The REAL Christian in a VIRTUAL World!

Interaction and communication have changed more radically in the last decade than in any other previous 10 year period  in history since the invention of the printing press about 500 years ago.  As Christians we must be keenly aware of the world around us in order to be effective evangelists, our “prime directive” as it were.  Jesus uses the nuclear phrase “all authority on heaven and earth has been given to me” to emphasize the eternal urgency of our evangelistic ambassadorship.  “All things internet” has given us tools unimaginable  just 10 years ago, while at the same time, tempting us in ways ALSO unimaginable just 10 years ago!

No change has been more profound than the embrace of nearly everyone (to at least some extent) of what is now called the “social media.”  Today, it is no longer necessary to actually MEET someone in order to become their “FRIEND!”  Four general observations regarding “social media” before we continue:

·         Not all aspects of computer technology are beneficial for Christians.

·         Not every medium meshes with God’s Will.

·         For the Christian, virtual interaction must supplement family, fellowship and community, NOT replace them!

·         It is not necessary for the Christian to know everything about everybody else on every occasion.

For our purposes, we will define “social media” as:

Any medium that relies on some kind of electronic devise allowing 2 or more people to simultaneously interact with each other on a truth neutral platform.

Regardless if we are speaking of the increasingly popular “interactive video game,” Google, ® Facebook, ® LinkedIn, ® Twitter ® or any kind of texting, we are speaking of media that allows the individual  to “create” an on-line persona that may or may not reflect reality.  In other words, the difficulty  of ascertaining whether ay written, spoken or visual communication  is truthful – or not – is greatly enhanced.  Chaos thrives on such doubt.  We must all, therefore, ask the question; “Does media shape me or do I shape my media?”  A better question is; “Does GOD shape the media I use?”

The Scripture says in Proverbs 23:7; “…as a man thinks in his own heart, so is he.”  The challenge for the Christian is to not allow his virtual personality (persona) replace his real personality.  This “substitute” personality that people “create” for their on-line presence is often times called an “avatar.”  Merriam-Webster’s on-line dictionary defines “avatar” thusly: “…an electronic image [electronic incarnation (RM)] that represents and is manipulated by a computer user (as in computer game).”[1]  THIS is precisely how, for example, men get entangled with on-line pornography.  While living “morally” in their “real life,” their “avatar” is engaging in the unspeakable in their “virtual world.”  This creates the ultimate spiritual showdown for, as Jesus said, “…no man can serve two masters.”  (Matthew 6:24)

The “avatar,” simply put, is electronic hypocrisy!   Knowing all this, what guidance does God’s Word have regarding these matters?  Paul gives us (by inspiration) heavenly wisdom regarding Christian conduct in two passages:

Do not quench the Spirit.  Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.  Abstain from every form of evil.  – I Thessalonians 5:19 – 22 (ESV)

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.  Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.  Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.  Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. – Ephesians 4:25 – 32 (ESV)

There are applications from these two passages to our “virtual concerns:”

·         Examine everything on-line carefully for real and virtual “realities” “appear” to be the same!

·         Do not deny who you are on-line.  One cannot take on a non-Christian persona / avatar and be a Christian in the real world.

·         Embrace only the good on-line

·         Flee from everything that even has a hint of evil on-line

·         Be extremely cautious on-line because  the lines between good and evil are blurred to the extreme

·         Exercise wisdom on what you see, experience, express and participate in on-line.

·         Use your time wisely on-line, remembering your media should serve you, not the other way around

·         Make all your on-line decisions based upon God’s precepts

·         Flee any addictive behavior on-line

·         Be full of the Spirit instead of being full of obsession & imagination especially your “avatar!”

·         Pray often on-line often, expressing thanksgiving to God

·         Always follow the Golden rule on-line

·         Finally, “virtual” Christianity cannot replace REAL Christianity!

In conclusion; throw away all your “avatars” and put only the “real you” on-line as we are “no longer our own but bought with a price!”

---

[1] http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avatar?show=0&t=1307543289

The Instrument of Destruction - Part 1 Video

What God Do You Love? - The God Who Created You or The God That YOU Created?!

The rise of "multiculturalism" in the West, now morphing into "multi-individualism," is essentially the latest of rebellious events against the Creator God that every so often shakes civilization to the core. The devilish theory behind all of this is the lie that all cultures / individuals are equally valid and valuable and that we should all oppose any kind of singular cultural identity. In other words, there is no right or wrong, only more and "better" evolutionary choices. Not only that, dominating cultures such as that which is found in the United States, are inherintly evil and must be deconstructed in an existential attempt to form a "brave new world" where there will be mandated "equal results" for all people instead of "equal opportunities" where some people fail.(1) This "one world utopian" view of things is immortalized in John Lennon's infamous song; "Imagine." In Lennon's vision, there is "no heaven and no religion too." This theological vacuum creates "paradise" on earth where man becomes god.

The Chinese proverb; "may you live in interesting times," is indeed descriptive of 2011 when chaos is the order of the day both at home and abroad. This puts us, adherents to the "one Lord, one fatih and one baptism," in an ever increasing hostile environment. This environment embraces "all truths" while intolerently rejecting THE truth. This places us inside a monumental and historical paradigm shift away from "fearing the one true God" and towards the proclomation and adherance to a multitude of "self created gods" who look all too similar to "the man in the mirror."

"Multiculturalism / multi-individaulism" is just the latest among man centered rebellions in the unfolding of history. The first and most momentous of these rebellions was The Fall of Man as recorded in Genesis 3:5 where Satan promised Eve and Adam that they "would be as gods, knowing good and evil." After The Fall, man grew increasingly self directed and wicked prompting God to destroy that entire civilization save for Noah, his wife, their 3 sons and there wives in the Worldwide Flood. In fact man was so wicked that "every intention and thought was only evil continually" according Genesis 6:5. After the flood, man took a direction that is prototypical of every other rebellion against God since - he sought to establish his own utopia based on his own self-worth and merit. Man decided upon total world wide unity outside of the Will of God. Man gathered in one city, developed one language and had a singular purpose - to reach equality with God on man's terms, not God's. We know this event as the Tower of Babel. In Genesis 11:8 God dispersed man throughout the world by confusing the language - each people group instantly had a different language making unity no longer possible.

Every societal rebellion since has attempted this "utopian unity" model - and has always failed, as it always will. "Multiculturalism / multi-individualism" will soon implode despite the best efforts of the U.N., the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Imperial Rome, Papal Rome, Revolutionary France, Imperial Britian, Fascist Germany / Japan / Italy, Communist Russia / China have all attempted world wide domination based on the Babel model. In years to come, we will have to face not only "Multiculturalism / multi-individaulism," but the threat of a new monolitic Caliphate threat from Islam. These, too, will ultimately fall as did Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome. America will fall as well unless the Lord returns prior to that event.

Until the judgement of God comes down on the head of any civilization, God pauses for a time to allow repentance. Where are we in America? Have we tipped the scale to the point of no return or is there still time for repentance and renewal? Has the "glory of the Lord departed from the temple?" Our prayers and our efforts must always assume that there IS time for repentance and renewal for God has not yet acted! We must be busy "sowing and watering," being "salt and light" in society and "redeeming the time for the days are evil." In order to best accomplish this we must be accutely aware of where people are spiritually. Nearly any poll will show that upwards to 90% of Americans believe in "God." On the surface this seems like good news, but is it?

What "God" do people in America love, the God who created them or the god whom THEY created? Sadly, the latter is far more prominent than the former.

Every society has a dominant religious belief about it. Iran is Muslim, India is Hindu and Bhuddist, Italy is Roman Catholic and so forth. These religious beliefs become merged into the societal norms and become what we would call a "civil religion." What is America's "civil religion?" Is America a "Chistian nation" or not? Not long ago President Obama announced to the world that "America is no longer a Christian nation." While we can surely state with certainty that America is not "Christian" in the New Testament sense of the word, we CAN say that no nation was ever founded on Christian "principles" more solidly than ours. We affirmed in the Declaration that "all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator certain inaliable rights such as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." No nations culture is more influenced by Christian principles than is ours. Having said that, this "Christian influence" is eroding quickly due the fact the the "god" that most Americans adhere to is NOT the God of the Bible but, instead, a "god" of their own creation. This "god" is described by researcher Christian Smith of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as a god that is "moralistic, therapeutic and Deist." In 2005, he published his research in a book, Soul Searching - The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers.(2) In other words, America's civil religion is a false hope based upon a false god proclaiming a false message as was the "unknown god" of ancient Athens that Paul spoke of in Acts 17:16 - 34. The Athenians worshipped this "god" in a polytheistic, pluralistic and multicultural way. Paul though, preached to them the truth of the one true God manifested by the Risen Savior in a monotheistic, singular and uni-cultural way!

America's civil religion is strangely similar to the Stoicism that Paul encountered on Mars Hill. In the 3rd century b.c. a man named Zeno formed a philosophy that we know today as Stoicism. Zeno taught that man acheives happiness in life through his own moral virtue, hard work and dedication. Stoicism was polythesistic then as it is now - there is a "god" though this "god" is a "god" of ones own making. (Multiple people - multiple "gods" strangely similar to Origen's "multiple meanings" allegorical interpretive method of the 2nd century a.d.) Zeno's view of "the god's" is essentially the mindset of today's "moralistic, therapeutic Desism." As Albert Mohler commented in a review of Smith's book; "This undemanding diety is more interested in solving our problems and in making people happy."(3) This is the message we hear today from the Oprah Winfrey's, Joel Olstein's, Dr. Phill's and Rush Limbaugh's of the world - "God helps those who help themselves." This is a phrase that many think comes from the Bible but in no way actually does!

"In fact, this quotation has come down to us from GREEK MYTHOLOGY! Specifically it comes to us from one of Aesop’s fables, of the 6th century B.C. Let’s read this fable entitled “Hercules and the Waggoner.” “A Waggoner was once driving a heavy load along a very muddy way. At last he came to a part of the road where the wheels sank half-way into the mire, and the more the horses pulled, the deeper sank the wheels. So the Waggoner threw down his whip, and knelt down and prayed to Hercules the Strong." ‘O Hercules, help me in this my hour of distress,’ quoth he. But Hercules appeared to him, and said: ‘Tut, man, don’t sprawl there. Get up and put your shoulder to the wheel. "The gods help them that help themselves.”(4)

Just what are the tenets of America's civil religion, this "moralist, therapeutic Deism?" Essentially there are five:

1) There is a "god" who created the world, initiated natural laws and oversees over the lives of men and women.
2) This "god's" will, like his "existence," is multiple and pluralistic. This will is made up of competing and conflicting "truths." This "god's" will is that people are to be "nice and fair to one another as taught in the Bible and by most of the world's religions."(5)
3) This "god's" primary directive is for people to be happy and feel better about themselves.
4) This "god" does not necessarily wished to be involved in ones life except when he is needed to bring a solution to a problem, need or desire. He does not need or request worship.
5) "Good" people go to heaven and nearly everyone is "good."(6)

These five tenets of America's civil religion are found in it's three main components: moralism, therapeutics and Deism.

Moralism

Smith bluntly says; "...central to living a good and happy life is being a good moral person."(7) His research found the following components to "moralism:"

1. One must be "nice."
2. One must be "kind."
3. One must be "pleasant."
4. One must be "respectful."
5. One must be "responsible."
6. One must actively work at "self improvement."
7. One must "take care of his / her health."
8. One must "do his / her best in order to succeed."(8)

The adherent's to America's civil religion believe in a "loving" and non-judgmental god who will overlook all faults as long as one is "moral" as defined above. We would add one more component to this false religion - One MUST be "tolerant" of all others - regardless. Though "tolerance" is considered by the "politically correct" to be the most important of virtues - it is NOT EVEN a "virtue" as all! The word does not even appear until the 15th century a.d. according to the Miriam Webster On-Line Dictionary. MW defines the word thusly; "...sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own..."(9) One will not find either the word or the concept in the New Testament. The only word remotely similar is bastazo, which means to "...lift, endure, carry or take up" (10) another's burden. It is a word defining servitude to others as we serve Christ. Today's "definition" is quite different! It is not a word describing service, it is a word describing philosophical and moral surrender! "Tolerance" has a synonym in the New Testament - LUKEWARM. "Tolerating" that which is evil is something that deserves to be "spit out" not swallowed!

Therapeutics:

Today's American civil religion is therepeutic, it "self medicates" the adherents. It numbs one's mind to both reality and truth. It makes one "feel good about themselves" in the face of facts that would say otherwise. This is why we often witness the guilty to proclaim their "innocence." Take heed again to the words of Christian Smith;

"This is not a religion of repentance from sin...of living as a servant of soveriegn divinity, of steadfastly saying one's prayers....of building character through suffering, of basking in God's love and grace, of spending oneself in gratitude and love for the cause of (justice), etc."

(11)

"If" America's civil religion is NOT these things, just what is it? It is a religion that provides these "blessings" to it's adherents:

1. It allows one to "feel good."
2. It allows one to feel "happy."
3. It allows one to feel "secure."
4. It allows one to be "at peace."
5. It allows one to "attain subjective well being."
6. It allows one to "resolve problems."
7. It allows one to "get along amiably with other people."(12)

In short, these "therapeutics" simply allow one to say; "Don't Worry - Be Happy!"(13)

Deism:

The final main component of America's civil religion is "Deism." We know, through faith, that a "Deist" God does not exist. A very popular philsophy in the late 18th century (a bridge between theism and atheism) Deism taught that there is a god but this god just created the world and then walked off to leave us at our own devises without any consequence or repsonsibility for choices made. What does this "Deist god" look like in America's civil religion?

1. "God" is not personally involved with peoples lives, he's by nature a recluse.
2. If a person perfers "God" to NOT be involved, in no way will he be.
3. "God" keeps a safe distance.
4. "God" is not a judge.
5. "God's" priorities are to "solve problesms" and "make people happy."
6. "God" comes and goes as people dictate.
7. "God" has no qualms with what people "used to call immorality."
8. "God" does not define for us "good and evil" or "right and wrong," all choices are equally valid.(14)
Smith candidly observes as quoted by Mohler; "In short, God is something like a combination Divine Butler and Cosmic Therapist; he is always on call, takes care of any problems that arise, professionally helps his people to feel better about themselves, and does not become too personally involved in the process."(15)

Conclusion:

What does God's Word say about all of this? Paul decried such false religions in Galatians 1:6 - 9:

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to another gospel - not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or a an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again; If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed." (ESV)

ENDNOTES:
(1) I have been told that on one occasion boxing great Mohammed Ali visited Soviet Russia during the days of the Cold War. Upon returning, reportedly he was asked; "Is it true that every one in Russia is equal?" Ali is said to have replied; "Yes, they are all equal - equally poor!"
(2) Christian Smith with Melinda Lunquist Denton, (Soul Searching - The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers, New York, New York, Oxford University Press, 2005)
(3) R. Alber Mohler - http://www.christianpost.com/news/moralistic-therapeutic-deism-the-new-american-religion-6266/
(4) Gary D. Pifer - http://home.earthlink.net/~gdpifer/God_Helps_Those_Who_Help_Themsleves.html
(5) Mohler, op. cit., [Emphasis mine - RM]
(6) Mohler, op. cit., paraphrased and expanded - RM
(7) Mohler, op. cit.
(8) Mohler, op. cit., paraphrased - RM
(9) http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tolerance
(10) Strong's Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries via e-sword.com
(11) Mohler, op. cit.
(12) Mohler, op. cit. paraphrased and expanded - RM
(13) The title of a very popular late 1980's song. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don%27t_Worry,_Be_Happy
(14) Mohler, op. cit., paraphrased and expanded - RM
(15) Mohler, op. cit. - quoting Christian Smith in Soul Searching
(16) For the most comprehensive review of these matters I have seen, check out:
Benjamin Wiker, (Moral Darwinism - How We Became Hedonists, Downers Grove, Ill., Intervarsity Press, 2002) ISBN 0-8308-2666-1

Salvation- IN Water But Not BY Water!

Have you noticed that when God saves people throughout the Bible, water always seems to be in the plan?

In Genesis 6 - 8, Noah and his family were saved, not BY water, but through water. The waters of the flood literally separated the ark of safety from the wickedness of the drowning world. Salvation was from God but the agency was the water. Noah and his family were not saved BY water but were saved through water. Peter tells us in I Peter 3:18 - 22 that our baptism corresponds to Noah's and that "likewise baptism now saves us" as well.

In Exodus 14, Moses and the people of Israel were saved, not BY water, but through water. God rolled back the deep water of the Red Sea, the people passed through the water and reached salvation on the other side. The Egyptians, on the other hand, were all drowned in the sea as the waters collasped after Israel's crossing. Through water, Israel passed from slavery into freedom, from no possession towards possession of a land "flowing with milk and honey" and from sin towards righteousness. Moses and the people of Israel were not saved BY water but were saved through water. Paul tells us that Israel was "baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea" in I Corinthians 10:1 - 4.

In Joshua 3 and 4, Joshua and the people of Israel were saved, not BY water but through water. Once again, God rolled back the deep water of the Jordan allowing the people to cross in safety on dry land. They thus escaped the wilderness and entered into the Land of Promise. They then happily errected two Ebenezers - one of 12 stones in the middle of the Jordan where the priests had stood with the Ark of the Covenant and one of 12 stones where the people stopped for the night at Gilgal. Joshua and the people of Israel were saved, not BY water but through water.

The New Testament builds on this history of water "agency" for God's work of salvation. John baptizes at Aenon near Salim "for there was much water there." (John 3:23) Jesus Christ was baptized "to fulfill all righteousness." (Matthew 3:15) Jesus stipulates baptism as a requirement for salvation. (Mark 16:15 - 16) Jesus commands the apostles to "make disciples, baptize and teach all things whatsoever I have commanded." (Matthew 28:18 - 20) The same command passes to each Christian through out all time. The apostles commanded baptism for "everyone" in Acts 2:37 - 38 "in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins."

The fact that almost everyone in so-called "Christedom" misses the point regarding baptism is perhaps Satan's greatest victory in our time. Calvin, Luther et al falsely taught that baptism is a "work of man" and, therefore, not a requirement of salvation. Baptism is not a work of man BUT it IS a work of God! Colossians 2:11 -12 very clearly tells us that God does His "powerful work" of salvation in baptism. God does all the work! Man does no work in baptism.

God does not save us BY water, He saves us IN water! Baptism is the TIME AND THE PLACE where God does His powerful work of salvation. There are many way to "join" many denominations (divisions from the original and therefore false) but there is absolutely NO WAY to "join" the church of Christ. One can only be added to His church by the Lord. Who therefore, can be added? Only those who "gladly receive His Word" through the water of baptism "in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" after repentance. The same way they were added to the church of Christ then is the same way people are added to the church of Christ today! There is no other plan of salvation! God does NOT save us BY water but He most certianlly saves us IN water!

Have YOU been baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins?

Reasoning Together - An Introduction to the church of Christ

By: Russ McCullough

During these swiftly flowing times, it is painfully obvious that men and women of differing faiths have little time to discuss their beliefs, to examine the Scriptures and to converse about their diverse theology. Not only is there but precious little time to consider these matters, there seems to be more churches in America than major intersection corner drug stores!

How can one know which church is the church of the Bible?

The purpose of this brochure IS to introduce you to a church you may or may not have heard of before. The purpose is NOT to talk about yet another denomination. Unless you have just "found" this pamphlet, the person who gave it to you is likely a member of the church of Christ. Should the church of Christ not be known to you, please allow me to introduce you! What follows is one man's attempt to answer the question, "What does the Bible teach about Christ and His church?" The Bible has much to say, with dazzling clarity, regarding Christian Unity, Salvation, Worship, and Congregational Leadership.

In the long ago, in the midst of a disagreement between God and His people Israel, God said this; "Come now, let us reason together...." [Isa. 1:18] We too have that same opportunity nearly 30 centuries later, to reason together.

Somewhat of a disclaimer must go first. As a people, the church of Christ [Romans 16:16] has no organizational structure outside of the local congregation. There is no earthly authority higher than the local congregational leadership (called the eldership) recognized among us. For Christ is the "....head of the church....and....gave himself up for her." [Eph. 5:23-25] Each congregation is independent and responsible for its own spiritual direction as guided by the Scriptures. We (the word "We" is used in the most limited of senses) have no creed but the Bible and return to the Scriptures for truth in all things because the Bible contains the truth that sanctifies us (sets us apart) in God's sight. [John 17:17] As a result, no mortal person can speak for the church as a whole. I will, however, attempt to articulate, generally speaking, the commonly held beliefs among us as taught in His Word. It is my sincere prayer that I "...speak the truth in love" [Eph.4:15] regarding these most urgent of matters for Heaven and Hell are real places and each of us will soon reside in our choice of one or the other.

One other thought; I ask you to join me in "...examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things (are) so." [Acts 17:11]

What Does the Bible Teach Regarding Unity in Christ?

Spiritual unity is not only possible; it is God's will. Jesus Christ prayed for the unity of all believers. [John 17:20-21] The first century church enjoyed unity. [Acts 4:32] Unity, however, is possible ONLY when we agree on the essential cornerstone of belief as defined by God Himself. When all else is stripped away, we "....must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him." [Heb. 11:6] Who God IS is clearly defined. "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." [Gen. 1:1] Either God created EVERYTHING or He did not. Either we believe that He is Creator God or "he" is simply a legend in the collective memory of an evolved animal whose very existence, without God, is unexplainable! Central to who Creator God IS is His Word:

" Jesus said that God's ".....Word is Truth." [John 17:17] " Jesus Himself is the incarnation of God's Word in the world for John says that; "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God." [John 1:1] " God's Word "became flesh and dwelt among us." [John 1:14] " Jesus (The Word) said that His Words will outlast heaven & earth. [Matt. 24:35] " God's Word is alive and well even unto this very day, able to change our very hearts and souls! [Heb. 4:12]

We believe, therefore, that God IS, that God Created all things, that God gave us His Word who remains alive and well to this very day and that God is capable of changing our lives to the core through His Word! So, one may ask; "What portion of his Word is inspired and what is just mere superstition....and how would one know the difference?" Here is where we differ with many in the religious world, for
we believe that the Scriptures are 100% true and contain no error whatsoever.
We believe that the apostle Paul states the Truth of God when he asserts that; "....all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable....." [II Timothy 3:16-17]

Unity among us is possible when we collectively endeavor to leave our opinions, our cultural history and our theological conclusions all "at the door" and approach the Scripture seeking God's wisdom.

God's wisdom is promised to us. [James 1:5] That wisdom is found in the Scripture, the Word that can and will save us. [James 1:21]

We find ourselves in a world of intense religious division, even to the point of open warfare between "believers." Among many examples, Protestants and Catholics for instance, have been killing each other in Northern Ireland since the English sought to "pacify" Ireland with forced resettlement of the ruthlessly defeated Scotts in the mid 18th century.

Here in America, we have instead of encouraging the unity of believers; have celebrated and encouraged religious disunity in the name of pluralism, individualism and tolerance.

"Attend the church or synagogue of YOUR choice this week end," is the mantra prominently displayed on the backs of trucks and on billboards all over our country. BUT....what does GOD want?

We believe that God wants us all to be one in Christ and that there be; "....no divisions among (us)." [I Cor. 1:10] To the best of our knowledge,
denominationalism first arose in Corinth, Greece in the 1st century and Satan has been using it ever since. What Paul condemned in Corinth has been applauded in America.

Paul tells us that these Christians had "denominated" themselves into separate groups and were in active division one from another. [I Cor.1:11-12] "Denominationalism" is defined by the American College Dictionary (Random House, 1963 edition) as; "...(a) sectarian sect or spirit or policy; the tendency to divide into denominations or sects." There were at least four "Christian" denominations at that time in Corinth. One of these denominations espoused Paul himself as their champion but Paul strongly condemned this sentiment by asking three powerful rhetorical questions. "Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?" [I Cor. 1:13] The implied answer: "No, Christ is not divided, Paul was not crucified for anyone and you were not baptized into Paul's name!" In addition, there was serious moral failure, socio-economic divisions and a theological rupture over spiritual gifts. Paul took strong issue with all attempts to divide among the various congregations he wrote to. Never once did Paul tell anyone to "denominate" or to separate themselves when division arose. In fact he, for emphasis sake, redundantly stated to the church in Galatia that if even "...we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed." [Gal. 1:6-8] Paul often saved some of his strongest statements in defense of unity. [Romans 16:17-18] Christ founded but one church (singular). [Matt. 16:18] Christ died for but one church (singular). [Eph. 5:25] Only one church (singular) was established on the Day of Pentecost. [Acts 2:41] Denominationalism and division can easily be a thing of the past simply by returning to the church we read of in the New Testament. Only by turning to the Word as the standard by which Truth is defined can the unity for which our Lord prayed for in John 17 be achieved.

"Attending the church or synagogue of your choice" may be very American, but is not biblical. Christ died for, founded and sustains ONLY ONE church...HIS church, the church of Christ. The church of Christ is NOT a denomination.

What Does the Bible Teach Regarding Salvation?

The evangelical Christian community in America has in the last three decades achieved a semblance of unity regarding the question of salvation. To summarize [synopsis mine] this "unity" in the most general of terms:

"Salvation is by grace/faith/belief alone upon the request of the believing and repentant sinner for Jesus to enter into his/her heart. This takes place once the believer recites his/her preferred version of "the sinner's prayer." It is believed that this process results in a personal relationship with one's Savior thus rendering eternal salvation."

Again, however, we must ask the question; "Is this conclusion biblical?" And.....again...... "what does the Lord say?" There is no example of a "sinner's prayer" in the Scriptures! The concept is based upon a misinterpretation of Revelation 4:20 where Jesus is described as one who is knocking on the door of the heart asking for entry at the request of the one who is already present. Unfortunately for many people who have believed on the "sinner's prayer" teaching, Jesus was NOT speaking to NON-CHRISTIANS in this passage. He was speaking to unfaithful Christians who were "lukewarm" in their faith and were about to be "spewn out" since they were neither cold nor hot. If Jesus did not institute the "sinner's prayer," just HOW do we obtain the free gift of salvation made possible 100% by the Grace of God? [Ephesians 2:8 & 9] Let's examine what the Scriptures say regarding salvation: Jesus Christ came "....to seek and save the lost." [Luke 19:10] He has "....the words of eternal life..." [John 6:68] Just what are those words? Jesus says that; "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should (emphasis mine) not perish, but have eternal life." [John 3:16] By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Paul says that faith (belief) without love is worthless. [I Cor. 13: 2] Jesus says that those who fail to obey His commands do not, in effect, love Him. [John 14:15] Jesus says that we must believe that He is the Son of God [John 8:24] He goes on to state that we must repent (reform, take a new direction) of all our past sins. [Luke 13:5] As did Jesus before Pilate, we must confess before others that Jesus is indeed the Son of God [Romans 10: 9 & 10] Finally, Jesus stated that; "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." [Mark 16:16] (Note that baptism is not required of those choosing condemnation! Non-believers are by definition those who are "... condemned already." [John 3:18] ) He also commanded that the apostles were to; "....go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." [Matt. 28:19-20a] It is clear that Jesus commands baptism from the time of the apostles to our day and time since we are the "them" that Jesus says should learn and obey "ALL THAT" He commanded the apostles. Simply put, those who love Christ and long to please him will happily be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins. Jesus prayed while on the cross that God would forgive his murderers. God did just that on the Day of Pentecost, not too many days hence, when those very same murderers cried out in response to the Gospel message; "...brothers, what shall we do?!" [Acts 2:37b] The answer for all time and eternity from the Day of Pentecost until the very day the Lord returns is this: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins...." [Acts 2:38a]

Nearly the entire American evangelical community is unified without question that one must believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God [John 8:24], that one must repent of all past sin [Luke 13:5] and confess said belief and repentance in some kind of public manner [Rom. 10:9-10].

Why then, does that same community reject the absolute necessity of baptism for the remission of sins as essential to eternal salvation?

Without going into the history of Protestant theology, it is assumed by many that baptism is a "work" and as such has no relationship to salvation. [Eph. 2: 8-9] And yes, we believe that baptism IS a work...... we believe it to be a work of GOD! [Col. 2:12 (Literal Greek per The R.S.V. Interlinear Greek-English New Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, Fourth Printing, 1972: "..co-buried with Him in the baptism in whom also you were co-raised through the faith of (in) the operation of God (emphasis mine) raising Him from (the) dead.")] We believe that God's saving work is done at the time and place of one's baptism.

Not only is baptism a work of God, baptism is the result of an responsive belief. Belief, like baptism, is a work of God!

The inspired apostle John writes in his gospel quoting Jesus Christ in his response to a question; "...What must we do, to be doing the works of God? Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom he has sent." [John 6:28b -- 29] A "belief" that does NOT include baptism is NOT a responsive or saving belief! We do the submission and God does the work! Speaking logically for arguments sake, "IF" baptism is a "work" in the Ephesians 2:8 - 9 model, would not any other form of salvation process be an equal or even greater "work?" We would suggest that "praying through" at the "altar" is much more "work" than closing one's eyes, falling limp into the hands of another and submitting to Christ's will in the "watery grave of baptism!" We believe that along with belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, repentance of past sins and public confession of the name of Jesus Christ, baptism is the only proper response to God's free gift of salvation, an "...appeal to God for a good conscience." [I Pet. 3:21] The inverse is just as true; the appeal of a "bad conscience towards God" would be a neglect of baptism. We believe that immersion (sprinkling for "baptism" was unknown for hundreds of years after the church was established {the Roman Catholic church did not officially endorse sprinkling until the Council of Ravenna in 1311} and one can still see massive immersion pools in many of the older cathedrals of Europe) for the remission of sins is no more a "work" than hearing and pondering over the Word of God, believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who was killed-buried-and rose again the third day and confessing that most Holy of names among witnesses. Please know that we do not believe that baptism is "more" important than hearing, believing, repenting and confessing.......I just have dwelt upon baptism more since it is the prominent obstacle to unity between us concerning salvation. One final note on the subject; baptism by mode is ONLY immersion.

The word "baptism" [noun] comes from the Greek word "baptisma" meaning; "...baptism, consisting of the processes of immersion, submersion and emergence of...." The word "baptize" [verb] is ".....primarily a frequentative form of "bapto," to dip, was used among the Greeks to signify the dyeing of a garment or the drawing of water by dipping a vessel into another, etc." Vine, W. E. Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words. Old Tappan, New Jersey: Fleming H. Revell Company, Seventeenth Impression, 1966.

The final change from "immerse" to "baptize" came in 1622 when the self-identified Church of England replaced immersion with sprinkling for “baptism.” Some have supposed that the word “baptize” was transliterated from the Greek into Elizabethan English in order to placate the sentiments of King James. However, the words “baptize / baptism” always meant “immerse” in the English language as far back as the Norman invasion in the 11th century. For more documentation on this matter, go to: http://traces-of-the-kingdom.org.

What Does The Bible Teach Regarding Worship?

We believe that additions and subtractions from God's Word, no matter how well meaning, are presumptuous at best. Unknown in 1st century church worship were clerical robes, mandated uniform liturgy, candles [except for lighting], incense, iconoclastic art veneration, mechanical instruments of music, special "holy days" celebrations for Christmas & Easter, extra congregational government and extra biblical creeds. We believe that worship should replicate, as closely as possible, the worship practices we read about in the New Testament.

Additions and changes to worship that have come down to us through the centuries via religious tradition take us down a slippery slope. Biblical worship is God centered, evokes proper emotion towards Him and is based upon revealed truth.

We read in John 4:23b, 24 that; "....true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers that the Father seeks. God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth." God seeks us to worship and we joyfully do so. But, how do we obtain the knowledge of what to do and how to do it? As noted previously, Jesus states in John 17:17 that God's Word is truth. Peter, by inspiration, reveals that "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us....." [II Peter 1:3] In short, everything we need to know concerning worship has been revealed in God's Word and awaits our discovery. The "acts" and the "words" of the apostles carried down to us through the centuries by the Word are our pattern and blueprint for worship today.

Far too often, modern day worship is ever changing, subjectively self-focused, and directed by clergy.

When we strip away centuries of religious tradition, we find that
worship in New Testament times was simple, God focused and "clergy" free.
We believe that there is a balance in worship between emotion and reason. While discussing the subject of speaking in tongues in the public worship, Paul illustrates this principle in I Corinthians 14:15, "......I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind."

Too much emotion in worship soon evolves into entertainment and too little soon sends the worshipper into legalism.

Upon opening the Word, we find that the first century church met on the first day of every week. [Acts 20:7] When gathered together as the Body of Christ, there was the observance of the Lord's Supper [I Corinthians 11:23-36], praise to God in song [Colossians 3:16], prayer [Colossians 3:16], public reading of the Scriptures [I Timothy 4:13], preaching [Acts 20:7] and a cheerful setting aside of one's God given wealth. [I Corinthians 16:2] We believe that if we do these things as did the apostles along with the 1st Century church, our worship will be pleasing to God. It is our belief that if we were to attempt an "improvement" of worship by pragmatism, experimentation and outright change, we run the risk of having our worship rejected by God as was Cain's in the long ago. [Gen. 4:5]

What Does The Bible Teach Regarding Congregational Leadership?

Consistent with how we believe on other matters already mentioned, how and by whom the church is guided is founded upon the Word as opposed to our feelings and opinions.

In the first century church, there was no such thing as a "clergy." There was no such thing as a "laity." These are extrabiblical concepts that came into play long after the church was established.

The Word teaches that ALL of us are a part of a "priesthood of all believers." [I Peter 2:9] Unlike the Mosaical covenant, the 1st century church had no "priest." In the Christian age each person is his or her own "priest" and can approach, pray to and worship God without a 3rd party go-between. In other words there is no need for a modern day "ordained person," "father" or "reverend" to "facilitate" our connection to God. We believe that the insertion of "clergy" between God and people is from man. Other than the apostles, the only guidance the infant church had was what we call the "eldership." The eldership consists of a plurality of men who "shepherd" and "pastor" the congregation as far as spiritual matters go. The apostle Peter tells us that elders, and he identifies himself as one, should "shepherd," "care" and "oversee" the congregation which he refers to as the "flock." [I Peter 5:1-4] The Word also refers to these men as "bishops" and "presbyters." Since the eldership is primarily focused on the spiritual well being of the congregation, the assistance of whom the Scriptures refer to as "deacons" is essential to serve the congregation in day-to-day matters such as benevolence and various housekeeping duties. The qualities these men who serve the congregation should have are given by inspiration in two places, I Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9. Not because we chose it this way, but because God did, all elders and all deacons must be men [men married to only one wife] and women are not to take a leading public role in teaching or worship. By so stating, does Paul say men are superior to women? No. Is Paul a sexist? No. The Word clearly states that the souls of both men and women are equally valuable, saying that "There is neither.....male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." [Galatians 3:28] The Scriptures reveal that God respects no person above another, for Peter says; "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism." [Acts 10:34].

Though each soul is equal in value in God's sight, He has given different roles to men and women.

My conclusion follows:

Thank you for prayerfully considering what has been said regarding Unity in Christ, Salvation, Worship, and Congregational Leadership. Please critically compare the above in the light of the Scriptures. Should you conclude, as did I, that Jesus is the Christ -- The Son of the living God, it is now YOUR opportunity to come to that same.....Conclusion:

"....here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." Ecclesiastes 12:13

My conclusion, as I pray yours will be, was to repent of my sins, confess the Name of Christ in the presence of others and was immersed for the forgiveness of my sins. I then arose, as will you, to a new life as God Himself added me to the church of Christ in which I now live and worship in accordance with His Word.

Won't you join us in study and worship next Lord's Day with the church of Christ? God will be glorified and we would be honored by your presence!

How Did You Cast Your Vote in Early Voting?

Unlike in years past, millions of Americans are "voting early." Instead of waiting for election day, people can simply drop by their local library and cast their vote at their convenience for a couple of weeks prior to the general election. Pretty convenient AND a good way to avoid long lines in November.

There is, however, another election that Christians participate in several times every week. The process is simple, easy and quick. We all "vote" yea or nay on whether we assemble with the saints...or not. If you are reading this on Lord's Day morning, did you vote to attend Bible study earlier...or not? How will you cast your vote regarding attending this evening's worship? That election is going on as we speak, the jury is still out. Yea or nay? What about Wednesday Bible Study? What about our next fellowship opportunity? How did you vote in regards to your congregations last gospel meeting? How do you vote regarding various other Bible studies offered by others?

Do we use the same criteria to decide if we come home every night...or not, attend holiday functions with our extended families...or not and mark family birthdays and anniversaries...or not? Do you vote to not attend vacation time with your spouse or children? How about your job? Do you vote to come and go as you please?

Voting is all about our priorities. The priority of every Christian is to go to heaven and influence others to go with us. As a parent or a spouse, unlike political elections, when we vote to not attend the assembly of the saints, we not only vote for ourselves...we vote for our children as well. If the parents are absent, so are the children! What life lesson is then learned? How will this shape THIER priorities in years to come?

Noting the fact that there are times in our lives that we cannot be at the assembly, there are also many times when we are not hindered. People become ill, they have to go out of town and have to work. But there is most of the time when people are well, they are in town and they don't have to work. Do we still stay away? Do we vote to be absent for sports, naps, TV, golf, etc. or just plain indifference? Some, of course, can't drive when it's dark. If that's the case just ask the deacons at your congregation to find a volunteer to pick you up...there are many who would love to do so! Only God and you know why you vote the way you do. No one is your judge but Christ.

When we are absent from the assembly, not only do we miss out on all God's spiritual blessings, we deny others the encouragement they would otherwise receive by your presence. Let's consider the Scripture the next time "early voting" comes up!

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. - Hebrews 10:23 - 25 (ESV)

When we vote TO attend the assembly of the saints:

We hold fast the confession of our hope
We do not waver
We assert the faithfulness of God
We stir up others to love
We stir up others to good words
We do not neglect meeting together
We do not participate in others bad habits of neglect
We encourage one another

Remember that God is seeking us to worship Him in spirit and in truth! [John 4:24] When we neglect the assembly we deny God what He is seeking. Your hand is on the lever, which way will you pull it?

For a FREE Bible study - e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

OMG - The Careless Prayer

One of the most popular TV shows of the 1980's was "Magnum PI." Though entertaining and engaging, it was disturbing as well on one particular point. A principal character, Higgins, popularized the taking of the Lord's Name in vain by uttering several times a show; "Oh my G_______!" Since that time, Americans have adoopted this blasphemey as perhaps the most popular slang expression in our country.

So popular, in fact, even the abbreviation of blasphemey is gaining ever increasing popularity as well. Anytime the letters "OMG" appear blasphemey is taking place, though few realize it.

There are two issues here. First and foremost, the Name of God is holy and must be respected in the extreme. Paul tells us in I Corinthians 10 the the things "written aforetime" were written for our "warning," for our "learning" and for our "instruction."

1. Leviticus 21:6a - "...they shall be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God..."
2. Ezekiel 39:25b - "...I will be jealous for My holy name..."

There was a time when we referred to this kind of talk as "taking the Name of the Lord in vain." We should do so again!

The second issue is equally sobering. When one expresses the OMG slur what follows is...get this...A PRAYER. When one calls upon the holy Name of God, in either holiness or profanity, what follows the holy Name of God is a prayer, a request to God, for salvation or damnation. People may be solidifying their own damnation by profaning what is most holy...the Name of God.

The next time you need to make a point - don't drag the holy Name of God into it! As Jesus said; "Let your yea be yea and your nay, nay. Anything more is of the evil one." [Matthew 5:37]

Think twice the next time you speak to God!

For a FREE bible study, e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!