Teamwork Counts

"As iron sharpens iron" one friend can influence another.  "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil....  And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him--a threefold cord is not quickly broken"  (Eccl. 4:9-12, ESV).   Jesus sent the disciples out two-by-two in Mark 6:7, and in Luke 10 He also sent out the seventy in pairs. It is a fact that "iron sharpens iron," Prov. 27:17. 

We all are part of a team and need each other as the eye needs the ear and the body is incomplete without the foot or the hand.  The body is a mind through which Christ thinks, a heart through which Christ loves, a voice through which Christ speaks, and a hand through which Christ helps, it has been wisely put.  1 Cor. 12:12ff makes this clear that all members work together and are dependent on each other--no one has all the gifts and can do it by himself.  

Paul makes mention in 1 Cor. 3:6-9 that one plants or sows, one waters or fertilizes, and one reaps--but it is God who gives the increase!  No one is meant to be a one-man show or lord it over the others in the work. The model in the book of the Acts of the Apostles is teamwork such as Paul and Silas, or Barnabas and Mark, and this book is the paradigm for evangelism technique.

The Great Commission was given to the Church at large and it is to be done cooperatively, though we are each individually commissioned.  This is why the duty is not just to preach the gospel and make converts, but to teach them to do all that Christ commanded and to baptize, and disciple--a task only a body of Christ working jointly can accomplish.  Getting them saved is only part of the marching order.

We are all ambassadors for Christ and have the ministry of reconciliation per 2 Cor. 5:18, 20. There is no elite in the body or partiality with God and no one's work is insignificant, and he will be rewarded according to his faithfulness, not the opportunities, which are given according to ability.  "He who is faithful in little will be faithful in much," Luke 16:10. 

Don't go it alone in evangelizing because there are no spiritual lone rangers in God's service; however, the Great Commission says literally "as you are going" implying that we are to be witnesses in our daily walk and circle of friends and opportunities or open doors that God gives--it doesn't mean you have to "go" somewhere out of your way.   Soli Deo Gloria!

The Spirit Speaketh Expressly

"[S[o that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes"  (Eph. 4:14, ESV).
"Do not be led astray by divers and strange teachings [far-fetched ideas]" (Heb. 13:9, ESV).
Note that a believer needs a frame of reference of sound doctrine in order to interpret the Bible and discern good teaching when he hears it.

In the last days there shall be an apostasy or great falling away:  "Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings [doctrines] of demons"  (1 Tim. 4:1, ESV).  This not only a warning to heed but a sign to acknowledge that we are in the last days, and can see the day approaching and Christ knocking at the door.  What characterizes these teachers?  They may have impressive degrees that give them so-called authority, but they are not called by God to speak in His name because they only want to create disciples of their way of thinking and school of thought, rather than discipling believers to equip them for spiritual conflict with Satan and to complete the Great Commission, our marching orders.

Another sign you might look for is the sign today of the megachurch or a preacher that is a celebrity and has learned to preach what people want to hear as if itching their ears.  The size of a church has zilch to do with the blessing of God on the ministry--the maturity of members is more indicative.   Actually, megachurches are usually just a gathering of crowds that are fans of a popular preacher, and when he passes, the church might even be in transition spiritually.  Churches are supposed to be families and fellowships and we are supposed to be involved in it, not just attending it.

Discern good and evil as mature believers (cf. Heb. 5:14) and heed teachers devoted to sound doctrine.  Remember, Jesus wasn't educated and the only three men of substantial learning in the Scriptures were likely Moses, Daniel, Luke, and Paul.  God usually calls those that are not the mighty or noble of society.  You don't have to be a scholar to speak for God and degrees (no matter how many or how prestigious) don't guarantee a teacher is qualified to teach or preach in God's name.  However, you must be called of God and anointed to preach and you can even be a layman like Amos, who was not a prophet nor the son of a prophet (he didn't go to prophet school, as it were cf. Amos 7:14).

Something is not true because the teacher pontificates and speaks ex-cathedra like a Pope--even Popes are fallible and have been wrong and contradictory--nothing is true because someone says so. Be careful to hold only the Word of God as infallible (as Augustine told Jerome). The verification must come from the Word, which cannot be broken (cf. John 10:35), and not on the basis of any other authority!  The cry of the Reformation was Sola Scriptura, which is Latin for "by Scripture alone." The Roman Church recognizes other authorities such as tradition, which was held in equal esteem, credibility, and/or authority as the Bible (per the Counter-Reformation at the Council of Trent, 1546-48), and the right to interpret Scripture was in the hands of the clerics, meeting at the top with the Pope as Head of the Church.

One present-day phenomenon is the emergence of charismatic preachers who may be known in the media quite readily by blitzing the media with name ministry familiarity, and because of financial resources are able to saturate the public with their agenda and campaign.  We should never be impressed with personalities or anything the world can offer such as that may seem prestigious.  We should be impressed that the preacher is devoted to and teaches sound doctrine.

How do we challenge these heretics?  We must know basic sound doctrine and also know what is major doctrine and what is disputable, questionable, a gray area, a matter of opinion, or nonessential. Some doctrines are wrong, but some are damnable heresy, able to condemn the soul.  (Denying the deity of Christ is so basic as to be fundamental and a litmus test for true Christians to affirm.) They may quote the authorities as the Pharisees did, but we must quote the Bible to debunk their doctrine. Just ask them, "Do you have a verse for that?" We have the right to speak in God's name if we speak the Word of God and are true to sound doctrine as believers.

Don't be impressed with the teacher's credentials, except that he is filled with the Spirit and has an anointing to preach and teach--be spiritually discerned!  Nothing is true because a great teacher says so--we are supposed to be like the Bereans, who search the Scriptures to see if things are so as taught. They may have clever, specious arguments, but you must steer them back to the Word and ask again the question: "Do you have a verse for that?" As Romans 4:3 says, "For what does Scripture say?"| I cannot emphasize this enough.   In other words, it may seem so true and even ring true, but can you cite a Scripture for it?

Beware of high-sounding nonsense (cf. Col. 2:8), philosophy and know this for sure:  "No Scripture is of any private interpretation" according to 2 Pet. 1:21.  This is interpreted commonly as meaning that God doesn't reveal secrets or interpretations to some teacher in isolation that He doesn't to others. You cannot say that God reveals a mystery to you and not to others!  Soli Deo Gloria!

I Found It!

I recall the Evangelistic Explosion campaign in the '70s from D. James Kennedy, whereas people had bumper stickers proclaiming that said, "I found it!"   Found what? would be the rejoinder they were hoping for. They would claim that they found Jesus (I didn't know He was lost)! They wanted people to look for Jesus, I guess!  (Where was He?  They were lost, not Him.)  This is so unbiblical that I shudder to decry and debunk it. 

God was found by those who were not looking according to Isa. 65:1, ESV, ("I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me; I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me...."), but actually God found us and we didn't find Him--He was looking for the lost sheep and sheep cannot find their way home or to the shepherd, they have no sense of direction at all.  Blaise Pascal said that he would not have searched for Christ, had He not first found him!  The song "Amazing Grace" goes:  "I was lost, but now am found!" This means we have been found by God.  "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost"  (Luke 19:10, ESV).

You tend to find what you are looking for and if you are looking for a good deal you may get one. Gold-diggers are looking for a wealthy mate to support them so they don't have to work or can come into some money the easy way.  If we want to find God we must seek Him with all our heart and soul and as our first priority.  "Seek and you shall find." (a principle of life).   It is much more valuable to have found the Lord than to have found riches or a trophy wife as some nowadays seem to be hung up on.  If you seek riches, honor, power, fame, influence, respect, or status you may get it, but you may lose your soul in the process.

Be content with what you have and let God supply all your needs and you will know Him.  If you have too much you may get comfortable and forget your God and a relationship with Him.  Job confessed that he did not put trust in gold or silver but in the Lord.  Today many put their hopes and dreams in their portfolios and 401(k)s and forget that real security is simply knowing the Lord.

Being friends with God is like friends with benefits. God is a benevolent God and there are fringe benefits to knowing Him.  "What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits to me?"  Romans 11:35 (ESV) says, "Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?"  Job 41:11 (ESV) says, "Who has first given to me, that I should repay him?"  There are perks to knowing God and He is always looking out for our needs, but when He showers gifts, it is mainly as a test of our faithfulness, not to waste the opportunity to bring glory to God.

I once found a $20 bill on the sidewalk as I was walking home, and it just happened to be what I needed--this was a boost to my faith!  But I certainly was not looking for money even though I superstitiously pick up pennies I find (once I had found the one penny I needed for exact change at a store!).  I can remember God answering me a prayer for one single penny that I needed, and God came through because I kept on looking and didn't lose heart or give up.  God provides our needs in mysterious ways and we should never doubt His generosity, but we are all at different levels of faithfulness and responsibility. Proverbs 18:22 (ESV) says, "He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD." As the Bible says, "The LORD shall provide," hence His name Jehovah Jireh (The LORD our Provider). 

Be careful what you are looking for--you may find it!  Some people are just looking for a good time and end up finding trouble all right! It has been wisely said by Jonathan Edwards "that seeking God is the main business of the Christian life."  According to R. C. Sproul, the search for God is initiated at salvation not consummated at salvation--"we do not find God as a result of our search for Him.  We are found by him."  The search is inaugurated at salvation then. Remember, God's pet peeve so to speak (Rom. 3:11) is that man is not searching for Him. Only if we search with our whole heart will we find Him (Deut. 4:29; Jer. 29:13; Isaiah 55:6; Heb. 11:6). 

In sum, it is a sad thing to gain the whole world and lose your own soul (cf. Mark 8:36), and this happens by having the wrong priority of not seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, so that all these things are added unto him (cf. Matt. 6:33).    Soli Deo Gloria!

Dual Citizenship

We are not only citizens of our country or nation, but of heaven itself, which should be even more real to us as we live day to day in the light of eternity. We have responsibilities to both but heaven takes priority. Paul said he was the citizen of no obscure city in Acts 21:39 and claimed to have been born a citizen of Rome.  He also says we are all "fellow citizens with the saints" and that "our citizenship is in heaven. " (cf. Phil. 3:20). 

It was said of a great missionary that when he arrived home the same time as Pres. Teddy Roosevelt returning from Africa, who got a ticker-tape parade down Broadway in New York City, that he was depressed that no one welcomed him home.  God told him, "You aren't home yet!"  Don't get so comfortable in this world that you aren't ready to meet the Lord in the air at the rapture--Matthew Henry said we ought to live each day as if it's our last, but we really ought to always "love His appearing," and look for His coming per Heb. 9:28 instead.

Why are we dual citizens?  So that we can represent Christ on earth and do His bidding and divine will according to Plan A of the Father (God has no Plan B!).  God has nor needs no other plan.  Paul called us ambassadors in 2 Cor. 5:20 and ambassadors are the spokesmen for a state and have the legal authority to speak on its behalf. We speak for Christ and are commissioned to bring the gospel to the whole world and be His representatives in this evil age. God has interests that we are to look out for and we are responsible according to our time, talent, money, relationships, blessings, resources, and opportunity to serve Him the best we can.  

But it is Christ who lives and works through us, it is not of our own power ("'Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the LORD," --Zech. 4:6), for we can do nothing apart from Christ (cf. John 15:5).  Paul said in Romans 15:18, ESV, "I venture not to speak of anything, but of what Christ has accomplished through Me."  Isa. 26:12 (ESV) says, "[You] have done for us all our works." This means all we have accomplished God has done through us and used us as vessels of honor to accomplish His will.

The territory that ambassadors reside in is considered sovereign to the nation they represent, and in analogy, our property belongs to God and He considers any infringement on it as an attack on Him from Satan.  Churches are like oases where Satan has no authority!  Like Christ said, "Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there I am" (cf. Matt. 18:20). In sum, don't get too comfortable--we're not home yet!   Soli Deo Gloria!

The Welfare State

"A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge"  (Proverbs 29:7, ESV).
"The righteous considers the cause of the poor, But the wicked does not understand such knowledge:"  (Proverbs 29:7, NKJV).

By definition, a welfare state (or benevolent state) is one that provides its citizens with such things as health care, retirement, and other social programs including public aid to the poor and destitute.  The Romans had a welfare state to bribe the citizenry into loyalty and contentment.  God mandated a kind of welfare to Israel (Deut. 15:4 says there should be no poor in the land, etc.) like ordering farmers to leave crops in the fields for the poor to glean (i.e., they were only allowed to harvest once and leave the corners unharvested).  Likewise, a certain percentage of the tithe went to the poor as well as alms, which were customary.  Some people say that it is not charity when it is coerced by the state; however, following the biblical pattern shows us a grave concern of God for the poor and unfortunate.

Paul says in 1 Tim. 5:8 that a person who doesn't provide for his own relatives is worse than an unbeliever, but also says that those who are unwilling to work (presumably because they are too busy getting ready for the Second Advent of Christ) should not eat (2 Thess. 3:10). Many people misquote this verse and say that if you don't work, you don't eat like Captain John Smith of Jamestown fame said.  The verse should only apply to those who truly don't want to work, period.  Caveat:  "Hear this, you who trample the needy, to do away with the humble of the land" (Amos 8:4, NASB).  God reprimands those "Who oppress the poor, who crush the needy" (Amos 4:1b, NASB).

There are people who are unable to work and should be the dependent of the state, since they have bona fide or legitimate disabilities, diseases, or handicaps--and there is nothing inherently wrong with retirement as one wanes in ability and they find they can no longer compete; however, some jobs or careers are easier to do in old age.  But it is not the government's job or responsibility to provide the people with security from cradle to grave or in retirement; however, government is a social contract and can legislate a so-called "Ponzi Scheme" if it wills to keep on supporting the retirees with the wages of the working people.  But technically, people are only getting back what they put into it and are only getting the return on their personal investment throughout their working life.

The verse in 2 Thess. 3:10 is also not referring to those who are willing to work but just can't find any--there is nothing inherently wrong with a society set up a safety net for those who are between jobs, laid off, or can't find work that fits their qualifications.  In all fairness, I also believe people should be given adequate opportunity to find work that becomes their abilities, skills, and education, etc.  This is only showing mercy and grace to those in need as if you were in need yourself.    Soli Deo Gloria!

I Am Music

"Music can name the unnameable, and communicate the unknowable." --Leonard Bernstein

This song by Barry Manilow from another generation tells how much we owe to music. God actually "wrote the very first song," not Manilow's composer.   The Bible doesn't mention the usage of music until the days of Jubal, "the father of all those who play the lyre and the pipe" (Gen. 4:20, ESV). Music predated man because Job mentions in Job 38:7, "[W]hen the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?"  There obviously have always been heavenly choruses, just like the one that greeted the shepherds at Christ's birth. The Greeks of antiquity studied music under the aegis of the Pythagoreans, who "held music in high regard" and was "therapeutic for the soul." The modern scales owe their development to them and their studies.  They thought music "soothes the savage beast."  Everything to them was ratios, proportions, harmony, and mathematical relations.

Actually, all music is of God, it's the lyrics that may be corrupt or inappropriate.  That means every genre!  I don't appreciate Country, but that doesn't make it bad music.  I do not judge people who do, they just relate to it and I don't.  Some people take to Soul, Rhythm, and Blues, or Rock and Roll because of their culture, DNA makeup, or the people they hang out with.  No music is of the devil or evil per se--only lyrics and a love song are of "good report" no matter what genre it's in. Music can be used by the devil for evil purposes like stirring up evil passion or lust, but it depends more on the lyrics than the musical genre.  As I mature in Christ, I become more fond of classical music because I just love music per se, and don't care to get too overstimulated by Rock anymore.

As far as church music goes, it is advantageous to have an understanding that it must be biblically sound and not just have a catchy tune. We tend to remember them, but they may not be uplifting, edifying, and/or doctrinally sound.  I think it is vital to the health of the church to respect all manner of holy music as Col. 3:16 says (songs, hymns, and spiritual songs), and not get uptight over who it appeals to--we must all cater to each other and not monopolize the music scene with our favorites, but let all the people feel included and part of the celebration and worship service on the Lord's Day.

There are some hymns that I just love and will never forget, and remember singing them to a pipe organ or in a choir and they bring back sentimental feelings; however, worship is more than sentiment!  The passages must delineate the truth and proclaim praise to God: "Blessed are the people who hear the joyful sound (Ps. 89:15)."  The Psalms say, "Shout to God with a voice of triumph! (Ps. 47:1)."  I have been in churches where they really make use of clapping to keep the beat and this is an effective tool (however, it's just a tool or gesture to aid in worship).

The most important thing is that our hearts be right before the Lord and we are not just giving lip service and worship from a pure heart.  Sometimes people just memorize the Dance of the Pious (cf. Matt. 15:8) or go through the motions because they've done it umpteen times:  As Isa. 29:13, ESV says, "And the Lord said:  'Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men....'"  Again it is written, Jer. 12:2 (NIV) says, "You are always on their lips but far from their hearts." Religion that only goes lip-deep is not up to par nor spiritual--"He that worships God must worship Him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24).

The Puritans were very legalistic and published the first book in America known as the Bay Psalm Book to be used as their hymnal.  They didn't believe in singing anything that wasn't in the Bible! Some churches actually rule out forms of accompaniment such as instruments and singing a cappella. Today most churches that are "with-it" have drums, acoustic and/or electric guitar, and bass with a possible piano or organ to boot.  Worship leaders are the fad and some believers are especially gifted at getting the Spirit going and livening the church up.  This is not just a passing fad or phenomenon, but the future of worship, and if you are only into singing the old standby hymns, there is a church for you that is that conservative, but most evangelical churches today get inspired by the music industry and their members like to sing the popular songs they hear on the radio or at concerts.

Music is a powerful conductor and medium of worship and an actual vehicle that helps make God's Word come alive in us--we can remember things better when set to music, for number one.   Personally, I used to be addicted to religious radio stations because I thought that was the spiritual thing to do; however, now God has just given me a love and appreciation for music in general and instead of worshiping vicariously by listening, I can study and read the Bible to classical music that seems to fit the mood and relax me.

There is a time and there is a place for all genres of music. Johann Sebastian Bach wasn't the only profoundly spiritual and religious man who was very prolific musically in the classical genre:  Felix Mendelsohn, a Jew,  became a devout Lutheran like Bach.  I believe God has given me this spiritual awakening to have a taste for the classics.  Some would swear that Jesus speaks "Country."  After Whitney Houston passed, I realized her gift of music and no one could sing "Jesus Loves Me" quite like her, yet she was largely known as a pop star.  Amy Grant was the first gospel crossover star to make it big in the pop genre. Elvis, the so-called "King," actually started his career with Gospel and had a Christmas album.

In sum, it is paramount that all worship music be biblical, regardless of genre, while all other music (and we must not be so sanctimonious or pseudo-pious, legalistic, or holier-than-thou (cf. Isa. 65:5) that we can't even listen to it at all) must just be good music and uplifting to one's soul per Philippians 4:8, (ESV), says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things [even if secular and what I mean is that some people limit God to spiritual things]."  Soli Deo Gloria!