The Proclaimer
PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST TO A LOST AND DYING WORLD

Edited and Published by Jack Critchfield

In This Issue:

Glory In The Cross
Sinless Perfection
"I Believe In God"
Right Answer - Wrong Response
Sleeping On Delilah's Knees

Glory In The Cross
Jack Critchfield

Saul of Tarsus was one of the most ardent persecutors of Christians that we know about. He thought that was what pleased God (Acts 8:1; 9:1-2; 22). Yet, even this man who later became the apostle Paul, made it very clear that the cross of Calvary changed his life completely. He said, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world" (Gal 2:20; 6:14). He would never again be the same. The power of the vicarious death of Jesus would become his constant message.

Paul gloried in the events of the cross because he could see the marvelous love of god there. Jesus said, "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved" (John 3:17). The epitome of love is the story of the death Christ on our behalf. Man was "dead in trespass" that separated us from God (Eph. 2:1, 12). Paul said he had been the chief sinner (1 Tim. 1:15), but because of the cross he was a "new creation" (2 Cor. 5:17).

Paul gloried in the cross because of the radiant hope that it gave for making his own life worthwhile while he preached the gospel. From a zealous persecutor to one who suffered for Christ, he lived to proclaim the message he had before tried to destroy (Gal. 1:23). The message of the cross became the joy and the burden of his life as he boldly declared, "we preach Christ crucified…For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Cor. 1:23; 2:2).

Paul gloried in the cross because it had power to triumph over the past. Paul had been tutored in the law by Gamaliel and brought up with the traditions and philosophy of the Pharisees and the Sanhedrin council. To turn from this to become what he was would take a power stronger than he had ever known. Only the "word of the cross" (1 Cor. 1:18) had that kind of power. He boldly declared, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, 'The just shall live by faith'" (Rom. 1:16-17).

Paul gloried in the cross because the blood of Christ that flowed that day had efficacy that the thousands of slain bulls and goats never had (Heb. 10:4). The priesthood of the Old Testament had leaders that sinned, sacrifices that could not redeem and shadows of better things to come. The Bible clearly reveals the hopelessness of that system (Heb. 10:1-11). But Jesus came as the sacrifice being offered "once to bear the sins of the many" (Heb. 9:28) and a High Priest after the power of an endless life (Heb. 7:16), thereby becoming the surety (guarantee) of brighter moments under a better covenant (Heb. 7:22, 26).

Because of Calvary, we should always live a Christ-centered life. We, like the apostle Paul, should always glory in the cross and let the death of Christ motivate us to a deeper richer and fuller life.
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"Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, But a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding."

Prov. 10:13

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Sinless Perfection
Don C. Bradford

Is there such a thing as sinless perfection? Can there be? Should there be?

One way a preacher can become unpopular very fast is to preach on sinless perfection. What is this? To be sinless is to be without sin. No one has this capability (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8). To be perfect, one must be without flaw to cause him to be anything short of what he was designed to be in creation. This, too, is impossible (Philippians 3:12). Since Jesus, the world has not known sinless perfection (Hebrews 14.15).

Since sinless perfection is impossible on this earth, what is the purpose of addressing our attention to it? The reasons are manyfold, only a few will be discussed.

Sinless perfection is an ideal, a goal, if you will, for the people of God to "shoot at." Jesus was a demonstration of sinless perfection while He was on earth. Paul (1 Corinthians 11:1) tells us that we should strive to be as He was. Matthew 5:1-8 instructs that man should be perfect, as God is perfect. L John 3:3 identifies those approved of God as striving to be as pure as Jesus was. We see Peter's encouragement to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16). Sinless perfection is the goal, or objective for which every child of God must strive. While we read and know these admonitions, the problem is that we reject the holiness, perfection and purity that we admit the Bible demands of us. Unconsciously, many of us declare by our lives that this is just demanding too much of us! It makes us too different, or it is impossible to attain. So, why bother to spend a lot of time and effort to accomplish a futile task?

No man is sinless. But, the true child of God will not be deterred from pursuing the objective of achieving sinless perfection to the best of his abilities. Sinlessness, like perfection, results only from a life closely disciplined through learning God's will and translating this learning into the practice of life so that the doctrine of Christ becomes the code for living. These demand that we continuously learn more of God's will and exercise discipline over ourselves to make ourselves conform to that which we have learned (James 1:23-25). The searching for greater learning and the disciplining of self according to learning must become first priority to the Christian's life (Matthew 6:33). As this discipline continues in life (see Hebrews 5:11-14) we will, gradually and purposefully, become more proficient in being sinless. Progression can be made in this direction to the point that the Christian will not continue to live in any known sin, but will become victim to sin only in those areas where he "falls" into sin (James 1:2), or succumbs to sin in an accidental way. Such living demands the avoidance of anything and everything that appears to be sinful (1 Thessalonians 5:22). This is one of our biggest difficulties. We, like the moth around the candle flame, do not acknowledge the danger of being in the proximity of sin.

Nobody can be perfect, as previously observed. But, we can be perfect. Paul noted perfection is possible if we practice the necessary disciplines of life, "Let us, therefore, as many as be perfect..." (Philippians 3:15).

The perfection that is attainable results from the learning and discipline discussed. It is not sinless perfection or freedom from fault. This perfection is the product of doing the best we possibly can to conform ourselves to the learning we attain from our constant study (John 6:44-45; Romans 12:1-2). Paul encourages us (2 Timothy 2:15) to "Study (or give diligence-dcb) to show thyself approved unto God…" God approval results from achieving perfection in the sense Paul speaks of herein.

Let us not preach that man must become sinlessly perfect. But, let us not hesitate to preach that man must have sinless perfection as his goal and objective in life. Let us acknowledge that man cannot become either sinless or perfect but he can progressively reduce sin in his life by (1) refraining from those things God would have him avoid and (2) by beginning the practice of those things which lead to Godliness. In doing these, he will become perfect.

We must realize that achieving this objective is impossible on our own strengths, but with God's help we can be acceptable unto Him (Philippians 4:13). Nobody can say that this achievement will be easy to anyone. It is not easy, but it is essential unto salvation. To do less in the pursuit of God's eternal heaven is to demonstrate satisfaction in remaining carnal, and to fall short of the glory that is possible for every person who has named the Name of his Lord.

"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:12).

via "An Appeal", January, 1982

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A man's character is like a fence. It cannot be strengthened by whitewash.
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"I Believe In God"
Mike Cornwell

Not everyone believes there is a God, a Supreme Being, a Creator and a Heavenly Father. The question is asked more and more, "Is there a God?" Young people are faced with this question as some teachers pound away with the doctrine of evolution, which is only a theory at best! Allow me tell you why I believe in God.

I believe there is a God because of the Earth and the things therein. "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork" (Psa 19:1). Where there is creation, there must be a creator. I have seen the Grand Canyon from 35,000 feet, many marvels of nature, and I am made to confess again that surely there is a Supreme Being.

I believe there is a God because of Man himself. "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul" (Gen 2:7). The birth of a baby, the intelligence of man, etc., all point to a God. As smart as man is, with his many theories, he has never been able to explain the creation existence of life apart from God, it had to begin somewhere.

I believe there is a God because the Bible teaches it. "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth" (Gen 1:1). The Bible says that God created the heaven and earth. It teaches that all of the things of this world testify that there is a God. It says that God created man - it teaches the many characteristics of God. The Bible reveals God and His will for man.

I believe there is a God because man needs a Heavenly Father. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23). There lies within man the desire to worship something or someone. Man is going to worship as sure as he lives. This points to the fact that God made man this way. Born into innocence but becomes a sinner by his willful disobedience.

I believe there is a God because the Bible teaches that it is necessary to believe to be pleasing to God and believing requires faith. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Heb 11:6). One must believe and be baptized to be saved. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mrk 16:16). Also man must repent of his sins prior to being baptized for the remission of those sins. "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:38). This promise is not just for certain men, it is for everyone until the ending of time. "For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Acts 2:39). We cannot please God apart from faith believing, repentance, and baptism for the remission of sin. "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:" (1 Pet 3:21).

I believe there is a God because I want to believe in Him. It is the only safe course that one can take. There is a hereafter and I want to be prepared. I am assured of many blessings by believing in God that I would otherwise not have. There is nothing to gain by denying God.

There are many other reasons why I believe in God and I am sure that you can add a number of your own. Let us all believe in God and let Him bless us as he surely will.

If you believe there is a Heaven then surely there is a Hell. Heaven awaits the faithful of God. "... be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" (Rev 2:10). A crown of life is what awaits those of us who are determined to be faithful and live our lives according to God's will, not ours. We can know His will by studying the Bible.

If you are not a Christian today, what proof do you have of life eternal? The only proof of eternal life is found in the comforting words of the Bible, God's Holy Word. It is God's grace that saves us, not how good we have been or what we believe to be truth. Jesus said to God in John 17:17, "...thy word is truth." Trust in Him to lead your life!

"..faith cometh by hearing.." (Rom 10:17)

via the "Noble Messenger", August, 2001

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What will your children be learning in college? If they go to U.C. Berkeley, they might take a course called "The Poetry and History of Tupac Shakur." Words escape me. Yet I know that there is a way to find greater wisdom than teachers of such college courses possess: Psalm 119:99.

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Right Answer - Wrong Response
Bruce Evans

To say that right answers are important is a gross understatement! This is especially true with respect to one's relationship with the God of Heaven. For years we have taken tremendous pride in knowing the right answers to specific questions. But it needs to be noted that God demands much more from us than simple knowledge of questions from His Word.

In Matthew the second chapter and verses one through six, it is clearly seen that the Jewish chief priests and scribes knew the answer to the specific question posed by Herod. Not only did they know the answer, but they could quote the verse where the information was found! To be sure they knew where the Messiah was to be born, and oh were they proud! After all they knew more than the wise men from the east.

But there is a marked difference between the Jews and the wise men from the east. One group was content in only knowing the right answer, while the other was interested in doing something about it! The wise men even rejoiced exceedingly about the prospect of finding and worshipping the King of the Jews. Whereas the Jews, who knew the right answer, did not even take the time to go and look for Him. They had the right answer but the wrong response.

It is sad to say, but there are those who wear the name of Christ, who pride themselves on knowledge, but do precious little with it! Passages can be quoted. Issues can be upheld. But there is little application of the principles found to the individual life. "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1:17)

Application of God's Word must be at the hub of what we are all about. For too long, we have been content to simply regurgitate answers and think that constitutes knowledge. It is past time that we as members of the body of Christ, press on to the next level. That being doing something to express that knowledge in terms of viable action.

Much has been said and written about "loving the Lord", and well it should. However, we must also keep in mind what Jesus said, "Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth." (1 John 3:18)

Can anyone doubt that true love is manifested by action? It is with this thought in mind that we again consider John 1:17, "grace and truth", Our knowledge of God's Word must be all-inclusive and manifested. We must have the knowledge of the Word, but by the same token we must have the right attitude that harmonizes itself with what is found in the Word.

It is urgent that we take into the forefront of our mind that all the right answers in the world are worthless if they have not been enacted upon. God has not given us a creed to memorize. Moreover, what He has done is to give a discipline to live by. Jesus asked, "Why do you call Me, Lord, Lord and do not do what I say?" How does one answer that question? Can it be said of us that we have both the right answer as well as the right response?
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If you do not want to reap the fruits of sin, stay out of the devil's orchard.
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Sleeping On Delilah's Knees
David Smitherman

Samson the strong man: killing a lion with his bare hands (Judg.14:6), slaying thirty men of Ashkelon (14:19), breaking the bond of two new ropes (15:14) and then as he died, slaying "more than those whom he killed in his life" (16:30), as he "brought the house down" on the Philistines. But Samson made a fatal mistake; he went to sleep on the knees of Delilah.

You remember the story. Delilah begged Samson continually to tell her the source of his great strength (16:6, 10, 13, 15, 16). Each time he lied to her until finally, "he told her all that was in his heart" and revealed that if his hair was cut he would become as all other men (16:17). And then, having told Delilah his secret, "she made him sleep on her knees" (16:19). On the knees of a woman who had attempted to trap him…he went to sleep! In the presence of his Philistine enemies...he went to sleep!

Ah, sleep...what a wonderful thing for the weary body; how refreshing and invigorating. But there are some occasions when it doesn't pay to go to sleep--either literally or figuratively. Sadly, Samson did both on the knees of Delilah as he slept the sleep of false security. Are you sleeping on Delilah's knees?

Prosperity puts many to sleep there. We look at our abundance: fine family, good jobs (often two incomes), good retirement package---living "the good life." But how sad that it can't be said of us, "Beloved, I pray that in all things thou mayest prosper and be in good health, even as thy soul prospereth" (3 Jo. 2). That's one prayer many wouldn't want answered: it would bankrupt those whose spiritual health is as poor as their physical lives are prosperous. Remember the "rich fool" (Lk. 12:13-21)? Everything was so well with him (vss.16, 18) that he thought he'd just "kick back" and not worry too much about anything (vs. 19). Like many "well-off" people today He talked in terms of "many years" of enjoying life, but he was asleep on Delilah's knees.

Age lulls others into slumber. We've said, or heard it before; "I'm so young...I've got a good scholarship to college...I'm engaged/married to a wonderful person and we have so many plans," etc., etc. My young friend, are you sleeping on Delilah's knees?

These things, and others, have too many sleeping on the knees of Delilah. As in the case of Samson, we slumber in the presence of our great enemy the Devil (l Pet. 5:8-9), even "him that had the power of death" (Heb. 2:14). People of all age groups and economic strata are dying...and we go on sleeping. Our lives are not right with God, yet we continue in the foolish stupor of security. Duty to the Lord is set aside as we think, or even speak, in terms of "many years" in the future. But God roused the rich fool from his "sleep" of false security and Samson woke up also, both to bitter fates (Lk. 12:20-21; Judg 16:20) and the same can happen to any of us today and at any time.

Are you sleeping on Delilah's knees? If so, don't you think it's time to wake up? "Wherefore he saith, Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine upon thee" (Eph 5:14).
via "Bible Comment"

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Jack Critchfield, Editor & Publisher
403 Coit Way, Salinas, Ca. 93907
(831) 772-9557
jcritch@a1above.net