Does God Love Us Just the Way We Are?

 The below is a transcript of a conference in 2012 that addressed this question:

SPROUL: The kingdom of God is not Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. There are few things more dangerous than preachers preaching that God loves everybody unconditionally, because the message people hear is: “There are no conditions. I can continue to live just as I’m living, in full rebellion against God, and I have nothing to worry about because there aren’t any conditions that I have to meet. God loves me unconditionally. I don’t have to repent. I don’t have to come to Jesus. I don’t have to leave my life of sin. There are no conditions and no strings attached; God loves me just the way I am. He’s glad that I turned out so nicely.”

I’ve written a book on the love of God in which I talk about three ways that theologians speak about the love of God. First, there is God’s love of benevolence, wherein God has a good will towards everybody, both believers and non-believers. Second, there is the beneficent love of God, or that love by which God gives benefits to people whether they’re believers or not believers: “The rain falls on the just as well as on the unjust” (Matt. 5:45). The third and most important consideration is the love of complacency. The love of complacency is not the love of smugness, but rather the filial love that God has for the redeemed. That love is directed first to Christ and then to all who are in Christ, our Elder Brother, and that salvific love is not something God has for everybody unconditionally.

Sometimes we close our eyes to what the Bible frequently says about God’s posture towards the impenitent. God, the Bible tells us, abhors the wicked. That is strong language. God abhors and detests the wicked who are impenitent. Then people say, “God loves the sinner; He just hates the sin.” But He doesn’t send the sin to hell; He sends the sinner to hell. So, it is very dangerous when we tell people, “God loves you unconditionally.” We have to do things from a biblical perspective rather than trying to change the biblical character of God. God is angry every day against the wicked, and justly so. Every impenitent sinner is exposed every second to the rage and fury of God’s wrath, as Paul tells us in Romans 1:18 and following.

There is no understanding of the good news apart from the bad news. Christ came into the world that was already under the universal indictment for rejecting God the Father while the clear revelation of God was made manifest to every human being. Our nature is so fallen that we don’t want God in our thinking, we don’t want God in our minds, and we want so much to win people to Christ that we’ll do everything we can to hide from them the reality of the wrath of God. We don’t tell them that for every moment they refuse to repent, they are heaping up wrath. People aren’t afraid of the wrath of God, and it’s because we’re telling them, “You don’t have to be afraid of God because God is nice and His kingdom is like Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”

MACARTHUR: It takes the terror out of it. “Knowing the terror of the Lord,” Paul says, “we persuade men” (2 Cor. 5:11). It’s a fearful, terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Heb. 10:31). The preaching that God loves you unconditionally is the wrong message. The sinner needs to be terrified about his condition. He doesn’t need to feel comfortable with the idea that he’s turned out so well, as R.C put it.

SPROUL: Just in the last year, John, I’ve had two guys come into membership in our church as adults—baptized as adults, by the way—whose testimonies are that what drove them to the gospel was that they realized they were on their way to hell, and it literally scared the “hell” out of them.

LAWSON: Yeah, and rightly so.

MACARTHUR: Part of what Steve was saying earlier is that if we’re going to ever call a nation to righteousness, the preaching has to dramatically change.

Your Thought Life Part 5

We are looking at how Jesus dealt with stress and fear in the Garden of Gethsemane. We
saw yesterday that the first step to overcoming these negative thoughts was to watch.
Watching meant to meditate on the Word of God and speak it to yourself.
 
You may ask why this works; it works because faith is contained in the Bible (Romans
10:17). When the Word comes, faith comes. Picture the Word as a wheelbarrow; inside
the wheelbarrow is some faith. When the wheelbarrow shows up, the faith shows up.
What else is in that wheelbarrow of faith? Look inside and you will see healing,
prosperity (success not money), forgiveness, justification (being made right with God),
sanctification (being made to act, speak, look and walk like God remember He walked in
love and we are to walk as He walked I John 2:6) and everything you need to walk like
He walked during His earthly ministry.
 
When we can truly believe that the Bible is God speaking directly to us, we are making
ourselves ready to watch; we are "watching" for any thoughts that would conflict with the
Bible. Any thought that is in disagreement with the Word will be recognized and rejected
immediately and brought into subjection. We are now ready to go about our day
watching.
 
Today, take your wheelbarrow with you where ever you go; you are ready to face the
world! God is Sovereign and He is complete charge of what you will face.

Your Thought Life Part 4

We are examining how Jesus dealt with the stressful situation before Him in the Garden
of Gethsemane. We want to learn from Him and develop the same method He used to
confront the stress and fear in our own lives.
 
Jesus said in Matthew 26:41, "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation." The first step in dealing with thoughts of stress and fear is to "watch." The word means to give attention to, to be mindful of, to be ready for, and to consider an event that is soon to occur. We have every reason to suspect that the enemy will attack our thoughts. How are we to watch for the attack?
 
We watch by meditating on the Word of God. Joshua 1:8 says (in the Rotherham's
Emphasized Bible):
"This scroll (our Bible) of the law must not cease out of thy mouth but thou must talk to
thyself therein day and night, that thou mayest take heed to do according to all that is
written therein--for then shalt thou make thy way prosperous, and then shalt thou have
good success."
 
This is not a silent activity; it is a time to speak the Word with our mouths so that we can
hear the words being spoken, Fear cannot stand in the presence of faith. The Word is full
of faith so when you speak the faith filled Words of God, the fear filled words of stress
and fear must depart. Today, speak the Word and watch fear run away (remember it has
to depart because the victory is in the Word!).

Your Thought Life Part 3

 

Ever think you were having a really bad day? Maybe, there was a situation at work or a disagreement with a loved one or friend? The thoughts about the future began to drive you to a place of depression and discouragement. If so, there is some very important information that you need to know.

 

In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus was facing an intense mental struggle. He knew what lied ahead: the cross, the rejection and the suffering. He wanted Peter and the 2 sons of Zebedee to watch with Him. Jesus prayed so hard that He sweated blood. The Son of God was facing death for your sins and mine. Nothing in our lives can ever come close to this type of stress.

 

How did Jesus handle His thoughts of impending suffering? Over the next several days we will look at how He did it and provide you a model to follow. Today, we should contemplate our Savior and what He did for us. We should confess His love for us and our love for Him:

"Dear Jesus, I confess today that your love for me is sometimes difficult to understand. Yet, I confess that you loved me enough to die for me. I confess that I love you. I acknowledge that at times it may not look like I love you but with my mouth I make the confession and dedicate to live my life for the next 24 hours demonstrating that love for you."

 

Now go walk the talk and if the enemy shows up, take out your Sword and fight the good fight of faith (and remember the fight is fixed and that is good news!).

Your Thought Life Part 2

One of the ways that the enemy attacks you is through your thought life. Have you

noticed that sometimes in the midst of a conflict or just in every day life some thought

pops into your mind and you can't believe that you are thinking it? We need to recognize

that the thought of evil is not yours unless you accept it and begin to make it your own. It

is like a delivery service attempting to deliver a package to you that does not belong to

you. If you don't sign for it you don't receive it. Think of it this way: if the mailman

brings you a package and says, "Here is a box of dangerous snakes that I am to deliver to

you"; You are going to say, No way! I am not signing for those snakes get them outta

here!" In the same way, when a thought of evil (by thought of evil I mean any thing that

is not of faith see Number 13: 30-33) comes a knocking, you run it off with your faith and the Word of

God!

 Have you allowed thoughts of evil to interfere with your relationships? Have you allowed

Satan to convince you that God doesn't really see you or care for you? Has a friendship or

relationship been impacted by evil thoughts from the enemy? Have these evil thoughts

affected how you conduct your daily walk? Don't despair because the Word will correct

the situation. The Word heals (Psalm 107:20) and will heal every situation you have.

Speak God's healing word today:

"God's Words are Spirit and life. God sent His Word to heal me. As I speak these

powerful words of God, healing takes place. There may be healing in my body, hopefully healing in my

relationships, help in my finances, and seeing God move in every area of my life. Healing means

to be restored to a place of peace where nothing is broken and nothing is missing. This is

my heritage of the Lord and I receive it today."

Matthew Study Four: Jesus, the Divine Healer

 Today's lesson comes from Matthew 9: 18-34.  To me, Matthew really provides a lot of healing examples. The first verse of the chapter records, "Jesus came into his own city," known as Capernaum.  Physical healing was very important to the Jews. They believed that sin brought physical illness and that illness was a judgment from God for sin. That is why Jesus would forgive sin first, and then heal the body. 

Verses 2-17 describe the healing of a man with palsy (a muscular condition that involves shaking of the body), the calling of Matthew as a disciple, having dinner with the tax collectors and sinners, and His explaining to the scribes about His mission to call sinners to repentance. I have always been impressed with Matthew answering the call to be a disciple. The disciples that were fishermen could always go back to their nets (some did after the resurrection). However, Matthew walked away from a profitable position that most likely he could not get back. He would have been replaced quickly. He was all in.

Jesus rebukes the scribes and Pharisees because of their self righteous approach to the people. "They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick...for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." These were words of rebuke to the Pharisees and they would clearly have received them as such. After a question on feasting, Jesus let the listeners know there was a time to rejoice and a time to mourn (fast). 

The first section is A Dead Daughter."  vv. 18, 19, 23-25 While Jesus was teaching about fasting to the disciples of John, "there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay they hand upon her, and she shall live." Whether the daughter was dead or near death depends on which account you read (Mark 5: 23 states, "little daughter lieth at the point of death." Luke 8: 42 says, "and she lay a dying." The point is that this is a serious situation and without a miracle (defined as God interrupting natural law), the girl will die. 

When Jesus arrives at the house of Jairus, the mourners are already there crying and doing what they do, they are professional mourners. Jesus clears all the faithless ones out. There is a lesson for us here. When you need to move in faith, remove those who have none. Our Lord will use desperation to bring people to Himself. Jairus spoke words of faith, "...but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live." In crisis situations, when we don't know what to do, meditating (i.e. to mutter) and speaking what the Bible says will help our faith increase. "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." As we stand on God's Word, we can be assured that God's Providential will be manifest.

While Jesus was accompanying Jairus to his house to raise his daughter up, another encounter transpired. In Mark and Luke, we are told that much people were pressing in to Jesus, and then there is an interruption. 

The second section is "An Important Interruption." vv. 20-22 In this section we learn of a woman that had a bleeding disorder, who had spent all her money in failed efforts to be treated, who spoke faith to herself, and risking severe punishment, pressed through the crowd to touch the border of Jesus' garment. English translations don't allow the reader to get the complete picture. Jesus was a Jewish rabbi. The hem of His garment would have been in accordance with Numbers 15: 38-39. He would have had blue tassels at the corners of His garment. The woman was reaching for one of those tassels. The tassels were to remind the people of the commandments of the Lord. The woman was reaching out in hope to the commandments and word of God.  Best of all, the robe was being worn by the Word of God Himself! 

The woman said to herself, "For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole." When facing difficult times, it is far better to say what God says about the situation as opposed to what the world and faithless people say about the situation. This is not some magic formula, but rather speaking faith and following that faith with actions. She didn't just speak faith, she acted in faith and pressed into Jesus. Whatever our difficulty is, the best answer is to always press into Jesus. 

Jairus must have been concerned about the interruption. We can learn from this. Regardless of what things look like, the interruptions and delays in receiving an answer (the woman waited 12 years), we can have confidence of God's timing. Life is filled with interruptions, but God is in charge of those interruptions. When Jesus arrives at the house, He dismisses all those with unbelief. Jesus restores the young girl to health immediately once the faithless ones were removed.

The third section is "The Blind Believed." vv. 27-31 The next two miracles are recorded by Matthew alone. This is the first mention in the Gospels that a blind person was healed. The two men had heard the reports of Jesus' healing power. They couldn't see Him, but they followed Him. When Jesus asked them want they wanted, they were clear, "thou Son of David, have mercy on us." Jesus asked them did they believe He was able to heal them. They had faith and Jesus said, "According to your faith be it unto you." Jesus charged them not tell anyone about what had happened to them. However, they could not be silenced in their joyful praise for what Jesus had done for them. Jesus understood His Father's Providential scheduling of events. Jesus would be killed on Passover Eve at 3pm, the time that the Passover lambs were being sacrificed. Jesus did not want the multitudes to crown Him king before His time. He did not want anything or anyone to interfere with the fulfillment of His ministry. In hindsight we can see that God's perfect plan came about and Jesus went to the cross and died at the exact moment that had been planned since the foundation of the world. What a comfort it is to serve a God like ours!

The fourth section is "The Devil Defeated." vv. 32-34 Matthew chapters 8 and 9 demonstrate the power of Jesus over sickness, disease, and demons. In response to the power of  God being demonstrated through the Son, the Pharisees suggest that Jesus is casting out demons by the power of devils (Beelzebub). Since the Pharisees don't understand what is going on, they default to giving the devil glory. This demonstrates how far from the truth these religious people were. We see the same today when people deny the power of God to save and sanctify. People who reject Jesus Christ will twist truth in a way to justify their ungodliness. They will blame anyone except the one they should blame, themselves. Jesus has the power over disease, demons, and death. 

The Golden Text is "Daughter, be of good comfort; they faith hath made thee whole." (Matthew 9:22) Our faith cooperates with the power and will of God to bring about miraculous results. Our faith comes from God. It is not worked up or created through some mystic manner, it is a gift from God. We read His Word and faith will arise. One year while pastoring, I preached a solid year on nothing but faith. The faith of the congregation grew and grew. We experienced many healings during that year, including healing from blood poisoning, high blood pressure, autism, and rebuilding arches. We need our faith to increase. Prayer and Bible study will assist that process.

My summary points:

1. Never despair no matter how hopeless a situation looks.

2. God allows interruptions and delays to test our faith.

3. Jesus has power over disease, demons and death.

Next week: "Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath." Matthew 12: 1-13

Read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement. 

Your Thought Life Part 1

Thoughts can drive us to extremes if we allow them to. Every had something jump into
your head and the more you thought about it, the more upset you got? If we allow them
to, thoughts can wear us down and affect our health. John Wesley the founder of the
Methodist Church said that you could not stop a bird from flying over your head, but you
could stop it from building a nest in your hair. For us, this means that while we cannot
control every thought that pops into our head, we can control what we do with them.
 
When I was about 8 years old and walking to the bus stop, a bird would swoop down and
try to peck my head. Every day I grew more and more afraid to walk to the bus stop
because that bird was waiting for me. To this day I do not know why. I had not troubled
the bird or its nest in any way. It just was after me. Have you ever had someone just want
to come against you and you don't know why? If so, then you will understand what this
was like. I began to dread walking out of the house every day to go to school. I was very
fearful. Then, one day, my parents delayed going to work to watch me and when that bird
swooped down on me they were right there to protect me and that bird never bothered me
again. In a much better way, you have a Heavenly Father that will protect you and your
thoughts. He has given you His Word to protect you from others and to protect your mind
from fear and dread.  
 
This is very important to our health. Hebrews 12:3 says in instructing us to think about
what Jesus endured for us, the way He faced opposition and hostility: "so that you may
not grow weary or exhausted, losing heart and relaxing and fainting in your minds."
Amplified Bible
 
Today, protect your thought life by using the Word (that is by meditating i.e. that is to mutter, speaking the Word and confessing the Word) whenever something that pops into your mind that causes fear and dread. As my parents chased the bird away that attacked me, you chase the thoughts of fear and dread away and replace them with God's Word. Remember, the fight is fixed! You have to win!

Trust in the Sovereignty and Providence of God. I can protect my thought life as I remember what the Word says about our Heavenly Father. 

Hebrew Versus Greek Thinking Part 3

Yesterday we looked at the difference between Greek and Hebrew thinking. The Greek
wants to know why before he will act; the Hebrew wants simply to know what God wants
him to do so he can obey more completely. With this understanding, it will become clear
what Job's problem was; he consistently wanted to know why because his situation just
didn't make sense to him. By the end, Job repents for even asking and comes to a place of
submission to what God wants.
 
What does God want from you? Among other things, He wants His Word on your lips.
He wants you to guard your mouth and speak His Words and not words of fear, doubt and
unbelief. Have you noticed that God's Word is full of faith and not doubt? Doesn't that
give you a better appreciation of His character? Romans 10:17 reads, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." He is a faith God and He wants His children to be faith children. Today, act like your Father and talk like Him (that means to say what He says about everything).

In addition, God wants you to trust in His Sovereignty and His Providence. Providence is how God weaves all things operating in your life together to bring about His perfect plan and will for your life. When things go wrong and it looks like things are against you, you should take comfort in that God has seen what you are going through before you did! That gives me great comfort that God is working everything together for His purposes. As a disciple of Jesus Christ, I know things may sometimes be difficult, but I can face those difficulties because I know He is working even if I don't see it. I don't want to be Greek in my worldview. I don't need to understand before I obey. I choose to obey and I trust my Sovereign God. What about you?

Hebrew versus Greek Thinking Part 2

Yesterday we looked at the difference between a Greek worldview versus a Hebrew

worldview. This is an important distinction; we want to adopt a Hebrew point of view

when it comes to living our lives as a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

The Greek view is based on knowledge; have you heard the expression "knowledge is

power?" While there is some truth to the expression, the Hebrew view is based on

practice. While the Greek view goes to work on your mind, that is your mental

understanding, the Hebrew view is simply the call to be obedient. Success is based on

obedience and practice. Joshua 1: 8 instructs the reader: "This book of the law shall not

depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest

observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way

prosperous." The word "meditate" means to mutter, that is, to speak. You are to make

your Biblical confessions day and night; they should be on your lips throughout the day

as you are able. Why? Simple; because then you will prosper (this means to be a success

and who doesn't want to be a success?).

 

Today's word says to be obedient to the Word (Joshua 1:8) even if it doesn't make sense

to you or you don't see the results. Be a Hebrew in thought today and just be obedient

(don't worry; eventually your mind will catch up). Trust in the Sovereignty and Providence of God.

Hebrew Versus Greek Thinking

We are a product of a Greek thinking society. What does this mean? Well to be brief,
someone who is trained"Greek" is one that must figure out everything in their mind
before they are willing to accept it. If a Greek thinking person can't figure it out, they
reject the proposition until it makes sense to them. To the Greek, understanding precedes
obedience.

The Hebrew mindset is just the opposite. The "Hebrew" desires understanding but only
so he or she can obey God more fully. To the Hebrew, obedience precedes understanding.
This is important because our Holy Bible was written mostly by Hebrews to be read by
Hebrews (Paul tells us that we are like spiritual Hebrews if we believe in Christ so that makes
you a Hebrew even if you are born Gentile). As an example, think about Moses and the
children of Israel cornered by Pharaoh after they had left Egypt. There is no escape for
the Hebrews and then God tells Moses to lift up his staff over the Red Sea and it will
divide. The Greek thinker would want the water to split before he obeyed in lifting up a
stick (because how silly would you look to be holding a stick over a big body of water
and nothing happen). The Hebrew Moses obeyed before he had understanding and the
waters divided and the children of Israel passed safely over.

How does this impact our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ as His disciple? We trust in the Sovereignty of God. We trust in His Providence. God has seen the end from the beginning. When we are facing a difficult test or challenge to our faith, I don't need to respond with questions to try and make sense of it all. Instead, I seek to obey God with every choice and decision I make. I don't need to figure it out because I know that God will work everything out to bring about His Perfect Good Plan for His purposes and mine. That's being Hebraic like Jesus.

 

The Sovereignty of God Part 2

 When we speak of God's Sovereignty, I refer to the fact that God is sovereign in the manifestation, or exercise, of His power. Matt. 28:18 states, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." Psalm 62:11 reads: "Power belongeth unto God." God manifests His power as He wills, when He wills and where He wills. We do not have the right to question His Sovereign decisions. Some like David, Daniel and the three Hebrew children were delivered from danger while others as set forth in Hebrews suffered death, danger, torture and extreme poverty. Stephen was stoned, but Peter was rescued. Why? Because God is Sovereign.

In the second place, God is Sovereign in the manifestation of His mercy to the souls of men. "The soul that sins will die." (Ezekiel 18:4) "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) If it was not for God 's grace being extended to mankind, no one would ever be saved. Calvin called it "irresistible grace" and Wesley called it preventive (today we say "prevenient" grace). Regardless of your theological position, both men would agree without God's grace changing a heart, no one would ever choose God. Read Romans three for proof (verses 10-18). God extends mercy to whom and when He wants. For one act of disobedience, Moses was kept from the Promised Land. He asked God to remove it, but God in His Sovereignty said no. Yet, Hezekiah was sick unto death and he asked God to spare his life. God agreed and gave him 15 additional years. Romans 9:15: "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy...." 

Third, God is Sovereign in the exercise of His love. God loves who He chooses. God does not love everybody. He doesn't love the devil. For people who think differently, what about an unrepentant sinner, who blasphemes and curses God, would he be lovable? Ephesian 2:3 states: "We all...were by nature the children of wrath." Psalm 7:11 reads: "God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day." Think about all the heathen nations that God caused the Israelites to destroy. Did God love those perverse sinful nations? I think not. God chooses to love whom He pleases and His Sovereignty is not to be questioned. 

The true believer in Jesus Christ rejoices in the Sovereignty of God. I'm thankful He extended His grace to my heart and I repented of my sins and chose to follow Jesus Christ. However, know that those that are not His, they will object to His Sovereignty. Unbelievers want a different "god." One that will obey their demands and be in their image. That, my reader, is idolatry because they have created a "god" in their own image. Ministers need to preach on the Sovereignty of God. It will uncover some of the tares in the church house.

The Sovereignty of God Part 1

 When the phrase is used, "the Sovereignty of God," I refer to the fact that God is supreme, subject to none, influenced by none, and that He may do as He pleases. To the true believer, this brings great joy and comfort. To the unbeliever, it brings feelings of angst and anger that God may do as He pleases without regard to his feelings. God is God and He is on His throne. He is the supreme Monarch and Absolute Authority. 

Every one that is truly saved recognizes the Sovereignty of God. You come to a place that you sign your own death warrant, confess your sins, and you stand before God knowing that you deserve hell. God can save you or damn you. However, this is not the "god" you hear about today from the pulpit. The "god" of the 21st century is a helpless, effeminate being whom man can push around and demand what he pleases. The "god" you hear about is a heavenly butler who is just waiting for you to tell him what you want him to do. In contrast, the God of the Bible is Sovereign, on the throne, doing as He pleases and directing our world according to His set plan and purposes to bring about His glory. Man is a grasshopper (Isaiah 40:22) and a worm in the dust (Isaiah 41:14). 

When I say God is Sovereign that means He is sovereign in the exercise of His power. Consider the following:

1. God delivered His people from the hand of Pharaoh, but He did not destroy the Amalekites and they would war from generation to generation (Exodus 17:16). 

2. God divided the Red Sea, gave manna for 40 years, brought water from a rock, caused the walls of Jericho to fall down, but the Israelites were required to take every other city by force in battle.

3. God delivered David from Goliath, Daniel from the lions den, the three Hebrew children from the fiery furnace, but the book of Hebrews details those believers who were scourged, imprisoned, stoned, sawn asunder, slain with the sword, and tormented without supernatural deliverance. 

4. Stephen was stoned for his testimony, but Peter was freed from prison by an angel.

Why the different treatment? The answer is God is Sovereign.

Jesus healed the cripple by the pool of Bethesda, but left the others there untouched by His healing hand. 

Why? God is Sovereign.

The true believer sees these events and rejoices that God is in charge of everything. That gives me great comfort If God desires me to suffer, then it is for His purposes and plans. It will bring about the greatest good. The unbeliever will see God's Sovereignty as arbitrary and rebel against Him. They will seek to control God. This is an error of the prosperity gospel. They believe they can command God. They believe they are "little gods." They are lost. If you don't know God's Sovereignty, then you don't know Him.

 

Matthew Study Three: The Beatitudes

 Today's lesson comes from Matthew 5: 1-12. There is a parallel passage found in Luke 6: 20-26. Most people want to be happy in life. Some people try to find happiness in the wrong things and find themselves addicted to drugs, alcohol, people, their jobs, or even false religions. Jesus Christ has a better approach to happiness and these Scriptures will direct us to true happiness. 

These verses begin what has been named, "The Sermon on the Mount." These verses explain what a true Christian should both act and look like. Nine times Jesus uses the word "blessed." The word literally means "happy." The person who has sold out for God and has abandoned himself to His will, will be truly happy regardless of the circumstances in his life.Coming from the lips of Jesus, we have what we have labeled "The Beatitudes."

The first section is "The Seekers." vv. 3, 4 Verse three states, "Blessed are the poor in spirit...." This is a recognition of our poverty of spirit. It is a place where pride disappears and humility takes over. Understanding being poor in spirit is essential to both salvation and sanctification. No one comes to Jesus Christ until they see themselves as a lost sinner headed to hell. This is why the seeker sensitive movement that softens the gospel is so dangerous. Preachers must preach against sin. Without doing so, people will not repent. It is not about making a "decision" for Christ. It is about coming as a lost sinner crying out to God to save you based on your faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. 

In the same way, people will not go further into sanctification until they see the inner corruption of their heart. People don't get sanctified by just coming and surrendering. While surrender is necessary, as is faith, there still needs to be an admission of the evil tendencies in the heart that remain after conversion. One needs an honest assessment of their heart. Are you really saved? Are you really sanctified? If so, it was by none of your works but by grace that was applied once you came to a place of seeing how wretched you were.

Verse four states: "Blessed are they that mourn...." This references godly sorrow for sin. They are sorry they ever sinned against a holy God. As you see the effects of sin around you, it will bring a deep sorrow. You will hate sin and its effects on people. If you are not sanctified and you see the inner corruption in your heat, e.g. hatred, anger, lust, greed, jealousy, worldliness, etc., you should see a pure heart. The mourning takes place when you see what remains in your heart after conversion. God has a better life for you that that and that life is not found in Joel Osteen's books. It is found in the bloody cross of Jesus Christ who bleed and died for your salvation and sanctification.

Those that are poor in spirit will inherit the kingdom of heaven because they will receive salvation. Those that mourn will be comforted because they will receive the Holy Ghost as their Comforter when they are sanctified. In God's action plan, those that seek will find what they are looking for. What are you really looking for? Have you found Him yet? Remember, He was never lost, it was you!

The second section is "The Satisfied." vv. 5-9 Verse five begins, "Blessed are the meek...." Meekness does not mean weakness. It is a sign of strength. Jesus was meek, but He was not weak. Moses was considered very meek, but he certainly was not weak. Those that are meek can endue ridicule and rebuke coming from the world because they know they will inherit the world.

Verse six states, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness...." Hunger and thirst are among the strongest bodily appetites. They are never satisfied until one takes in food or water. In the same way, when you hunger and thirst after righteousness, you will never be satisfied until you partake of the grace of God and you are saved and then entirely sanctified. The hunger after righteousness will cause you to want more of God. This search for a deeper relationship will lead you to seek to be sanctified wholly. You will want all that God has for you. You will be filled when you search for more of Him.

Verse seven starts, "Blessed are the merciful...." This means that the sanctified person is truly sensitive to the sufferings of others. This is our opportunity to be like our Heavenly Father. As He was merciful to us, we are to be merciful to others. When we do, we will receive mercy. Our world is a place that contains much evil. We have the ability and opportunity to relieve the suffering of the poor and hurting. Our lives will be enriched by doing so.

Verse eight declares, "Blessed are the pure in heart...." Those with pure hearts are sanctified wholly. Their minds, motives, and principles are pure. They are in possession of the fruits of the Spirit. It can be said of them that they love the Lord with all their hearts. They have the promise that "they shall see God."

Verse nine begins, "Blessed are the peacemakers...." In a literal sense, this means that you try to the best of your ability to calm upset people, put out the fires of anger, to quiet the passions of those who seek to be aggressive and violent, and to reconcile as much as you can with others. Truly, these are the ones that are "children of God."

Section three is "The Secured." vv. 10-12 In these verses we see that they that are living a holy life for Jesus Christ will be persecuted. You will be slandered, abused, and threatened. Especially in this day. Stand up for traditional marriage, e.g., one man one woman, oppose transgenders and proclaim that there are only two sexes, male and female determined at birth.  Persecution will come at some point if you live a holy life. Only the sanctified will take the abuse and seek God for comfort. The carnal will be like Peter at the arrest of Jesus and seek to use the sword. In these days, you need the fullness of the Holy Ghost to endure to the end and be saved. Are you ready? Have you received the Holy Ghost for your sanctification?

The Golden Text is : "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven." (Matthew 5: 12) One definition of "rejoice" is to jump up and spin around in joyfulness. It means to be excited and thrilled in Jesus Christ. No matter what comes, you will not face it alone. Jesus Christ is with you if you are sold out for Him. Have you picked up your cross? Have you denied yourself? Are you following Him? If so, rejoice!

My summary points:

1. Those that seek Him will find Him.

2. When you find Him, you will be satisfied.

3. When you are satisfied in Him, you will be secure in Him.

Next week, "Jesus, the Divine Healer." (Matthew 9: 18-34.

Please read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement. 

Heart Talks on Holiness Part 2

HOLINESS -- WHAT IT IS NOT AND WHAT IT IS

First of all. Holiness is not necessarily a state in which there is perpetual rapturous joy. Isaiah liii. 3 tells us that Jesus was 'a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief,' and Paul tells us of himself that he had continual sorrow and great heaviness because of the rejection of Jesus by his kinsmen after the flesh. Joy is the normal state of a holy man, but it may be mingled with sorrow and grief and perplexities and heaviness on account of manifold temptations. The low water mark, however, in the experience of a holy person is one of perfect peace -- the high water mark is up in the third heaven somewhere; however, this third heaven experience is not likely to be constantly maintained. Jesus and the disciples had to come down off the Mount of Transfiguration and go to casting out devils, and Paul returned from the third heaven to be buffeted of Satan, and stoned and whipped, and imprisoned of men.

II. Holiness is not a state of freedom from temptation. This is a world of trial, and conflict with principalities and powers, darknesses and terrible evils, and the holy soul who is in the forefront of the conflict may expect the fiercest assaults of the devil, and the heaviest and most perplexing and prolonged temptations. Our Blessed Lord was tried and tempted for forty days and forty nights of the devil, and the servant must not be surprised if he is as his Master.

Paul tells us that Jesus was tempted in all points as we are, and that He is able to succor us when we are tempted. It is no sin to be tempted; in fact, the Apostle James tells us to rejoice when we are subjected to all manner of temptations for the resulting trial of our faith will produce in us strength and force of holy character, so that we shall be lacking in nothing (Jas. i. 2-4).

III. Holiness is not a state of freedom from infirmities. It does not produce a perfect head, but rather a perfect heart! The saints have always been compassed about with infirmities that have proved a source of great trial, but when patiently endured for His dear sake have also proved a source of great blessing. Paul had a thorn in the flesh, an infirmity, a messenger of Satan to buffet him. Possibly it was weak eyes, for he was once stoned and dragged out of the city and left for dead, and in writing to the Galatians, he tells them they would have plucked out their eyes and given them to him had it been possible. Or it may have been a stammering tongue, for he tells us he was accounted rude of speech. Anyway, it was an infirmity which he longed to be rid of; doubtless feeling that it interfered with his usefulness, and three times he prayed to the Lord for deliverance, but instead of getting the prayed-for deliverance, the Lord said to him, 'My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness' (2 Cor. xii. 9).

Then Paul cried out, 'Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong' (2 Cor. xii. 9-10)

In the Epistle to the Hebrew iv, 15 we are told that Jesus was 'touched of our infirmities.' We may be faulty in memory, in judgment, in understanding; we may have manifold infirmities of body and mind; but God looks upon the purity of the heart, the singleness of the eye, and the loyalty of our affection, and if He does not find us faulty there, He counts us perfect men. It is not in the mere natural perfection that the power and glory of God are manifested, but rather in goodness and purity and patience and love and meekness and long-suffering shining forth through infirmities of flesh and imperfections of mind.

IV. Holiness is not a state of freedom from affliction. The saints of all ages have been chosen 'in the furnace of affliction' (Isa. xlviii. 10). Job and Jeremiah and Daniel and Paul and the mighty army of martyrs have, and shall always, come up through great tribulations. It is not God's purpose to take us to heaven on flowery beds of ease, clothe us in purple and fine linen, and keep a sugar plum in our mouths all the time. That would not develop strength of character, nor cultivate simplicity and purity of heart: nor in that case could we really know Jesus, and the fellowship of His sufferings. It is in the furnace of fire, the lion's den, and the dungeon cell that He most freely reveals Himself to His people.

Other things being equal, the holy man is less liable to afflictions than the sinner. He does not run into the same excesses that the sinner does; he is free from the pride, the temper, the jealousies, the vaulting ambitions, and selfishness, that plunge so many sinners into terrible affliction and ruin; and yet he must not presume that he will get through the world without heavy trials, sore temptations and afflictions. Job was a perfect man, but he lost all his property and his children, and, in a day was made a childless pauper; but he proved his perfection by giving God glory. Then when his wife bade him curse God and die, he said unto her, 'Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?' (Job ii. 10). And when his three friends were undermining his faith, he looked up from off his ash heap, and out of his awful sorrow and desolation, and fierce pain, and cried out, 'Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him ' (Job x iii. 15).

Joseph is one of the few men in the Bible against whom nothing is recorded, but like Daniel his very holiness and righteousness led to the terrible trials he endured in Egypt. And so it may be, and is, with the saints to-day. But while we may be afflicted, yet we can comfort ourselves with David's assurance, 'Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all' (Ps. xxxiv. 19). A friend of mine said he would rather have a thousand afflictions and be delivered out of them all, than to have half a dozen and get stuck in the midst of them.

V. Holiness is not a state in which there is no further development. When the heart is purified it develops more rapidly than ever before. Spiritual development comes through the revelation of Jesus Christ in the heart, and the holy soul is in a condition to receive such revelations constantly, and since the finite can never exhaust the infinite, these revelations will continue for ever and prove an increasing and never-ending source of development. It would be as wise to say that a child afflicted with rickets would grow no more when its blood was purified; or that corn would grow no more when the weeds were destroyed, as to say that a soul will cease to grow in grace when it is made holy.

VI. Holiness is not a state from which we cannot fall. Paul tells us that we stand by faith (Rom. xi. 16-22), and he says, 'Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall' (I Cor. x. 12). It is an unscriptural and dangerous doctrine that there is any state of grace in this world from which we cannot fall. Probation does not end the moment we believe on Jesus, but rather the moment we quit the body. It is only those who endure to the end who shall be saved. While here, we are in the enemy's country, and must watch and pray and daily examine ourselves, and keep ourselves in the love of God, lest we fall from His grace and make shipwreck of our faith. But while we may fall, thank God holiness is a state from which we need not fall, in fact it is a state which Paul calls, 'this grace wherein we stand' (Rom. V.2).

Some have asked the question, 'How can a holy soul be tempted or how can it fall?' I will ask the question, how could the angels fall? And how could Adam, just fresh from the hands of his Maker in whose image he was made, fall? And I will ask the more startling question still, how could Jesus, the blessed incarnate himself be tempted? We have our five senses and various bodily appetites, none of which are in themselves sinful, but each of which may become an avenue by which the holy soul may be solicited to evil. Each must be regulated by the word of God and dominated by the love of Jesus, if we wish to keep a holy heart, and 'stand perfect and complete in all the will of God' (Col. iv. 12).

Finally holiness is a state of conformity to the divine nature. God is love and there is a sense in which a holy man can be said to be love. He is like God, not in God's natural perfection of power and wisdom and knowledge and omnipresence, but in patience, humility, self-control, purity of heart and love. As the drop out of the ocean is like the ocean not in its bigness but in it's essence so is the holy soul like God. As the branch is like the vine, not in its self-sufficiency, but in its nature its sap, it's fruitfulness, its beauty, so is he that is holy like God.

This is unspeakable blessing is provided for us by our compassionate Heavenly Father through the shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, and is received through a complete renunciation of all sin, an uttermost consecration to all the known will of God, importunate prayer, and child-like faith. Fifteen years ago I obtained this crowning blessing of the gospel through the conscious incoming of the Holy Spirit when I believed, after weeks of earnest seeking. Bless God! He still abides with me and my peace and joy increase and abound. Many have been my afflictions, and fierce and perplexing and prolonged have been my temptations, but with a daredevil faith I have pressed on, claiming victory through the Blood, testifying to what I claimed by faith, and proving day by day this grace to be sufficient while the path shines more and more unto the perfect day. Glory be to God for ever!

Heart Talks on Holiness Part 1

 The following is from the book by Samuel Brengle entitled "Heart Talks on Holiness."

Chapter 1

DEATH OF 'THE OLD MAN'

The Son of God came into this world, and lived, and toiled, and taught, and suffered, and died and rose again in order to accomplish a twofold purpose. The Apostle John explains this twofold work. In I John iii. 5, speaking of Jesus, he says, 'Ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins. This is His justification, and regeneration, which are done for us and in us. In verse 8 he adds, 'For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.' That is entire sanctification, which is a work done in us. Now upon an examination of experience and scripture, we find this is exactly what man needs to have done for him.

First, he needs to get rid of his own sins, and have a new principle of life planted in him. 'For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God' (Rom. iii. 23), and when any man comes to God, he comes burdened with a sense of his own wrongdoings and tempers. His sins condemn him; but, thank God, Jesus came to take away our sins. When a man comes with a penitent heart, acknowledging himself a sinner, and puts his trust in Jesus, he will find himself suddenly freed from his sins. The sense of guilt will vanish. The power of evil will be broken. The burden will roll away. Peace will fill his heart. He will see that his sins were laid on another, even on Jesus, and he will realize that 'with His stripes we are healed ' (Isa. liii. 5).

This is a result of that free pardon, that free justification for all past offenses, that God gives to every one who surrenders himself heartily to, and trusts in, Jesus. At the same time God plants in the man's heart a new life. The man is born of God, and receives what Paul calls the washing of regeneration, which washes away all the man's guilt, and all the sin for which he is responsible.

At this time, too, there will be planted in the man's heart love, joy, peace and the various fruits of the Spirit, and if his experience is very marked, as such experiences frequently are, he will probably think there is nothing more to be done. But, if he walks in 'humbleness of mind' (which, by the way, is a much-neglected fruit of the Spirit), if he speaks often and freely with those who love the Lord, and if he carefully searches the word of God and meditates therein day and night, he will soon find that sin's disease is deeper and more deadly than he thought, and that behind and below his own sins are the 'works of the devil,' that must also be destroyed before the work of grace in his soul can be complete.

He will find a big, dark something in him that wants to get mad when things are against him; something which will not be patient; something that is touchy and sensitive; something that wants to grumble and find fault; something that is proud and shuns the shame of the Cross; something that sometimes suggests hard thoughts against God; something that is self-willed and ugly and sinful. He hates this 'something' in him and wants to get rid of it, and probably condemns himself for it and maybe will feel that he is a greater sinner now than he ever was before he was converted. But he is not. In fact, he is not a sinner at all so long as he resists this something in himself.

Now, what is the trouble with the man? What is the name of this troublesome 'something'? Paul calls it by several names. In Rom. viii. 7 he calls it ' the carnal mind,' and he says it is 'enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.' You cannot fix it up. You cannot whitewash it over. You cannot make it better by culture or growth, or by any effort whatever. It is an enemy of God, and cannot be anything else.

In the seventh chapter (verse 24) he calls it 'the body of this death' and wonders how he can get deliverance from it. In Eph. iv. 22, and in Col. iii. 9, he calls it 'the old man.' In Gal. v.17, he calls it 'the flesh.' James calls it 'superfluity of naughtiness,' which is also well rendered, 'the remainder of iniquity' (Jas. i. 21).

John calls it 'sin,' as distinct from 'sins,' and the 'works of the devil.' In Ezek. xxxvi. 26 it is called a 'stony heart.' The theologians call it 'inbred sin,' 'original sin' and 'depravity.' Whatever you wish to call it, it is something evil and awful, that remains in the heart after a man has been converted.

Some say that it is dealt with at conversion, but I never saw any people who found it so, and John Wesley, who was a much wiser man than I am, and who had a far wider range of observation, examined thousands of people on this very point, and he said he never knew of one who got rid of this troublesome thing at conversion.

Some people say that growing in grace is the remedy. Others say you never get rid of it while you live. It will remain in you and war against you till you die. They are not altogether prophets of despair, for they say the new life in you will overcome it and keep it down, but that you will have to stand on guard and watch it, club and repress it, as you would a maniac, till death relieves you.

Personally, this subject once gave me great concern. These warring opinions perplexed me, while the 'old man ' made increasing war against all my holy desires and purposes. But while I found man's teachings and theories were perplexing, God's teachings were plain and light as day.

1. God does not admit that we get rid of this at conversion, for all His teachings and exhortations concerning it are addressed to Christians. And those who hold this doctrine will have to admit one of two things either that it is not removed at conversion, or that a great number of earnest professors who claim to be converted have never been converted at all. Personally, I cannot admit the latter for an instant.

2. God does, by the mouth of Peter, exhort us to grow in grace, but that simply means to grow in favor with God, by obedience and faith, and does not touch the subject in hand. Corn may grow beautifully and delight the farmer, but all its growth will not rid the field of weeds, and the farmer will have to look to some other method to get rid of those troublesome things.

3. Neither does God anywhere teach that this thing need be bothering us till death, or that death will destroy it.

4. Nor do I find any warrant in the whole Bible for purgatorial fires being the deliverer from this evil.

5. But I do find that God teaches very plainly how we are to get rid of it. Paul says, 'Put off . . . the old man" (Eph. iv. 22). James says, ' . . . lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness' (Jas. i. 21). John says, '. . . the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin' (I John i. 7), not part or some, sin, but 'all sin.'

And again, John says, Jesus 'was manifested' to 'destroy the works of the devil'; (I John iii. 8), and God says through Ezekiel, 'I will take away the stony heart' (Ezek. xxxvi. 26).

All these passages teach that we are to get rid of something that bothers us and hinders our spiritual life and show plainly that this work is not to be a slow, evolutionary process, but an instantaneous work, wrought in the heart of the humble believer by the Holy Ghost. Blessed be God! And the Bible further teaches that the one thing needful on our part to secure this operation of the Holy Spirit is an obedient faith that laughs at impossibilities, and cries "It shall be done."'

If this Bible teaching is true, then it is a matter that can be proved by experience. If one man proves it to be so, that establishes the Bible testimony against all the doubters in the world. All men used to believe the world was flat. Columbus rose up and said it was round, and he proved it against them all. There may be some ignorant old fogies yet who believe the world is flat, but they can prove it to be round, if they will take the trouble, and whether they prove it or not, their purblind unbelief does not change the fact.

Just so, the greater part of mankind believe that 'the old man' is destined to live to the end. But as Paul asks, ' . . . shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? '(Rom. iii. 3) and humble men and women are rising up every day to declare it is possible, and that all men can prove that he can be destroyed, if they will meet the conditions.

Oh, that we could get men to understand this! Oh, that we could get them to take counsel with faith and not with unbelief! Oh, that we could get them to see what Jesus really came to do!

I proved this fifteen years ago, and ever since I have been walking in a day that has no setting sun, and everlasting joy and gladness have been on my head and in my heart. Glory be to God!

It is no little salvation that Jesus Christ came to work out for us. It is a 'great salvation,' and it saves. Hallelujah! It is not a pretense. It is not a 'make believe.' It is a real salvation from all sin and uncleanness; from all doubt and fear; from all guile and hypocrisy; from all malice and wrath. Bless God!

When I begin to consider it and to write about it, I want to fill the page with praises to God. The hallelujahs of heaven begin to ring all through my soul, and my heart cries out with those four mystical beasts before the throne, 'Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty,' (Rev. iv. 8) and in spirit I fall down with 'the four and twenty elders,' and worship Him that liveth for ever and ever, who has taken away my sins and destroyed the works of the devil out of my heart, and come to dwell in me.

Finally, 'Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief ' 'And to whom sware He that they should not enter into His rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.' 'For we which have believed do enter into rest' (Heb. iii. 12, 18, 19, and iv. 3).

The State of the Church Part Eight: God is Unconcerned With My Day-To-Day Decisions

 1 Thessalonians 4:1 reads: "Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more." To walk daily is to make a number of small steps that are to bring honor to our God. God tells us His will is that we are to be sanctified. (1 Thess. 4:3) He calls us to take up our cross daily and follow Jesus Christ. (Luke 9:23) Our decisions are based on our free will. While our will is free, it is also affected  by our hearts desire. For example, I want to lose 5 pounds and I want a piece of cake. Whatever motivation is stronger at the moment of choice, lose weight or eat sweets, will control my free will. God is very concerned with our heart condition which will control the exercise of our free will.

The statement surveyed today was, "God is unconcerned with my day-today decisions." 12% of US Evangelicals somewhat or strongly agree with the statement. 86% of US Evangelicals strongly or somewhat disagree with the statement. That is encouraging news. Interestingly, 25% of the general population somewhat or strongly agree with the statement. 62% of the general population strongly or somewhat disagree with the statement. 

God is concerned with our every decision, every day. This is not just choosing between a good or bad decision, but also between a good and good decision. God numbers the hairs of our head (Matt. 10:30) so He is certainly concerned with our everyday decisions.

The State of the Church Part Seven: The Bible's Condemnation of Homosexual Behavior Doesn't Apply Today

 The fact that there are a growing number of professing Christians that support this statement demonstrates how many Christians have conformed to the world. Scripture consistently, in both the Old and New Testaments, condemn homosexual behavior. In Leviticus 18: 22, homosexual behavior is discussed between child sacrifice and bestiality. In Leviticus 20: 13, it is listed next to incest and bestiality as sins worthy of capital punishment. This shows how strongly opposed the Bible is to the practice of homosexuality. The continued condemnation of this practice is found in the New Testament in Romans 1: 26-27. Scripture calls homosexual behavior "a dishonorable passion, an unnatural relation, and a shameless act." The Apostle Paul states that those who practice homosexual behavior will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9-10).

It appears that some Christians are being deceived about homosexual practice. 18% of US Evangelicals agreed somewhat or strongly with the statement: "The Bible's condemnation of homosexual behavior doesn't apply today. 28% of black protestants agreed with the statement. 48% of Roman Catholics agreed with the statement. 43% of mainline protestants agreed with the statement. How can so many professing Christians agree with something the Bible forbids? The short answer is that the world is winning in the battle to win the church. Instead of the church winning the world, the world is winning the church.

Let me clear, we do not live in a theocracy. We don't throw stones. We don't discriminate. We show love and compassion just as we would to anyone in sin. The problem is though, we need to say that it is sin. How we can expect those in a homosexual lifestyle to hear the truth if true believers don't tell them? Homosexual sin is not the unforgiveable sin. But, it is sin. The true church needs to remember that.

The State of the Church Part Six: Gender Identity is a Matter of Choice

 Transgenderism is very prominent and very vocal in our culture. The movement separates the concepts of sex and gender. Sex is biological. i.e. what you were born. Gender is a subjective feeling of being masculine or feminine. In general, a transgender person identifies with himself or herself opposite of their biological sex. The Bible says that God created human beings as male and female in His image (Genesis 1:27). The Scriptures teach that our behavior is to correspond with our biological sex (Deuteronomy 22:5; 1 Corinthians 11: 5-16). We cannot choose our biological sex anymore than you can choose to be a bird rather a human. You may think you are a bird, but if you decide to jump from the roof of your house, you will not fly. Your identification with being a bird will fall flat!

21% of US Evangelicals either somewhat or strongly agree with the statement that gender identity is a matter of choice. 38% of the general population somewhat or strongly agree that gender identity is a choice. 73% of US Evangelicals somewhat or strongly disagree that gender identity is a choice. 

We need the church to be clear about Biblical truths. Scripture teaches us that there are only two sexes: male or female. At the same time we speak truth, we must do so with love and compassion. If someone identifies with a sex different from their biological one, it could be the result of a brain disorder and they should receive the appropriate treatment. If the cause of the identification is willful rebellion against God's Word, they need to repent. Either way, our duty is to preach Biblical truth based on the clear meaning of Scripture. It is clear, there are only two sexes, male or female, and you don't get to choose.

The State of the Church Part Five: Abortion is a Sin

 Abortion is murder and murder is sin (Exodus 30:13; Rev. 21:8). "Murder is the unjust killing of a human being. Abortion is murder because abortion is the unjust killing of a human being." If you studied an embryology textbook at college, it would inform you that the fetus is a genetically distinct individual human being from the moment of conception. Conception is the beginning of the reproductive process. The fetus is not a potential life, but rather an actual genetically distinct human being. The fetus is the most defenseless human being and deserves our efforts to protect them from murder. Many of those who seek to defend abortion rights now claim that while the fetus is a human being (the science proves it), they deny that the fetus is a person. When the abortion rights activists argue this point, they place themselves among genocidal mass murderers of the past who have justified their killings by denying the personhood of those they killed.

The issue is not about a woman's right to choose concerning her body. The issue is choice between the life or death of another individual human being. When Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973, technology had not advanced to such a level to see how horrifying abortion truly is. 

80% of US Evangelicals strongly agree with the statement that abortion is sin. This is to be compared with 34% of the general population that believes abortion is sin. 7% of US Evangelicals either somewhat or strongly disagree with the statement that abortion is sin. 39% of the general population either somewhat or strongly disagree with the statement that abortion is sin. It amazes me that 5% of US Evangelicals are not sure if abortion is sin. Churches need to preach Biblical truth. Abortion is murder and if you assist someone to obtain an abortion, I believe that would be sin also. 

However, abortion is not the unpardonable sin. The blood still flows from Calvary and His grace is sufficient to cleanse and pardon those who have had abortions.  

Matthew Study Two: John the Baptist and Jesus

 Today's lesson comes from Matthew 3: 1-17. As we begin the study of Matthew, it is important to know something about the author and the content of this book. Matthew was a publican, that is a tax collector. He worked for the Roman government and as a result, he was despised by his fellow Jews. His call to follow Jesus is recorded in three gospels (Matthew 9:9-13; Mark 2: 14-17; Luke 5: 27-32). The only time Matthew mentions his name is when he is listing the twelve apostles. His book was written for the Jews, showing them that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, their King. Thus, you will see many Old Testament quotes and references. He will allude often to Jewish customs. 

Matthew seeks to answer the questions that would have been asked about Jesus, "Where did He come from? What does He believe? What can He do?" In the first ten chapters of his book, Matthew will answer them. Chapters 1-4 discuss "The prince Presented." Then, in chapters 5-7, the topic is "The Principles Proclaimed." Finally, in chapters 8-10, he writes about "The Power Preeminent."

The first section is "The Voice of Man vv. 1-12 The Prophet." Four hundred years had elapsed since there had been a prophetic voice in Israel. No prophet had stood to declare God's judgment or mercy. There had just been silence. Then along comes John the Baptist.

A. Preaching (vv. 1-4) John came preaching. Top preach meant to "be a herald, to proclaim." He did not speak for himself, he spoke for his superior. His message was radical (verses 1-4). Consider his arrival, his appearance, his activity, his alarm, his authority, and his announcement. He came with a message from God. That message was repentance (verse 2). Repentance was the very center of the Jewish faith. Jewish repentance included:

1. Acknowledge the wrong: not a mistake; sin was a choice.

2. Restitution: do what you could to undo the damage; this included asking for forgiveness.

3. Quit: resolve not to sin that way again. The test was, if the occasion to repeat is presented twice, you have not met this condition. Only the third test demonstrated you had quit the sin.

The message was reformation (verse 3). Repentance brought reformation. The mandate was clear, prepare your heart by true repentance and reform your life. 

B. The Proclamation (verses 5,6) John was baptizing people who were confessing their sins. To be "baptized" meant to change identity, to change appearance, and maybe change relationship. Too the Jew, baptism included the idea of cleansing and consecration to a new identity or a new relationship.It was a confession of sin that led to conversion with a public proclamation that one's life had been changed, cleansed from the past, and consecrated to Jesus Christ.

C. The Probation (verses 7-10) The Jews that had returned from Babylon had adopted the formalism of the Pharisees and the skepticism of the Sadducees. John had seen the failures of the Jews to have a real relationship with God. Therefore, he would not baptize someone until there was a public declaration of repentance and confession. John was not a smooth talking preacher. He rebuked them as a generation of vipers (v. 7), and called on them to have true baptism of repentance that would produce fruit (v. 8), and informed them that their lineage would not save them, and that their probation was coming to an end (v. 10). The axe was going to be laid at the root, not the fruit. It would be cut down and burned. This did occur in 70A.D. when Rome destroyed the temple. 

D. The Pentecost (verses 11, 12) In this section, we see the contrasting works between John the Baptist and Jesus the Messiah. John baptizes with water for repentance and Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit for cleansing. This points to the two works of grace. In salvation, your sins are forgiven. These are your actual transgressions. When you are baptized with the Holy Spirit, you are cleansed from your sinful nature. Sins are what you do and the sinful nature is what you are. Thank God, Jesus' blood takes care of both problems!When you review the metaphors of fire, fan, and axe, you can see the radical nature of the works. There are two works of grace because it truly is "holiness or hell!"

The second section is "The Voice of the Messiah vv. 13-16 The Prince." This section is about the inauguration of God's King. This is the beginning of His public ministry. Jesus had no sin to confess, so He did not need to be baptized. However, He did so to answer the Old Covenant and look toward the New Covenant. 

A. The Messiah Identifies (verses 13-15) In this section, Jesus identifies with humanity. He was the God-man. In the Old Testament, God would sometimes invade human history in a miraculous way. Now, God invades humanity in a miraculous way through the incarnation. Jesus fulfilled every requirement, i.e. living a sinless life, to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Looking at the baptism metaphorically, Christ identifies with humanity by being "dipped and dyed" in human flesh. He became sin for us by becoming the perfect man without blemish. 

b. The Spirit Inaugurates (verse 16) The Holy Spirit anointed Jesus Christ for service and empowered Him for public ministry. He does the same for us. Without the anointing of the Holy Spirit, our ministries will  lack power and results. I remember an old preacher's comment referring to a carnal minister: "All thunder, no rain." This means he makes lots of noise, but nothing ever happens.

c. The Father Illuminates (verse 17) The Father confirms John's introduction of Jesus and His appointment for His Messianic work. It is important to note that this passage there is a complete statement of the Trinity. To deny the Trinity is to deny the faith and take oneself outside the family of faith.

The third section is "The Voice of Majesty. v. 17 The Pleasurable Father." All legitimate Christian messages begin in heaven. We have the living and written Word, anointed by the Holy Spirit, to bring about the perfect will of the Father. This verse makes clear that the Father has a voice and that Jesus is His Son. Without the effectual work of the Holy Spirit, ministry will be dry, lifeless and void of results. May we continue to see the Trinity at work in our lives, our work, and our ministry.

The Golden Text is: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3: 17) This verse is made up of two quotations. First, "This is my beloved Son," from Psalm 2: 7. Second, "in whom I am well pleased" from Isaiah 42: 1. At this point it was clear to Jesus that He was the chosen one of God and that His throne would be a cross.

My summary points:

1. True repentance is required for salvation.

2. Without the work of the Holy Spirit, our efforts will fail.

3. The Father has a plan and He will bring it about in His time.

Next week: "The Beatitudes." (Matthew 5: 1-12)

Please read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.

The State of the Church Part Four: Sex Outside of Traditional Marriage Is A Sin

 The Washington based Pew Research Center released a survey in 2020 that found that slightly more than half of professing Christians believe that sex outside of marriage is acceptable between consenting adults even if they are not in a committed relationship. The breakdown was:

1. Catholics 62% approve;

2. Protestants in mainline black tradition 56%;

3. Mainline protestants 54% approve; and

4. Those calling themselves evangelicals 36% approve.

The numbers approving sex outside of marriage increase if the parties are in a committed relationship.

These statistics reveal how much Christians have become conformed to the world as opposed to the Words of Scripture. God takes sexual sin very seriously. Many times in both the Old and New Testaments sexual morality of all kinds is strongly condemned (Lev. 18:1; 1 Cor. 6:12-20) and judged (Gen.19). Christians are commanded to abstain from sexual immorality (1 Thess.4:3). We are to flee from it (1 Cor. 6:18). The reason we are to take sexual sin so seriously is that sexual sin is against the body, which has been united with Christ (1 Cor.6:15) and we are the temple of the Holy Spirit v.19). 

Sexual relations are reserved to those in a marriage between one man and one woman. They become one flesh (Matthew 19:5). Sex outside the covenant of marriage satisfies the flesh only. Fornicators will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor.6:9-10). Strong words indeed.

Why do so many in the church not see this? Either they have not been told (false preachers concerned with money and numbers and not souls) or they are light rejecters. 1 John 1:6 reads, "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth...." 1 John 3:8-9 states in part: "He that committeth sin is of the devil...Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin...."

When is the last time you heard that message? Maybe, we need to hear it more!

The State of the Church Part 3: The Bible Has the Authority to Tell Us What We Must Do

 I am pleased to report that 83% of US Evangelicals strongly agree with the statement: The Bible has the authority to tell us what to do. 2% strongly disagree and 2% are not sure. The Apostle Paul writes to Timothy, "All Scripture is breathed out by God. (2 Timothy 3:16)The word translated "breathed out by God" is the Greek word theopneustos. It literally means "God breathed." The Bible is actually the words of God. God's Word has the authority to tell us what to do because God has the authority to tell us what to do. He is our Creator and Sustainer. 

I do not know how any real Christian could deny this statement. However, over the next few days we will look at what US Evangelicals think about sex outside of marriage, homosexual practice and marriage, abortion and transgender issues. Regrettably, you will read that many who claim to be Christians, have departed from the clear texts of the Bible. While the overwhelming percentage of Christians believe with today's topic, the majority will move away from this position when dealing with the cultural issues of the day.

What does this mean? It is my opinion that the world's opinions are replacing God's Words. The church must make a stand. I personally believe it may be too late for America. The judgment of God is coming. Yet, we that are to remain faithful, the remnant, must not shy away from the task before us. We must speak and live God's Words. We must preach against sin. We must preach holiness. Regardless of the consequences, it is better to be faithful to God than to fear men.

 

A State of the Church Part 2: God Accepts the Worship of All Religions

 In our culture, there are many who believe that God accepts all worship from all religions if the person is sincere. Sincerity is the test, not the source of that sincerity. 33% of US Evangelicals strongly agree  that God does accept the worship of all religions including Christianity, Judaism and Islam. 38% of US Evangelicals strongly disagree that God accepts the worship of other religions. I must wonder what the 38% have been taught and why the number who strongly disagree is not higher.

In the Ten Commandments, we are instructed, "You shall have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:2) Why? Because the gods of the false religions are actually demons. The worship of these demons is actually an abomination. (Deuteronomy 32: 16-17; Leviticus 17:7) The Apostle Paul taught the same thing. (1 Corinthians 10:20) In His temptation, Jesus told Satan that "You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve." (Matthew 4: 10) Jesus Himself stated that "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14: 6) Salvation is found in one name, Jesus, and one name only. (Acts 4: 12) Further, if God accepted all religions, then it would not have been necessary to send Jesus to the cross for our sins.

Christianity is an exclusive religion. However, that is ok because our God is an exclusive God! God only accepts one religion and that is the one He provided . He does not accept substitutes. Why is this fundamental Biblical truth not accepted by more people that claim to be born again? The answer would be twofold:

1. There are a lot of people who claim to be born again but really aren't. To these we need to preach the uncompromising truth of God's Word to bring conviction that would lead to repentance.

2. The ministry leaders are watering down the Word of God to be more culturally acceptable. The people are not being discipled, they are being deceived.

It is time for true believers to shout from the housetops the truth of God's Word. As we continue this series we will discover many more examples of how the world is shaping the church instead of the church changing the world.  

A State of the Church Part 1: Jesus is the First and Greatest Being Created by God

 We will be examining over the next week different topical issues facing the church and modern evangelicals. Sixty-two per cent of US Evangelicals agreed with the following statement: "Jesus is the first and greatest being created by God." This is a heretical statement that dates back to the early church. The orthodox Christian doctrine as expressed in the Nicene Creed states that the Lord Jesus Christ is "the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made."

The Nicene Creed was in response to the Arian controversy in the 4th Century. Arius and his followers taught that Jesus was the first and greatest being created by God. This would place Jesus on the creature side of the Creator-creature distinction. The Nicene Creed was created at the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. It was in response to the teaching of Arian.  After the Council concluded, variations of the error developed regarding the Holy Spirit. The Council of Constantinople met in AD 381 to deal with that issue. The Nicene Creed summarizes the teaching of the Bible on the topic of the Holy Trinity.

The Scriptures make clear that Jesus is not a "lesser God." Jesus is on the Creator side of the Creator-creature distinction. John 1:14 states that the Word (Jesus) is the only begotten of the Father and John 1:1 declares that Jesus (the Word) is God. Jesus wants His disciples to pray to Him (John 14:14),  He forgives sin (Matthew 9: 1-8), He is sovereign over nature (Matthew 8: 23-27) and He is worshipped as God (Matthew 2:2).

I have consistently taught that to deny the Trinity is to take you outside the family of faith. Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses deny the trinity. Popular minister and author T.D. Jakes also denies the Trinity. Muslims and Orthodox Jews deny the Trinity. 

The study of theology is important. Without it, you could easily fall into error. 62% of US Evangelicals already have. Don't be one of them.

The Way of Holiness Part 13

HOLINESS AND PRAYER

You are coming to a King,

Large petitions with you bring:

For His power and grace are such,

You can never ask too much.

Prayer is a puzzle to unbelievers, but a sweet privilege to us. A stranger will hesitate to approach a king, but the king's child will climb on the king's knee, and whisper in the king's ear, and ask all sorts of favors of the king; and get them, too, because he is his child. Now that is the secret of prayer.

When we have repented of sin, and given ourselves to God, and been born again, we are His dear children, and we have a right to come to Him in prayer. The devil will try to hinder us, and if our faith is weak, we may doubt and hesitate; but God invites, He wants us to come, to come with all our wishes, cares, burdens, sorrows, perplexities, everything. Nothing that is of interest to us is too small to interest Him. Many people do not believe this, but it is true. They think God is interested only in big things; but the same God that made the flaming suns and mighty worlds, made the tiny insect, and fashioned the lenses of its little eye, and painted with brightest colors its dainty wing. He is interested in the little quite as much as in the great. Therefore we may bring everything to Him in prayer.

I once heard a very intelligent old saint, past fourscore years of age, say, 'I moved into a flat by myself, so that I could be alone with Jesus. He and I keep house together; and when I lose anything, I ask Him to help me to find it, and He does.' She was right, and people who think God does not want His children to be so familiar as that are wrong, and have much yet to learn.

We should be definite and pray for what we want. A Christian told me the other day that she could come to God for a clean heart, but not for a new dress. She was wrong. If she seeks 'first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness,' she has just as much right to lay before the Lord her need of a new dress, as of a spiritual blessing. Of course, spiritual blessings are far the most important, and should be sought first; but Jesus wants us to talk to Him about everything, and bring to Him all our wants. Let this sink deep into your heart, if you would be holy, and happy, and useful.

For many days there had been no rain in Ohio, the fields were parched and brown, and everything cried out for water. The people were anxious, and knew not what to do. One Sunday, before his sermon, Mr. Finney prayed for rain. One who heard that prayer reported it after twenty-three years, and said it was as fresh in his mind as though he had heard it but yesterday. Finney told the Lord all about their great need, and among other things said, 'We do not presume to dictate to Thee what is best for us, yet Thou dost invite us to come to Thee as children to a father, and tell Thee what we want. We want rain. Our pastures are dry. The cattle are lowing and wandering about in search of water. Even the little squirrels in the woods are suffering for the want of it. Unless Thou dost give us rain our cattle must die, for we shall have no hay for them for winter; and our harvests will come to nought. O Lord, send us rain, and send it now! Although to us there is no sign of it, it is an easy thing for Thee to do. Send it now, Lord, for Christ's sake!' And the Lord sent it. Before the service was half over the rain came in such torrents that the preacher's voice could not be heard; so with tears of wonder and joy and thanksgiving, they sang,

When all Thy mercies, O my God,

My rising soul surveys,

Transported with the view I'm lost

In wonder, love and praise.

Finney took God at His word, and dared to ask for what he wanted. He used to say, 'Lord, I hope Thou dost not see that I can be denied.'

Many people pray for things they want; but James tells us that they do not get them because they ask amiss, to consume them upon their lusts. They want things for worldly pleasure or profit, or for sinful, selfish purposes. (James iv. 3.)

The secret of prevailing prayer is this; that we are so in love with Jesus, so at one with Him, that we do not want anything to use or spend in any way that 'would grieve Him. I want a new suit of clothes. What for? That I may strut around in pride, or to show myself off to the people I know? No, no, but that I may be suitably clothed for my work for God. I want food. What for? To strengthen me for sinful, selfish pleasures, and labors? No, no, but to glorify God. I want a clean heart What for? That I may be happy, and get to heaven? No, no, not that alone, but that I may honor God, and help Him to win others to love and trust and obey Him. When I want things in that spirit, then the Lord can trust me with anything for which I ask Him, for I will not ask Him for anything that is not for His glory. If I am in doubt about anything being for His glory, then I will ask Him to give it to me only if He sees it is best to do so.

Again, we must pray in faith. It is sad, it is heartbreaking, the way people doubt God, the cold, lifeless prayers they utter before Him! You would not want a friend to come to you for anything you had promised to give, with such faithless asking, would you? God is much more willing to give good things to us than we are to give good gifts to our children. And we should come with lively faith that will not be denied. The promise is, 'What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.' Bless the Lord!

Do you ask, 'How can I get faith?' I answer, through God's Word. Hunt up His promises, and go to God with them, and say with David, 'Remember the word unto Thy servant upon which Thou has caused me to hope.' That is what Finney did. He wanted rain, and he went to God with the promise, 'When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them?

But again, we must persevere in prayer. We must hold on to God, and not let go till the answer comes, or until God shows us why it does not come. Sometimes the answer to prayer comes at once. The first person I remember praying with after God sanctified me, got the blessing at once.

One morning I prayed for a suit of clothes which I very much needed. A great peace came into my heart, and I got off my knees laughing, knowing that God had heard and answered my little request. How and when the suit was to come I did not know. After breakfast I went out, and when I returned a man was waiting for me to go to the tailor's, and be measured for the best suit in his shop. I knew absolutely nothing about this when I prayed, but God did.

But sometimes the answer is delayed. At such times we must not fold our hands and idly conclude that it is not God's will, but instead, search our hearts to make sure the hindrance is not in us, and still continue to plead with God, and in due time the answer will come.

Hold on to God for the salvation and sanctification of your loved ones, and God will hear and answer you. Wrestle with Him, give Him no rest, remind Him every day of His promise and your burning desire, and He must hear and answer you.

A young man prayed for a friend for thirteen months, and finally died without seeing him saved. But God was faithful and remembered the prayers of His child, and in due time that friend was converted, and became a martyr for Christ in Africa.

Finally, we should mingle thanks with our prayers, even before we see the answer. 'In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.' wrote Paul. (Phil. iv. 6.) A mother got gloriously sanctified at an Army penitent-form, and then began to pray in faith for the conversion of her daughter. For some time she prayed, but one day she said, 'Lord, I am not going to pray for this any longer, but I am going to thank Thee for the salvation of my child.' Within a week the girl was saved, 'and is now an Officer.

Holy people are in vital union and partnership with God, and their prayers inspired by the Holy Spirit move all Heaven in their behalf. Then the only reason why they accomplish so little is because they ask so little, and with such feeble faith 'Men ought always to pray, and not to faint,' said Jesus. Will you, my Comrade, give yourself up to a life of glad, persevering, believing prayer? If so, you shall be one of God's princes on earth.

Behold the throne of grace!

The promise calls me near;

There Jesus shows a smiling face,

And waits to answer prayer.

My soul! ask what thou wilt;

Thou canst not be too bold:

Since His own Blood for thee He spilt,

What else can He withhold?