This past month the 112th Congress of the United States was sworn into office and publicly read The Constitution of the United States. “We the People of the United States,” the newly elected Speaker of the House, John Boehner began, “in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” Every American should know and appreciate this historic document.
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was tragically shot and wounded in Tuscan last week end read the First Amendment, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” (Note: This does not prohibit God’s people from being active participants in our democracy. It does prohibit the Government from establishing a national church and from legally interfering with religious institutions.) Let’s all continue to pray for the Congreesswoman and all who are suffering from that wicked attacker.
Critics charged that it was a waste of time to read the Constitution. They said that the U. S. Constitution was flawed, and really not relevant to our times. Truth be told, every liberty, right, and privilege of the American citizenship is granted and secured by our Constitution. Without this foundation, our government would devolve into a cruel form of tyranny or anarchy. Those with either the gold and/or the guns would arbitrarily force their will upon us!
But Congress is restrained and governed by the Constitution. The Courts are required to to preserve and interpret the Constitution. And the President, the Executive Branch of our Government, is sworn to defend and enforce the Constitution. We are a nation of laws, whose first and foremost law is that enshrined in the Constitution.
We are anxious to defend our nation’s Constitution from those who would depreciate, desecrate, and destroy this foundation of our democracy. But it occurs to us that there is an even greater threat to the nation, and the souls of our nation: That is the pernicious attack on the Constitution of the Christian Church—God’s Word, the Bible.
Without the Virtues, the Verities, and the Values of Scripture, life is chaos and we have no hope in eternity. That’s why we are contending for GOD’S INFALLIBLE WORD--OUR UNFAILING GUIDE!
We are sure that the Bible is inerrant—without error.
We are sure that we have an accurate text—what was written by God’s holy men. No other ancient text is as well-documented and preserved as the Bible. The Holy Spirit guarantees that we have “a sure word” (2 Peter 1:19) that “endures forever” (1 Peter 1:25).
And we are sure that our text is accurate—that it perfectly reveals God’s will, and that there are no historical, factual, scientific, philosophical, or theological errors in its pages. We have taken holy glee in watching Darwin’s theory of evolution falter under the weight of new-found evidence. Hold to God’s Infallible Word!
The truth is, it is not men who judge God’s Word, rather it is God’s Word that judges men. The sooner we see that truth, repent of our sins, and humbly walk with the Lord Jesus Christ, the better off we all will be.
THE WORD OF GOD PERFECTLY REVEALS GOD’S WILL
The Bible is rich in spiritual truth. It reveals God’s plan of redemption for sinful man. It tells of God’s saving grace, teaching grace, keeping grace, and sanctifying grace. It teaches us how we are to order our relationship with God—“He’s first”, and how we should relate with others. It tells us how we are to act and react towards our family, our friends, and our enemies. It directs how we should use our money and what we should be giving. And it specifically teaches us how to live a holy and separated-from-the-world lifestyle. (For example men are not to wear clothing that pertains to women, and women are not to wear clothing that pertains to men, Deuteronomy 22:5; Modesty is not optional, 1st Timothy 2:9; and we are to refrain from tattoos and markings on our bodies, Leviticus 19:28). How would any of us know these things except that God’s Word teaches us?
THE WORD OF GOD PERFECTLY REVEALS MY WILL
The Apostle Paul testified, “The law is a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.” (Galatians 3:24ff). Indeed seeing what God requires hits us hard! We know that we have disobeyed God. We also know that our pride resists the idea that God should be able to tell us how to think, what to do, and who we should be. That’s why the writer to the Hebrews says, “The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12). God’s Word reveals what is in us. And Praise God! it also teaches us of saving and sanctifying grace that washes away all our guilt and purifies our hearts!
THE WORD OF GOD REVEALS OUR ONLY HOPE
The Prophet Jeremiah was direct:
Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord…(but) Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. (Jeremiah 17:5-7)
The Apostle John plainly revealed the way of salvation through Jesus Christ.
If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us. (1 John 1:10)
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
If we say that we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8)
But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son, cleanses us from all sin. (I John 1:7)
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not the truth. (1 John 1:6)
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (1 John 3:2,3)
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
AS GOD WOULD HAVE US LOVE
If we love God, then we love who God wants us to love and in the way God wants us to love them. If we love ourselves then we love who we want to love and in the way we want to love them.
Pop psychology urges us to love who we want to love, in any way that we want to love them, without any reference to God or His will for our love. Some say that love is a personal choice. Others tell us that who or what we love is genetically determined. But the ungodly are agreed in this, “no one should impose restrictions on another person’s love.”
But the Bible teaches us that fallen, sinful men are not wise enough, not good enough, nor are they strong enough, to make that decision for themselves. We need God’s direction, God’s blessing, and God’s strength to know and to experience Love as He ordained it to be.
Those who resist God’s direction for their love are displaying the height of folly and the depths of their depravity. Those who embrace God’s direction for their love are not only happier and more at peace today, they will know the joy of heaven forever.
So do you love what God wants you to love?
Do you love who God wants you to love?
Do you love in the way God wants you to love?
If so, then it can be truthfully said, “you love God.”
If not, then pray that God will for Christ’s sake forgive you for idolizing your opinion rather than yeilding to His will. Determine that with God’s help, you will love as He wants you to love. And pray that God will perfect your love for Him and His divine will. If you will sincerely seek to love God, love His Will, and love His Way, you will one day enter into that heavenly home the Lord is even now preparing for you.
Pop psychology urges us to love who we want to love, in any way that we want to love them, without any reference to God or His will for our love. Some say that love is a personal choice. Others tell us that who or what we love is genetically determined. But the ungodly are agreed in this, “no one should impose restrictions on another person’s love.”
But the Bible teaches us that fallen, sinful men are not wise enough, not good enough, nor are they strong enough, to make that decision for themselves. We need God’s direction, God’s blessing, and God’s strength to know and to experience Love as He ordained it to be.
Those who resist God’s direction for their love are displaying the height of folly and the depths of their depravity. Those who embrace God’s direction for their love are not only happier and more at peace today, they will know the joy of heaven forever.
So do you love what God wants you to love?
Do you love who God wants you to love?
Do you love in the way God wants you to love?
If so, then it can be truthfully said, “you love God.”
If not, then pray that God will for Christ’s sake forgive you for idolizing your opinion rather than yeilding to His will. Determine that with God’s help, you will love as He wants you to love. And pray that God will perfect your love for Him and His divine will. If you will sincerely seek to love God, love His Will, and love His Way, you will one day enter into that heavenly home the Lord is even now preparing for you.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
More Than A Meeting...
One week from today the ST. LOUIS HOLINESS CONVENTION will convene at FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH, 2969 N. Lindbergh, St. Ann, MO 63074.
We are praying and expecting that this year's Convention will draw the largest crowds in our 7 year history, but we want more.
We are praying and expecting that this year's Convention will be rich in theology and meaningful discussion, but we want more.
We are praying and expecting that this year's Convention will encourage those on the front lines to press forward for the Cause of Christ and Scriptural Holiness, but we want more.
We are praying and expecting that this year's Convention will be, as in years past, crowned with the pervasive presence of God's Holy Spirit, but we want more.
Any and all of these would be great accomplishments for the Convention. But our fervent prayer and deepest longing is that the St. Louis Holiness Convention would be remembered as the time that the SPIRIT OF PENTECOST so filled those attending that we would leave St. Louis
- aflame with God's love burning bright on the altars of our hearts,
- empowered to be the people God has called us to be, and
- engaged to fulfil that high calling, which God has placed before us.
OUR GREATEST NEED IS FOR A REVIVAL OF NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY--THE KIND THAT CHANGES MEN AND ALTERS HISTORY--PERSONAL, ECCLESIASTIC, AND CULTURAL!
Plan now to attend this year's convention!
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17
9:00 AM Prayer Service
10:00 AM Keynote Address
11:00 AM Andrew Durst - The Great Commission
Lunch Break - Home cooked meal provided for a free-will offering.
1:30 PM Dr. Rodger Young - Biblical Chronology: Historical Evidence for Biblical Inerrancy
2:15 PM Discussion Panel
Afternoon Snack Break
3:00 PM Norman Cash and Cecelia Spotted Bear of Wounded Knee - Native American Missions
4:00 PM Wayne Knipmeyer (Bible Holiness)
Dinner Break - Home cooked meal provided for a free-will offering.
7:00 PM Evening Rally with Pastor James Plank. Music by the Duane Elmore Family.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18,
9:00 AM Pastor John Poff opening remarks and Prayer Service
10:00 AM Dr. Steve Gibson, "The Sincerity of God."
11:00 AM Mark Avery, Herald and Holiness Banner Press, Editor
Lunch Break - Home cooked meal provided for a free-will offering.
1:30 PM Pastor Wallace Thornton - A Fresh Look at Romans 7
2:15 PM Discussion Panel
Afternoon Snack Break
3:00 PM Bishop Marsh W. Jones, (Crusaders), How Methodism Changed British Culture
4:00 PM Evangelist Benjamin Crawford
Dinner Break - Home cooked meal provided for a free-will offering.
7:00 PM Evening Rally with James Plank, Music by Bob and Rowena Clouse
We are praying and expecting that this year's Convention will draw the largest crowds in our 7 year history, but we want more.
We are praying and expecting that this year's Convention will be rich in theology and meaningful discussion, but we want more.
We are praying and expecting that this year's Convention will encourage those on the front lines to press forward for the Cause of Christ and Scriptural Holiness, but we want more.
We are praying and expecting that this year's Convention will be, as in years past, crowned with the pervasive presence of God's Holy Spirit, but we want more.
Any and all of these would be great accomplishments for the Convention. But our fervent prayer and deepest longing is that the St. Louis Holiness Convention would be remembered as the time that the SPIRIT OF PENTECOST so filled those attending that we would leave St. Louis
- aflame with God's love burning bright on the altars of our hearts,
- empowered to be the people God has called us to be, and
- engaged to fulfil that high calling, which God has placed before us.
OUR GREATEST NEED IS FOR A REVIVAL OF NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY--THE KIND THAT CHANGES MEN AND ALTERS HISTORY--PERSONAL, ECCLESIASTIC, AND CULTURAL!
Plan now to attend this year's convention!
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17
9:00 AM Prayer Service
10:00 AM Keynote Address
11:00 AM Andrew Durst - The Great Commission
Lunch Break - Home cooked meal provided for a free-will offering.
1:30 PM Dr. Rodger Young - Biblical Chronology: Historical Evidence for Biblical Inerrancy
2:15 PM Discussion Panel
Afternoon Snack Break
3:00 PM Norman Cash and Cecelia Spotted Bear of Wounded Knee - Native American Missions
4:00 PM Wayne Knipmeyer (Bible Holiness)
Dinner Break - Home cooked meal provided for a free-will offering.
7:00 PM Evening Rally with Pastor James Plank. Music by the Duane Elmore Family.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18,
9:00 AM Pastor John Poff opening remarks and Prayer Service
10:00 AM Dr. Steve Gibson, "The Sincerity of God."
11:00 AM Mark Avery, Herald and Holiness Banner Press, Editor
Lunch Break - Home cooked meal provided for a free-will offering.
1:30 PM Pastor Wallace Thornton - A Fresh Look at Romans 7
2:15 PM Discussion Panel
Afternoon Snack Break
3:00 PM Bishop Marsh W. Jones, (Crusaders), How Methodism Changed British Culture
4:00 PM Evangelist Benjamin Crawford
Dinner Break - Home cooked meal provided for a free-will offering.
7:00 PM Evening Rally with James Plank, Music by Bob and Rowena Clouse
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
ST LOUIS HOLINESS CONVENTION 2011
Dear Friends of Christian Holiness,
If you believe that A REVIVAL OF SCRIPTURAL HOLINESS IS OUR MOST URGENT NEED, then you will not want to miss the 2011 ST. LOUIS HOLINESS CONVENTION, Thursday, February 17 and Friday, February 18.
More than economic growth, more than social reform, and more than political change, God's people need to recover the romance of loving God, the optimism of victorious faith, and the power of Spirit-driven living.
It is our conviction that as the message of holiness, the dominant theology of 19th century America, was supplanted by the neo-Calvinists of the early 20th century, the Charismatics of the late 20th century, and the Church Growth Movement of the past few decades, the Church lost her sanctifying influence in the life of her people and in the culture at large.
Today we are witnessing what the Apostle warned we would face, men having "a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof!" (2 Timothy 3:5).
Tragically this "form" is not only powerless to transform sinners and empower saints, it is also unappealing to the masses. Fewer and fewer Americans are attending church. Statistics show that at one time over 40% of Americans attended Church on any given weekend. Today fewer than 19% attend.
We are witnessing the demoralization of our nation. Our national character is anemic, our moral convictions are few, and our concern for Biblical truth is notable for it's absence.
We are still a "spiritual" people, but we are not Biblically Christian people.
I am convinced that at the root of our social, economic, and political malaise is our loss of Christian conscience. This profound loss can be blamed on the professing Church that prefers playing above praying, feasting more than fasting, and worldliness over holiness.
YET GOD HAS ALWAYS HAD HIS PEOPLE! AND IF HIS PEOPLE WILL HUMBLE THEMSELVES, WILL PRAY, WILL SEEK GOD'S FACE, AND WILL TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS (see 2 Chronicles 7:14; I would say this is a call to the kind of holiness we seek), THEN GOD WILL HEAR, GOD WILL FORGIVE, AND GOD WILL HEAL!
God has raised up the JOHN WESLEY FOUNDATION of ST. LOUIS for "such a time as this."
The John Wesley Foundation of St. Louis is dedicated to advancing Scriptural Holiness by:
1. Hosting an annual convention, and other events as the Lord opens doors.
2. Promoting fervent prayer for a great awakening.
3. Fostering robust intellectual inquiry and sound holiness exegesis.
4. Publishing a sound apologetic for Scriptural holiness in books, articles, and journals.
5. Networking people, churches, and organizations with a passion for holiness of heart and life.
6. Stimulating creative and aggressive outreaches dedicated to "evangelizing the lost and Christianizing Christianity" (P. F. Bresee).
7. Demonstrating the grace of holy love in our churches, our homes, and our lives.
THE 2011 ST LOUIS HOLINESS CONVENTION IS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17 AND FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18. Sponsored by the John Wesley Foundation of St. Louis and hosted by FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH, 2969 N. Lindbergh Blvd, St. Ann, MO 63074.
Our line up of speakers and special guests for this year's convention is powerful:
JAMES PLANK (God's Missionary Church, Beavertown, PA) is the assistant to the General Secretary of the Inter Church Holiness Convention (IHC). Brother Plank will be preaching on both Thursday and Friday evenings at 7:00 p.m.
BOB AND ROWENA CLOUSE (Church of God Holiness, Missouri) pastor the Church of God (Holiness) in Mexico, MO. They are wonderful singers with a passion for the cause of Scriptural holiness.
EVANGELIST BEN CRAWFORD (Bible Methodist, Alabama Connection) is a young man with a passion for evangelism and the cause of Scriptural holiness. He is currently hosting a presentation of historic Biblical texts in this 400th Anniversary Year of the King James Version of the Bible.
ANDREW DURST (Crusaders USA) is associate Pastor at Faith Crusaders, Urbana, IL. He is the field director of GREAT COMMISSION CAMP. This year Pastor Durst will be leading teams in Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri.
DR. STEVE GIBSON (Pilgrim Holiness Church, Midwest Conference) Pastors Victory Chapel in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is the author of several books including "The Essential Wesley, I Believe," "The Sincerity of God," and "Practical Christianity." He is the director of Keystone Urban Institute.
DR. MARSH JONES, (Crusaders Church USA), is the Bishop of Crusaders and Senior Pastor of Faith Crusaders Church in Urbana, IL. He has written "The Pulpit, The Periodical, and The Pen: The Life of Joseph Benson."
EVANGELIST P L LIDDELL (Church of the Nazarene, Michigan) has been a holiness evangelist for more than 50 years. He has written a number of great Gospel songs including, "When I Said Yes To Jesus."
WALLACE THORNTON, (Church of the Nazarene, Missouri) Pastors in Moberly, Missouri. He serves as an adjunct professor and scholar to a number of Bible Colleges. He is the author of "Radical Righteousness."
THE DUANE ELMORE FAMILY (Bible Holiness Church, Foley, Missouri) minister in the Spirit as they sing and lead singing. You will be wonderfully blessed by their great sound and their sensitivity to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
JOHN POFF (Church of God (Holiness), Carthage, Missouri) was saved in his 40's and called into the work of the Lord. John and his wife Sherry have pastored in Missouri and Colorado. Brother Poff is a man of prayer.
MISSIONARY NORMAN CASH and CECELIA SPOTTED BEAR of WOUNDED KNEE (Rose Bud and Pine Ridge Indian Reservations, South Dakota), are wonderful missionaries to the Indian Communities of South Dakota. They are leaders in the Spring Creek Indian Holiness Campmeeting.
WAYNE KNIPMEYER (Bible Holiness Church, Bowling Green, Missouri) has pastored in Illinois and Missouri. Brother Knipmeyer is a leader of the TROY BIBLE HOLINESS CAMPMEETING in Troy, Missouri.
DR. RODGER YOUNG (St. Louis, Missouri) will be presenting his amazing research confirming the accuracy of Biblical chronology. Dr. Young is an accomplished scholar having graduated from Reed College and Oxford University (Oxford, England) with graduate degrees. Dr. Young was led to Christ by Christians who picked him up as he was hitchhiking on the Auto-bon in Germany.
MARK AVERY (Church of God (Holiness), Overland Park, Kansas) is the editor of THE HERALD AND HOLINESS BANNER PRESS. He is a favorite at the St. Louis Holiness Convention.
I don't know where in the United States of America you could find such a gathering of great men of God, February 17th and 18th, 2011.
DELICIOUS HOME COOKED MEALS will be provided on a free-will offering basis.
HOTEL ROOMS can be purchased on Priceline at a reasonable rate. Select the St. Louis Airport and Westport areas as they are closest to the Convention site.
IF YOU NEED TRANSPORTATION to and from LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT we can arrange a ride. We are only 5 minutes from the airport.
PRAY AND ASK THE LORD IF HE WOULD LEAD YOU TO COME! We are praying He is willing that you come. It will do your heart good. And you will be an encouragement to others.
IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION please feel free to call my cell phone (314) 607-1424 or e-mail PastorRick@FCCToday.org.
Onward!
PASTOR RICK JONESFAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH of ST. LOUIS - CRUSADERS CHURCH USA2969 N. Lindbergh Blvd, St. Ann, MO 63047Tel. (314) 298-5840; Cell. (314) 607-1424E-mail: PastorRick@FCCToday.orgWeb Page: www.FCCToday.org Blog: www.PastorRickJones.blogspot.com
ST LOUIS STATEMENT
It is our conviction that the decline of morality in our culture and within the professing Christian community is rooted in the failure of the Church to embrace and articulate and demonstrate the message of Scriptural holiness.
The contemporary Church has lost its sanctifying influence in society, as it has:
… lost her conviction that the Scriptures are inspired and inerrant.
… accepted what Dietrich Bonhoeffer called, “cheap grace,” a grace that justifies sin without justifying the sinner.”
… refused to believe in the possibility of God’s grace to actually save sinners from all sin and to cleanse the heart of inherited depravity—our natural tendency to rebel against God.
The Scriptures teach, and we affirm:
1. Sanctification is the work of God that purifies the believer from acquired and inherited depravity. “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. I Thessalonians 5:23,24
2. At the time of conversion the penitent believer is justified, which is the imputation of righteousness in place of the believer’s guilt; and initially sanctified, which is the impartation of God’s righteousness worked in the believer’s heart and life. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? …And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. I Corinthians 6:9-11
Sanctification is initialized at the time of justification, for at that time God delivers the penitent believer from the power of sin, enabling righteous living and spiritual growth that brings the believer to the point of entire sanctification. “God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13.
Entire sanctification is the instantaneous cleansing of the believer’s heart of inherited depravity, so that the heart of the believer is fully renewed in the image of God, purified of inherited depravity, and perfected in love, accelerating growth in Christlikeness. “Herein is our love made perfect that we may have boldness in the day of judgment.” I John 4:17.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The John Wesley Foundation – 2969 N. Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63074 – Tel. (314) 607-1424
If you believe that A REVIVAL OF SCRIPTURAL HOLINESS IS OUR MOST URGENT NEED, then you will not want to miss the 2011 ST. LOUIS HOLINESS CONVENTION, Thursday, February 17 and Friday, February 18.
More than economic growth, more than social reform, and more than political change, God's people need to recover the romance of loving God, the optimism of victorious faith, and the power of Spirit-driven living.
It is our conviction that as the message of holiness, the dominant theology of 19th century America, was supplanted by the neo-Calvinists of the early 20th century, the Charismatics of the late 20th century, and the Church Growth Movement of the past few decades, the Church lost her sanctifying influence in the life of her people and in the culture at large.
Today we are witnessing what the Apostle warned we would face, men having "a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof!" (2 Timothy 3:5).
Tragically this "form" is not only powerless to transform sinners and empower saints, it is also unappealing to the masses. Fewer and fewer Americans are attending church. Statistics show that at one time over 40% of Americans attended Church on any given weekend. Today fewer than 19% attend.
We are witnessing the demoralization of our nation. Our national character is anemic, our moral convictions are few, and our concern for Biblical truth is notable for it's absence.
We are still a "spiritual" people, but we are not Biblically Christian people.
I am convinced that at the root of our social, economic, and political malaise is our loss of Christian conscience. This profound loss can be blamed on the professing Church that prefers playing above praying, feasting more than fasting, and worldliness over holiness.
YET GOD HAS ALWAYS HAD HIS PEOPLE! AND IF HIS PEOPLE WILL HUMBLE THEMSELVES, WILL PRAY, WILL SEEK GOD'S FACE, AND WILL TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS (see 2 Chronicles 7:14; I would say this is a call to the kind of holiness we seek), THEN GOD WILL HEAR, GOD WILL FORGIVE, AND GOD WILL HEAL!
God has raised up the JOHN WESLEY FOUNDATION of ST. LOUIS for "such a time as this."
The John Wesley Foundation of St. Louis is dedicated to advancing Scriptural Holiness by:
1. Hosting an annual convention, and other events as the Lord opens doors.
2. Promoting fervent prayer for a great awakening.
3. Fostering robust intellectual inquiry and sound holiness exegesis.
4. Publishing a sound apologetic for Scriptural holiness in books, articles, and journals.
5. Networking people, churches, and organizations with a passion for holiness of heart and life.
6. Stimulating creative and aggressive outreaches dedicated to "evangelizing the lost and Christianizing Christianity" (P. F. Bresee).
7. Demonstrating the grace of holy love in our churches, our homes, and our lives.
THE 2011 ST LOUIS HOLINESS CONVENTION IS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17 AND FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18. Sponsored by the John Wesley Foundation of St. Louis and hosted by FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH, 2969 N. Lindbergh Blvd, St. Ann, MO 63074.
Our line up of speakers and special guests for this year's convention is powerful:
JAMES PLANK (God's Missionary Church, Beavertown, PA) is the assistant to the General Secretary of the Inter Church Holiness Convention (IHC). Brother Plank will be preaching on both Thursday and Friday evenings at 7:00 p.m.
BOB AND ROWENA CLOUSE (Church of God Holiness, Missouri) pastor the Church of God (Holiness) in Mexico, MO. They are wonderful singers with a passion for the cause of Scriptural holiness.
EVANGELIST BEN CRAWFORD (Bible Methodist, Alabama Connection) is a young man with a passion for evangelism and the cause of Scriptural holiness. He is currently hosting a presentation of historic Biblical texts in this 400th Anniversary Year of the King James Version of the Bible.
ANDREW DURST (Crusaders USA) is associate Pastor at Faith Crusaders, Urbana, IL. He is the field director of GREAT COMMISSION CAMP. This year Pastor Durst will be leading teams in Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri.
DR. STEVE GIBSON (Pilgrim Holiness Church, Midwest Conference) Pastors Victory Chapel in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is the author of several books including "The Essential Wesley, I Believe," "The Sincerity of God," and "Practical Christianity." He is the director of Keystone Urban Institute.
DR. MARSH JONES, (Crusaders Church USA), is the Bishop of Crusaders and Senior Pastor of Faith Crusaders Church in Urbana, IL. He has written "The Pulpit, The Periodical, and The Pen: The Life of Joseph Benson."
EVANGELIST P L LIDDELL (Church of the Nazarene, Michigan) has been a holiness evangelist for more than 50 years. He has written a number of great Gospel songs including, "When I Said Yes To Jesus."
WALLACE THORNTON, (Church of the Nazarene, Missouri) Pastors in Moberly, Missouri. He serves as an adjunct professor and scholar to a number of Bible Colleges. He is the author of "Radical Righteousness."
THE DUANE ELMORE FAMILY (Bible Holiness Church, Foley, Missouri) minister in the Spirit as they sing and lead singing. You will be wonderfully blessed by their great sound and their sensitivity to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
JOHN POFF (Church of God (Holiness), Carthage, Missouri) was saved in his 40's and called into the work of the Lord. John and his wife Sherry have pastored in Missouri and Colorado. Brother Poff is a man of prayer.
MISSIONARY NORMAN CASH and CECELIA SPOTTED BEAR of WOUNDED KNEE (Rose Bud and Pine Ridge Indian Reservations, South Dakota), are wonderful missionaries to the Indian Communities of South Dakota. They are leaders in the Spring Creek Indian Holiness Campmeeting.
WAYNE KNIPMEYER (Bible Holiness Church, Bowling Green, Missouri) has pastored in Illinois and Missouri. Brother Knipmeyer is a leader of the TROY BIBLE HOLINESS CAMPMEETING in Troy, Missouri.
DR. RODGER YOUNG (St. Louis, Missouri) will be presenting his amazing research confirming the accuracy of Biblical chronology. Dr. Young is an accomplished scholar having graduated from Reed College and Oxford University (Oxford, England) with graduate degrees. Dr. Young was led to Christ by Christians who picked him up as he was hitchhiking on the Auto-bon in Germany.
MARK AVERY (Church of God (Holiness), Overland Park, Kansas) is the editor of THE HERALD AND HOLINESS BANNER PRESS. He is a favorite at the St. Louis Holiness Convention.
I don't know where in the United States of America you could find such a gathering of great men of God, February 17th and 18th, 2011.
DELICIOUS HOME COOKED MEALS will be provided on a free-will offering basis.
HOTEL ROOMS can be purchased on Priceline at a reasonable rate. Select the St. Louis Airport and Westport areas as they are closest to the Convention site.
IF YOU NEED TRANSPORTATION to and from LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT we can arrange a ride. We are only 5 minutes from the airport.
PRAY AND ASK THE LORD IF HE WOULD LEAD YOU TO COME! We are praying He is willing that you come. It will do your heart good. And you will be an encouragement to others.
IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION please feel free to call my cell phone (314) 607-1424 or e-mail PastorRick@FCCToday.org.
Onward!
PASTOR RICK JONESFAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH of ST. LOUIS - CRUSADERS CHURCH USA2969 N. Lindbergh Blvd, St. Ann, MO 63047Tel. (314) 298-5840; Cell. (314) 607-1424E-mail: PastorRick@FCCToday.orgWeb Page: www.FCCToday.org Blog: www.PastorRickJones.blogspot.com
ST LOUIS STATEMENT
It is our conviction that the decline of morality in our culture and within the professing Christian community is rooted in the failure of the Church to embrace and articulate and demonstrate the message of Scriptural holiness.
The contemporary Church has lost its sanctifying influence in society, as it has:
… lost her conviction that the Scriptures are inspired and inerrant.
… accepted what Dietrich Bonhoeffer called, “cheap grace,” a grace that justifies sin without justifying the sinner.”
… refused to believe in the possibility of God’s grace to actually save sinners from all sin and to cleanse the heart of inherited depravity—our natural tendency to rebel against God.
The Scriptures teach, and we affirm:
1. Sanctification is the work of God that purifies the believer from acquired and inherited depravity. “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. I Thessalonians 5:23,24
2. At the time of conversion the penitent believer is justified, which is the imputation of righteousness in place of the believer’s guilt; and initially sanctified, which is the impartation of God’s righteousness worked in the believer’s heart and life. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? …And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. I Corinthians 6:9-11
Sanctification is initialized at the time of justification, for at that time God delivers the penitent believer from the power of sin, enabling righteous living and spiritual growth that brings the believer to the point of entire sanctification. “God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13.
Entire sanctification is the instantaneous cleansing of the believer’s heart of inherited depravity, so that the heart of the believer is fully renewed in the image of God, purified of inherited depravity, and perfected in love, accelerating growth in Christlikeness. “Herein is our love made perfect that we may have boldness in the day of judgment.” I John 4:17.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The John Wesley Foundation – 2969 N. Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63074 – Tel. (314) 607-1424
Thursday, January 13, 2011
IS GOD STILL ABLE?
Times change. They are always changing. Yet there are some changes that are so significant that they alter the entire course of human history. These defining moments are movements initiate profound shifts in thinking and new ways of living. (For example: The Birth of Christianity, the Rise of Islam, the Renaissance, The Enlightenment, The Protestant Reformation, the Industrial Revolution, The Ascent of Modern Science, and The Information Age).
From our vantage point it appears that we are once again in the midst of such a significant shift. Though it is yet to be named, we are witnessing a profound change. The West has abandoned her orthodox Christian faith, forsaken her moral convictions, and jettisoned her self-confidence. We have sown to the wind, and now we are reaping the whirlwind. (Hosea 8:7).
In our "Brave New World" gender distinctions are blurred, marriage commitments are optional, temporary, and open (one man to one woman, man to man, woman to woman, man to more than one woman, and woman to more than one man), children are disposable, and pleasure is god. Reckless spending by our government has covered the high cost of our feckless living, but htat cannot go on forever. All debts come due.
As the sun of our civilization descends towards the horizon of history, those who are concerned and willing to do what it necessary to halt the decline are few. Fewer still are those who see that our hope rests only in a revival of authentic Scriptural Christianity.
Many years ago, God "sought for a man to stand in the gap and make up the hedge," and then later lamented, "But I found none." (Ezekiel 22:30). Today there are some, but we are few. We take courage in Jonathan's word to his armor bearer, "There is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few." (1 Samuel 14:6) History confirms that Jonathan is right.
By the end of the 1st Century, Christians numbered approximately 6/10ths of 1% (6 out of every 1000) of the world's population. Yet who can doubt the power of those rugged disciples to win the lost and to "turn the world upside down!" (Acts 17:6). Twenty centuries later, the Church of Jesus Christ remains.
At John Wesley's death, fewer than 3/4ths of 1% (7 out of ever 1000) in Great Britain were members of the Methodist socieities. But historians are convinced that Methodism rescued Britain from the brink of anarchy and spared the nation from French-style revolution.
The record is clear. More than great numbers of men, we need great men of God.
Yet some nagging questions remain:
CAN THE SAME HOLY SPIRIT WHO PURIFIED THE HEARTS OF THE DISCIPLES BY FAITH AT PENTECOST (Acts 15:9) SO FILL GOD'S PEOPLE IN OUR DAY THAT WE COULD SEE A REVIVAL OF HOLINESS LIKE THAT OF THE FIRST CENTURY?
It was purity and holiness, not popularity and bigness that moved the first Christians. I suppose that they never got over ( and neither should we) that awesome penalty God exacted of Ananias and Sapphira for lying to the Holy Ghsot (Acts 5:1ff). Peter's rebuke of Simon who wanted to buy the power of the Holy Ghost was unambiguous, "Thy money perish with thee...thy heart is not right in the sight of God." (Acts 8:18ff) And Paul's admonition to the Church at Corinth regarding the professing Christian who was living with his father's wife was clear cut, "Deliver such an one to satan for the destruction of the flesh." (1 Cor. 5:5).
CAN THE HOLY SPIRIT THAT SO ENERGIZED THE METHODISTS TO SPREAD SCRIPTURAL HOLINESS THROUGHOUT THE BRITISH EMPIRE AND ACROSS AMERICA, EMPOWER AND MOBILIZE US TO FILL OUR NATION WITH "HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD?"
Utilizing the means of their day--circuit riding preachers on horse-back, innumerable services, out-door preaching, revivals, and class meetings, as well as the technology of their day the printed page (The Arminian magazine published by the Methodists was for many years the most widely distributed and read magazine in the world), the Methodist influence profoundly hsaped the people and the insitutions of 18th and 19th century Britain and United States.
AND IS THE MIGHTY BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY GHOST AND FIRE ABLE TO OVERCOME THE PERVASIVE INFLUENCE OF THE WORLD, THE FLESH, AND THE DEVIL IN OUR GENERATION?
Is the power of God checked by the forces of technology, media, and all that we call modernity? Is it even possible toget the attention of a generation that is so mesmerized by the media, the internet, and high tech gadgetry? Americans alone send 4 billion texts a day. 280 million Americans will jump on the information super-highway we call the internet. And more Americans have TV's in their homes than have indoor plumbing. Is it possible to overcome this tsunami of iniquity that surrounds us?
NEVER BEFORE HAS THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST FACED THE CHALLENGES POSED BY THE CONVERGENCE OF AN EVER PRESENT TECHNOLOGY that privatizes sin, A TOLERANCE that contextualizes sin and renders right judgment impossible, and A THIS-WORLDLINESS that has no fear of God, of judgment, or of eternity.
YET OUR FAITH STILL HOLDS TO THE CRUCIFIED, BURIED, AND RISEN AGAIN CHRIST. He promised, "Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you!" Surely this power is greater than all the inventions and imaginations of men. It was this power that raised up Christ from the dead. It was this power that raises us up to walk in newness of life. It was this power that sustained the Church of Jesus Christ to this good hour. And it is this power that secures our faith in the future.
JOIN US FEBRUARY 17 & 18, 2011 AT THE ST. LOUIS HOLINESS CONVENTION, Sponsored by the JOHN WESLEY FOUNDATION OF ST. LOUIS, and hosted by FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH, 2969 N. Lindbergh, St. Ann, MO 63074, AS WE SEEK GOD FOR A FRESH OUTPOURING OF PENTECOSTAL POWER ON HIS PEOPLE, A REVITALIZED CHURCH, AND A RENEWED CONFIDENCE IN OUR MESSAGE! "Holiness unto the Lord, now and forever!"
From our vantage point it appears that we are once again in the midst of such a significant shift. Though it is yet to be named, we are witnessing a profound change. The West has abandoned her orthodox Christian faith, forsaken her moral convictions, and jettisoned her self-confidence. We have sown to the wind, and now we are reaping the whirlwind. (Hosea 8:7).
In our "Brave New World" gender distinctions are blurred, marriage commitments are optional, temporary, and open (one man to one woman, man to man, woman to woman, man to more than one woman, and woman to more than one man), children are disposable, and pleasure is god. Reckless spending by our government has covered the high cost of our feckless living, but htat cannot go on forever. All debts come due.
As the sun of our civilization descends towards the horizon of history, those who are concerned and willing to do what it necessary to halt the decline are few. Fewer still are those who see that our hope rests only in a revival of authentic Scriptural Christianity.
Many years ago, God "sought for a man to stand in the gap and make up the hedge," and then later lamented, "But I found none." (Ezekiel 22:30). Today there are some, but we are few. We take courage in Jonathan's word to his armor bearer, "There is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few." (1 Samuel 14:6) History confirms that Jonathan is right.
By the end of the 1st Century, Christians numbered approximately 6/10ths of 1% (6 out of every 1000) of the world's population. Yet who can doubt the power of those rugged disciples to win the lost and to "turn the world upside down!" (Acts 17:6). Twenty centuries later, the Church of Jesus Christ remains.
At John Wesley's death, fewer than 3/4ths of 1% (7 out of ever 1000) in Great Britain were members of the Methodist socieities. But historians are convinced that Methodism rescued Britain from the brink of anarchy and spared the nation from French-style revolution.
The record is clear. More than great numbers of men, we need great men of God.
Yet some nagging questions remain:
CAN THE SAME HOLY SPIRIT WHO PURIFIED THE HEARTS OF THE DISCIPLES BY FAITH AT PENTECOST (Acts 15:9) SO FILL GOD'S PEOPLE IN OUR DAY THAT WE COULD SEE A REVIVAL OF HOLINESS LIKE THAT OF THE FIRST CENTURY?
It was purity and holiness, not popularity and bigness that moved the first Christians. I suppose that they never got over ( and neither should we) that awesome penalty God exacted of Ananias and Sapphira for lying to the Holy Ghsot (Acts 5:1ff). Peter's rebuke of Simon who wanted to buy the power of the Holy Ghost was unambiguous, "Thy money perish with thee...thy heart is not right in the sight of God." (Acts 8:18ff) And Paul's admonition to the Church at Corinth regarding the professing Christian who was living with his father's wife was clear cut, "Deliver such an one to satan for the destruction of the flesh." (1 Cor. 5:5).
CAN THE HOLY SPIRIT THAT SO ENERGIZED THE METHODISTS TO SPREAD SCRIPTURAL HOLINESS THROUGHOUT THE BRITISH EMPIRE AND ACROSS AMERICA, EMPOWER AND MOBILIZE US TO FILL OUR NATION WITH "HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD?"
Utilizing the means of their day--circuit riding preachers on horse-back, innumerable services, out-door preaching, revivals, and class meetings, as well as the technology of their day the printed page (The Arminian magazine published by the Methodists was for many years the most widely distributed and read magazine in the world), the Methodist influence profoundly hsaped the people and the insitutions of 18th and 19th century Britain and United States.
AND IS THE MIGHTY BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY GHOST AND FIRE ABLE TO OVERCOME THE PERVASIVE INFLUENCE OF THE WORLD, THE FLESH, AND THE DEVIL IN OUR GENERATION?
Is the power of God checked by the forces of technology, media, and all that we call modernity? Is it even possible toget the attention of a generation that is so mesmerized by the media, the internet, and high tech gadgetry? Americans alone send 4 billion texts a day. 280 million Americans will jump on the information super-highway we call the internet. And more Americans have TV's in their homes than have indoor plumbing. Is it possible to overcome this tsunami of iniquity that surrounds us?
NEVER BEFORE HAS THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST FACED THE CHALLENGES POSED BY THE CONVERGENCE OF AN EVER PRESENT TECHNOLOGY that privatizes sin, A TOLERANCE that contextualizes sin and renders right judgment impossible, and A THIS-WORLDLINESS that has no fear of God, of judgment, or of eternity.
YET OUR FAITH STILL HOLDS TO THE CRUCIFIED, BURIED, AND RISEN AGAIN CHRIST. He promised, "Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you!" Surely this power is greater than all the inventions and imaginations of men. It was this power that raised up Christ from the dead. It was this power that raises us up to walk in newness of life. It was this power that sustained the Church of Jesus Christ to this good hour. And it is this power that secures our faith in the future.
JOIN US FEBRUARY 17 & 18, 2011 AT THE ST. LOUIS HOLINESS CONVENTION, Sponsored by the JOHN WESLEY FOUNDATION OF ST. LOUIS, and hosted by FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH, 2969 N. Lindbergh, St. Ann, MO 63074, AS WE SEEK GOD FOR A FRESH OUTPOURING OF PENTECOSTAL POWER ON HIS PEOPLE, A REVITALIZED CHURCH, AND A RENEWED CONFIDENCE IN OUR MESSAGE! "Holiness unto the Lord, now and forever!"
Saturday, January 8, 2011
SATAN'S SEARCH AND DESTROY MISSION
In Matthew 2:13 we read, "And when they were departed, behold the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him."
While Mary held the precious Son of God in her arms, as Joseph looked on in amazement, while Shepherds glorified the Christ child, and Wise Men from the East presented Him gifts, Jesus was not revered, reverenced, nor received by most--especially the civic, religious, and self-righteous leaders of His day.
Herod, who had himself appointed "The King of the Jews" by the Roman Senate, was on a search and destroy mission before our Lord had reached his second birthday.
HEROD WILL SEEK TO DESTROY HIM the angel warned Joseph. And so the holy family moved south into Egypt until it was safe for them to return to Nazareth in Galilee.
CERTAINLY THE ENEMIES OF CHRIST WERE NUMEROUS DURING HIS 33 YEAR SOJOURN ON EARTH.
There were religious enemies. The Pharisees--that strict band of legalists--who used the law to break the law of God--were His ardent antagonists. Their system was threatened by His sincerity.
There were political enemies. Herod, and then Pilate were out to execute Jesus. Their system was threatened by His authority.
There were carnal, self-righteous men, who would take up stones to kill Jesus when He identified himself as "I AM." (John 8:59). Their comfortable world view was threatened by the power of His Truth.
AFTER THE LORD JESUS ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN, CHRIST'S BODY ON EARTH--THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST--WAS STILL IN THE CROSS HAIRS OF A SEARCH AND DESTROY MISSION.
Dr. Thompson, on his Apologetics Web Site, put it this way, "Christ and His Gospel message turned the world of the first century upside down (Acts 17:6). Even His worst enemies recognized the impact He was having. When the Pharisees and cheif priests sent their officers to seize Christ on one occasion, the officers returned empty handed. When asked why they had failed in their quest, the only answer they could offer was, 'Never a man spake like this man.'" (john 7:46).
"As Christianity spread, its enemies no longer were content merely to object to its central tenets or those who espoused them. Eventually, vocal disagreement gave way to physical violence. The efforts of the Roman emperor Nero to obliterate Christ's message by charging His followers with all manner of falsehoods, and killing them by the thousands, are well documented."
"Try as they might, however Christ's enemies could not accomplish their ill fated goal. While its foes consigned it to die a thousand deaths, the 'corpse of Christianity,' never remained in the grave. With each persecution it grew stronger and spread farther. ...So the enemies of Christ took to discrediting the sources of Christian revelation, to undermining the principles of Christ, and to destroying or diminishing the disciplines of Christ."
There really is nothing new under the sun. Satan's attack has been from the beginning, injecting doubt "hath God said?" and then deceiving, "Ye shall not surely die!"
Enemies like Porphyry in the Ancient world, Voltaire in the Renaissance, David Hume, Renen, and Darwin, in the 18th and 19th centuries, and John Dewey in the 20th century, raised significant challenges to the Christian Church.
THE CHURCH OF OUR DAY SEEMS ILL-PREPARED TO MEET THE CHALLENGE OF THIS HOUR.
The Barna Group surveyed 5,000 people to assess the key trends facing the Church in 2011. Their six findings are in sync with our own observations:
1. The Christian Church is becoming less theologically literate.
2. Christians are becoming more ingrown and less outreach oriented.
3. Growing numbers of people are less interested in spiritual principles and more desirous of learning practical solutions for life.
4. Among Chrisitans, interest in participating in community action is escalating.
5. THE POST-MODERN INSISTENCE ON TOLERANCE IS WINNING OVER THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
6. The INFLUENCE OF CHRISTIANITY ON CULTURE AND INDIVIDUAL LIVES IS LARGELY INVISIBLE. (I might add a corollary truth: THE INFLUENCE OF CULTURE ON CHRISTIANITY IS PROFOUNDLY VISIBLE!)
Today the SEARCH AND DESTROY mission is led not only by avowed atheists and famed skeptics, but it is spearheaded by those who would strip the church of her doctrine, her distinctives, and her disciplines.
By DOCTRINE we mean the fundamental truths revealed in Scripture regarding the nature of God, the nature of man, sin, salvation, sanctification, glorification, heaven and hell.
By DISTINCTIVES we mean the Scriptural principles that govern God's Church. We are to be holy! We are to be righteous! We are to be loving. We are to be humble. We are to be submissive.
By DISCIPLINES we mean the particular application of doctrine and distinctives.
For example, one of our distinctives is gender specificity. We reject unisex. Each gender should think, act, and present themselves as distinct from the other. Men should dress in such a way that no one would doubt their masculinity--not in skirts, or blouses, sissy looking attire, or with jewelry. God's ladies should dress in such a way that no one would doubt their effeminacy--not in trousers and macho-looking clothing. There is a reason that God inspired Moses to write, "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall the man put on a woman's garment, for all that do so are an abomination unto the Lord thy God." Deut. 22:5. Orthodox Jewish woman and men dress distinctively. Their women wear modest skirts and dresses, never trousers. Their men never wear effeminate looking clothing.
It is our conviction that because the Church of Jesus Christ refused to insist on this distinction that our culture has become confused about gender and thus we see the specter of men marrying men, and women marrying women. God had a reason for making this rule. He knew that fallen men could not fulfill their God-given roles unless they thought, acted, and looked the part.
Another Example: As Christians another of our distinctives is modesty. The Bible teaches that women are to dress in modest apparel. Our discipline then requires us to make specific standards. For men, keep your shirts on and your pants pulled up and long. For women, keep a sleeve in your blouses, keep them buttoned so as not to be revealing, and keep your skirts below the knee.
Another of our distinctives is "to avoid the appearance of evil," and to "keep ourselves pure." So our discipline urges us to avoid entertainments on the screen, the stage, on the airwaves, or over the internet, that are not of good report.
We also oppose pride and embrace humility. So simplicity in dress as the Apostle Paul would put it, "not with gold, and pearls, and costly array," is not optional. This is an expression of hearts whose sole purpose is to glorify God and not self.
TRAGICALLY THE SEARCH AND DESTROY MISSION HAS NEARLY SILENCED THE PULPITS AND PEOPLE OF THE LIVING GOD. "Legalism" they cry. "Legal" we reply.
IF THERE WAS EVER A DAY WHEN THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST NEEDED A REVIVAL OF PURE, AUTHENTIC, ORIGINAL RECIPE, FIRST CENTURY CHRISTIANITY it is ours. It is our only hope to thwart and defend against Satan's search and destroy mission.
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU HEARD OF AN ARMY THAT WON BY SURRENDERING? Why do we think that the Church of Jesus Christ will win in our day, by surrendering to the culture--the carnal spirit of this age.
COMPROMISING IN THE NAME OF "SEEKER SENSITIVE," OR "RELEVANCY" has only weakened the church. Our numbers are lower than ever. Our influence in our nation has never been weaker.
JOSEPH SAVED THE LORD JESUS FROM HEROD'S WRATH BY OBEYING THE WORD OF GOD. Only obedience will save Christ's body--the Church, and our own souls today.
While Mary held the precious Son of God in her arms, as Joseph looked on in amazement, while Shepherds glorified the Christ child, and Wise Men from the East presented Him gifts, Jesus was not revered, reverenced, nor received by most--especially the civic, religious, and self-righteous leaders of His day.
Herod, who had himself appointed "The King of the Jews" by the Roman Senate, was on a search and destroy mission before our Lord had reached his second birthday.
HEROD WILL SEEK TO DESTROY HIM the angel warned Joseph. And so the holy family moved south into Egypt until it was safe for them to return to Nazareth in Galilee.
CERTAINLY THE ENEMIES OF CHRIST WERE NUMEROUS DURING HIS 33 YEAR SOJOURN ON EARTH.
There were religious enemies. The Pharisees--that strict band of legalists--who used the law to break the law of God--were His ardent antagonists. Their system was threatened by His sincerity.
There were political enemies. Herod, and then Pilate were out to execute Jesus. Their system was threatened by His authority.
There were carnal, self-righteous men, who would take up stones to kill Jesus when He identified himself as "I AM." (John 8:59). Their comfortable world view was threatened by the power of His Truth.
AFTER THE LORD JESUS ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN, CHRIST'S BODY ON EARTH--THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST--WAS STILL IN THE CROSS HAIRS OF A SEARCH AND DESTROY MISSION.
Dr. Thompson, on his Apologetics Web Site, put it this way, "Christ and His Gospel message turned the world of the first century upside down (Acts 17:6). Even His worst enemies recognized the impact He was having. When the Pharisees and cheif priests sent their officers to seize Christ on one occasion, the officers returned empty handed. When asked why they had failed in their quest, the only answer they could offer was, 'Never a man spake like this man.'" (john 7:46).
"As Christianity spread, its enemies no longer were content merely to object to its central tenets or those who espoused them. Eventually, vocal disagreement gave way to physical violence. The efforts of the Roman emperor Nero to obliterate Christ's message by charging His followers with all manner of falsehoods, and killing them by the thousands, are well documented."
"Try as they might, however Christ's enemies could not accomplish their ill fated goal. While its foes consigned it to die a thousand deaths, the 'corpse of Christianity,' never remained in the grave. With each persecution it grew stronger and spread farther. ...So the enemies of Christ took to discrediting the sources of Christian revelation, to undermining the principles of Christ, and to destroying or diminishing the disciplines of Christ."
There really is nothing new under the sun. Satan's attack has been from the beginning, injecting doubt "hath God said?" and then deceiving, "Ye shall not surely die!"
Enemies like Porphyry in the Ancient world, Voltaire in the Renaissance, David Hume, Renen, and Darwin, in the 18th and 19th centuries, and John Dewey in the 20th century, raised significant challenges to the Christian Church.
THE CHURCH OF OUR DAY SEEMS ILL-PREPARED TO MEET THE CHALLENGE OF THIS HOUR.
The Barna Group surveyed 5,000 people to assess the key trends facing the Church in 2011. Their six findings are in sync with our own observations:
1. The Christian Church is becoming less theologically literate.
2. Christians are becoming more ingrown and less outreach oriented.
3. Growing numbers of people are less interested in spiritual principles and more desirous of learning practical solutions for life.
4. Among Chrisitans, interest in participating in community action is escalating.
5. THE POST-MODERN INSISTENCE ON TOLERANCE IS WINNING OVER THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
6. The INFLUENCE OF CHRISTIANITY ON CULTURE AND INDIVIDUAL LIVES IS LARGELY INVISIBLE. (I might add a corollary truth: THE INFLUENCE OF CULTURE ON CHRISTIANITY IS PROFOUNDLY VISIBLE!)
Today the SEARCH AND DESTROY mission is led not only by avowed atheists and famed skeptics, but it is spearheaded by those who would strip the church of her doctrine, her distinctives, and her disciplines.
By DOCTRINE we mean the fundamental truths revealed in Scripture regarding the nature of God, the nature of man, sin, salvation, sanctification, glorification, heaven and hell.
By DISTINCTIVES we mean the Scriptural principles that govern God's Church. We are to be holy! We are to be righteous! We are to be loving. We are to be humble. We are to be submissive.
By DISCIPLINES we mean the particular application of doctrine and distinctives.
For example, one of our distinctives is gender specificity. We reject unisex. Each gender should think, act, and present themselves as distinct from the other. Men should dress in such a way that no one would doubt their masculinity--not in skirts, or blouses, sissy looking attire, or with jewelry. God's ladies should dress in such a way that no one would doubt their effeminacy--not in trousers and macho-looking clothing. There is a reason that God inspired Moses to write, "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall the man put on a woman's garment, for all that do so are an abomination unto the Lord thy God." Deut. 22:5. Orthodox Jewish woman and men dress distinctively. Their women wear modest skirts and dresses, never trousers. Their men never wear effeminate looking clothing.
It is our conviction that because the Church of Jesus Christ refused to insist on this distinction that our culture has become confused about gender and thus we see the specter of men marrying men, and women marrying women. God had a reason for making this rule. He knew that fallen men could not fulfill their God-given roles unless they thought, acted, and looked the part.
Another Example: As Christians another of our distinctives is modesty. The Bible teaches that women are to dress in modest apparel. Our discipline then requires us to make specific standards. For men, keep your shirts on and your pants pulled up and long. For women, keep a sleeve in your blouses, keep them buttoned so as not to be revealing, and keep your skirts below the knee.
Another of our distinctives is "to avoid the appearance of evil," and to "keep ourselves pure." So our discipline urges us to avoid entertainments on the screen, the stage, on the airwaves, or over the internet, that are not of good report.
We also oppose pride and embrace humility. So simplicity in dress as the Apostle Paul would put it, "not with gold, and pearls, and costly array," is not optional. This is an expression of hearts whose sole purpose is to glorify God and not self.
TRAGICALLY THE SEARCH AND DESTROY MISSION HAS NEARLY SILENCED THE PULPITS AND PEOPLE OF THE LIVING GOD. "Legalism" they cry. "Legal" we reply.
IF THERE WAS EVER A DAY WHEN THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST NEEDED A REVIVAL OF PURE, AUTHENTIC, ORIGINAL RECIPE, FIRST CENTURY CHRISTIANITY it is ours. It is our only hope to thwart and defend against Satan's search and destroy mission.
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU HEARD OF AN ARMY THAT WON BY SURRENDERING? Why do we think that the Church of Jesus Christ will win in our day, by surrendering to the culture--the carnal spirit of this age.
COMPROMISING IN THE NAME OF "SEEKER SENSITIVE," OR "RELEVANCY" has only weakened the church. Our numbers are lower than ever. Our influence in our nation has never been weaker.
JOSEPH SAVED THE LORD JESUS FROM HEROD'S WRATH BY OBEYING THE WORD OF GOD. Only obedience will save Christ's body--the Church, and our own souls today.
OUR CALLING TO FULFILL
The mission of our church is specific:
...To proclaim God's Truth (revealed without error in the Bible),
...To evangelize the lost,
...To be faithful disciples--followers of Jesus Christ,
...To example Christ-like love for God and for one another,
...To promote Scriptural holiness of heart and life, and
...To advance Christian virtue in the public square.
In recent months we have become increasingly aware of this fact: It is much easier to state a mission, than it is to fulfill a mission!
To fulfill the mission God has given us, will require specific commitments by God's people.
1. IF THERE IS WARMTH THERE MUST BE LOVE!
If our services are to be noted for spiritual warmth, there must be that "going the extra mile," self-less, hospitable, caring, sacrificial, loyal love.
2. IF THERE IS OUTREACH THERE MUST BE REACH-OUT!
It is not enough to pray that God will send in the lost, we must go to them. Jesus said, "Go ye therefore and teach all nations." (Matthew 28:19ff)
3. IF THERE IS POWER THERE MUST BE PRAYER!
Powerlessness is the inevitable consequence of prayerlessness. Our prayer life must be faithful, consistent, insistent, and persistent!
4. IF THERE IS WORSHIP THERE MUST BE SACRIFICE!
The English word from which we derive "worship" is "worth-ship." It is only when we consider the presence of God greater worth than the fleeting pleasures and treasures of earth, that we can experience true worship. Paying the price of holy discipline, giving our voices and our attention and involvement in worship are vital to experiencing the presense of God.
Those who see the cross, will with Isaac Watts testify, "all the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood," and then know the joy and wonder of worship.
5. IF THERE IS CONVICTION THERE MUST BE TRUTH!
The tragedy of our times is that too many preachers fear to tell the truth, and too many in the pews do not want to hear the truth. It is no wonder that there is so little conviction in our services.
6. IF THERE IS PEACE, THERE MUST BE WAR!
Churches that have surrendered to the spirit of the age, to the world, the flesh, and the devil, will never know the peace of God that passes understanding. Only those who have declared war on the enemies of man's soul will know peace.
7. IF THERE IS VICTORY, THERE MUST BE SURRENDER!
Not surrender to the enemy, rather an unconditional surrender to do the whole will of God. Those who testify, "All to Jesus I Surrender" will testify with the songwriter, "Gone is the battle that once raged within, I have peace."
In conclusion we would note that for every soul, and for every church, IF THERE IS HEAVEN THERE MUST BE HOLINESS. The Scripture declares, "Pursue peace with all men and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord." "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." This holiness is not imputed, rather it is imparted by the Spirit of Holiness to all who "hunger and thirst after righteousness."
May God enable His Church to rise up in this late hour, to declare the whole counsel of god, and to be the Church He has called us to be in this generation. Charles Wesley's testimony is our prayer:
A charge to keep I have,
A God to glorify
A never-dying soul to save,
And fit it for the skies.
To serve this present age,
My calling to fulfill,
Oh may it all my powers engage,
To do my Master's will.
Arm me with jealous care,
As in thy sight to live,
And O thy servant Lord prepare
A strict account to give.
Help me to watch and pray,
And on thyself rely,
Assured if I my trust betray,
I shall forever die.
...To proclaim God's Truth (revealed without error in the Bible),
...To evangelize the lost,
...To be faithful disciples--followers of Jesus Christ,
...To example Christ-like love for God and for one another,
...To promote Scriptural holiness of heart and life, and
...To advance Christian virtue in the public square.
In recent months we have become increasingly aware of this fact: It is much easier to state a mission, than it is to fulfill a mission!
To fulfill the mission God has given us, will require specific commitments by God's people.
1. IF THERE IS WARMTH THERE MUST BE LOVE!
If our services are to be noted for spiritual warmth, there must be that "going the extra mile," self-less, hospitable, caring, sacrificial, loyal love.
2. IF THERE IS OUTREACH THERE MUST BE REACH-OUT!
It is not enough to pray that God will send in the lost, we must go to them. Jesus said, "Go ye therefore and teach all nations." (Matthew 28:19ff)
3. IF THERE IS POWER THERE MUST BE PRAYER!
Powerlessness is the inevitable consequence of prayerlessness. Our prayer life must be faithful, consistent, insistent, and persistent!
4. IF THERE IS WORSHIP THERE MUST BE SACRIFICE!
The English word from which we derive "worship" is "worth-ship." It is only when we consider the presence of God greater worth than the fleeting pleasures and treasures of earth, that we can experience true worship. Paying the price of holy discipline, giving our voices and our attention and involvement in worship are vital to experiencing the presense of God.
Those who see the cross, will with Isaac Watts testify, "all the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood," and then know the joy and wonder of worship.
5. IF THERE IS CONVICTION THERE MUST BE TRUTH!
The tragedy of our times is that too many preachers fear to tell the truth, and too many in the pews do not want to hear the truth. It is no wonder that there is so little conviction in our services.
6. IF THERE IS PEACE, THERE MUST BE WAR!
Churches that have surrendered to the spirit of the age, to the world, the flesh, and the devil, will never know the peace of God that passes understanding. Only those who have declared war on the enemies of man's soul will know peace.
7. IF THERE IS VICTORY, THERE MUST BE SURRENDER!
Not surrender to the enemy, rather an unconditional surrender to do the whole will of God. Those who testify, "All to Jesus I Surrender" will testify with the songwriter, "Gone is the battle that once raged within, I have peace."
In conclusion we would note that for every soul, and for every church, IF THERE IS HEAVEN THERE MUST BE HOLINESS. The Scripture declares, "Pursue peace with all men and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord." "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." This holiness is not imputed, rather it is imparted by the Spirit of Holiness to all who "hunger and thirst after righteousness."
May God enable His Church to rise up in this late hour, to declare the whole counsel of god, and to be the Church He has called us to be in this generation. Charles Wesley's testimony is our prayer:
A charge to keep I have,
A God to glorify
A never-dying soul to save,
And fit it for the skies.
To serve this present age,
My calling to fulfill,
Oh may it all my powers engage,
To do my Master's will.
Arm me with jealous care,
As in thy sight to live,
And O thy servant Lord prepare
A strict account to give.
Help me to watch and pray,
And on thyself rely,
Assured if I my trust betray,
I shall forever die.
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