Chaplain Rick's Thoughts

While not a name commonly used in fundamental circles, occasionally the topic of church membership comes into play, and the term Alien Baptism is used to determine a position on the matter.

What is it?

Alien Baptism simply refers to the acceptance of someone of another denomination into the church membership. More specifically though when looking at their baptism and what denomination their baptism was under.

The Argument

Following will be comprehensive points on both sides and then this author’s biblical opinion on the subject:

Baptism is one of those terms, I believe, that can be misused to place undue burden on the church. Baptism has been incorrectly applied to salvation, Church membership, open repentance and more. Some churches have people re-baptized annually in a form of reformation spirit; which is perhaps why is it so misunderstood.

Baptism is: An outward identification of an inward change. As it is also an ordinance of the New Testament Church it should be used as an identifier of status, only where it pertains to an outward identification of that inward change.

Baptism is not: Baptism doesn’t save you, it doesn’t place you “in the body”, It doesn’t cleanse you (although I think my pastor slipped a bar of soap in my water) It is not part of repentance or levels of reformation.

The Issue

When you accept someone into the church membership there are 2 main things that traditional Baptist churches want to know: You are saved and that you have been baptized in a church of like faith and practice. The issue of Alien Baptism comes in as this: what is a church of like faith and practice?

The easy answer is to say that they were saved and baptized in an independent, fundamental, bible thumping, foot washing, God fearin’, Baptist church. However, not everyone has that privilege.

I mean, let’s go to the fundamentals: did they accept Christ as their personal Saviour, plus or minus nothing? Were they immersed in water to publicly identify that inward change to the world? Sounds like “like faith and practice” to me.

The Counter Thought

As a former pastor I took this issue with a mindset that the new member’s beliefs needed to line up in order to join the church. Afterall, church membership is not as forgiving than that of salvation. You must consider: if the new church member received Christ (saved) by faith, but believes you can lose it; is that “like faith and practice?”. I would argue it is not. Would I want that person teaching a Sunday school class or out on soul winning as a representative of the church? If the person asking to become a member, in the matter of salvation; does NOT believe as the church does… they can not be accepted in to the local body. This does not mean that they can’t be discipled and then request membership in the future.

Also consider:

Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

A pastor must choose these members carefully in the manner that, at least in the terms of salvation; they are going to be held accountable for the beliefs of the people that are in his charge.

Doctrinal note: Most all denominations that teach you can lose your salvation leave out the “losing your salvation” part till after a profession is made, so that teaching becomes a church doctrine and not an understanding for salvation. In my opinion it is possible for someone to receive the gospel and then be taught man’s doctrine… and yet still be saved. I have seen accounts where someone left a false teaching and learned that they truly were saved because they believed the true gospel; then later learned the fallacy of the church teaching. There was no need in my mind for them to be “re-saved” and the matter of baptism was there for them to make; but certainly not forced as some membership requirement. Remember, in the matter of salvation; baptism only publicly demonstrates the choice… not the doctrine.

Finally, my opinion.

Pastoral authority has been a bedrock foundation from the days of Moses through Timothy and Titus. If a pastor, in hearing and understanding that the perspective member has demonstrated that, they have received the Gospel and has been baptized in an outward demonstration of that belief; and that person “at the time of membership request” believes the same as the church they wish to join (in the matter of salvation) that the membership should accept the Pastors request. He alone is the one who will give an account and he alone will suffer the consequences of a decision wrongfully made.

 

When it comes to chores, I think that no chore is more despised by kids than that of washing dishes. I know even myself growing up there was always that sigh after dinner; to know that while everyone else was doing the things that they wanted to do, I was going to get the pleasure of washing the dishes.

This was made more real to me as I have raised 3 kids to adulthood (and one still to get there) seeing their frustration, whining, complaining and in some cases; outright disobedience over washing the dishes.

However, of all the chores that a child might do, perhaps washing dishes is the one that teaches us to most about life, goals and accomplishment.

Detail Oriented

My father was a stickler for the details. Maybe it was the military, but in everything there just needed a touch of perfection to be approved. You haven’t lived until you have been thoroughly chewed out in proper military fashion for spots on dishes. But the thing that this revealed to me is the need to be detail oriented in all the things we do. We see this mindset from God in the very example of the Tabernacle. Every detail from the size, the curtains, the materials used, yes even down to the dishes used; we note how He is a God of details when it comes to the way that He wanted things to be.

Clean Inside and Out

I recall one time I observed my brother washing dishes. He was in a hurry and was only washing the outside of the glasses. Sure the soapy water was at least going into the glasses, but that wasn’t “washing them”. It didn’t take very long before the error of his ways to be revealed. It just took a coffee cup that just rinsing wasn’t going to get clean to get the flag raised on what was done. However, this time it wasn’t my father… it was Mom.

Can I get an AMEN from those who would say angering your father was bad, but getting Mom upset; was like the end of the world kinda bad?

Mom told us (Yes, I got the lecture too) that if the cup wasn’t clean inside and out, it’s not clean! Taking a shower doesn’t clean what is inside, she said. To be truly clean you need to clean the inside and out.

Jesus said something like this when He was making an example of the Pharisees:

Matthew 23:25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

It’s Not Done Until It’s Done Right

My parents had more sayings than a politician has excuses. Maybe it was a Kentucky thing because Grandma Adler had quite a few too. The one my father liked the most I think was: “How come there is never enough time to do it right, but there always seems to be enough time to do it over?”

While he said it a lot to our shame, the saying was sound. Whether doing dishes, taking out the trash, school work or, well, whatever we do; we should take the time to do it right.

This mindset lead to my life verse:

Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

Maybe my family’s sayings we’re just out of the Bible… the Brewer Family Version.

Not My will, but thine

Another important lesson learned from washing dishes is that the standard I needed to achieve was not my own. Meaning simply I didn’t decide when the job was done, or done right; but rather the one I was performing the task for. Naturally this life lesson leads to the attitude for employer/ employee relations, parenthood and even ministry. We see this reflected here:

Colossians 3:22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

The Parable of the Dirty Dishes

Perhaps the moment that sticks out most in my mind is when I was washing the dishes as a youth. As I was standing there at the sink alone with only the light above the sink on; I was having a little pity party. Slamming the plates, clanging the pots; I just didn’t feel it was fair that I always had to do the dishes.

My Mom came in and listened for a moment and then ask: “What is on that plate you are washing?” Dirt Mom, I rasped back. “More specific?” She ask in a soft tone that only a Mother knows how to give. “Dinner?” I queried. “Yes, dinner. Many tonight didn’t have dinner, didn’t have a home to have dinner in or a family to have dinner with. The fact that you get to wash dishes tonight means that you had dinner, in a home with parents; that worked very hard to provide for you and your brother.”

I have never washed a dish in the last 40+ years without remembering that soft tone, the care in her voice; or the parable of the dirty dishes.

Chaplain Rick Brewer

Deuteronomy 29:29  The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

We have all heard the first part of Deuteronomy 29:29 quoted when someone doesn’t have an answer to a question or a verse or passage doesn’t seem to make sense…  I recall in Bible college in North Carolina one of my professors quoting this at least once a class because he didn’t want to deal with a difficult question… While it might be easy to say or use this verse as a scapegoat we should look at what is really a secret verses revealed truth.

A world of information

We have the finished work of God in our King James Bible, there is no more revelation to give; meaning simply all that God has revealed to us all we need (or wants us) to know. Understanding this fact we see in these following verses that more has happened in history than has been documented or recorded:

John 21:24  This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

God has revealed through the word of God all we need (or should) to know to have a victorious life.  

The Secret Revealed

Amos 3:7  Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

To learn what God’s secrets are you have to first be one of God’s people.

1 Corinthians 2:14  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

This spiritual discernment is a supernatural process that gives a Christian understanding of the scriptures; understanding that the unsaved can not know. A natural (unsaved) person can only understand the Bible historically; he can even follow the teaching of Christ, having a cleaner life; however much of the understanding of the scriptures are reserved for God’s people. This discernment is progressional, (1 Peter 2:2) as we grow in faith and in knowledge; as we learn what God has provided through His word, He reveals more.

These verses below show God revealing knowledge to His people:

Psalms 25:14  The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

Proverbs 3:32  For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.

This following verse God tells us that He has not spoken to others in secret… simply meaning He has never spoken things that are not attainable. Remember God is a rewarder of those who would diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6)

Isaiah 45:18  For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.

19 I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.

Mark 4:11  And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.

The New Testament reveals secrets and mysteries in God’s timing. 

Matthew 13:34  All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:

35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

Romans 16:25  Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

In the many predestined events of the Bible God hid His truth until the proper time. As part of God’s plan and purpose there were things that had to take place in order for God’s plan to be fulfilled. We couldn’t have a faith based church without Christ, we could not have eternal security until Christ was resurrected and the Holy Spirit come in. We cannot have a tribulation until the rapture… and so on. In many cases in the old testament these things were kept hid because they simply did not need to know, but as God’s plan came into order… God began to reveal more until “it is finished” and God had revealed all He wanted us to know.   

1 Corinthians 15:51  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

Romans 16:25  Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

Ephesians 3:3  How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

Ephesians 3:8  Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

Ephesians 6:19  And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

Colossians 1:26  Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Jesus continues to identify this revelation in due time

Mark 4:21  And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?

22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

Conclusion:

Deuteronomy 29:29  The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

There are things that God has not revealed and are secret. In fact these things have not been shared with anyone at anytime (Isaiah 45:18, Mark 4:21), however; as the second part of the verse says… those things that have been revealed belong to us. The concern or the argument is in our understanding.

If there is information in the word of God and we do not understand it… it’s NOT a Deuteronomy 29:29 situation, but rather a lack of discernment or understanding. If the information is clearly absent from the scriptures then THAT is the secret of God and can not be revealed.

Understanding this distinction will save many sleepless nights. God has revealed all we need to know to have a victorious life… and what He has revealed He wants us to know; sometimes this means we need to study, but isn’t that the idea…

2 Timothy 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Hebrews 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Much speculation surrounds the question of Who are the Sons of God. Many different views come with Greek and Hebrew tags as authors attempt to explain their theories. I prefer to use the Word of God…

Establishing a baseline

Job 38:4  Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?
6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;
7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Here we find the “sons of God” present when the earth was being formed.

We also find the “sons of God” standing before God in Job Chapters 1 & 2

Job 1:6  Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.

Job 2:1  Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the Lord.

We must make the identification that these were angels and not men because of:

John 1:18  No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

These verses directly support the fact that the “sons of God” in Genesis 6 were angels. Now that that has been established we can answer the question in Genesis Chapter 6 where it describes an event wherby these “sons of God” came down and took wives and had kids.

Genesis 6:1-4  And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,
2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.
3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.

There is little additional information about this event; however it was something clearly done with God’s disapproval as seen in verse 3. Some maintain that the giants found further in the Old Testament we these offspring; however, they would have all been killed in the flood. Caution should be made when drawing further conclusions in this area without a clearer path. 

New Testament References

All other verses refer to the New Testament Christian and his transformation to becoming the “sons of God” after being born again (saved). Perhaps God calls Christians this as a semblance of replacing those fallen angels taking their place and purpose.

John 1:12  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Phil. 2:15  That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

1 John 3:1  Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

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. 

 

Variation of a theory

The only other variation for the term would be that Adam was called a son of God in:

Luke 3:38  Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.

Close in terms but not exact. If you apply that the “sons of God” were men and not angels it clearly creates a conflict with the context of all old testament references.

If you define the term using Luke 3:38 as some do establishing that the “sons of God” were simply by definition: those made in the image of God…(which is the only originating verse this theory has) you can make a doctrinal path transitioning the New Testament transformation to represent the same. That would make all those in the line of Seth (created in the image of Adam) the “son of man” which is used quite extensively throughout the old testament and even Christ calling Himself that many times.

Following this line though would clearly create an issue as stated earlier that NO MAN has ever seen God.. yet the sons of God clearly stood before God on at least 2 occasions.

Conclusion:

Clearly the Old Testament references of “the sons of God” identify an angelic or supernatural being. Take that definition and bring it to the new testament and it does follow the path of our supernatural bodies that a Born Again Christians receive at the rapture. It also explains God’s calling Born Again believers “sons of God” in 6 times in the New Testament. 

Ephesians 6:19  And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

What is the Gospel.

We read above that it is a mystery that is being revealed. This means the Gospel existed prior to… it being revealed… God in His plan began to reveal this mystery beginning in the book of Matthew.  God throughout history has revealed certain things to certain individuals or groups at specific times for specific reasons. This is part of the Bible having right divisions (2 Timothy 2:15)

This article will define and explain the Gospel; understanding the facts behind it, what is it for and how to present it to others.

The Definition:

As we reveal the mystery we need to start with the basic definition. The Gospel means “The Good News”, but the good news about what? The “Good News” is further explained as the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Reading through the New Testament we find that the understanding of and use of the word Gospel develops into a rather involved definition; where the very use of the word encompasses so much information in one simple word.

The Word Gospel is first mentioned in Matthew 4:23; here the word is used in its basic definition of the Good News.

Matthew 4:23  And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

However we find that the word develops to something even greater as we find in 1 Timothy 1:11 that the Gospel is more than the good news but rather a method or philosophy.

1 Timothy 1:11  According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
That is why it is important to research this transition and development of the meaning of the Gospel. To truly understand the mystery that has been revealed.

The Power in the Gospel

The Gospel in itself has power behind it; like a powerful speech from a commander that can motivate an army to victory. This power can be experienced in its presentation, power transferred through receiving it and in its power to transform lives. In this context while it still has “the Good News” as part of it… you can see how it means so much more.

Romans 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

1 Corinthians 9:18  What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

1 Thessalonians 1:5  For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

1 Corinthians 9:18  What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

There are different Gospels:

1 Corinthians 9:17  For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

As God has changed how his truth is dispensed through the ages so has the Gospel’s definition changed as well.  

Gospel of the kingdom

The Gospel is first identified here. Jesus was to lay the foundations of the Kingdom for those who would follow the law and believe in Christ. This dispensation would continue through to the death of Christ and the transition to the Church age. Note these verses:

Matthew 4:23  And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

Matthew 9:35  And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

Matthew 24:14  And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Mark 1:14  Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Gospel of the Grace of God and Christ

These 2 verses specifically speak of grace (another name for the Church age) In this dispensation and use the message of the Gospel is not to build a future earthly Kingdom but rather dealing with someone one on one through the Holy Spirit.

Acts 20:24  But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Galatians 1:6  I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

Paul’s Gospel

Romans 2:16  In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

Romans 16:25  Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

Paul’s Gospel sets the example. Taking all that the Gospel is and putting it to practice allowing it to transform your life. Note Paul’s confidence in this verse:

Philippians 4:9  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

He essentially is saying you have an example of how to be a Christian through me (Paul). That’s a bold statement. Paul then gives a promise on the behalf of God “and the God of peace shall be with you” but this promise is conditional for those who do those things contained in Paul’s Gospel.

Gospel of Peace

Romans 10:15  And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Here we find, by name, the Gospel of peace. This is well within Paul’s Gospel but focuses on those who tell others of the Gospel and HOW the tell it…

Ephesians 4:15  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

Having the peace that the scriptures speak of (2 Peter 1:2  Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,) comes through when you are presenting the Gospel.. If you are sharing it with force, malice, prejudice or envy… people can tell…

Everlasting Gospel

Revelation 14:6  And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

Here in this dispensation the Gospel takes on a new path as the King is claiming His eternal kingdom. This good news is setting things right that has been turned upside down for 7000 years.. So this Everlasting Gospel ensures that ALL know without exception or excuse.

False Gospel

2 Corinthians 11:4  For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

Galatians 1:6  I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7  Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

There is indeed a false Gospel where the scriptures are not rightly divided. (2 Timothy 2:15) Whether the false Gospel is presented out of ignorance or with pure intention it is still false.. and we are cautioned to be aware of it.. why? Because even a false Gospel contains a measure of truth and this measure is all that it takes to mislead those who do not know the scriptures.

How the Gospel is Delivered

Preaching

Matthew 24:14  And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Publishing it

Mark 13:10  And the gospel must first be published among all nations.

Ministering by it

Romans 15:16  That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

Speaking of it one on one

Galatians 2:2  And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

By the Holy Ghost

1 Thessalonians 1:5  For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

The Gospel is to be presented like a gift. Preaching is the preferred method of delivery seeing that preaching the Gospel is used over 40 times, nearly half of the uses of the word.

Conclusion:

So This “Good News” called the Gospel grew over multiple dispensations to become something even greater… without ever loosing the base definition. Even today when the word “Gospel” is mentioned it brings to ones thoughts everything pure and Holy that has ever been touched by Christ.

 

Should I fellowship with those who I know are in sin even though society calls that sin acceptable? Good question; It is a good question because the line of what is right and wrong has been blurred. Blurred for one reason only; people no longer know what God says on the matter. Society has been allowed to call evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20  Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!) because Christians, in name only, do not know what the word of God says or simply don’t care.

As with most of my articles I build the case for the biblical view on any topic. So make sure you read the whole article before drawing a conclusion.

Society for over the last 30 years has worked tirelessly to promote immorality as acceptable. This incorporates a wide slate of biblical basics; such as: sexual immorality, sex before marriage, foul language, homosexuality (sodomy), wrath, jealousy, drug dependency, alcoholism, giving false witness, cheating and more. You only need to watch a TV show to see this compromise in immorality in a positive light, you can see it walking down the street, in politics and even being taught liberally in schools and universities. While society has been dictating what is acceptable; what has become unacceptable is speaking out against it.

Identify sin the way that God does.

In order to better answer our question we need to look at sin the way God does. We have all said: “the little white lie won’t hurt”. Humanity has long held that there are differing degrees of transgressions such as a murderer is worse than stealing or that stealing was worse than lying. But this is mankind’s establishment of actions verses punishment; God views sin a little differently. In the Old Testament all sin had a punishment; some punishments were severe. In the New Testament we find that the sin/punishment degrees have changed. This is because we are not under the law but under grace.

When we look at the many supporting verses that lists transgressions in the Bible (see verses Romans 1:29-32, 2 Timothy 3:2-5, Galatians 5:19-21, Colossians 3:5-6, 1 Timothy 1:8-10 listed below) we quickly see that God places murder in the same category as a whisperer (gossip), same as one that is disobedient to a parent. God sees sin as sin… The Bible tells us that: Proverbs 24:9a The thought of foolishness is sin… So when examining what is acceptable vs. unacceptable in our Christian walk, perhaps we should see sin in God’s way vs. the world’s (society) way.

Note: What is your final authority? For a Christian is not our final authority to be the Word of God? Christians for generations now have sacrificed their stand on the Word of God for political correctness and to feel accepted by the world. The world has launched an effective campaign on those who would oppose their worldly view labeling and attacking; using words like racist, homophobe, bigot, close minded, extremist, fanatic, zealot and sexist to shame Christians away from their beliefs.

The end result is a purpose without power, a water downed version of Christianity that attempts to cherry pick those beliefs that fit the mainstream. (2 Timothy 3:5a Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:) The Word of God was never established to make the world feel good, but it is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: teaching and molding a person to be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (paraphrased)

This world will always hate and fight against the Word of God. When Christians stand the world, the world sees it as foolishness, because they simply do not understand…

1 Corinthians 2:14  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

The world has gone as far as creating societal laws that are in direct contradiction to the Word of God… literally forcing Christians to accept the very sins that God hates.

The matter at hand

Rather than focus on one specific transgression I will instead use the Bible in context to answer the question:  Should I fellowship with those who I know are in sin even though society calls that sin acceptable? To answer this question properly I will explore the two main schools of thought so that you can understand what the Word of God says and how to better incorporate it in our lives.

1. Be ye separate

Romans 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

2 Corinthians 6:17  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

The first viewpoint we will look at is the biblical view that Christians are to be separated from the world. There are many verses that prove that God does not want his people to fellowship with those we know are either not believers or believe, but still live in worldly sins. This is across the spectrum of the Old Testament and the New. This teaching is that believers are to congregate with one another as a body of believers, to fellowship with other Christians as part of a body each one having his part.

Even through the Old Testament God raised up Abram to lead a people that God would call unto Himself; essentially separating them from the world. When the world would stand in the way of the will of God; God would conquer the opposition rather to conform. We see the pull of conformity by God’s people when Israel wanted Judges and Kings like the world had, God would refuse. He continued to refuse until He allowed the will of the people to prevail; not because it was God’s choice, but rather for a lesson to be learned.

1 Samuel 8:6  But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.
7 And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

Israel was well known for the back and forth; always struggling because they wanted the blessings of God and the pleasures of the world.

Note a few verses on this fact from the Old Testament In the light of being seperated from the world:

Leviticus 20:26  And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.

Jeremiah 10:2  Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

In the New Testament we see a clear pattern of separation in the following verses:

John 15:19  If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

1 Corinthians 5:10  Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.

James 4:4  Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

2 Corinthians 6:14  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

Ephesians 5:11  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

1 John 1:6  If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

See even more verses below on Separation

Clearly in these passages and more a teaching of separation is present whereby God does not want the Spiritual to mingle with the world. Ask yourself this question: Would I expose my children to a child molester? Would I have a murder come over for dinner? Naturally you would say no. God sees all sin the same and tells us to not fellowship with those who choose to remain in their sin.

Which brings us to the question and the second point as to how are we going to minister to the world if we are not to associate with them?

2. Ministering to the world

Matthew 9:10  And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.

Jesus went to the world and ate with publicans and sinners. Shouldn’t we show the love of God and minister to them that are in the world? This is the second teaching that takes a mindset that eliminates barriers and invites the church to be “in the world, not of the world” that we cannot witness the truth of the word of God if we cannot stand side by side with them, experience what they experience and then show ourselves to be “just like them, only forgiven.”

Now you must read this next section carefully and clearly, remember; the Word of God is to be our final authority, not our opinions, feelings or religious beliefs.

Let’s look further to put Matthew 9:10 into context:

Matthew 9:12  But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Note Jesus purpose here: calling sinners to repentance. Jesus did not fellowship with the sinners or participate in their ways to show his love and mercy; but rather to identify to those who would normally not hear who He was. He called them unto himself.

In context it must be understood that Jesus was come first to Israel then Israel was to spread His gospel to the world. He would use signs and wonders to show this people that He was the Son of God.

Matthew 10:5  These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6
But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matthew 15:24  But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

John 1:10  He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

John 12:32  And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

Matthew 19:14  But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 11:28  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

John 7:37  In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

We find verse after verse in context where Jesus was there not to love the sinner in their sin state, but to call them into his love.  Jesus did not change who he was to get closer to them but rather to preach unto them himself.

When we “go ye into all the world” we are not to go to be like the world, but go to show Christ in the way that He did; to show them a separated life, clean, pure and Holy. Christ said if I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me; so that’s what we are to do… lift Him up. The separation between a Christian and the world is as fundamental as the gospel is: people must be able to see the holiness. People are drawn to the things of God because those Christian traits are different and pure.

So let me ask you… If a man is filthy, I mean downright covered in mud, grease, sweat; hasn’t bathed in months… what do you think he sees when he looks at others? What do you think his desire is? Why to be clean… The modern church teaches that Christ got filthy dirty so that he could go and minister to him… but that’s not it at all. Rather Christ went to him and showed him how he can be clean, ask if he wanted to be clean; if he said yes, Christ would make him clean. Not just on the outside… but from the inside out.

We are not to look like, talk like, act like, feel like, smell like or walk like the world. We are to go into all the World and lift up Christ to them. Not be friends or buddies but to show them the love of Christ, share the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15a  But speaking the truth in love…) and have compassion for their state but seek to lift them from that state.

So we must not condone the sins of the world for fear of offending but rather show them what Christ has done in our lives; to lift Christ up and draw the world to Him. 

Are there any Sins that God really doesn’t like?

In the Old Testament there are many sins that God hated and many that God REALLY hated; He called them abominations. Abominations in the Old Testament naturally centered around the law, but more than that most of the abominations were when people defiled something; like the house of God, made a false idol or defiled another person; especially in the areas of sexual immorality. Things that were special to God like sacrifices when they were defiled were listed as an abomination. But of all the ones listed (154 of them, some repeats naturally) God had forgiveness for all, except one:

Leviticus 20:13  If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

We all know the story of Sodom and Gomorrah being destroyed (Genesis 18-19), this is where our word sodomy or sodomite comes from. Known better today as a homosexual. God destroyed these cities for their sexual immorality; sodomy being the main transgression. God’s punishment for those who would commit this act in the Old Testament was pretty clear, in the New Testament the punishment was to not kill them, but rather remove the knowledge that what they are doing is wrong. Essentially condeming them to a spiritual death.

Romans 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

It is important to know that there comes a point in a homosexual’s life when they will no longer hear the law written in their hearts. (Romans 2:15a Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness…) It then becomes very difficult to preach the Gospel to them; some say even impossible. Many believe that these verses are kin to the tribulation and the rapture where God sends a strong delusion that they might believe a lie… making it impossible for them to get saved.

2 Thessalonians 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Don’t miss this

Note I said very difficult, not impossible. If someone is living in sin, any sin, and that person wishes to receive Christ, they can; but on God’s terms not theirs. The Bible speaks of repentance or turning to God; (2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance). Even Jesus in His ministry said: (Luke 5:32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.) When you get saved you are a new creature, old things are passed away…(2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.) This means turning from those sins and accepting Christ. It does not mean to remain in your sins.

Speaking with many who are homosexual and have been for many years, they are under the “God is only love” mentality (perhaps their conscience is seared as described in Romans 1:26-28) believing that the love of God simply accepts them as they are. Nothing could be further from the truth. While you can accept Christ in your sin state, you are never to remain in it! God said: (1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.) It does not matter what the sin is!

Conclusion

That is why we do not target sins but preach the truth. We lift up Christ to draw all that would come to him. It does not matter the sin because God sees all sin as sin; sin seperates us from God. When it comes to salvation the only sin that condems mankind to hell is the sin of Adam. (Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:) The original sin seperates ALL mankind from the love of God. Every other individual sin that is done; such as lying, cheating, murder is a direct result of having this sinful nature. (John 3:16) God loved the world so much that He made a way for mankind to come to Him… through His Son Jesus Christ. All that would come to God through His Son would get to enjoy the rewards of God’s love. Those who would not… are condemed already.

John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

That is why as Christians we must separate ourselves from the things and ways of the world. The Modern Christian mentality of becoming friends with the world is simply not God’s plan. He desires that Christians lift up Christ, to be a peculiar people zealous of good works. This act of Holiness will draw the lost world to God like a moth to a flame; are we not to be the light of the world?

Additional Reference Verses

Verses on God viewing all sin the same

Romans 1:29  Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

2 Timothy 3:2  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Galatians 5:19  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Colossians 3:5  Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

1 Timothy 1:8  But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

Additional verses on Separation:

1 Peter 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Romans 12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

1 Corinthians 6:19  What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

2 Corinthians 6:17  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

John 15:19  If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

1 John 2:15  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

James 4:4  Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

James 1:27  Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Psalms 101:3  I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

Job 31:1  I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?

Job 31:7 If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart walked after mine eyes, and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands;

Ephesians 4:29  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Psalms 1:1  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

1 Corinthians 5:11  But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

Proverbs 22:24  Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

2 Corinthians 6:14  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

Ephesians 5:11  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

Amos 3:3  Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

2 John 1:9  Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

Romans 16:17  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

James 4:17  Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

1 Thessalonians 5:22  Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Psalms 119:115  Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.

Isaiah 4:28  Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
29: He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
30: Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
31: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Tonight we are going to deal with the issue of STRESS
Prayer——
Modified from a 8 hour Biblical stress management class.

American Psychological Association (APA). 

  • 62% of Americans say work has a significant impact on stress levels. (APA Survey 2004)
  • 45% of workers list job insecurity increases stress levels. (APA Survey 2004)
  • 25% of workers have taken day off from work to cope with stress. (APA Survey 2004)
  • 73% of Americans name money as the number one factor that affects their stress level. (APA Survey 2004)
  • Depression often co-occurs with anxiety and substance abuse. (National Institutes of Mental Health)
  • Approximately six million American men suffer from depression. (National Institutes of Mental Health)
  • Nearly twice as many American women as men are affected by depression. (National Institutes of Mental Health)
  • Approximately 18.8 million American adults are diagnosed with depression. (National Institutes of Mental Health)
  • 3 out of 4 identify in a post suicide attempt interview or suicide death investigation that a sudden stressful event led to the decision to commit suicide. 
According to the American Religious Identification Survey the rate of people who claim to be Christians is in a decline of 14.2 percent annually since 1990. This statistic strangely close to the increases of stress and stress related suicides reported by Emergency rooms and law enforcement each year…

Practical application.  Recognizing your stress load.
Have someone volunteer, then take several balloons representing stress and have them try to carry them.
Note that the balloons keep falling out. It is important to recognize how many burdens you can carry…

How to deal with the stress…

Psalm 55:22  Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

But what if you can’t cast your burdens

Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Have some one come up and help bear the Burden.

Recognizing that some one needs help is as important as recognizing that you need help.

Sometimes in order for a person to properly deal with the stress he needs to be SAVED!

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

A CLEAN SLATE… Pop the balloons!!

So now we know about the info on stress, Now what?

Remember, statistics on stress show a significant decrease in those who are practicing their faith, which is more than the average Christian does. We have heard verses like:

Matthew 11:28  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

BUT are we really trusting what the words are saying?  Are we examining ourselves as to what burdens we have in our lives? Are we recognizing stress in the lives of others?

2 Corinthians 13:5  Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

2 Corinthians 2:11  Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Satan knows who is saved and he knows he cannot get you unsaved… But what he can do is bog your life down with so much stress that you are no longer productive as a Christian!
  • Finances
  • Work
  • Family
Before you know it you are too Stressed to read your Bible, fellowship with the saints, Go to Church: Your witness is diminished down to just a title- Christian. Nothing more…Nothing less.

5. How do I defeat Stress: ———-turn to:

Psalm 37:3  Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

MAKE YOUR MIND, MIND —————- turn to:

2 Corinthians 10:5  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

The Conclusion of the matter:

In society today we see an increase in behavioral manipulation drugs and programs excusing sin as a medical condition. These methods are being used to REPLACE what Jesus taught about dealing with burdens and stress in one’s life.  As a church it is important to understand stress, how to deal with it scripturally and begin to actually practice what we preach. I am not here to say that there are not  medical conditions that could be helped with proper diet and medication, but they should not replace the biblical application of prayer and self examination that every Christian should do.

If you are dealing with stress tonight and you feel that you just can’t handle it anymore, ask yourself this question first… Do you know the peace that passeth all understanding? Have you ever been Saved? If you are a Christian here and are dealing with so much stress that you are no longer productive for God remember that Jesus said that “I have come that you may have life, and that you may have it more abundantly.”

Psalm 55:22  Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

1 Peter 5:7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Matthew 11:28  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Hebrews 4:15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Matthew 6:31  Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

James 2:17  Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

James 1:3  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Ephesians 4:30  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

1Thessalonians 5:19  Quench not the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

This verse is referenced when someone is dealing with a lot of stress… so much that it has became a point of belief that God will not give you… more than you can handle.
If this is true, and Christians have this safety net… how is it that every suicide I have every worked…had a Bible on the night stand and one on the coffee table?

1.What is stress?

Researchers define stress as a physical, mental, or emotional response to events that causes bodily or mental tension.  Simply put, stress is any outside force or event that has an effect on our body or mind.

Between 2008 and 2009, the suicide rate in the United States rose by 2.4%, with a reported 36,909 suicide deaths, (100.8 per day) (14.4% were 14-24 years old) according to a report by the CDC. In 2008, 13.4% of individuals who committed suicide experienced job and financial problems, a report by the CDC revealed in August 2011. Furthermore, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, an emergency crisis hotline, revealed that the volume of calls they received between 2010 and 2011 increased by 14%.

The Truth is that God never made that promise.. Instead desiring that Christians seek to cast their burdens to Him… to avoid the inevitable.

2. Identifying and dealing with Stress.

Practical Application. Have volunteer put on a shirt. Then take volunteers to act as different forms of stress. Boss, spouse, kids, car, church.
Have the volunteers dip the palms of their hands into colors of paint, then touch the shirt to represent stress or burdens that we bear.
After, have the volunteers show their hands, representing the stress they often place on others and bear the burden of themselves.
When we get home and take the shirt off, do we wash it or just hang it up then put it back on and go back to work or school the next day? Adding to the burden.
The Longer you don’t deal with the stress the more difficult it becomes to wash out. It will eventually stain.
When a shirt gets stained you… It become unusable. It has to be dry cleaned, cleansed.

Psalm 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Sometimes in order for a person to properly deal with the stress he needs to be SAVED!

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

You gotta get a new shirt…

2nd Practical application.  Recognizing your stress load.
Have a child pick up a weight… is it heavy? Have an Adult carry the same load.. While the adult may have less trouble bearing the load.. It will eventually become a weight too great to bear..
One of the things that people often don’t realize is that when the burden or stress becomes too great… that it may not be that the burden increased… as much as the weight of the burden wore them down.

Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Have some one come up and help bear the Burden.

Recognizing that some one needs help is as important as recognizing that you need help

But Beware.. It was not their burden to bear.. Don’t expect them to pay for the consequences for your actions!

3. So now we know about the info on stress, Now what?

How do I defeat Stress: ———-turn to:

Psalm 37:3  Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

So what is the truth.

James 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

 

One of the areas where many Christians have trouble is the area of the will of God for their lives. In this article we are going to look at the different areas of the Bible where it deals with the will of God in the area of testimony, the will of God in the area of service and the will of God for us personally.

1. The will of God in the area of Testimony

By Paul’s introduction in each of the following chapters he established that he was in the will of God.  In this area of leadership the need was there for people to know that his actions were justified and directed by God.

Ephesians 1:1  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

1 Corinthians 1:1  Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

2 Corinthians 1:1  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

2 Timothy 1:1  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,

This example should be followed in all areas of spiritual leadership. Whether it be as the Pastor of the church, a Sunday school teacher, or in the area of being a leader in the home it is important to establish that God has placed you in that role and take ownership of it. To many today are trying to fill roles that they cannot fully commit to because they do not see it as the will of God, but rather something they are just “doing until” the will of God is revealed to them. As we read further into this article you will see a better understanding of this thing of God’s will and how it applies to us WHERE WE ARE… Not where we are going to be.

When you are in the will of God, you are known to be of God!

Mark 3:35  For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

People can tell when you have spent time with God. It comes across as confidence, good additude and a sweet spirit. When people understand the will of God for their lives it relieves an area of uncertainty that can allow them to move forward. However the misconception that so many have in what the will of God is… in itself, keeps people from moving forward.

Part of that testimony of being in the will of God is standing for the word of God

1 Peter 2:15  For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

We could park here for awhile.. but maybe in another article… But I will say this… I don’t know why Christians today wish to pursue this idea of politically correct weakness when it comes to the word of God and our faith. Do we not have the truth? Do we not have the power of the Gospel? The scriptures clearly illustrate that the testimony of our Christian service should silence the world… not the other way around!

2. Will of God in the area of Service

Romans 12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

The context here is in the area of Christian service, and showing the will of God though our actions. Many today struggle with this area of Christian service because they are waiting for the will of God to strike them like a bold of lightening. We see through this and many other verses in this article that the will of God is demonstrated through what the Lord has done for us.. not what He will do for us. God’s desire for us is quite simple when you break down these common principles:

  • We are to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God
  • It is our reasonable service.. nothing more, nothing less
  • We are not to be conformed to this world
  • We are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind

WE DO THESE THINGS LISTED SO THAT we may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God

Romans 15:30  Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

When is the last time you prayed for the Pastor? Sunday School teacher? This verse shows Paul’s desire to do the will of God.. but to do so he needs the brethren to pray for him… So let’s put it in this mindset… The man of God needs the people of God to be in the will of God, so that the man of God can do the will of God to help the people of God be in the will of God….. got that?

2 Corinthians 8:4  Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

Understanding the will of God in the area of Christian service is certainly an important factor, however; when we take our inward faith and take it to a practical format you start seeing the fruits and blessings of being in the will of God.

Ephesians 6:5  Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

Now we see the attitude of being in the will of God… That it is NOT of ourselves. We need to realize as a people that we are not our own, but are bought with a price… In this manner when we seek to serve it must not be for ourselves, but rather to prove that perfect will of God. The greatest platform to show this is in the area of employment. What greater testimony is there than an employer seeing the will of God through your valued service!

Colossians 4:12  Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Note: His service was to help others achieve God’s will!

13 For I bear him record,(testimony) that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

So much to the fact that Paul was allowed to mention his zeal in the eternal word of God!

3. The will of God for us personally

1 Thessalonians 5:18  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

I often mention this verse to those who tell me that they are searching for the will of God for their lives… I ask “what are you searching for when God so plainly lists what His will is?!?” This positive direction is what God desires of us.. to be thankful; because this one level of understanding brings all others into perspective. It eliminates the fruits of the flesh and yields the way for the fruits of the spirit. Without thankfulness: Godly service is in vain and our testimony becomes mere words rather than true actions.

1 Thessalonians 4:3  For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

We see in these 2 passages a parallel.. one is positive with the direction of thankfulness, the other is to stay away from certain things. Perhaps the will of God isn’t just some mystical feeling we get running up our leg when we sense something good from God… but rather simply fulfilling God’s love for us. The will of God in 1 Thessalonians 4:3 clearly says that it is the will of God to stay away from fornication! That again we are to show others God’s will by knowing how to possess our vessel (body) in sanctification and honour…

So when dealing with the will of God it’s not just a catch phrase but rather an establishment of our walk with God. We should incorporate the “Will of God” for our lives on a daily basis rather that the common understanding that it is a Goal to be attained. The will of God is now, here where we are at; not down the road, uncertain and unattained. So my dear Christian friend, let’s stop waiting on God and start serving Him in the area of our testimony, our service and even personally; showing ourselves and the world that good, perfect will of God.

The year was 1979, Christmas morning, surely a time of peace and happiness. When the time came in the Brewer tradition to open the presents I got the hottest toy of the season… TinkerToys. With a smile on my face I began to assemble windmills, cars and skyscrapers until I ran into some tinker toy trouble; one of the wooden connectors was not drilled well and the cheap wooden sticks simply broke when I tried to push it in. Knowing that MY dad could “fix anything” I brought the tinker toy trouble to see if he could mend them for me… that is where tinker toy trouble created tinker toy terror.

Money was Tight

Money was tight growing up, my parents sacrificed quite a lot to make sure we always had what we needed.. but Christmas for us was not about what we needed, it was about getting what you wanted. (at least to us) Dad always said you get what you need 363 days a year.. but twice a year you should try and get what you want. My parents worked hard to never let on that money was tight; this year especially was difficult for one reason or another. So when the request from their youngest son came to get the hottest, and expensive, toy of the season… they spent their last few dollars to make my Christmas special.

When I presented the broken parts to my dad he was very angry… like Christmas is over kinda angry. I, in no shortage of words, learned how much Christmas costs and the sacrifices that are made to make it happen. To “break” my toys was disrespecting what has been provided. While I didn’t break the tinker toys intentionally… the lesson was learned. The cost for my lesson was noteworthy because my other present was to go and see Star Trek the Motion Picture in the theaters later that day.. Didn’t get to see the movie until many years later when I bought a VCR in the 90’s (a bitter sweet viewing to say the least).

This attitude of respect, these many years later, is an integral part of my Christmas and my every day; as I try and teach my children the same. Taking care of the things that were given to us is a sign of respect and appreciation which… makes Christmas gift giving a very special gift… to the giver.