“WHAT MY GOD SAYS”

 

“Then the messenger who went to summon Micaiah spoke to him saying, ‘Behold, the words of the prophets are uniformly favorable to the king. So please let your word be like one of them and speak favorable’. But Micaiah said, ‘As the LORD lives, what my God says, that I will speak’.” 

(2 Chronicles 18:12-13).

 

You may read the full story in 2 Chronicles 18 to see what God told the prophet Micaiah to say. Afterwards, recall this incident the next time you hear someone ask, “Why can't we all just agree to disagree”?

The word which Micaiah spoke was NOT in agreement with the word from other prophets. However, Micaiah WAS in unity with God. The reason was simple: Micaiah spoke what God wanted. Because the king did not like what God spoke through Micaiah, the king called Micaiah’s word ‘evil’. Such accusations continue toward those who disagree with God’s words.

When God’s word reproves your lifestyle, it is God's way of pointing out to you what is wrong in your life, as well as what changes are needed. At this point, in your life, you have a choice to make; change, or do as this king did...call God’s word ‘evil’, and NOT change. While you may consult with other people who would tell you a “word” that is “favorable” like these other prophets did to the king, in your heart, God’s word will continue to disturb you, because it has revealed the truth about your life to yourself. You can’t escape truth; you may “mask” or “suppress truth” (Romans 1:18), but this decision will not save. Only by doing “what my God says” will you be saved on the day of Judgment.  

Today, “what my God says” is by Jesus (cf. Hebrews 1:1-2; 2:3). Only Jesus’ “words” will bring true unity. God desires and accepts this type of unity only from us. It can exist, but it comes with a price...just as it did with Micaiah.  You will not be united with most others in your beliefs and practices just as Micaiah was not united with the other prophets in their words to the king.

Unity is what Jesus wants of all believers. But unity can’t exist if God’s word is mishandled (cf. 2 Corinthians 2:17; 4:2). Gospel preaching and teaching must be uniform on doctrinal matters (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; Titus 1:9; 2:2). 

John 17:20-21:“Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word; that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that thou didst send me.”

Simply agreement between men does not necessarily mean that God is in agreement with them. “Two or three” being gathered does not mean He is in our midst (Matthew 18:20). The phrase “IN MY NAME” dictates whether the assembling is pleasing to God. 

Jesus prayed for all who believe on Him to believe on Him through their (i. e., the apostles’) word. “Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word; that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that thou didst send me.” (John 17:20-21).

God gave Jesus His WORD (John 12:49). Jesus said in John 17:8, “...I have given unto THEM [the apostles] the words which thou gavest me...”. (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:37). Likewise, the unity that is “of the spirit” is to be united as the Holy Spirit declared through the pen of those who preached the gospel (cf. Ephesians 4:1-6).

Joshua pointed out the two choices that we have when we encounter what God says (cf. Joshua 24:15). The apostle John was given this ‘word’ from the Holy Spirit. “Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son. If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into your house, and give him no greeting: for he that giveth him greeting partaketh in his evil works.” (2 John 1:9-11).

The apostles’ attitude toward God’s word were as Micaiah’s: “what my God says, that I will speak”. (cf. Acts 4:20 and 5:29). “Abide” or “go beyond” what God says; “remain in” or “not receive” what God says. What choice have you made?

“CHURCH MEMBERSHIP”

 

What is involved in membership in a local church?  How important is it? Many people claim membership or affiliation to a church.  The ‘criteria’ varies but in general, membership in a local church is something that is commemorative of one’s conversion.

Quite often, on Memorial Day, there are homecomings or special services held and people will return to and attend the church wherein their conversion occurred. From this, we see that it is much like a reunion.  Such behavior reveals the attitude that prevails toward membership in a local church.

 

Several years ago, I read an article about someone very prominent in the religious realm, who “switched” membership from one church to another church.  It further substantiates that membership is at best a ‘token’ commodity with most. Let me first share a scenario about church membership and see what you would conclude as to my claim of church membership.

 

What if I had never lived in Somerset, KY, and had only occasionally visited this congregation over a span of 55 years?  What if my residence had been in Miami, FL.?  What if I said I was retiring and switching my membership to New Orleans, LA.?  (I still live in Miami).  The reason for this is that I have long maintained a close relationship with the preacher in New Orleans, and that he had worked with me over the years.  I’m unable to travel now and watch the worship services of the New Orleans church on TV.   Upon what basis might I claim membership at Southside or at New Orleans?

 

I now share with you a factual situation regarding church membership. The date is December 29, 2008 – Dallas Morning News contained this article:

 

[After more than half a century as a member of the First Baptist Church of Dallas, the Rev. Billy Graham has switched his membership to a church closer to his home in the North Carolina mountains.

The famed evangelist, 90, was voted in as a member of the First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, S.C., on Sunday.

The Rev. Robert Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Dallas, said he had been contacted by Mr. Graham's personal assistant in recent days about the membership switch.

"We'll always treasure the relationship," Dr. Jeffress said.

Mr. Graham joined First Baptist Dallas during his first crusade in the city, held at the Cotton Bowl in 1953. First Baptist Dallas was then led by the Rev. W.A. Criswell, and was widely considered the preeminent church in the Southern Baptist Convention.

But the globe-trotting evangelist has never lived in Dallas, and visited the church only rarely through the years.

Mr. Graham has long lived in Montreat, N.C., and is essentially home-bound there now. He watches TV broadcasts of First Baptist Spartanburg services.

The pastor of First Baptist Spartanburg, the Rev. Don Wilton, has preached for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and has ministered to the evangelist in recent years.

"He has been faithfully visited by Dr. Wilton, whom he refers to as his `TV pastor,'" said Larry Ross, a spokesman for Mr. Graham.

Mr. Ross added, "This was not an easy or quick decision by Mr. Graham, but he increasingly felt it was important to unite with First Baptist Spartanburg, as that has had his attention and focus, especially through television, in recent years."

The evangelist has relayed to Dr. Jeffress his "love and appreciation" for First Baptist Dallas and Dr. Jeffress' ministry, Mr. Ross said.]

 

What is involved in membership?  How important is it? 

 

The importance of membership in the local church can be seen from the example of the apostle Paul. In Acts 9:26, we find that Paul, shortly after his own conversion purposefully tried (‘assayed’ (KJV) to “...join himself to the disciples...”, when he arrived at Jerusalem.

 

The apostle Peter’s directive to the overseers of a local church (cf. 1 Peter 5:2), suggests that membership in a local church is necessary. He told the elders to “Feed the flock...‘among you’...” (i.e., ‘under your care’). We find from Acts 14:23 that each local church had elders appointed.  Elders must be able to determine who is and who is not “under their care”.

 

Membership in any organization involves both benefits and responsibilities. This is recognized in the physical realm. A company employee enjoys the benefits of employment yet has responsibilities to his employer. Club membership has privileges as well as obligations to remain ‘in good standing’.

 

Such is also true in the spiritual realm as it relates to church membership. A member is under obligation to contribute his time, his talent, and monetarily in support of the gospel. The spiritual benefits are pardon from sin and continued fellowship with God.

 

Each local church is to be independent and self-governing (autonomous) as it carries on the divinely ordained work of evangelism, edification, and benevolence of its needy.

 

Let each of us take heed that we fulfill our responsibilities in supporting the gospel message, remembering the words of Jude: “...contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.” (Jude 1:3).

“IN HOPE OF UNITY, BRETHREN”

Perhaps no problem is greater among brethren than is the problem of maintaining unity. There has been division among brethren for ages, much of the division has been unnecessary. There are areas of division which were seemingly unavoidable, such as the questions over doctrine. There have been areas of division which should neverl have occurred. Some of these areas will be discussed below:

1. Jealousy has long been a source of division among brethren and congregations. The author of the Song of Solomon has well stated the facts regarding jealousy, (8:6) “. . . jealousy is cruel as the grave . . .”. There is no question that among men the problem of jealousy has tended to corrupt relationships into schisms which ought not have existed. We are all men of passions; therefore we should temper this passion as best we can that unity among ourselves in the spiritual realm might be continued. Stemming from this passion are many hurtful actions:

    (a) Assassination of character is one of the most prevalent. When men allow jealousy to run rampant, their tongue becomes a tongue of slander. Whether justified or unjustified, the attacks upon others' character are damaging and very destructive to unity. Unity cannot be maintained in a climate of character assassins.

    (b) Creating imaginary intentions upon the part of someone else, is another outward characteristic of those possessed of jealousy. We are prone to see other’s good fortune through unholy motives when we are possessed of jealousy. We must not determine unholy motives of brethren who are more successful than we in a chosen endeavor unless action upon their part suggests impure motive. We must not conjure up motives simply because we failed where he has succeeded.

As one can reasonably observe from the thoughts presented on the subject of jealousy, unity cannot be maintained where jealousy has found a home. Jealousy has created enemies among brethren and among congregations, where had it been replaced with justice and reason, unity might have been continued.

2. Arrogance is another area which has always been a unity destroyer among brethren and congregations. The person beset of arrogance is the man who . . . overestimates himself in importance, is overbearing, haughty, and contemptuous. This person is a hindrance to unity because he:

    (a) Cannot accept defeat in matters of judgment. We are all prone to want our way in matters of judgment but are willing to sacrifice our ideas on occasion for the sake of peace and unity. The arrogant man cannot give up his idea. He considers his idea almost equal to the authority of God’s. Therefore, unity is destroyed or strained greatly at every discussion of means or methods in doing something, regardless of how minor (Romans 15:1-3).

    (b) Is contemptuous of authority. This man will never be pleased with those in authority over him. Many have been the occasions where elders found out about this man's character too late to salvage the total membership of the congregation where he has been working, due to the undermining of their authority by him. There was no reason for division and confusion, but the arrogant man succeeded in dividing the church because he could not submit to the elder’s authority (Hebrews 13:17).

3. Self-righteousness is another destroyer of unity among men and congregations. The person who is guilty of this attitude (a self-righteous attitude) is a potential source of division because he:

    (a) Tends to look down upon those who are not as strong in one area as he seems to be. None of us is perfect; therefore, we ought to guard against unjust criticism of brethren because of weakness (1 Corinthians 10:12). Indeed, we must all strive to be as nearly perfect as we can in our spiritual walk, but we must never become so self-exalted that we are void of compassion toward the weak and feeble (Romans 15:1).

We should not tolerate sin in brethren’s lives but must point out their error to them; not to everyone else. We need to be fair and equitable toward brethren and seek to restore and teach them in a spirit of love and compassion, not in a spirit of self-righteousness.

Conclusion: Unity among brethren in faithful churches can be maintained if the above attitude is prevalent among all parties involved in areas of judgment.

by: Garreth L. Clair

“IS THY HEART RIGHT WITH GOD?”

From Acts 17, we find two common reactions to gospel preaching from those in the cities of Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens.  Some “believed” yet others “believed not” (cf. vv. 4-5, 11-13, 32-34). God has revealed in His word why these are the two reactions people have when “Jesus and the resurrection” are preached (v. 18). It is because of the nature of religious truth as opposed to religious error.  Truth contains commands which a sinner must submit whereas error does not.  Whenever truth is preached, these commands will be declared.  The grace of God teaches man to turn from sin, rather than continue sinning “that grace may abound” (Titus 2:11-12; Romans 6:1).

A comparison of Acts 17:3 with Acts 2:36 reveals that Paul and Peter preached the same message. Do you suppose the Jews who heard Paul, had the same question in their minds as those Jews on the day of Pentecost, (i.e., “What shall we do?”).  Do you suppose that Paul gave them the same answer that Peter gave? Would not Jesus’ commands given to the twelve apostles also apply to Paul?  Jesus commanded that “...repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:47).  Jesus commanded the twelve, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you...” (Matthew 28:18-20). In Acts 1:2, we are told that Jesus had “given commandments” to the apostles regarding their preaching.  These commandments also pertained to how a sinner was to “call upon” the Lord.  All this is found in the book of Acts.

Let it be pointed out that in “calling upon the name of the Lord”, there is a ‘form of doctrine’ to be obeyed “from the heart”.  (cf. Romans 6:17). This ‘form’ must correspond to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

We learn from Romans 10:17 that, “…faith cometh by HEARING…the WORD OF GOD”.  Was the word preached by Paul?  Yes, for we read that Paul, “…reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.”  Yet we find that others who heard the same message “believed not, and moved with envy” (v. 5). 

Consider the difference as to why some believed Paul while others did not believe. Today, why is it that some readily accept truth while others reject and despise the message of truth?  The key lies in Jesus’ teaching about the heart of man (cf. Luke 8:4-15).

Three other texts that show why some can understand truth clearly while others cannot:

1) John 3:16-21 – Some cannot understand the truth because their deeds are evil, and they don’t want their evil deeds reproved.  The truth is not beyond their ability to understand, rather their heart’s desire is to continue in evil. Others obey out of a desire to ‘walk by faith’ (2 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 10:17).

2) John 7:14-18 – Some cannot understand the truth because of their ‘will’. They refuse to yield their will to God's will (read again, John 3:16-21 above). Others, have no problem understanding or obeying, for God’s approval is their desire.

3) 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 – Some cannot understand the truth because of their love for sin’s pleasure. Others love truth because they desire freedom from their sin. For these, obedience is not a problem (John 8:32).  Those who had a prior desire for freedom from sin, upon hearing that their freedom was through Jesus responded readily. This was why they were described as being God-fearing or devout.  Their hearts were honest and sincere, as was Cornelius, Lydia, and Saul of Tarsus, who “lived in good conscience” even during his persecution of Christians (Acts 23:1).  However, those with an evil heart believed not and moved with envy. 

So likewise, will people do today when the truth exposes their evil deeds. The word of God is described as “…quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12).

How people react to the truth reveals whether they are just religious, honoring God with their lips while their heart is far from Him (Matthew 15:8-9).  If one’s heart is honest and sincere, whenever they see that they are not in harmony with what Jesus commanded, they will change (repent), because their will is “…to do the will of the Father.”

What about you; have your affections been nailed to the cross (Proverbs 23:7)?