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Give Me Justice!

2013-03-15T15:32:00.000-05:00

Jesus was telling the people why they should always pray and not lose heart. A woman, in his story, cried out to the impatient, unrighteous judge for justice from her opponent. She kept praying until he relented and acted in her favor to provide that justice. He tired of listening to her incessant pleas. "Now," Jesus said, "will not God bring about justice for his elect who cry to Him day and night, and yet He is very patient with them" [an alternate reading in the NASB].

In other words, if vindication for the one appealing is what happens in a secular law court where the judge has no compassion, how kindly will God act in our favor, who are the ones he has actually chosen and the ones toward whom He has loving patience?

Jesus ends with this: "I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:1-8)

All of this has to do with appeals for justice. We see this kind of appeal going on in heaven when martyrs cry out to God asking for the right thing to be done on earth against those who persecuted them. "O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" (Rev 6:10) They did not want to do the judging themselves, but they expected God to do it. "Vengeance is mine" says the Lord, not the believers.

Should we cry out for justice? Do we need to be vindicated? Paul is fond of repeating the words of Isaiah, "He who believes in Him will not be disappointed"(Rom 10:11; Isa 28:16). The word "disappointed" may well be translated "ashamed" or "put to shame." Paul seems to use this sentence to describe our relation to God. In other words, as a man trusts in what Christ has done for him, he is going to be declared to be right in the heavenly court.

But in this parable, it is said that those who cry out to Him will not only be justified before God, but justified before men. God will vindicate them before their enemies. We cry out when we are treated unjustly because we know that it matters that the name of God's children and the cause of Christ will be proven to be right before men. "Wisdom WILL be known by her children."

If He does not vindicate us before men immediately, then He nonetheless will do it quickly when He comes. He will prove Himself right, and all His children--His peculiar people--will be vindicated in one decisive moment.

But, will he find faith on earth? Will there be people who trust Him after long years of persecution and injustice? That's the question we must consider.

Something Like Hell

2012-08-21T11:07:00.000-05:00

by Jim Elliff

I saw a horrible site yesterday at the coffee shop while discussing the Bible with a friend. A man, obviously in an advanced stage of dementia, gnashed his teeth, shook violently in anger, cringed with fear. I'm often moved by the plight of mental anguish. My mother died of Alzheimers. We cannot always tell which direction dementia will take. Will it turn a person angry or will he be docile?

So, with respect, and with no knowledge at all of this man's eternal state, I want to share with you the alarming thought that I had when seeing him. I thought of the awfulness of hell where, according to Jesus, men writhe in agony, tossed back and forth between their own insidious fear and unstoppable rage. I longed for people to be converted to Christ, to escape a world where "their worm [likely their conscience] does not die." Only in Christ will you escape hell's horrors. And, if you think I am too dramatic, consider that Christ himself warned us with vivid depictions of hell's agonies. If you are casually walking along the lip of hell, please think again about what's ahead.

Pih, the Splendid Servant of China's Moody

2012-05-24T13:16:00.000-05:00

by Steve Burchett

Ting Li Mei was a preacher in China who was considered "China's Moody." He was interested in the missionary work of James Fraser to the Lisu in Western China, so he traveled with Fraser for several months. Fraser found a very dear brother in Ting, but he also greatly appreciated his assistant named Pih. Here's what Fraser wrote about Pih:

Pih is simply splendid . . . not much of a preacher, but a quiet, unassuming man of moderate education, willing to do just anything. Always there, when there is any drudgery or hard work to be tackled, he seems to find a way out of every difficulty, making things easier for everybody. You don't notice him much, but, like the boy's definition of salt as 'the thing that makes the porridge taste nasty when there isn't any, he is the kind of man who makes things difficult for you, when you haven't got him! (Mountain Rain: A New Biography of James O Fraser [Robesonia, PA: OMF Books, 1985], 153-154).

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 4:10-11)

Counting on Rising from the Grave

2012-02-22T16:19:00.000-06:00

by Jim Elliff

I've been reflecting some on the future, the new world, and the resurrection of the body. What will happen tonight when you sleep? Will you die? Can you say you know for sure what will happen? Thomas Watson said, "We are more sure of rising from the grave than we are of our beds."

The resurrection of Christ is the guarantee of your bodily resurrection. That experience, witnessed by the apostles, was so incredible that they made it the centerpiece of their story the rest of their days. But he is only the first fruits of the harvest, according to Paul. We are the rest of that harvest. We obtained a future resurrected body in the gift of salvation through Christ, and we can be sure it will happen.

Be encouraged by that truth as you rest tonight. Think, "If I do not rise tomorrow from my bed, I will certainly rise from the grave when Christ returns." "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord," Paul also taught us. Our souls will be in heaven when we die. But the resurrection of the body completes the gift of life to us. One day you "will be preserved, body, soul, and spirit" in the future world. Count on it if you are His child. Like the apostles before us, find courage in the fact of the resurrection.

The Beautiful Boy With Down Syndrome

2012-02-10T09:33:00.000-06:00

by Steve Burchett

A beautiful boy with Down Syndrome showed up this morning with his loving mom and grandma at the Panera Bread where I led a men's Bible study. His presence reminds me of this tragic statistic: About 90% of those who find out their child has Down Syndrome abort. That percentage is astonishing and saddening.

Even as I type this post, he's laughing and playing. He sometimes looks over and smiles at me. God, who is wise, good, and powerful, made him (Psalm 139:13-16). So he is valuable. He has worth. He is made in God's image. His life matters. He is a gift from God (Psalm 127:3). He deserves love, care, and respect, and he always did--even in the womb.

Raven Express

2012-02-08T11:41:00.000-06:00

by Jim Elliff

I've gotten encouragement this morning from a phrase showing up in the life of Elijah: "I have commanded the ravens to provide for you there" (1 Kings 17:4).

Jesus, hundreds of years later, tells us to consider the ravens: "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet YOUR heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?" (Mt. 6:26)

The ravens, who haven't worried one day about provision, were employed in Elijah's case as transports for His provision for the prophet. Elijah got his meals through Raven Express, delivered right to the door.

We have all the reason in the world to be confident that God is well aware of our needs and will meet them as we fully devote ourselves to Him. It sometimes amazes me that God is so personally tuned to our needs. He actually KNOWS them before we ask. And if He does not supply them at some point, it is only because He believes not supplying that moment is a higher need in our lives or need for the community of Christ.

It is YOUR heavenly Father that feeds the birds and can send the birds to supply your needs if He wishes.

When Pastors Aren't Able to Pastor

2012-01-25T09:53:00.000-06:00

by Jim Elliff

The church is medium-sized in attendance, yet, on paper the membership roll is even larger. Its solo pastor is a frustrated man. There are some good days, and certainly some fine people who encourage him, but he’s frustrated because the job God called him to do just cannot be done. He has many people to tend to, numbers of which are missing, and even those who are present are more than any average man could possibly care for—that is, really care for.

So, this good-hearted, spiritually-minded pastor lapses into frustration over his inability to do much more than put out fires. And there are plenty of those.

He tries to project the view that he is a true shepherd of all the people. He speaks in warm terms to those attending on Sundays, and to all of the people through the church’s regular publications. The website shows him as if he were the best friend and confidant of all the members, constantly attending to their spiritual growth, mentoring, guiding, and comforting. But the blurb under his photo is only a wish and not a reality. He actually is only able to pastor an inner core on that level—perhaps twenty to thirty, at most. He sometimes thinks that his loving words are no different than those of the TV preacher who looks into the camera and acts as if he is directly speaking to the listener as his dearest friend. He has become a pastor who is not able to pastor.

Across town is the fastest growing church. They are driven by entertainment, appealing music, and a large staff. Sometimes his members visit there, just out of curiosity or perhaps out of the need to have a little relief from the sedate experience they are used to. When a special event comes to the mega-church, perhaps several of his members attend, including his own children. It often adds to his frustration, though he would not say much about it.

The pastor of the mega-church expresses his love for the people also. In fact, he may be better at saying it than the pastor of the smaller church. His website portrays him in several photos and videos as a caring, magnanimous friend of the people, who all smile and love him.

Yet, if the truth were known, the fast-growing church has more of a pastor/people gap than the smaller church. And in that church even a higher percentage of the people do not attend. It is not necessarily because the large church pastor is any more or less interested in shepherding people. He can hardly be blamed for the fact that people love to hear him speak and that his staff is able to carry out programs that attract. Yet, behind the scenes, the larger church pastor is often frustrated as well. As he reads the Bible, he sees that there is much he is not doing that God requires of him. He gets accolades from the people, more than the first pastor, but before God he often feels he’s a failure—and that the size of his church only amplifies his failings.

What can be done?

Perhaps the problem here is not in the pastors themselves, but in the structure of the churches. They are designed for pastoral separation from the people, and all the more so as they grow. The solutions would have much to do with multiplying pastors, decentralizing, and dividing the church into pastoral units, not in a corporate business way, but into true manageable cells led by qualified men. The early church did this naturally, by multiplying house churches. But that solution may never come, if it is even envisioned by these men and their churches. Suppose the macro-solution then is not possible. What else could be done? Especially, what could be done by you, the person who needs a pastor for your own spiritual well-being and growth?

Here are some ways you can help overcome the pastor/member gap:

1. Work harder at knowing your pastor. If he is not able, due to time, to pour his life into you in a personal way, don’t just give up and remain distant. Men, invite him to your home, take him out to lunch, become his encourager. He will, in turn, carry on a certain level of mentorship just because it is in his spiritual genes to do so. Women, this first point will not work as well for you for obvious reasons if you are single or your husband does not attend, yet remaining as appropriately friendly as possible is always an improvement.

2. Build relationships with others who have potential to increase your faith and improve your walk with God. Perhaps there is a man and his wife in the church who would be on the pastoral team if such a team existed. Seek to draw out spiritual help and understanding of Scripture from them, and reciprocate by encouraging them and serving them in practical ways.

3. Take on a discipleship role yourself. Look around to see who could be helped by your ministry to them. Approach them on a friendship level. Then after getting together, depending on how well you work with each other, figure out a way to be together regularly for Bible study and prayer, even if all you can do is read the Bible, comment and pray.

4. Take on some of the difficult people of the church and seek to meet their needs. In churches, it is often the case that just one person demands almost all the pastor’s time that is available. And when he is not around, the pastor’s wife may have the privilege. Share that load with your pastor. Talk with him to see if he has suggestions as to how you can free him by helping out.

5. Finally, offer your services to your pastor personally. Both men and women may be helpful in appropriate ways. Ask him how you may serve him in extending his care for others. It might mean making hospital visits, checking on widows, phoning members, or making contact with guests who’ve come to visit the church.

If only a few church members live out some or all of the above suggestions—perhaps if even one does it—significant improvement will be made in the church you love.

Copyright © 2011 Jim Elliff
Christian Communicators Worldwide, Inc.
Permission granted for not-for-sale reproduction in unedited form
including author's name, title, complete content, copyright and weblink.
Other uses require written permission.

www.CCWtoday.org

Qualifications and Duties of an Elder

2012-01-04T15:18:00.000-06:00

The following is a list of the biblical qualifications that an elder must possess. No elder will be a perfect man, but if he is clearly and persistently lacking in any of these qualities, he cannot serve in the church as an elder. An elder must be:

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Seven Ways to Get Smart About Kids' Toys this Christmas

2011-11-30T11:24:00.001-06:00

by Steve Burchett and Jim Elliff

If you have plastic up to your gills, or if you want to be more frugal about gifts, or even if you enjoy using what God has given you in a redeeming way, you may appreciate these ideas this Christmas:

1. Gather up as many bags of used toys as possible to put into circulation. Relatives or a church friend might need some of your toys for their younger children. Local organizations like foster care associations, rescue missions, or pregnancy resource centers are often receiving slightly used toys to give away to needy children. Perhaps you can do this: Let each child select and keep one box of toys and one additional “big item,” like a doll-house or an indoor plastic basketball goal, then give the rest away. Kids can get used to doing this right after or right before Thanksgiving each year. It could become part of the Christmas experience.

2. Teach your kids that used items are just as fun as new items. There really is little use in having to buy new items for children when you could provide them with better toys for less money by shopping at thrift stores and garage sales, or by swapping out with other parents. Kids really don’t mind this. The only thing that can spoil this is creating lust in children by exposing them to too many advertisements. The toy manufacturers know just how to appeal to kids.

3. How about doing some internal recycling sometime around Christmas? Try grouping the kids’ toys into boxes and storing them. Each month (or whenever you think appropriate), rotate in a new box of old toys and temporarily retire the ones the kids have just been using. You will only need about three or four boxes for this. This will make old toys more interesting and appreciated. Perhaps you could ask the kids to select a boxful of toys for now, before Christmas, then, after they have played with their new Christmas toys awhile, do a good job of separating all their toys for the rest of the year. The kids could help you sort them.

4. Parents could have a gathering with other parents in the church for a toy exchange. Each family could bring a box full of toys (or more), and swap toys for a whole “new” set that could then be wrapped and given to their children. Bring toys that are nice enough to pass on.

5. Instead of having “gift exchanges” where each child brings a brand new gift to give to another boy or girl (who may not like it), have a “new to you” gift exchange where each child brings a used toy (or even more!) to give away.

6. Have a “Christmas garage sale.” Involve the kids in the whole process, from cleaning the toys to setting up. It may be more enjoyable to move the sale out on your driveway. If it’s cold, be sure to have hot chocolate ready for the customers. The toys (and hot chocolate) could be free, or the kids could charge reasonable prices (cheap) for everything and use the money they make to buy gifts for others in the family. Or, the kids may be encouraged to give the money they make to help children somewhere in the world who have much less. You may enjoy doing this Christmas garage sale with other families in your church and/or neighborhood. This may be a strategic way to meet or reconnect with neighbors.

7. Along with collecting food items to give to a needy family in your church or community, also include age-appropriate toys. Let your children pick out several from their own collection that they think will be especially enjoyed.

Ultimately we want to promote and provide a context for the exercise of the selflessness which can only be found in people who know Christ. Some kids especially need work in this area because of years of over-stimulation and childlike self-centeredness. In many countries of the world, children have only a couple of toys (maybe handmade). Though we should enjoy what we have, doing as much as possible to make kids grateful is a really important parental task. It is one that is not easy and demands prayer and careful planning, over time.

If our children are truly followers of Christ, they will enjoy the encouragements to think in God-honoring ways about their toys. If they are not, these ideas will provide many opportunities to preach the gospel to them. For example, as we teach them about giving up their toys for the temporary joy of others, we will be able to speak about the Christ who gave His life for the eternal joy of His people. And God may even use the sinful struggles your children have with some of the ideas above to convict them of their sin and their need of the Savior. These seven ideas will matter most if parents connect them to the gospel.

Copyright © 2009 Jim Elliff and Steve Burchett
Christian Communicators Worldwide, Inc.
Permission granted for not-for-sale reproduction in unedited form
including author's name, title, complete content, copyright and weblink.
Other uses require written permission.

www.CCWtoday.org

The Soils Booklet

2011-11-16T13:01:00.001-06:00

New Item for Evangelism!

This is a strikingly beautiful, colorful, 12 page booklet (4"x6") displaying Jesus' parable of the soils from Matthew 13. We used thick cover stock throughout for a quality feel. It ends with a simple challenge that will help the reader to discover how he listens to Christ's word.

We will sell this booklet only in 10 packs and 100 packs, 10 pack for just $6.00 (includes shipping) or 100 booklets for just $50 (includes shipping). We believe this tract has many uses. How about enclosing them in your Christmas cards?

See the entire booklet here: The Soils

Our Plan for Handling Church Finances

2011-11-09T14:33:00.000-06:00

by Christ Fellowship Elders

The elders of Christ Fellowship spent several weeks studying the subject of church finances. Our desire was to honor God by following the leadership of the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ. We focused on numerous passages of Scripture in an attempt to properly understand more of what the Bible teaches on this subject. While we did not conclude that we had been disobedient to God in the way we had handled church finances previously, our study did provide us with a better understanding of what the Scriptures say about this important topic. As a result, we implemented a few strategic changes in our church regarding the overall handling of money. We want to share these with you.

First, the pastors recognized that there are four primary areas where all believers are responsible when it comes to giving:

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Knowing You're In

2011-10-19T14:06:00.000-05:00

by Jim Elliff

There was a troubled look on the student's face as I finished my talk. "I believe that Christ is who He says He is," he stated, "but I just don't know if I am really a Christian. What if I'm deceiving myself?"
The question is a reasonable. After all, God put up a huge billboard in 1 Corinthians 6:9 that says, "DO NOT BE DECEIVED!"

So, how do you know you're a Christian?

First be sure that you understand the basics. Do you believe that Jesus is God? Do you believe that He came to the earth to deliver sinful people from the consequences and power of their sin? Do you believe that Christ lived a perfect life and then died on the cross to pay the penalty that you deserved to pay before a holy God?

Do you believe that He was raised from the dead and has overcome the power of sin and death? And have you, to the best of your knowledge, placed your entire trust in Christ alone as your only way of salvation? Have you rejected the selfish life you have now come to despise? Then you have the basics and may well be a true believer.

In addition to all this, God says that He has given you His Holy Spirit to help you know for sure that you are in the family and truly forgiven. He says, "By this we know that we abide in Him, because He has given us of His Spirit." 1 John 3:13

God says in Ephesians 1:13-14 that the Holy Spirit is a "deposit guaranteeing the future inheritance." Like the down-payment on a car or house or college education, the Holy Spirit in you is a pledge that the future with Him will be there as He promised. And this deposit of the Spirit is placed in you by the One who cannot lie.
The Holy Spirit helps you know you're an authentic Christian in two ways. First, the Bible says that He produces "fruit" in us.

It's a preposterous idea, but just imagine Michael Jordan (the pre-comeback Jordan) inside your skin when you shoot hoops. You look like you've always looked on the outside, but something is coming out of you that nobody has seen there before.

When Christ enters the life through the Holy Spirit, He makes you noticeably different. This word "fruit" is just a way of saying that Christ in you is now working through your own personality in some unique and powerful ways.

When I lived in Orlando, I grew some orange trees in my back yard. They were pitiful and the fruit was, well…not so appetizing. But I could tell I had an orange tree and not a pecan tree. A tree is known by its fruit; even if it is not perfect fruit.

In Galatians 5: 22-23, the Bible describes the fruit of the Holy Spirit as "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Notice that the first fruit is love. Though you cannot see it clearly in our English translations, the passage actually implies that the entire cluster of fruit is about love in its many forms. A true Christian loves others, and shows that love by his acts of kindness, goodness, patience, and respect toward them. It is a giving and forgiving kind of love—even toward parents, teachers, athletic opponents, and enemies.

Love is no small matter. Actually, it is the most often repeated indicator that a person is a true Christian. For instance, in 1 John 4: 7-8 the Bible says, "Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."

Do you have this God-given love for others? If so, you have reason to believe that you are a true Christian. But if there is no fruit of love, then you have good reason to believe that you are not yet a true child of God. The fruit tells the truth.

But there is a second way that the Holy Spirit helps us know we are in. In Romans 8: 15 we read that the Spirit causes us to "cry out, 'Abba, Father.'" The word, "Abba" is like "daddy." This means that the Spirit inside of true Christians is the One that causes us to want to be with God, to know Him well, and to talk to Him as our Father.

In John 3:19-20, Jesus said that non-believers actually run from the Light. But when the Spirit comes you have new desires. You want to know God and to communicate with Him like you do with someone you really care about.

If you have this desire to love God, you ought to be encouraged that you are in the family. But if you can remain apathetic over a long period of time, you have good reason to question if you are a true Christian.

Apathy, in fact, is just the quiet form of rebellion.

It is not unusual for you to have doubts from time to time, especially when you are weak in your faith. But when you have those doubts you should be serious about finding out the truth. Too much is at stake.
As a friend of mine said, "Doubts never send anyone to hell, but deception always does."

Copyright © 2001 Jim Elliff
Christian Communicators Worldwide, Inc.
Permission granted for not-for-sale reproduction in unedited form
including author's name, title, complete content, copyright and weblink.
Other uses require written permission.

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Hearing Aids for Believers

2011-10-10T17:12:00.000-05:00

by Jim Elliff

Let's face it-sometimes it is hard to get much out of the sermon or teaching you receive in your church. While some of the blame often lies at the feet of the presenter, it is still the obligation of the listener to scratch for something nourishing for the soul.

Here are some hearing aids:

1. Sleep more. Not during the meeting, of course, but the night before. This takes some planning. It is especially difficult with youth, who use Saturday night as an opportunity to stay up as late as possible.

2. Take notes. Buy a small notebook with a sturdy back, and don't forget to bring a pen or pencil. Your notes may be imperfect, but they do help a sluggish mind. Don't let your note taking make the session purely academic. Sermons are to be "experienced." I like to put the subject in a circle in the middle of the page and draw lines out from the circle to other points, etc. But everyone has their own style.

3. Bring your Bible. It is difficult to follow the preacher's line of thought when you don't have the whole text of his message, including the surrounding context, in front of you. Pew Bibles are sometimes useful, but using your own Bible means that you can underline as you need to, and write notes in the margin.

4. Sit closer. Almost without exception, the best listeners are in the front. There are some valid reasons to be in the back, needless to say, but it is usually true that sitting in the back impedes our listening.

5. Minimize distractions. If you are sitting where there is a lot of movement around you, find a better place. If your kids are noisy and seek your attention, then "divide and conquer" by asking a relative or friend to sit with you. Prepare a way for the little ones to "draw" what they are learning from the sermon. And make sure they go to the bathroom prior to the meeting. Nothing breaks concentration, for listeners as well as the preacher, like the Sunday shuffle to the restroom.

6. Ask questions. In a typical session, this will likely have to be done following the meeting. For instance, you might ask: "Pastor, I did not understand what you meant by the phrase 'sanctification is by faith.' Would you please explain that again to me?"

7. Discuss the problem. Express to a pastor or leader that you are having trouble listening and would like to improve. Ask for suggestions. Perhaps this will cause the leader to be alert to your need and to improve communication, or you might discover some better way to connect to his style of speaking.

Some people sleep each and every time the Word is preached. The preacher opens his Bible; the member closes his eyes—every time! Others don't sleep, but they have nomadic minds and never concentrate. Years of this will leave you spiritually destitute. There has never been a truly spiritual person who could not somehow lock his or her mind on the truth.

Jesus said, "Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him" (Luke 8:18).

In other words, if you do not "take heed how you listen" even what you seem to have in terms of understanding will be taken away from you, revealing that you never truly understood or knew God at all.

One person hears all he can and, though it might not be all he would like, it still makes him stronger. The other person sleeps or mentally escapes and experiences spiritual atrophy or even eternal loss.

Nobody likes to be told, "Get a hearing aid." But I say, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" (Mt. 13:9).

Copyright © 2004
Christian Communicators Worldwide, Inc.
Permission granted for not-for-sale reproduction in unedited form
including author's name, title, complete content, copyright and weblink.
Other uses require written permission.

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Training Men

2011-08-31T16:14:00.002-05:00

[Below is an article written by the elders of Christ Fellowship on how we seek to develop men in our church. Our church is made up of several home congregations, each led by an elder. This provides a structure to mentor men that is natural and effective. In fact, it is our commitment to mentor every man in the church! If your church is not set up this way, you may find other ways to subdivide the church in order to train men. We hope you get some ideas from this article.]

The elders of Christ Fellowship believe that a relational approach to training men is superior to an institutional or programmatic method. We are committed to this concept because we see it so clearly demonstrated in our Master's training of His disciples and in the Apostle Paul's strategy with Timothy, Titus and a number of other men he led. For instance, Jesus chose men He wanted to be His disciples "so that they would be with Him, and that He could send them out to preach" (Mark 3:14). In this case, "preach" means to evangelize or herald the good news. The combination of "being with Christ" and having opportunity to evangelize under his supervision provided the perfect environment for spiritual growth. Therefore, at the heart of all that we do for Christian maturity and leadership development, we intend to promote loving and purposeful mentoring relationships between the men of the church and their elders. Every man who is a member will be involved on this level with his pastor.

The elders will help every man under their care to grow in six significant areas: character, knowledge, skills, enthusiasm, faith, and affection. Although there are other ways of analyzing development, these six items provide an excellent evaluative guide concerning key biblical qualities integral to Christian growth that will move men toward better leadership in the home, community and church.

If a man is strong in knowledge, yet weak in skills, his knowledge may never make much difference for the kingdom of God. Or, if a man has exceptional skills, yet lacks character, his efforts will consistently be undermined by his lifestyle. Or, if he has character without enthusiasm for carrying out God's will, he may be severely stunted in his ability to stimulate his family and friends to follow after Christ. Therefore, the elders will seek to develop these six areas of maturity concurrently and evenly in each man, with the intent of maximizing his effectiveness at every level of growth.

Emulating the method of Christ, the elders of Christ Fellowship are also committed to promoting experience as a teacher and trainer of men. Jesus "sent them out to preach." In other words, we want to foster the best environment possible for a man to exercise his gifts and leadership. When a man tries and fails, he will ask questions that are pertinent. He will desire good answers. He will listen, learn and apply.

With these two concepts in mind (relational mentoring and opportunity for experience), how does Christian growth and leadership development for men work out practically in our context?

First, the home congregation meeting itself is a seedbed for spiritual growth and improvement of leadership. For instance, the open session portion of our weekly meeting gives opportunity for men to speak out about Christ, the Scriptures and their life with God. Also, the willingness of our men to guide us in the Lord's Supper each week provides opportunity to grow in the formulation and expression of biblical messages. Some men will even be given opportunity to expound the Scriptures as the main teaching of the home congregation meeting. It goes without saying that the relaxed sharing of ideas and discussion of the Bible truths naturally taking place around the table during our meal time is perfect for spiritual growth in a variety of ways. Mature believers often find themselves instructing younger believers as an extension of these meetings.

Second, each elder will spend time with his men as a small group (or one on one as necessary) in a weekly mentoring time. Usually these meetings take place early in the morning before work. Most of the time, a book of the Bible is studied, or a theological book read, with the underlying purpose of training and maturing the men. In these meetings problem issues may be shared, challenges given, prayers offered, and questions discussed in such a way that life change is taking place. Because the elders are intent upon knowing each of their men well, and are motivated to bring them to spiritual maturity and into the use of their spiritual gifts, these meetings take on a personal tone saturated with pastoral care. The pastors and men who enjoy this close relationship will be together in other informal ways as a natural outgrowth of such commitment to each other. We believe it is essential for each man to be part of such a relationship with other men and his elder.

Additional gatherings of men are provided in order to train, encourage and instruct. For instance, a men's Bible study takes place weekly in six to eight week blocks throughout the year. This is for all the men of the various congregations. The "open home-open heart" hospitality of the church affords men further learning experiences. A yearly retreat, trips to conferences, work outings for the members, and other special gatherings promote growth as well.

Eldership and other vocational opportunities

Through mentoring relationships, the elders come to know their flock well. They become familiar with the inner life, struggles, interests, qualifications, weaknesses, and desires of each man. When the need arises and certain men known to the elders are ready, qualified, and motivated to serve as fellow pastors, the elders will seek to prepare them in whatever way is necessary. Some men may also be ready for service as deacons, missionaries, or evangelistic laborers. The men are encouraged to talk about their desires with their elders. The elders themselves are seeking to know God's will about potential leaders as a regular part of their work for the church. Not every man is ready immediately to lead just because he senses the desire. The church has a plan for choosing and installing elders (and deacons) outlined in other documents.

Sometimes men from either within or outside of our church will be asked if they are willing to be considered as potential elders. These men will already have pastoral skills, spiritual gifts, and maturity that the elder team considers beneficial for our church. Careful evaluation of the six characteristics of mature leaders and a comprehensive look at the biblical qualifications will be part of the process for discovering God's will for these men. The elders will spend extra time with them to help them understand the church and its characteristics. When ready, these men will assume the role of a designated leader of a home congregation. After some time of leading in this way, they will be ready for our process for approving and installing elders. This process will serve as a final check on determining the Lord's will for the church and for them. If approved, they will take on the full pastoral responsibility that was originally intended for them.

Internship

On occasion, some men from outside our church may move to our area for the purpose of internship with our elders. These men come at their own expense to be part of the life of the church. Their involvement with us does not guarantee that they will be invited to be leaders in our church after the internship is over. Other interns will arise from within our church. Internship is limited to men who are hopeful of future pastoral or missionary service, regardless of where they may eventually labor.

Our plan for interns will be the same as for all the men, mentoring by the elders and opportunity to exercise gifts and graces God has given. In addition to these, the interns will be asked to interact with the elders in three ways: 1. They will be asked to interview elders individually about certain pastoral issues. 2. They will be invited to meetings to discuss pastoral issues with the elder team. 3. They will at times be asked to join in the elders' weekly meetings in order to get a feel for the kind of ministry we do. They will also be asked to participate in what we call "synagogue evangelism," that is, getting involved with religious groups in our community that do not have a clear understanding of the gospel. The elders may guide them into various disciplines, experiences, and ministries as needed to prepare them for their future.

Conclusion

The elders will discuss the strengths, weaknesses and possible plans of action for each man as a regular agenda item in their meetings in order to remain focused on the objective of building godly men and capable spiritual leaders. They will also seek to observe their own weaknesses and strengths in order to mature and grow in leadership.

To summarize, we intend to know the men well, to address their needs, aspirations and growth issues as an extension of authentic pastoral relationships, and to provide numerous opportunities for each man to grow by using his gifts and abilities both inside and outside our church.

Copyright © 2009 Christ Fellowship Elders
Christian Communicators Worldwide, Inc.
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Back to School for the Glory of God

2011-08-17T16:28:00.005-05:00

by Steve Burchett

When I was in school, summer vacation always went too fast. Somehow three months off felt like only three weeks, and suddenly I found myself standing in the school supplies aisle at Wal-Mart anticipating the beginning of another year.

As I reflect back on my schooling, I have many good memories of friendships, ballgames, and, yes, learning, but it could have been better. I became a follower of Christ when I was a freshman in high school, which did affect the kind of student (and athlete) I was, but if I could go back, I would be more intentional about glorifying God.

Consider three ways high school and college students can honor God in school. If you are homeschooling, pay special attention to the first section:

Don’t cheat.

Cheating comes in a variety of forms, such as copying another student’s work, or not giving proper credit in a paper or project (plagiarism). I had many classes in college that used an “honor system” concerning expected reading. The professor would assign a certain amount of pages, and we were required to turn in a sheet that explained if we did the reading. If we did not, we put the percentage that we did actually cover. This system could easily be abused.

What’s wrong with cheating? If you do, and it becomes known, your testimony for the Lord will suffer greatly. It will say to your teacher and fellow students, “The gospel that he preaches doesn’t make any difference. He’s just like the rest of us.”

Even if your cheating is known only to God, you are putting yourself in a dangerous position. In 1 Corinthians 6:9, Paul says, “The unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Students who are characterized by ungodliness are not Christians (even if they profess to be) and are drifting toward hell (cf. Revelation 21:8).

See each class as an opportunity to talk about the gospel.

God has purposes for placing us in our various classes—even the boring ones! One of those reasons is certainly to bring a Christian worldview into the class. If there is opportunity for discussion, share your Scripture-informed thoughts. This doesn’t always mean you must quote verses, but speak the truth.

Consider Paul’s approach in Acts 17:17-18 as a model:

So he was reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and in the market place every day with those who happened to be present. And also some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers were conversing with him.

Those in the synagogues and the market place had their own ideas about God and life, and Paul was compelled to enter into the discussion for the purpose of proclaiming Christ.

You may ask, “What if I don’t say things correctly.” You won’t always speak eloquently or with the theological precision you would prefer, but God is for you, and He may use even a single statement of yours to change somebody’s life. Even if the class has little or no discussion, engage people before and after for their eternal good.

Carry a Bible for free time.

The psalmist says, “Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). The Bible is of great value to the Christian. It is a light to his path (v. 105). Students benefit significantly by reading and thinking about it during down time. I have worked as a substitute teacher in six different public high schools, and I am certain about at least this: Students have lots of free time each day! Why not utilize it for good by reading the Bible?

Will people see you reading your Bible? Sure, but what’s wrong with that? You see unbelievers enjoying their favorite books or magazines, so why not let them see what you love? Perhaps it will lead to a discussion about the good news. You should ask God for that to happen. Even if it doesn’t, time spent with an open Bible is not wasted.

Copyright © 2010 Steve Burchett. Permission granted for reproduction in exact form. All other uses require written permission. Find more free articles at www.BulletinInserts.org, a ministry of Christian Communicators Worldwide: www.CCWtoday.org

When Nobody Misses You

2011-08-01T14:13:00.003-05:00

by Jim Elliff

Below is the obituary of 79 year old Dolores Aguilar, recorded in the Vallejo, California Times-Herald (August 16-17, 2008), submitted by one of her daughters:

Dolores Aguilar 1929 - Aug. 7, 2008-08-22

Dolores Aguilar, born in 1929 in New Mexico, left us on August 7, 2008. She will be met in the afterlife by her husband, Raymond, her son, Paul Jr., and daughter, Ruby. She is survived by her daughters Marietta, Mitzi, Stella, Beatrice, Virginia and Ramona, and son Billy; grandchildren, Donnelle, Joe, Mitzie, Maria, Mario, Marty, Tynette, Tania, Leta, Alexandria, Tommy, Billy, Mathew, Raymond, Kenny, Javier, Lisa, Ashlie and Michael; great-grandchildren, Brendan, Joseph, Karissa, Jacob, Delaney, Shawn, Cienna, Bailey, Christian, Andre Jr., Andrea, Keith, Saeed, Nujaymah, Salma, Merissa, Emily, Jayci, Isabella, Samantha and Emily. I apologize if I missed anyone.

Dolores had no hobbies, made no contribution to society and rarely shared a kind word or deed in her life. I speak for the majority of her family when I say her presence will not be missed by many, very few tears will be shed and there will be no lamenting over her passing. Her family will remember Dolores and amongst ourselves we will remember her in our own way, which were mostly sad and troubling times throughout the years. We may have some fond memories of her and perhaps we will think of those times too. But I truly believe at the end of the day ALL of us will really only miss what we never had, a good and kind mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. I hope she is finally at peace with herself.

As for the rest of us left behind, I hope this is the beginning of a time of healing and learning to be a family again. There will be no service, no prayers and no closure for the family she spent a lifetime tearing apart. We cannot come together in the end to see to it that her grandchildren and great-grandchildren can say their goodbyes. So I say here for all of us, GOOD BYE, MOM.¹

At various times in my life I have conducted funeral services attended by only a handful of family members. Although sometimes small attendance at funerals represents the fact that the deceased had outlived his or her family and friends, or that the closest friends lived far away, Dolores Aguilar was not in that category. She simply was not loved.

Will you be missed after you die?

Robert Murray McCheyene, pastor in Dundee, Scotland, and historic revival leader, was only 29 when he died. He used to say, "Live so as to be missed."² His biographer said, "None that saw the tears that were shed over his death have doubted that his own life had been what he recommended to others."

In the rural south, during the 50s when farmers served each other and community was all important, my grandmother Mollie Carter passed away. She was the Christian mother of 14 children. My own mother, her youngest daughter, told of the nearly thousand people attending her funeral. Even the blacksmith, with his long (usually snuff covered) beard was there, dressed in clean overalls, and a washed beard! Why did they come? "My mother was the kindest woman they knew. She was generous with all she had, and never said an ill word about anyone," reported my mother in her own words.

She lived so as to be missed.

Will you be missed when you die?

With Christ, an ugly life can be turned into a beautiful one. He can take the meanest of us and make us loving, kind and generous. He specialized in impossible, cantankerous people.

He can even change you.

_________________

^1. This obituary was validated as authentic by www.Snopes.com.

^2. Robert Murray M'Cheyne, Andrew Alexander Bonar, The Life and Remains of Robert Murray McCheyne (Robert Carter & Brothers, 1849), 147.

Copyright © 2008 Jim Elliff. Permission granted for reproduction in exact form. All other uses require written permission. Find more free articles at www.BulletinInserts.org, a ministry of Christian Communicators Worldwide: www.CCWtoday.org

What If Churches Started Churches?

2011-07-06T10:46:00.003-05:00

by Jim Elliff

I’ve been in some churches that should not take the advice I’m about to give. They are much too weak, or sinful, or distorted in their beliefs and practices to be in the business of starting anything. It would be better for them to concentrate on the simple things, like breathing good spiritual air or eating good biblical food.

But good churches should add “church starting” to the list of ingredients that define their health. In the same way that healthy families delight in having babies, healthy churches expect and relish birthing other churches.

Seven ways your church might start churches:

New churches may be started from scratch through the work of a church planter. This is the way it happened through Paul, the consummate church planter. Hopefully, each church will either raise up missionary church planters modeled after Paul, or at least support such people through their gifts. That’s number one.
We may also start churches by cell division. As a healthy church grows to a certain size, the church may pre-arrange a new church start in another part of town. Sending 50 or 100 people, or even several hundred, if the church is larger, can be a wise way to begin a new work.
Churches may also be started by training church planting teams within the local congregation who will then be sent to another location to begin a work starting with their own families. This team could be raised up from within the church, or the church could bring in interested leaders who would like to comprise the team.
A church may extend itself through house churches into neighboring towns or sections of a larger town. Often people drive long distances to attend a good church. At some point, these people could be involved in starting a remote congregation, meeting in a home or rented building. The pastor(s) of this new work may be on the pastoral team of the mother church permanently, or temporarily, depending on what God makes clear. The new work could participate with the larger work in some of its activities. If the new church is a house church network, it may begin cell-division as it grows, creating many house churches in the new area over the years.
Churches may be started through a multi-campus approach. Shared leadership and resources may either be a permanent or temporary part of the work. The new work may remain a part of the whole in a variety of ways, or may become an independent work when God directs.
Families may be asked to move to another town, changing jobs, in order to begin a new work. This is not a new idea, but has been done at various times in the history of the church.
You may renew a church that has become, for all practical purposes, unviable without outside help. People from the healthy church may be sent into the struggling assembly for its renewal.

Well, you get the idea. You must consider all the options you can think of, ask God for leadership, pay attention to the circumstances, and search the Scriptures to see what is the most biblical plan (there are strengths and weaknesses to each of the plans above) . . . but above all, you must plan and act. Get church planting into your church’s bloodstream.

From the start of every new work, develop a kingdom mindset that causes the new fellowship to prepare, from the beginning, to replicate itself rather than building a little kingdom of its own.

Christ said, “I will build my church.” Ultimately, this is all about His will. If you ask Him, however, I’m sure you will find that He is quite happy to include you in carrying out His master plan.

I once knew a couple who determined not to have babies. They did not have to make this decision for any physical reason, but just because they did not find babies very convenient. Now they are older. No one takes care of them, no one greets them at holidays, no one calls to share the various stages of life, no one is there to love and to be an object of love. They have not added to the number of believing families in the world through their offspring, nor demonstrated what physically normal families should do for others to emulate. Don’t let your church be like them.

Copyright © 2010 Jim Elliff
Christian Communicators Worldwide, Inc.
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Another Faithful Church Removes Deadbeat Members

2011-05-25T13:38:00.005-05:00

by Jim Elliff

At the end of a 4 year process, 1^st Baptist Church, Gonzales, Louisiana, removed the final 250 people from the rolls of the church who do not attend. Now the remaining attendees are the real members of the church. Not every church will need to spend so long at the process, admittedly, but I commend the patience of this traditional SBC church for arriving at their goal without alienating the church itself. Only two voted against the final stroke of the process.

Several years ago, when I was leading a similar church in Florida, I removed about 700 within months of arriving there. But my situation was entirely different. The church was desperate. When I interviewed I was able to say, “The church is in ICU and should concentrate on breathing and getting some nourishment.” Therefore, they were willing to cut out all programs and start over. This platform allowed me to clean up the rolls without much ado. Most churches aren’t like this.

Jim Law, the church’s teaching pastor, is thankful, along with his leaders, at the conclusion of this long but fruitful ordeal. When Jim first came to the church 17 years ago there were 1450 on the membership rolls, with 350 attending. Jim likes to quote James M. Boice who said, "We overestimate what we can do in five years and underestimate what we can in 20 by God's grace."

The church had a few trials along the way, including a threatened lawsuit in a clear discipline case, so he believes there is good reason to rejoice. No one is happy to think that so many people are showing not even the most rudimentary signs of being believers, yet, because the church rolls are purified, membership can now become much more meaningful and the church’s witness will no longer be diluted in the community. We can add to this that the individuals removed are not aided in their deception by their membership in the church. That’s good for them and loving for the church.

Years ago I discovered the same thing that the Gonzales church has seen—absenteeism is a sinister sin because it is often a cover for other kinds of disobedience. The church sought to recover their members in various ways before removing them. But along the way, many kinds of disobedience were seen.

Because they wanted clarity, they added a two-page church discipline section to their by-laws, and a statement about membership itself. The final stage of the removal process was done in a traditional church decision motion. Here is what they presented to the members:

MOTION FROM DEACON BODY AND PASTORAL STAFF

Background: For the last four years we have made a concerted effort to contact over 750 absentees on our Church membership role. Most of these on our list have not attended our Church’s gatherings in many years. We decided as a congregation in April of 2008 that non-attendance was not good for the member in question, for the church, and for the witness of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, in our teaching on this subject, we have noted the warning of Hebrews 10:25 which calls us to not “neglect the assembling of ourselves together.” We have also considered the impossibility of keeping our Church Covenant while not attending and participating in the life of the Church. In response to these concerns, we adopted the following bylaw to guide us as a Church with the issue of absenteeism:

4. Furthermore, the names of any members who have not attended a worship service or Bible study at First Baptist Church for a period of six months or longer may be removed from the membership rolls. The member in question will be contacted of the impending action that will be taken at the next regularly scheduled business meeting. The member may then be removed by a simple majority vote of the church at any regularly scheduled business meeting. However, consideration is given to members who are hindered from attending corporate worship and Bible study because of mitigating circumstances, such as military service, education, and personal health. (FBC Gonzales, Constitution and Bylaws, adopted April 2008)

Below are members who have not to our knowledge been in attendance in the last year. The vast majority of those listed below have not been in attendance in the last ten years.

Motion from Deacon Body and Pastoral Staff:

We move that the members listed below be removed from the membership of First Baptist Church Gonzales for nonattendance.

__________________________

There are other ways to handle the process, of course. For us, we do not use a constitution and by-laws approach to our church life, but we do have a clear discipline statement (Restoring Those Who Fall) and a membership agreement. A section of each is devoted to attendance issues, but the documents themselves are much broader. The membership agreement is read aloud after each new member reads his testimony. Then it is signed. Each new member must read the discipline statement also before joining. Regardless of your church’s plan, it should be clear and even signed, in our view. This is a litigious age.

We rejoice with 1^st Baptist in their courage to do what is right. The Head of the church has required church discipline, and, though the process was long, it worked, and the church is ready for a new future.

The Child of So Many Tears [use for Mother's Day]

2011-05-04T14:58:00.004-05:00

by Susan Verstraete

For years, Monica's second son was a source of staggering grief to his mother. Her oldest son was exemplary and her daughter was devout. But her second son, Augustine, the most gifted of her children, was also the biggest disappointment.

At 16, he stole fruit from their neighbors for the sheer thrill of stealing. When he went off to university at 17, he entered into a long-standing affair with a mistress from a lower social class. He claimed to love her, but refused to marry "beneath him," even after she gave birth to his son. Rejecting his mother's faith, Augustine espoused Manichaeism, an aberrant Christian heresy. He drank and caroused. Monica was so upset by his behavior that for some time she refused even to allow Augustine into her home.

Augustine may not have been in her home, but he was always in her heart. Monica prayed for him constantly. Augustine later wrote, "my mother . . . wept to thee on my behalf more than mothers are accustomed to weep for the bodily deaths of their children."* She tried to arrange a meeting between her wayward son and a pastor who had been converted from the Manichaen heresy, but the pastor refused. He viewed Augustine as argumentative and temporarily unteachable. The pastor counseled Monica to "let him alone for a time, only pray to God for him. He will of his own accord, by reading, come to discover what an error it is and how great its impiety is."

He also comforted Monica, saying, "It is impossible that the child of so many tears should perish." Encouraged by these words, Monica continued to intensely entreat God for the soul of her son. Augustine wrote, "I cannot adequately tell of the love she had for me, or how she still travailed for me in the spirit with a far keener anguish than when she bore me in the flesh."

If Monica was like the rest of us, she probably wondered if she had done something wrong—if her parenting might have been in part to blame for her younger son's rejection of her faith. And, granted, their home situation hadn't been perfect. Monica's nominally Christian parents had arranged for her marriage to an older, pagan man named Patricius. He was a wealthy Roman official, given to fits of anger and flagrant unfaithfulness to his wife. Monica did the best she could in this situation. She endured his tirades silently, having learned that she could not reason with him until he calmed down. She ignored his affairs, believing that God would make him chaste after He made him alive in Christ.

Even though he treated her poorly, Monica obeyed her husband and sought every opportunity to silently win him to Christ through her example. She refused to speak ill of him, but because of his behavior their home was emotionally tumultuous. And Monica wasn't perfect, either. Although she didn't realize it, she believed and taught her children doctrine that was seriously in error. But she had at least one thing right—she knew that her parenting skills and theological acumen would never be the final cause of her son's conversion. She was totally dependent on the intervention of the Holy Spirit.

For years, Monica's constant prayers for her son seemed to go unanswered. He disappointed her again and again, leaving one mistress and taking another, lying to his mother and even purposely abandoning her at a seaport as they traveled to Rome. None of these disappointments caused Monica to stop praying for Augustine. In each instance, she trusted God, who "didst not grant what she was then asking in order to grant to her the thing that she had always been asking."

And finally, God did grant her desire. Augustine was converted to the Christian faith in August 386, when he was 32 years old. Under the influence of Ambrose, the bishop of Milan, Augustine came to understand the error of his former religious system. He intellectually assented to the faith, but was stymied by his own fleshly desires. In his youth he had prayed, "Grant me chastity and continence, but not yet," and over the years little had changed—he remained a slave to his lust even while despising it.

Finally, he cried out to God, weeping in torment and powerless desperation. He opened his Bible to Romans 13:13-14 and read ". . . but put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof." Augustine wrote, "I wanted to read no further, nor did I need to. For instantly, as the sentence ended, there was infused in my heart something like the light of full certainty and all the gloom of doubt vanished away."

Augustine described what happened next. "Then we went in to my mother, and told her what happened, to her great joy. We explained to her how it had occurred—and she leaped for joy triumphant; and she blessed thee, who art 'able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.'" The faithful mother's "child of so many tears" had come home at last.

Monica died when she was 56, just a few months after her son's conversion. Augustine deeply mourned the loss but thanked God for giving him "such a mother." Ten years later, Augustine became the Bishop of Hippo. His writing about original sin, predestination and grace laid a firm foundation for the early church and for the Reformation.

_______________________
*Quotes used in this article were taken from The Confessions, by Augustine, Copyright 2004, Hendrickson Publishers.

Copyright © 2007 Susan Verstraete.
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From First Baptist Church to a House Church

2011-04-27T12:34:00.004-05:00

by Steve Burchett

The first church I pastored was a fairly traditional First Baptist Church (FBC). We met in a brick building. The Sunday morning gathering had the largest attendance, and the numbers dropped off significantly on Sunday evening and Wednesday. The sanctuary itself was typical, with pews arranged in rows and a stage at the front with a pulpit and choir loft. Our meetings had Scripture reading, prayers, singing, and preaching, as you might expect. When I arrived, there were 155 people on the membership roster, but only about 45 members attended the main service regularly (with an additional 30 guests and non-member children).

I have many fond memories of FBC. Even though the church suffered a painful split a year into my tenure, I prefer to remember when God led a number of the remaining members to embrace the authority and sufficiency of Scripture, and when a young college freshmen who was doubting the resurrection of Christ came to the truth and four years later was sent out to the mission field.

Fast-forward to the present day. I am one of the pastors of Christ Fellowship of Kansas City (www.ChristFellowshipKC.org). We are a fellowship of home congregations. In other words, the home congregations (house churches) make up one church, and the main weekly meeting happens in homes throughout the city, usually for several hours Sunday evening. Each home congregation has a pastor (or a leader in the process of becoming a pastor), and the size of each congregation typically ranges from 20 to 35 people. The whole church gathers together numerous times throughout the year in a rented facility, the congregations within geographical regions meet nearly every six weeks, and men’s, women’s, and youth meetings are sprinkled in on Wednesday evenings. We take membership seriously, striving to receive only those who display evidence of regeneration. We also practice church discipline. Our chief concern is to obey Christ, the head of the church.

I refuse to join the ranks of those who bash building-based churches. Any gospel-proclaiming church is precious to God. Some of my friends are pastors in traditional churches, and I respect them and their churches highly. I have preached in their churches, I anticipate doing so in the coming years, and I hear often about the work of God’s Spirit in those churches and the growth of the kingdom in their communities because of their faithful witness.

God loves churches that cherish the gospel, and so do I. He is, without a doubt, at work in churches that meet in brick buildings and storefronts and movie theaters. However, it’s worth comparing my current situation with my previous experience. I’m not intending to make a biblical argument for house churches, nor will I discuss the propriety of multiple services and/or the idea of one church meeting simultaneously in multiple locations. I simply want to share, by way of comparison, what I see are several advantages to the house church model I now enjoy versus what I came from:

Each member is carefully pastored.

This was my desire at FBC, but the unbiblical church government (consisting of a single pastor with a deacon board that functioned on occasion like elders) and the bloated membership roster made it impossible. We did remove members we could not find and those who refused to regularly attend the main weekly meeting (exceptions included those in the military and the homebound), and we attempted to get the deacons to care for the members. We eventually got the membership numbers cut in half, but careful pastoral care was still not possible for everyone. The two deacons who remained after the split made attempts at shepherding the people, but most of the members were not satisfied with such care unless it came from “the pastor.”

What about Christ Fellowship? Our goal is to have one pastor in each home congregation. In my current home congregation, there are 28 people in attendance, but only 11 members (including myself). Therefore, even if an elder leads two congregations, it is still possible to carefully shepherd every member. All of the pastors together lead the entire church, but each pastor knows a small segment of the people extremely well. We each could give a detailed account of how our people are doing because we don’t have too many people to oversee. In fact, we do just that. A significant portion of our weekly four-hour elders’ meeting is about helping each other pastor the members effectively.[1] Our structure is helping us to be ready to give an account for the souls God has entrusted to our care (Hebrews 13:17).

Perhaps you might respond by saying, “Even building-based churches can have members who are carefully pastored if they install a plurality of elders.” Every church has a measure of pastoral care, and having multiple elders who take their shepherding seriously benefits a church. However, pastors of building-based churches struggle to have built in, face-to-face time with every member each week. It is theoretically possible, but rarely (if ever) happens. Yet in Christ Fellowship we not only know who the members are, but we know them well. Because of our structure we would find this difficult not to be the case.

Accountability and fellowship are enjoyed.

Before moving to Kansas City, one well-meaning person questioned the level of accountability that would be found in our new church. He probably had read an article on the internet that said house churches are usually made up of disgruntled former members of building-based churches who despise authority and would rather be in a church that didn’t have much structure or responsibility. I’m sure such churches do exist, but I’m not a pastor of one.

Every person who joins Christ Fellowship signs a membership agreement (a church covenant)[2], church discipline is practiced, and because meeting in a house promotes authentic relationships, everyone knows if you are present or absent. We are so close to each other that nearly every time somebody has to miss the meeting, he or she communicates that in advance. We enjoy praying for one another and we would be concerned for the absent person’s well-being without such knowledge. We also enjoy sharing a meal together every week. Further discussion about something shared in the open session or in the extended exposition often ensues. There is usually a combination of laughter and serious dialogue. This fellowship extends into the week at various gatherings, sometimes for Bible study and prayer, or at a fun outing, or when we stop to enjoy a cup of coffee and stimulating conversation together.

At FBC, it was fairly easy to arrive in the opening minutes of the meeting, and then quickly leave after the closing prayer without developing any significant relationships with other members. We sought to change this, and saw some success, but we experienced what seems to be a common phenomenon in a church that meets in a building: Members often fall through the cracks. Once again, having enough elders in place addresses this problem to a point, but usually not when the church grows larger. Seeking to establish a small group ministry will also corral some drifters, but in my experience not many churches require every member to be in a small group.

To summarize: what happens naturally and easily for us, takes a lot of intense effort and oversight in most churches—and even then might not work.

Dialogue during the main message promotes learning.

While teaching in my home congregation about what happens to people who never repent and believe in Jesus, I used the expression “apart from Christ.” Almost immediately after I used that phrase, a nine-year-old boy spoke up and said something like, “Huh? What do you mean ‘apart from Christ?’” At that moment, I had a choice: I could refuse to address his sincere question, or I could explain to him (and to all of his young friends who were now eagerly listening) what I meant. I chose the latter (he knew I would). After the clarification, I asked him if he now understood (he did) and if he had further questions (he did not).

I enjoy sermons that are monologues (one voice speaking). I preach like that when I travel to other churches, and at the larger gatherings of all the Christ Fellowship house churches. But in a meeting in a home, dialogue facilitates learning.

Some may argue that the main weekly sermon must be a monologue because that type of message upholds the authority of Scripture. Consider, though, the apostle Paul’s teaching on a Sunday evening with the church in Troas. Beginning their meeting at sunset, Paul “prolonged his speech until midnight” (Acts 20:7). Then, after raising Eutychus from the dead, “he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak” (v. 11). In his commentary on Acts, pastor and author John Stott, whose book Between Two Worlds: The Challenge of Preaching Today has made him a preaching guru to many who speak against dialogue in preaching, writes this about Paul’s teaching of the church in Troas:

Not that we are to envisage Paul’s preaching as purely monologue, since Luke uses the verb dialegomai twice (7, 9), which implies discussion, perhaps in the form of questions and answers. The other word he uses is homileo (11) . . . It was clearly more free and open than a formal sermon.[3]

FBC did have two settings each week where interaction could take place during the teaching, but the main meeting required (sometimes because of the size, but mostly because of expectations) only one voice. Again, I don’t think that was wrong. I just like the freedom to pause for a question during the weekly exposition, or to discuss something the text says in order to make sure everyone is tracking. Sometimes, I’ll say something like, “Do I need to clarify what I just said about that verse?” If someone says, “Yes,” I’ll ask what is still unclear, and then I’ll try again. Though this wouldn’t earn a good grade in a seminary preaching class, my goal is not a sensational presentation, but thorough comprehension that leads to joy and obedience. This is not oratory, but instruction.

All men are trained, not just a few.

In churches like FBC, the goal is to help men grow in godliness. Hopefully this happens as they are exposed to sound doctrine through the various avenues of teaching, but because of the ratio of pastor (or pastors) to men, a choice has to be made: which men will be mentored by the pastor(s)? Out of the pool of men, leaders in this common scenario have to select whom they will meet with weekly for further training. Typically, not every man is privileged to this type of intentional attention. Worse yet, many pastors do not personally mentor anyone at all.

Every male member of Christ Fellowship is mentored by a pastor. This is possible because we have enough pastors to cover each man. This weekly mentoring is typically not one-on-one, but in small groups. For example, I currently meet with four men early Wednesday morning, and two men on Thursday afternoon. Each pastor’s mentoring schedule differs, but we all enjoy lively discussion over open Bibles, praying together, and discussing church life and personal issues. Some men, like future pastors or missionaries, do get more training than the others, but no man is left out.

The men of Christ Fellowship also receive training though regular opportunities to teach. In a building-based church, only a select few are tapped to fill in when the preaching pastor is absent, and other teaching positions are limited. In Christ Fellowship, each man is free to teach something from the Bible for 5-10 minutes (sometimes longer) during the open sharing session of the Sunday meeting. This teaching isn’t simply in the “I kind of like this passage” category, but it’s more like a shorter version of a longer teaching time. Everyone listens eagerly, interacts when appropriate, and gains much. The men take this opportunity seriously. Also, a different man each week shares briefly from Scripture in preparation for the Lord’s Supper. One of the benefits of encouraging all of the men to participate in the teaching ministry of the church is that increased time in Scripture produces men who are better leaders in their homes. Some of the men develop into elders.

Successful meetings are about mutual edification, not a well-choreographed presentation.

Christ Fellowship’s meetings are not only about worshipping the Lord together, but also edifying one another (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:26). The success of the meetings is largely dependent on the participation of the body as they gather to “stimulate one another to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). Members are encouraged to participate in a variety of ways, including testimonies, teaching, and praying. Someone may even bring “a psalm” (1 Corinthians 14:26). People are usually not hesitant to participate because no one is expected to “wow” the group with a great performance. A spirit of grace pervades our gatherings as we seek to be led by the Spirit.

The main weekly meeting of a building-based church is usually significantly choreographed. Whether it is a liturgical service or more contemporary, the order of the meeting is not only known in advance, but the hope is that each element will come off looking excellent—even professional. The expectations for a “great” service are often so high that the leadership feels defeated if the music didn’t noticeably move people, or the praying wasn’t eloquent, or the technology miscued, or the transitions between the various parts of the service were awkward. And, above all else, some pastors sit in their studies on Monday and contemplate quitting if their sermon the previous day seemed flat. Success is dependent on a select few who too often fail to live up to the desires of those who sit and spectate.

I am not adverse to just listening when appropriate. In First Corinthians 14, Paul is primarily pleading with the church to meet together “in an orderly manner” (v. 40). Part of orderliness is letting people take their turn (vv. 27-33) and learning from them (v.31), but participation by more than just a few is expected. The result is that a “performance mentality” is removed as the various members of the body come ready to serve and receive from the others.

The pastors of Christ Fellowship train members to participate effectively in the group meetings, and they are ultimately responsible to keep the meetings orderly. However, the best gatherings include much interaction among the members that could never have been planned. Spontaneity is not the enemy of the Holy Spirit, but is often the result of being led by the Spirit. The meetings are not a “free-for-all,” but there is freedom to edify in multiple ways without the pressures of looking like pros. Exalting Christ corporately is easier when the entire church is pointing one another to Jesus, not looking primarily for a super sermon. And then, on Monday, if I think my teaching wasn’t as helpful as it could have been, I’ll pray for, and work toward, a different result the next Sunday. But I don’t have to despair because the truth was heard, and the church was edified in a variety of ways.

Now What?

If your church loves and lives the gospel, then I rejoice in our partnership in the truth. Perhaps, though, some of the advantages above need to be thought through by those in building-based churches. Though I would argue that the commands of the New Testament are more easily lived out in a house church, every church is responsible to hear and obey Christ, the head of the church. I will be delighted if what I have written inspires churches like my previous one to implement needed changes. Also, if you are planting a church, it may be God’s will for you to have a building, but because of the advantages above (and more[4]), I would encourage you to consider a house church model.

I once saw a lawnmower at a yard sale. I bought it, and it works very well. Before purchasing it, though, I asked its owner, “Why are you selling it?” He responded, “I now have a Toro. Once you have a Toro, you’ll never want any other mower.” In a way, that illustrates my view of local churches. For years, and with God’s help and pleasure, I mowed effectively with an FBC, but now that I pastor a house church, I don’t think I’ll ever change brands.

[1] To learn more about the design of our elders’ meetings, read “Elders’ Meetings that Do Something” at www.CCWtoday.org.

[2] See “The Fellowship of the Spirit” at www.ChristFellowshipKC.org.

[3] The Message of Acts, (Downers Grove, Illinois: Inter-Varsity Press, 1990), 321.

[4] See “Christ Fellowship Dinstinctives” at www.ChristFellowshipKC.org.

Copyright © 2010 Steve Burchett
Christian Communicators Worldwide, Inc.
Permission granted for not-for-sale reproduction in unedited form
including author's name, title, complete content, copyright and weblink.
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Understanding the Resurrection

2011-04-18T14:30:00.003-05:00

by Daryl Wingerd

The Resurrection Vindicates Christ's Claims and Predictions

What would you think of a man who, in every visible respect, appeared ordinary yet claimed to be the Son of God? What if he also claimed to be deserving of equal honor with God? What if he even claimed to have God's power and authority to forgive sin? Prior to His death and resurrection, Jesus shocked people by making many such claims of personal deity, power, and authority (cf. Matt. 16:15-17; Mark 2:10-11; Luke 22:69-70; John 5:21-23; 8:58; 10:30).

In addition to His claims of deity and authority, Jesus repeatedly predicted His own death and resurrection (cf. Matt. 17:22-23; 20:17-19; John 2:18-22). Jesus' claims were so unbelievable that most people rejected Him. Even when He rose from the dead and appeared to many witnesses (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8), most refused to believe. But Jesus' true disciples saw His resurrection as the vindication of all of His claims and the fulfillment of His predictions. These were not naive people who were persuaded to believe something that was false. They simply recognized the fact that Jesus did rise from the dead, and so proved to the world that everything He said about Himself was true.

The Resurrection of Christ was the Coronation of Christ

The writers of the New Testament saw the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, particularly as it concerned the coming of the Messiah as King. This becomes evident in Peter's sermon on the Day of Pentecost following the dramatic out-pouring of the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 2:22-36).

Peter was not attempting to prove that the resurrection occurred. He spoke of that event as being publicly known and irrefutable, saying, "This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses" (v. 32). His point was to show these Jews, from their own Old Testament Scriptures, that the resurrection of the Christ had to occur. He was telling the same people who only weeks earlier were screaming, "Crucify Him, crucify Him!" (Luke 23:21), that Jesus, whom they had murdered, was now risen and seated in heaven as their King and their Savior! He was the One to whom they owed all obedience and worship (cf. Luke 4:8; Deuteronomy 6:13). He was the One who would destroy all who persisted in their rebellion against Him (cf. Luke 19:27; Ps. 2).

Paul opened his letter to the Romans by making a similar reference to the resurrection of Christ and its bearing on His power and authority (cf. Romans 1:4). He described the same event again in Philippians 2:8-11. In Ephesians 1 he relates resurrection to power and authority like this:

These are in accordance with the strength of His might which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come (vv. 19-21).

Many Jews on the Day of Pentecost came to the shocking realization that Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah receiving a kingdom (e.g., Daniel 7:13-14) were written about the resurrection of Jesus. As Luke records, they were "cut to the heart" (Acts 2:37). They were stunned, grieved, deeply convicted by the sudden realization that they had crucified their Messiah—the promised Ruler who now held sovereign authority over their lives. This is what prompted 3,000 of these rebels to repent and be baptized in the name of Christ (Acts 2:41).

A Source of Hope for Believers

The resurrection of Christ should be a great source of terror for all who persist in their rebellion against God (cf. Acts 17:30-31). On the other hand, the resurrection of Christ provides a great source of hope for believers. Christians are assured in the Bible that Christ's bodily resurrection is certain proof of their own future bodily resurrection. Perhaps the most compelling passage is 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 where Jesus is said to be "the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep."

The word "firstfruits" refers to something that is a sample of what is sure to come. Adam proved to be the "firstfruits" of death for all who were in him (that is, all of humanity). Christ, on the other hand, was the "firstfruits" of eternal life for all who are in Him (that is, all believers).

Paul sums up the Christian's great hope in his letter to the Philippians:

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body" (Phil. 3:20-21).

Copyright © 2005 Daryl Wingerd. Permission granted for reproduction in exact form. All other uses require written permission. Find more free articles at www.BulletinInserts.org, a ministry of Christian Communicators Worldwide: www.CCWtoday.org

The Negotiables

2011-04-13T11:09:00.006-05:00

by Jim Elliff

I am a lover of the local church in any form I find it, provided we mean the same thing by "church." I've had forty years of ministry in all kinds of churches, internationally and here in the States. I have seen some great ones and some very sad, sickly ones—and that has little to do with size. If it is a true church, however, I'm for it and wish to see it flourish. I've not lost my enthusiasm for this throughout all these years of ministry.

In a book on baptism (Going Under: Discussions on Baptism), I defined a church in this way:

A church is a body of baptized believers gathering regularly to share life with Christ and each other, to affirm and proclaim His gospel, and to submit to His headship in doctrine and practice, according to His written Word.

This statement expresses the irreducible aspects of church life in my estimation. Of course, there are other commands given to the local church—but there is also much freedom. I suggest that we take our freedom more seriously.

Let me probe:

For instance, why not vary the time that you meet on Sundays? Is there really anything sacred about meeting at 11:00 in the morning? For years now, I've been part of a church that meets on Sunday afternoons. We are together from 4:30 until 8:30 p.m., ending with a meal. Then people stay until they wish to leave, which could be late at night. Is that less than "church?"

Remember that the early church did not have Sundays as a day off until Constantine in the early 300s. They had to meet early in the morning before work or late in the evening after work, even on Sundays. If this day gets eaten up in commercial enterprise as the years go on, Christians are not going to miss out. We certainly can meet in the evening like our ancient forebears did during the greatest years of church expansion. Right?

And do we have to do the same thing in the same way every week in our meetings? I watched a music leader recently just take last week's bulletin, mark out the old hymns and scribble in the new for the next week. This church hasn't changed that form for fifty years! We must be committed to those aspects of edification and worship God prescribed, but must we always do them in the same way and in the same order? May we not vary things to make these essentials more "real" to us?

In fact, let me suggest that you get rid of bulletins. I know we have a website called "Bulletininserts.org," but I still prefer that you not have them. If you need a bulletin for announcements (the original purpose), at least cut out the "order of service" segment. We should prayerfully plan, of course, but what possible reason could there be to tell everyone ahead of time what is next in our meetings? Leave a little room for suspense and flexibility. I think the apostle Paul would have said, "An order of what?" Doing all things "decently and in order" is not a command to make a written order of service or even to put hymn numbers on a board in the front.

More on this freedom within the meetings: What if two or three men preached the Word? Anything wrong with that? Or what if there was an exposition prior to any music? Could that happen and a church still be orthodox? Yes, of course. What if the offering were collected discreetly in a box at the back, rather than by passing the plate? What if there were no "Sunday School" as you have previously known it, but Bible study took place in other ways? What if there were no public altar calls? What if there were no wooden box in the front called a pulpit? What if you ate a meal every Sunday ("the Lord's supper" surely was not just eating a tiny piece of bread and drinking out of a little cup)? What if the people did not sit in pews, or even in rows? What if you did not meet in "sanctuaries"?

I do not know what your church should do. You may think it through and come right back to where you are now. At least then you would be doing what you do for a reason. And nothing I've suggested is out of line with the Scriptures, nor does any of it reflect negatively on a church's orthodoxy.

Dismissing our true freedoms for the purpose of mere conformity is a stultifying error. And, it is a serious misunderstanding and a failure of Christian love to put down other churches that do things differently than your church, yet otherwise believe and practice the truth. It implies some things that you should not want to say about yourselves. Among them is that you have taken what has been handed down to you unthinkingly and without consultation with the Spirit.

Here are the bold steps that I recommend for church leaders:

Figure out on paper what God expects of a true church in terms of practice and meetings. Search your Bibles for the non-negotiables. Get them down as clearly as possible. Then determine to accomplish those objectives at any cost.
Write down all the possible ways that these objectives could be accomplished in a legitimate and biblical manner.
Pray throughout your weeks of searching about what God would want you to do. Do we really care about anything else?
Attempt to figure out how you can move from where you are to where you wish to be.
Depend on the Spirit and start to work in a responsible and sensitive way.

In many churches, the above steps are a recipe for a crucifixion, I know. But think about it. What is to be gained by continuing the way you are going?

I can hear some saying, "Why fix it if it ain't broke?" Well, it is broken. And only the most blinded fail to see that. With unprecedented numbers of unconverted church members, silly entertainment substituting for worship, prayer almost non-existent, true discipleship not even attempted, real community among believers not even considered as part of the equation, evangelism cheapened to gimmicks and show, we are most certainly "broke." And your church may be worse than this. If one church trivializes the gospel through its dazzle, the other has turned monotony into an art form.

If we do not make some adjustments, then we will not keep our next generation interested any longer. The predictions look dour in terms of the future if we continue business as usual. And I'm also including the "seeker sensitive" model in "business as usual."

Though I appreciate their zeal, the "emergent church" does not appear to be the answer. Our liberties are limited. We may not go so far as to minimize the importance of clear doctrine, or ignore the lucid instructions given to us in the Bible for organizing our gatherings, in order to connect with our culture. To whatever extent this is happening, it presents a substitute without substance. On the other hand, the answer is not to love man-made forms so much that we will never change simply because we prefer the trance-like comfort of being immutably consistent with our past.

Though we love what the Reformation restored to us, we are more shaped by the Reformation structure and pattern than by the early church's liberty and flexibility. The forms of the Reformation served well in that culture. They were new and fresh and within biblical boundaries. But must we be Reformation-like today? Yes, when it comes to the doctrines of God, man, salvation, etc., because the Reformation returned us to the Bible. But likely not when it comes to external forms. We must use our freedoms and rejoice in that liberty.

Most importantly, we must demonstrate that God's Spirit is involved in every aspect of our life and worship together. Without reference to Him, the One who knows all hearts, we may hide our relevant God and His relevant Word in patterns of unrelenting sameness and artificial piety.

Copyright © 2006 Jim Elliff
Christian Communicators Worldwide, Inc.
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Half Price on PURSUING GOD (Useful for Easter!)

2011-03-16T16:08:00.004-05:00

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Improving March Madness

2011-03-14T12:18:00.002-05:00

by Steve Burchett

Men's college basketball provides one of the most entertaining tournaments of the year. Sixty-eight teams make the "Big Dance," a single-elimination tournament that culminates in a national championship. Sometimes bigger schools are defeated by smaller schools that weren't expected to make it past the first round. One of these lesser, relatively unknown teams might even win a few games, and the media dubs them "Cinderella." Even if the prominent teams dominate, the tournament is still full of drama and enjoyable moments. This time of the year is affectionately referred to as "March Madness."

But it can be improved. I don't mean the actual tournament needs to be changed for the better (though I always question how certain teams were qualified to make the field!), but how you participate might need to be modified. Here are a few ways you can improve March Madness:

Beware of being a "couch potato."

I speak from experience on this one. I could sit on the couch and watch games all day. I like not only close games, but I also enjoy critiquing coaching styles and team strategies. I admit it: I am a recovering couch potato.

Is it wrong to sit and watch games for several hours in a row? Sometimes, but not always. Jesus did attempt to get away from the crowds with His disciples for some rest (Mark 6:31). However, when we decide to relax and watch a ballgame, we should remember that the New Testament is full of teaching about responsibilities like pursuing holiness (Hebrews 12:14) and losing your life for Christ and the gospel (Mark 8:34-38). We rest, take in a ball game, and even sleep, so that we are refreshed and ready to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Christ with zeal.

Involve your wife by encouraging her to fill out a bracket.

Every year before the tournament begins, a "bracket" appears in newspapers and on certain websites that shows who is playing whom and what the future matchups could be. Before a single game is played, thousands take this bracket and fill in the teams they think will win each contest. Most of our wives don't understand our joy in the competition (just like we don't identify with their love for shopping). However, these tournament brackets might be a way to involve our wives in the "madness."

Here's what you can do: Both you and your wife fill out your own brackets, and see who gets the most games correct. (My wife and I like to make the later games worth more than the first round games.) This may seem like a trivial endeavor, but small things like this, done together, can strengthen a marriage. Involving your wife shows her that you love her and have a disposition of kindness toward her (Colossians 3:19), and it will humble you when she does better than you!

Point out to your children players who exhibit hard work and integrity.

When a child is watching a game with you, highlight a player who may not be the highest scorer, but who plays hard defense and is not afraid to dive on the floor after a loose basketball. Say to your child, "That's the kind of Christian I want to be—hardworking and faithful to do even the painful things."

You might even find out that one of the players is a true believer. Watch how he reacts when a poor call is made against him, and ask your child, "Do you think he responded like a Christian when the referee made that bad call?" Redemptive conversations could become normal throughout the tournament.

Don't be miserable if your favorite team loses.

Perhaps you have heard someone say, "It's just a game." That's an accurate statement, but some individuals, including Christians, are depressed for days after their beloved team is defeated. Is there any good reason for such behavior? No. Paul writes, "Rejoice always . . . In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16, 18). If you have been redeemed by Christ, joy should be constant.

When we mope around after our team loses, we are forgetting about eternal realities. People all around us are sinners who will perish without Christ. Millions of people throughout this world are not thinking about who won the big game; they just want to know where they will get their next meal! Enjoy the tournament, but let's get serious about what really matters in this life and how we should engage people with the hope of the gospel.

"Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Copyright © 2009 Steve Burchett.
Permission granted for reproduction in exact form. All other uses require written permission.
Find more free articles at www.BulletinInserts.org, a ministry of Christian Communicators Worldwide: www.CCWtoday.org

Is God Angry Anymore?

2011-03-04T09:12:00.003-06:00

by Jim Elliff

When I was in public high school, we had to read part of a famous sermon called Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, by Jonathan Edwards. He graphically pictured sinners as spiders dangling by a thread over the fire of Hell. He also asserted that God is angrier at this moment with some who are living than with others who are already in Hell.

Do you believe that? Is God angry? I don't believe my teacher thought so. When I later studied the Bible on the subject, I was surprised by what I found.

I learned that God's anger is pure. The biblical command, "Be angry and sin not" reminds us that there is an anger that is justified. God always has this kind of perfect, holy anger.

The Apostle Paul said, "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men…" (Romans 1:18a).

King David said, "God is a just judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day" (Psalm 7:11, NKJV). And the Apostle John said, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him" (John 3:36).

Note that these verses teach that God is not only angry with sin but also with the sinner. Since God sees everything (Hebrews 4:13), He evaluates perfectly. Whenever God is angry it is for holy reasons.

Sometimes we think of God as a judge sitting on the bench who passively issues sentences to guilty persons. But is God like this? The original words used for God's anger are passionate words. Why? Because, unlike our court judges, God Himself has been sinned against.

Notice the emotion in Nahum 1, where God is identified as jealous, avenging and filled with wrath (verse 2). Verse 6 is even more pointed: "Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are shattered before him."

However, even in the midst of His fury, God is self-controlled. The Bible teaches that He is slow to anger (Nahum 1:3), and most of us learned long ago that God is love. But while a loving God certainly is willing to hold off His judgment, it is just as certain that He will judge sin.

Romans 2:5-6 describes it this way: "But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. God 'will give to each person according to what he has done.'" In verse 16 of the same chapter it says that this will occur "on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares."

Why is God so angry? There are at least three reasons:

1. Because of the sheer number of your sins. If you were to sin only 10 times a day for one year, you would disobey God 3,650 times. But if you sinned 10 times a day for 15 years, you would sin 54,750 times! You are a professional sinner! Yet, how many times did Adam sin before he was cursed by God?

2. Because you have sinned against such an infinite God and high command. There are different levels of sin and punishment (Luke 10:12; 12:42-48). A crime is weighed according to the seriousness of the command and the stature of the person who is sinned against. It is one thing to disobey your coach at school. It is another thing to disobey a judge. It is one thing to turn in a late term paper. It is another thing to murder the president. The highest command is to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength." The greatest being is God. Each time you sin, you commit the highest crime against the greatest being! God ought to be angry.

3. Because you have sinned against God's greatest act of love. Christ was sent into the world of men and women out of love (John 3:16). But many of your friends, and perhaps you also, have rejected Christ up to this very moment. This rebellion is a sin against compassion. Is it any wonder that God is angry with those who think little of His love?

How can you be rescued from this holy anger? Only through propitiation. But what does that mean?

The word "propitiation" (pro-pish-ee-ay-shun; sometimes translated, atonement) means this: Jesus fully satisfied the just anger of God for people like you by dying in your place, taking on himself all the wrath you deserve. We learn about this in Romans 3:24-25 and Hebrews 2:17. God's just fury, indignation and anger for sins were poured out on Christ for every sinful person who will come to him by faith.

And that is great news!