Is The Church Chasing The World Away From Christ? Part 2

This subject is such a tinderbox. Why? In small part, many in the Church are to blame for the way people think about God and the Church. As I mentioned in the prior article, the way we present Jesus to the world is the way they see Him and all of Christianity.  It is impossible for the unsaved to have a Biblical worldview unless we who are truly in Christ show them the way. You know what that means? We must know what we are talking about.

What one loves is what they will give their time, energy and spend their money on. One will study hard and long with commitment and diligence to learn that subject so that they can graduate, get their degree and become employed in their field of study. An athlete trains long and hard so that he or she can be the best and win that championship ring or that cup. It signifies them being the absolute best in their sport - and everyone knows it.

How much more should we as Christians heed the command of 2 Timothy 2:15 which says to study to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that does not have to be ashamed; rightly dividing the word of truth.  In other words, we cannot treat our Christian life as a hobby. It has to develop into our all-consuming passion. The more we get of God's truth, the more we should want. The knowledge of God is an everlasting well we can never exhaust.  

You see because we live in a postmodern society and a social-media-universe, everyone has an opinion on everything. Social media has allowed many to show how ignorant they can really be about God, Christianity, and the Bible. We cannot manufacture lies (presented as truth by each person) about what the Bible says.  God meant what He said and said what He meant in His word. The word never needs editing or updates by us.

You see, the world, for the most part, will reject the truth anyhow. Why? Because it goes against the dictates of their corrupt minds. We do not need to help them by being hypocritical. Biblical truth offends the lost so they are always going to militate against it.  Darkness hates the light because it is exposed. And unless the power of God's love overcomes their evil stubborn resistance, no one will ever be regenerated and saved and brought into the kingdom of God (John 3:3).

Also, just so that I am clear, those who ultimately reject the Lord are responsible for that rejection themselves. God will punish the offender. They do not get off the hook because of some vacillating or nominal Christian offended and deceived them somehow by living a double life - in other words, not living up to their profession of faith. 

So a word of encouragement: let us not be the reason people run away from God. We must be beacons of light in a dark and hopeless world of sin and unrighteousness. Let us practice what we preach. It's time we reevaluate our relationship with God and stop being Christians just on Sunday - we need a reboot of sorts. Granted we will never do this perfectly because we are still battling against our sinful flesh that has yet to receive its redemption, but with the help of the Holy Spirit and us being determined to live holy by remaining in the bosom of the Father, we will have a track record of faithfulness in our lives which no one will be able to deny.

Is The Church Chasing The World Away From Christ? Part 1

The book of Proverbs 25:26 it reads, "A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring."

I use that verse of scripture to show that those of us in the Church must be careful how we present ourselves to the world - that is the fallen world. For how are we to reach them if we are doing the same things they are doing? Answer? We will not reach them. We MUST be light in a dark world that has no hope and without God in the world (Ephesians 2:12).

We have to lovingly and firmly stand our ground for truth no matter what. We do not have to resort to gimmicks or tricks to draw the lost into the kingdom. God is adding daily to His Church those that will be saved (Acts 2:47). Our blessed role is to be the seed planters - preach the gospel.

Now, back to the original question. Are we in the Church running away the lost? Sadly and perhaps often, yes. How? When someone who is a faithful church attendee does or says something ungodly, the accuser will make sure your sin(s) are exposed to everyone. The accuser will then stereotype all Christians and label them hypocrites. Often times they're right. We do act hypocritically. 

At this point for the person that had put their trust in you as an example of a virtuous person, you most likely have blown your witness to them. Their view of God, the Church, and the Bible is distorted because in their mind you have burned them. Many people that have a bad Church experience now despise Christians and the God they serve. 

Our role as ambassadors of God in the earth cannot be underestimated. How we represent Jesus is how they view Him. So, we must all ask ourselves, "how am I representing God in my life?"

Sadly for many, they see God as a cosmic genie. This represents the prosperity gospel. They see gain as godliness. If one presents this view as gospel to those they know and these people do not prosper financially and materially, they will conclude that God is not real because they are not rich and prosperous. You see many televangelists spew financial gain as godliness. The word of God declares exactly the opposite, "Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6). 

For others, they view God strictly as a healer. If God does not heal them of their sickness and or disease, they determine that God is not real. Why? Because someone else misrepresented God to them perhaps at some healing crusade from a fake healer. And for someone who has been paralyzed all their life, this is the hope they have been waiting for. When they find out they have been scammed, many walk away from the Church - never to return again.

Now, let me come to the defense of those of us who are truly in Christ. True believers have the Spirit of God dwelling on the inside of them. It's a spiritual reality that we cannot see. The Christian life is an ongoing, developmental growth process. None of us mature overnight, or in a few days. Just like it takes years for a newborn to become an adult, it takes our whole life long to become more and more Christlike. Based on our gifting and our commitment to truth will determine our rate of growth. As in the natural world some mature and develop faster than others, it is the same dynamic in our Christian lives. And just like a natural person often stumbles and falls, we do that in our redeemed lives too.

Yes, Christians sin too (1 John 1:8-10).

But, what is so important to remember is that sin can no longer be the hallmark of our lives like it used to be prior to our conversion. We have been delivered from our sins through Christ so we no longer have to serve sin anymore (Romans 6:1).

In 2 Peter 3:18 we are commanded to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. When we do this, we will be more careful about how we represent Christ to the world. Peter also said this in chapter one of  2 Peter 1:5-9, "And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound (italics mine. Italics not in original text), they make you that you shall neither be barren or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacks these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and has forgotten that he was purged from old sins. 

The last sentence is why so many Christians do not experience victory in their lives. They are selling themselves short in disobedience. They are also unfortunately knowingly or unknowingly merchandising their blindness-shortsighted ways to others who are getting hurt and running away from the Church.

It's time for us to grow up Church and get serious and do what we have been commissioned to do. We do not have a lot of time left before Jesus returns. 

Letter to Philemon

This letter was written by the apostle Paul to one of his sons in the faith - a man by the name of Philemon. The reason for the letter is regarding Philemon's slave, a man by the name of Onesimus. Onesimus offended Philemon somehow and ran away from his hometown of Colossae in Asia Minor which is now Modern day Turkey to Rome. Providentially Philemon encounters Paul who was in prison led him to Christ. Paul writes this heartfelt letter to Philemon to forgive Onesimus and to receive him back.

Paul greets and commends Philemon

The first thing Paul does is salute Philemon and those in his house. Next, he commends Philemon for his love and faith for the Lord Jesus and for all the saints. These are tremendous and gracious kind words to bestow upon a fellow believer. This lets us readers know that Philemon was a man of impeccable and godly character. Philemon loved not only in word but more importantly in deed (1 John 3:18). I know it had to be refreshing to Philemon to know that the aged apostle Paul was also praying for him. Paul also commends Philemon for loving people by sharing his faith with others. Philemon was a breath of fresh air to all the saints and comfort and joy to Paul himself (vv 4-7).

Paul's appeal to Philemon regarding Onesimus

Paul encourages Philemon to receive his runaway slave Onesimus back - not as a slave, but as a brother. Paul knew he had the authority to compel Philemon to do what he asked (vv 8-9), but rather he asked with tender loving care for Philemon to do the right thing. Receiving Onesimus was like receiving Paul since the apostle had birthed Onesimus in the gospel and was his dear child in the faith (vs 10b). Onesimus who was formerly useless was now useful to Paul and would be useful to Philemon since he is a converted man. As a matter of fact, the book of Colossians records that Paul sent a brother named Tychicus along with Onesimus to Colossae so that they could report to the Colossian church how Paul was doing while in prison (Col 4:7-9a). Paul wanted to keep Onesimus with him for assistance in ministry but knew the right thing was to send him back to the man that owned him. 

Paul knowing Philemon's pedigree said to him, "If you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. If he has wronged you in any way, charge that to my account" (vv 17-18). Here I believe is the genius of the apostle, Paul was willing to pay back to Philemon any loss incurred by Onesimus' delinquency when he ran away. Paul also knew that what he deposited in Philemon in regards to the gospel was far greater than any loss he suffered because of Onesimus. Paul most likely led Philemon to Christ so in that reality Philemon owed his life to Paul (vs 19). Comparatively speaking, forgiving and receiving Onesimus back was a small thing. This act was a test of Philemon's fidelity and obedience to the word of God - forgiving his offender and receiving him back as a beloved brother.   Paul needed this benefit from Philemon - to forgive Onesimus to refresh his soul (vs 20). Paul went on to say he knew that Philemon would do even more than what Paul asked of him (vs 21).  

Lastly, Paul requests that Philemon prepares a place for him so that he could stay with him. Paul anticipated that he would be released from prison. Paul greets Philemon on behalf of his fellow prisoner Epaphras. Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke (Author of the book of Luke and Acts, vs 25) also sent their greetings. 

How to avoid the two extremes

What are these two extremes the writer is talking about? The first one is called Legalism. The second is called Antinomianism. What do these words mean? Legalism was invented by overzealous Jews called Judaizers. Their preoccupation was with the law of  Moses. They insisted that one could not be saved apart from the works of the law. In other words, trusting wholly in Jesus' sacrificial atonement for the remission of sins was not sufficient. One also had to adhere to the law and obey all of its demands in order to be saved; salvation by works and not grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Antinomianism is a compound word. Anti means against. Nomianism comes from the Greek root nomos which means law. So an Antimonian is one who is against the law.  

Now, let's put context to these terms as they relate to our salvation. 

The Antinomian (lawbreaker)

Paul the apostle dealt extensively and clearly with these two matters. He explained why both were dangerous. Many who are in the Antinomian camp have cheapened the grace of God. How? By living any way they want. Their mindset is that since they are saved by grace, I can sin my fill and it does not matter because I'm covered by the blood of Christ. This is what Paul had to say about that in the book of  Romans 6:1-2, "What shall we say then, are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?"

Paul anticipated that critics of his doctrine would say that since we are saved by grace apart from works that Paul was advocating sinful behavior. Paul refuted that evil mindset saying we who have been delivered from sin's power by the blood of Christ are no longer slaves to sin - stop serving sin and serve God!

The Legalist 

These Jewish extremists insisted that Gentiles, in particular, could not be saved without being circumcised and keeping the Mosaic law. Because of their deep-rooted commitment to the law, it would be correct in saying these Jews did not want Gentiles to be saved.  Peter argued in Acts 15:10 that the law was a yoke that no one could bear. Paul said that by the works of the law no flesh could be justified (Rom 3:20;Gal 2:16).

The Balance

Since we realize that human works are useless to get right with God, the only work we can do is believe in Jesus Christ for our sole salvation. Once we are saved, we are then free to serve God in righteousness, performing good works that are well pleasing to God (Ephesians 2:10). To attempt to work one's way into the kingdom of God is sin. Also to trample the grace of God and the work of Christ is sin. We must avoid these two extremes of the Antinomian and the Legalist.

Who are the 144,000?

For some perhaps many there is confusion regarding who the 144,000 are in the Bible in the book of Revelation. According to the Jehovah Witnesses organization, these witnesses are a special group that will reign in heaven with Jesus Christ at the end of this age. JW's literature claims that heaven filled up in 1935 so there is no more room for anyone else. In other words, no one else goes to heaven.

This is not true! There are and will be an innumerable amount of saints in heaven. In Revelation 7:9-10 we read, "After this, I (John the apostle) looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every tribe and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying with a loud voice, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!"

John was seeing one of many visions; visions of the end times. In this chapter, God seals his witnesses on their foreheads to protect them from the judgments that are prevailing on the earth during the Great Tribulation. We learn in chapter 14 that the 144,000 are virgin men, 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel (Revelation 7:5-8). These witnesses have not been identified yet. As a matter of possible fact, they may not even be alive yet. No one knows. So the idea that these witnesses are Jehovah's Witnesses from today is unbiblical. How JW's have attached themselves to the witnesses in the book of Revelation is a mystery to me and a lie.

The deception is that only the 144,000 will enjoy the glories of heaven, whereas the rest of the JW members will live here on a Paradise Earth. Non-Jehovah Witnesses will not go to hell because JW's do not believe in hell. Nonbelievers will be annihilated - that is cease to exist - another false doctrine obviously not supported by holy scripture.

Count it all joy?

Why would the writer James utter the above statement? The statement actually reads, "Count it all joy when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience or endurance" (James 1:2). The word count means to consider. The writer James is not saying that tests are joy. They are not, they are painful. And truth be told, none of us want trials in our lives at all. James said to consider them joy because of what trials produce in us, patience or endurance which is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). 

This type of attitude requires a laser focus on God and the truth of his word. If we are to discover that our faith is genuine, it has to be put to the test. The way God has decided to do that is through challenges in our lives. The archetype of the one who was righteous and suffered greatly in the Old Testament was Job. Job lost everything. He became so destitute and despaired of life that he cursed the day of his birth and wished he had never been born (Job 3). Yet Job testified, "Though he (God) slay me yet will I trust him" (Job 13:15). 

The life of Jesus as a suffering servant

About 700 years before the birth of Christ Isaiah the prophet said this about the Messiah, "He was despised and rejected and forsaken by men. A man of sorrows and pains, and acquainted with grief and sickness; and like one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we did not appreciate His worth or have any esteem for Him (Isaiah 53:3). In the tenth verse of this chapter, it tells us that it pleased the Lord to bruise Christ (Isaiah 53:10). 

Hebrews 12:2 tells us that we are to fix our eyes on Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith. About Him it says that for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of  God. Now, what was the joy set before Jesus? It has to be two things: 1) fulfilling the Father's will. 2) Redeeming all those the Father gave to Him to come and save. The second point is a subset of the first one.

What this tells me is that our suffering must have an end game, an exit strategy. We should not be suffering for nothing. In other words, we should not be suffering for doing evil, but for doing good; therein lies the joy. Knowing that our suffering for righteousness is NEVER in vain! It is also essential that we pass the test(s) that we are going through so that they do not lead us to temptation and to sin. 

So, when you are going through your trials, that is the perfect time to examine your life and ask yourself, "Am I in or out of the will of God?" If you are out of the will of God, then repent immediately. If you are in the will of God, then pray and endure the fiery trial. Although it is painful, and you want it over, do not give up for God will see you through. He is pressing you so that your faith in Him will strengthen and you can count it all joy.

Final thought: "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:13). 

God is love

The Bible tells us repeatedly that God is love, and that he is (1 John 4:8). That is why mankind is commanded to love one another. Jesus said to the disciples in John 13:35, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another as I have loved you, that you love one another. By this, all men will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another."

Love is the supreme virtue of all God's attributes. From his love flows everything else. But what I would like to discuss is what God's love isn't. 

The world's view of God's love is unbiblical. Why? Because it is viewed through a corrupt human lense. The world has replaced God's perfect love for an unholy tolerance of their sins. You have all heard the phrase, "Well God knows my heart." This phrase is used as an escape hatch to excuse one's guilt for the sin(s) they are committing. In their mind, it gets them off the hook with God - so they think.  Since the world's view of God's love is wrong, they divest the Lord of his other immutable attributes such as his wrath, his anger, his hatred of sin and judgment on sinners.  From the world's perspective, the above adjectives regarding God are foreign to him; the fire and brimstone God everyone despises and fears. The kind and tolerant god of this age is the one that everyone prefers. This god makes the world feel better about themselves and there is nothing to fear.

We have neglected God's mercy and grace so much that when calamity strikes in our lives, we (i.e. mankind) blame God for his apparent neglect and supposed insensitivity to our plight. What we must remember is that God must and will always punish sin. Where the world makes their grave mistake is that because God does not exact judgment swiftly all the time, man thinks he is getting away with his sin. Not so! There is a time and a place for everything. God will not remain patient forever with evil doers.

Judgment is coming!

Another magnificent virtue of God is that he is holy. That means he is completely righteous perfect and separate from sinners. As a matter of fact, the Bible commands us to be holy for God is holy (Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:16). The Bible tells us that without holiness, no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). Translation, dirty people will never see the Lord. Obviously, I am not talking about physical uncleanness, but regarding a person as degenerate - unsaved meaning they are morally unclean and spiritually dead in God's sight. 

God's love is varied for sure. We cannot look at God's love as passive, turning a blind eye to sin. If we are offended and repulsed by mankind's sins and we are sinful ourselves, how much more does our sinless God have the right to be offended by man's wickedness and judge it? How hypocritical of man to want justice for trespasses committed against them, and not expect God to execute justice against unrepentant sinners? It is a violation of God's holy character 

So, in order for us to know God's love, we need to examine the scripture carefully. Love always tells the truth, no matter how painful it may be to hear. Mankind does not have the right to determine for God what his love is. God has declared it clearly in his word and in the person of Jesus Christ. We must bow the knee to what scripture declares about God's love. Once we understand it, we must practice it by loving all people - way easier said than done; so many people are unlovable.

God is love, always. However, that does not mean that God will not execute judgment on sinners. As a matter of fact, God must judge sin for his holiness' sake. Just like any human judge must execute justice against convicted criminals, God who is the perfect judge must punish all recalcitrant sinners. In this way, God's love is delivering and providing safety from evil people; from those who hate him. 

God is not less loving when he is judging and punishing evil; his character is immutable. Rather, he is exhibiting tough love. Not a love we as sinful people want to endure. But because of man's disobedience, God has to react with anger and wrath against the sin so that man may fear him and would be willing to repent to escape his righteous and fair judgment. 

God is loving mankind by providing sober warnings to them.

God so loved the world that he gave his only Begotten Son (John 3:16). Jesus so loved the world that he died to save it; that is mankind from their sins. Although the reality of Jesus coming to earth to die for the sins of the world is an ancient story, it still baffles and angers man because it is a supernatural love that we will never fully understand. Why in the world would a loving Father sent his perfect sinless son to die for undeserving wretched human beings? Because of his love. Also because we need it in order for us to be forgiven of our sins and be saved. That type of love is perfect because it is sacrificial - benefiting all who place their faith in Jesus' atoning sacrifice.