practiced by all who are striving for the heavenly
reward.
Glendol McClure
3318 Saint James Place
Antioch, CA 94509
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"EXCEPT YE REPENT"
Jim O'Connor
"And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere
to repent." (Acts 17:30)
"...except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3,5).
Scriptures such as the above tell us in no uncertain terms what God's attitude is toward the practice of things
that he does not endorse. Such practices must be changed! We must conform to God's will for us. John the baptizer
was a preacher of repentance (Matthew 3:2), Jesus preached it (Mark 1:15), the apostles preached it (Acts 2:38),
and God expects it to be implemented in the lives of people who care about their destiny.
What Is Repentance?
Repentance is simply a change of mind concerning sin that results in a change of life. The gospel is designed to
produce godly sorrow in those who will permit it to do so (2 Corinthians 7:10). Then, godly sorrow produces repentance.
Admittedly, repentance is easier to define than it is to practice.
Someone once remarked that if given one wish, they would wish for the power to make people repent. It doesn't work
that way. God has only one power designed for that the gospel and he will not set aside the right of free moral
agency in man. It is a choice granted a necessary choice but a choice nevertheless.
Repentance Is PLEASING
Jesus said, in Luke 15:7, that "joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety
and nine just persons, which need no repentance." I'm sure that not much in this world brings joy to the heart
of God. He even regretted having made us (Genesis 6:6)! However, repentance does bring him joy. The joy at the
"homecoming" of the prodigal son in Luke 15:20 illustrates the pleasure of God at the return of one lost
soul. Do you want to please God? Then repent of practices he doesn't approve of!
Repentance Is PRODUCTIVE
Repentance is sometimes defined as "turning your back on sin". This is inaccurate because it is inadequate.
Repentance is not simply stopping the practice doing of evil. It must be followed by doing good. Jesus taught,
"When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none,
he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.
Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there:
and the last state of that man is worse than the first" (Luke 11:24-26). The bad moved out but the good didn't
move in. When repentance is genuine, it will be productive of good. Repentance improves one's life.
Repentance Is PERSONAL
Simon was told to "repent therefore of this thy wickedness" (Acts 8:22). We cannot repent for any one
other than ourselves (even though there are many cases where we would wish for such privilege) nor can others repent
for us.
David prayed "...cleanse me from my sin" (Psalms 51:2). It was his and none could repent in his behalf
or in his stead.
Repentance Is POSSIBLE
God does not demand from us that which is impossible for us to perform. The doctrine of "Calvinistic Predestination"
which teaches that those elected to eternal damnation cannot possibly repent is a false and dangerous doctrine
which slanders the very nature of God. Peter wrote that "The Lord...is not willing that any should perish,
but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). Those who say they "cannot" are actually
saying they "will not."
Do you want to repent? Then, JUST DO IT!
Repentance Is PREFERRED
The text just quoted above, as well as the earlier text quoted from Luke 13:3,5 informs us that repent or perish
are the only two options open to each person. There is no third choice available. Those who stubbornly cling to
the practice of their pet sins will answer for those sins before God (2 Corinthians 5:10). The choice is heaven
or hell. Which do you prefer? If heaven, then repentance is the preferred choice.
Of What Do I Need to Repent?
Are you lying, stealing, cheating, etc.? If so, you need to repent. Are you doing all the good you can? If not,
you need to repent. Are you practicing things in religion that God has not authorized? If so, then you need to
repent. If there is anything in your life that God will not bless, then you need to work on getting rid of it.
Are you a Christian? If not, then you need to believe that Jesus is the Son of God (John 8:24), repent of sin (Luke
13:3,5), confess your faith (Matthew 10:32), and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Are you are
a child of God but are not faithful? Then you need to repent and pray to God for forgiveness (Acts 8:22).
Repentance is not always easy, but it is always wise.
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We're not on earth to impress anyone
By the way we dress or the way we look.
We're only here to reflect God's son,
The light shining from His holy book.
We have no light of our very own,
By which, to impress any man.
Fleshly pride, God wont condone;
It has no part in salvation's plan.
We, as His children, must let our lights shine,
But they must be the reflections of Jesus.
Christians reflecting His light, divine,
To every person who sees us.
How can we obtain the God given right
To become a chosen reflector?
By obeying the word coming from the light;
Accepting Him as our projector.
We cannot obey the commands of men
Such as the doctrine of "faith only".
Or, "once saved, always saved", for then
Our eternal existence would be lonely.
Banished forever from Jesus, the Lord,
And, from all the joys of heaven,
Having not obeyed His gospel word;
The simple commands He has given.
Believe in Christ, as the son of God,
The Lord and Savior of all mankind;
Who will cleanse us while on earth we plod.
This is the beginning of peace of mind.
We, then, must repent of every sin
And turn to him in our shame;
Feeling great sorrow deep within,
While confessing His holy name.
There is one thing yet, one thing we lack
To allow His light to reflect.
We must be washed of sin's sooty black;
Yea, that washing we cannot neglect.
The washing comes from the crimson flood
Which flowed from His riven side,
When the spear pierced His heart, allowing His blood
To gush forth in a cleansing tide.
How are we cleansed by His precious blood?
Immersion in water is the only way!!!
It washes our conscience of sinful crud
And brings us to the light of His day.
Now we are clean, so pure and white,
That we can reflect Him as we ought.
We praise Him for bringing us out of the night,
Into His light, which we humbly sought.
By L. B. Strawn
November 23 & 24, 1994
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HYPOCRITES IN THE CHURCH
Jim Sasser
If I had a dollar for every time a member of the church or one that was not a member has made the excuse to me:
"I can't come back down there and worship with you all because there are hypocrites in the church down there,
or I am living a lot better life than many of your members down there some of them are hypocrites", I would
be pretty well off financially. Brethren, have you ever heard that excuse before?
In considering this let us first define the term hypocrite. The Greek word for hypocrite is: "Hupokrinomai"
which according to Harper means: "To answer or respond; to act a part upon the stage; hence, to assume a counterfeit
character; to pretend, feign. A moral or religious counterfeit, a hypocrite." Harpers Analytical Greek Lexicon,
pg. 417. Webster says: "One who feigns to be other and better than he is; a false pretender to virtue or piety."
Miriam Webster, New Collegiate Dictionary, pg. 408.
Those are good definitions. In Mt. 6:2,5,16, we find the Lord telling us not to be as the hypocrites are, then
in Mt. 24:51, we find Him telling us that hypocrites have their place and portion in hell or the outer darkness.
Now since this is true from the word of God, then it behooves us to be sure that we are not hypocrites or playing
like we are something that we are not. I am not taking up for any hypocrite and I want to warn all against the
dangers of hypocrisy, but on the other hand I am not in sympathy with those that will not obey the Lord just because
they say there are hypocrites in the church.
Personally I believe that people that bring up such excuses just don't want to serve the Lord in the first place
and are just trying to throw their wrong off on someone else. Have you ever tried to hide behind something or someone
that is smaller than you? When I use to play hide and seek when I was a kid I would always try to get behind something
that was larger than I so that I could be completely hidden. So, the person that gives the excuse that he does
not want to do something because hypocrites are involved is saying that the hypocrite is larger than he is. You
can't hide behind something smaller than yourself.
First of all if a brother knows that another brother is in wrong and is not living the type of life that he claims
to be, then that brother is obligated to go to that brother and tell him of his wrong and try to get him to straighten
up. Mt. 5:23-26; Gal. 6:1-10; Jas. 5:19,20. Just because one brother is living a hypocritical type of life doesn't
give any other brother the right to do wrong, nor does it release him from his obligation to God or to his brother.
Second, let us notice that one that the Lord calls the hypocrite in Mt. 7:1-5. Upon considering this passage of
scripture, let me ask this question: "Does a brother that quits coming to services and serving and worshiping
the Lord plus saying people are hypocrites without going to see them, have a beam in his eye?" If so what
did the Lord say that type of person is? "Thou hypocrite".
Now, since we see that the accusers many times are hypocrites too, let's work with a zeal to restore all of those
that might be living hypocritical lives and thereby bringing reproach upon the church. Listen you brethren that
might be contemplating quitting serving the Lord as you should because there are hypocrites in the church, I had
far rather my Lord with a few hypocrites present than to not serve Him and go to hell and burn with all of them
throughout all eternity. Besides, who is worshipping hypocrites? I worship and commune with my Lord and you had
better do the same. Now this question: "Are you going to let a hypocrite keep you out of heaven?" Just
continue to stay away from worshipping the Lord and serving Him because of them and that will be exactly what you
will have done.
I love the souls of all men but I love my Lord most of all. Since this is true I don't aim to let any man, woman,
or child stand between me and my God and the hope of heaven. If you know of a hypocrite in the church where you
worship go to him and tell him he is one and that he needs to straighten up, but be sure that you are not one too
when you go to him. We can know when we are living a hypocritical life. The Bible tells us what type of life to
live and if we do that then we can be assured that we are not hypocrites. Yes, I am afraid the excuse: "There
are hypocrites in the church" could be restated: "I just don't want to serve the Lord, I want to do as
I please and the Lord's way cramps my style." There would be a lot more truth in the latter than in the former
and either one would send your soul to hell if not repented of.
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Jack Critchfield, Editor & Publisher
403 Coit Way, Salinas, Ca. 93907
critch1@juno.com or jcritch@jps.net