The Devil's Drink

What is alcohol and why is there such a fuss in the church over it? Is it really a big deal? Aren't there more important things to deal with? Well, in this weeks edition of my blog I'll share not only my opinion, but what Scripture teaches concerning Alcohol.

Alcohol is a deadly, legal drug that is destroying our nation! Proverbs 20:1, says, “… Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler; and those who are led astray by it are not wise…”

Consider these three thoughts:

First, the Danger of Alcohol: Vs. 1, “… Wine is a mocker…” Allow me to give you some statistics: Alcohol is involved in 50% of all driving fatalities. In the United States, every 30 minutes someone is killed in an alcohol related traffic accident. Over 15 million Americans are dependent on alcohol; 500,000 are between the age of 9 and 12. Each year the liquor industry spends almost $2 billion dollars on advertising and encouraging the consumption of alcoholic beverages; Americans spend over $90 billion dollars total purchasing alcohol each year. An average American may consume over 25 gallons of beer, 2 gallons of wine, and 1.5 gallons of distilled liquor each year.

Each year students spend $5.5 billion on alcohol, more then they spend on soft drinks, tea, milk, juice, coffee, or books combined. 56% of students in grade 5 to 12 say that alcohol advertising encourages them to drink. 6.6% of employees in full time jobs report heavy drinking; heavy drinking is defined as drinking five or more drinks per occasion on five or more days in the past 30 days. The highest percentage of heavy drinkers (12.2%) is found among unemployed adults between the ages of 26 to 34. Up to 40% of all industrial fatalities and 47% of industrial injuries can be linked to alcohol consumption and alcoholism. In 2000, almost 7 million persons age 12 to 20 was a binge drinker; that is about one in five persons under the legal drinking age was a binge drinker. The 2001 survey shows 25 million (one in ten) Americans surveyed reported driving under the influence of alcohol. Among young adults age 18 to 25 years, almost 23% drove under the influence of alcohol.
Drunk driving is proving to be even deadlier then what we previously knew. The latest death statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), using a new method of calculation show that 17,488 people were killed in alcohol related traffic accidents last year. 43% of Americans have been exposed to alcoholism in their families. Alcohol is the number 1 drug problem in America.
Nearly one out of four Americans admitted to general hospitals have alcohol problems or are undiagnosed alcoholics being diagnosed for alcohol related consequences. Alcohol and alcohol related problems are costing the American economy at least $100 million in health care and loss of productivity every year. Four in ten criminal offenders report alcohol as a factor in violence. Among spouse violence victims, three out of four incidents were reported to have involved alcohol use by the offender. In 1996, local law enforcement agencies made an estimated 1,467,300 arrests nationwide for driving under the influence of alcohol.
The Bible says in Vs. 1, “… wine is a mocker…” This word in Hebrew is the word – Luts –means to mock, to deride, to scoff at; the root word literally means ‘to make mouths at.’ The truth is that nobody wants to preach on alcohol these days and even fewer people want to hear preaching on alcohol. I certainly realize that there are those who will mock preachers who do and seek to deride the Word of God as being nothing more than old-fashioned, out-dated, irrelevant and illegitimate. But I submit to you that the sad truth is not that preachers will be mocked; not that the Word of God will be mocked, no, the sad truth is that Alcohol will mock, even them that attempt to defend it!

My friends, I want you to know about the danger of alcohol! I’ve seen firsthand what alcohol will do! I’ve seen with my own eyes the danger of alcohol! I’ve seen grown men so consumed by its powerful grip they show up to the bar first thing in the morning begging for their first drink! I’ve known men who wake up at 4:00am just so they knock back a few beers before they go to work. I’ve watched marriages disintegrate because men and women get drunk on alcohol and end up cheating on their spouses. I’ve seen men in their 30s, 40s, 50s – even into their 70s lie and wallow in their own vomit because they drank too much; only to get up and beg for another drink! I’ve buried men who cut their lives 20 or 30 years short because they consumed so much alcohol they poisoned their liver; men who spent their last days on earth in and out of the hospitals to have their bodies drained of fluid because of the effects of alcohol! I’ve watched the undertaker lower the caskets of innocent men, women and children: people who never did anything to hurt anybody, just in the wrong place at the wrong time when somebody who drank too much alcohol was behind the wheel of car and took their life because they were driving drunk! I preached the funeral of man who found out that his wife was going to divorce him and instead of turning to the Bible, he turned to the bottle and drove himself to a public park, put a shot gun in his mouth, pulled the trigger and took his own life! Listen: drinking alcohol isn’t a good thing; it isn’t an ok thing; it isn’t something that’s ok for you and not ok for me… Alcohol, my friend is a horrible, wretched, godless, immoral, sinful, wicked and devilish thing! There’s a danger in alcohol!

The Bible says that, Vs. 1, “… wine is a mocker…” Some people call themselves social drinkers; some “believers” want to claim the right of Christian liberty just so they can have a drink every now and then without ever getting drunk. Some people will make up any excuse they can just so they can experience the cheap thrill that alcohol will give them! But I am telling you that alcohol is mocking you! Friend, alcohol is a mind-altering drug! It is no different than crack-cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine or any other narcotic! Alcohol is a depressant that directly affects the central nervous system; it impairs judgment; it delays reaction time and causes one to lose all sense of logic and reasoning! Alcohol is a drug! And arguably the most damnable day in America was March 23^rd, 1933 when President Franklin Roosevelt signed into law and amendment to the Volstead Act which allowed the manufacturing, distribution and sale of alcohol.

The Bible says that, “… wine is a mocker…” Vs. 1 We’ve told ourselves that alcohol is ok; there’s nothing wrong with it; it’s an individual’s choice, but by the end of day today 62 people will have died as a result of drunk driving; 434 people by the time you go to church next Sunday; nearly 23,000 people by the end of the year! All in all alcohol related deaths will rise above the 100,000 mark before we celebrate the New Year! We’ll say it’s ok but, but the Bible says that alcohol is mocking you! It is making mouths at you! It’s deriding you; and it’ll destroy you! If you want to say it’s ok, I say go and tell that to the family members of one the 100,000 people who will die as a result of alcohol this year! My friend, you need to understand the danger of alcohol!

Secondly there is the Destructiveness of Alcohol: Vs. 1 says, “… Strong drink is a brawler…” The word “brawler” – Hebrew (hamah) meaning: to be in great commotion; to be in an uproar; to be greatly troubled; literally, to be in a rage! This speaks to the violence that alcohol induces! I have seen some of the calmest, sweetest and nicest people you could ever meet transform into the most bitter, angry and violent people you could ever meet when they come under the influence of alcohol! More often than not when police make an arrest for physical abuse, alcohol is involved.

The consumption of alcohol leads to one’s inability to deal with the reality of life and so they must always look at life through the lenses of the liquor bottle, rather than facing life head on. But eventually this is not enough and the frustration with life leads to anger, and anger leads to bitterness, and bitterness leads to violence in some form or fashion. In 2002 more than 1 million violent crimes occurred where the offender was under the influence of alcohol. (Violent crime is defined as: murder, rape, assault, robbery and sexual assault.) According to the bureau of Justice 75% of all spousal abuse situations are alcohol related. The same source found that 66% of abuse victims by some intimate relationship (mother, father, friend, boyfriend, girlfriend) 66% were under the influence of alcohol!

The Bible says that “… strong drink is a brawler…”; not only is alcohol dangerous, BUT IT IS DESTRUCTIVE!!! Alcohol destroys marriages! It destroys families! It destroys lives! It destroys anything and everything that it comes into contact with! Friend, alcohol is a destroyer!

Proverbs 23:29-32 says, “… Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long at the wine, those who go in search of mixed wine. Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper…” Society may say one thing, but the WORD OF GOD declares that alcohol is poison! It is venom that not only affects you physically, but it adversely affects you spiritually! Alcohol is brawler! It is a destroyer! It causes uproar and sends people into a rage! Not one good thing has ever come from drinking alcohol!

Finally there is the Deception of Alcohol: Vs. 1 says, “… And whoever is led astray by it is not wise…” The words “… led astray…” captures our attention. They mean to waver; to wander; to go astray. The picture painted by the Hebrew language is one of seduction. Wine and strong drink possesses a seductive power of persuasion. Alcohol has the ability to seduce one to succumb to its control, to its dominance! This is why Ephesians 5:18 says, “… And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit…” Don’t be deceived by alcohol, says the WORD OF GOD That is “dissipation,” that is lustful debauchery! Rather than being led astray by alcohol; rather than being dominated and controlled by alcohol; rather than being a slave to alcohol, the Bible says be filled with the Holy Spirit; be under the control of the HOLY SPIRIT; be dominated by the HOLY SPIRIT

The point is that alcohol is deceptive and those who are deceived by it are not wise, says the Holy Bible! The world tells us today, ‘Have a drink; unwind, relax. An afternoon drink will loosen you up and set you free.’ But the Bible says, “… Harlotry, wine, and new wine enslave the heart…” Hosea 4:11. The world says, ‘Have a drink; everybody drinks; a little drink never hurt anybody.’ But the Bible describes the one who drinks as fool and an imbecile: Proverbs 23:33-35, “… Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse things. Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying, ‘They have struck me, but I was not hurt; they have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?’” The world advertises its alcohol with beautiful women; images of the guys having a great time at the game; it promotes the idea that real men like a good beer; the party; the good times; the friends; the fellowship; the great times they’re all centered around this brand or that brand of alcohol!

But they don’t show you the piles of vomit all over the place when you drink alcohol! They don’t show you the inside of the jail cell that you live in when you rack up you DUI’s. They don’t show the mangled and mutilated flesh caused by a drunk driver! They don’t show you the casket of a 5yr. old little girl whose life was cut off because some fool drank alcohol and got behind the wheel of his car! They don’t show you the bloated stomachs, yellow skin and painful misery of someone whose liver is destroyed by alcohol! They don’ show the agonizing death of a man who drank the poison! They don’t show you any of that because anybody who’s got half a brain wouldn’t touch alcohol if they thought seriously about its disastrous affects!

Alcohol is the devil’s drink!!! It is a tool in the hand of Satan himself that does nothing but wreak havoc and destruction on any and all that it comes in contact with! It is dangerous! There is nothing good that can come from drinking alcohol; and those who drink it aren’t content; they’re not satisfied with life; if they say their believers, then they’re not satisfied with the Lord and they’re looking for a cheap thrill. It is destructive! Alcohol destroys families; it destroys, marriages; it destroys lives! It is deceptive! It will lead you away from all that is godly, and holy, and righteous! Alcohol goes hand in hand with immorality; and it always fails to live up to promises and expectations!

No Christian has any business with alcohol! As Christians we must take the Bible’s stance! We must take God’s stance! We must take the stance of holiness, and righteousness and that which is pleasing to the Lord! We must stand against alcohol!

When God heals... and sometimes doesn't...

The subject of healing is a fascinating one. Certainly, it is one that has generated much debate in the modern American church. The viewpoints are varied and many; and here I shall offer mine, as I understand the Scripture. As I share my thoughts I would like to do so by attempting to answer three questions: 1. Does God perform healings? 2. Does God always heal? and 3. What do I do when I suffer infirmities and need healing?

1. Does God perform healings?

The simple answer to this question yes. After all, we are talking about the Sovereign, thrice holy God of the Bible! And, of course, the Scripture is filled with examples of God performing miracles of healing. In Genesis 2: 20-22 the Lord took a rib from Adam in order to make woman. He closed up the flesh and healed  the place where He had taken the rib from. In Numbers 21: 4-9 the Lord sent fiery serpents to afflict the people and many of them died. After the people of Israel had repented of their griping and complaining about Moses and God He instructed them make a serpent of brass and put it on a pole and so it was that when one was bitten they had to simply look to the serpent of brass and live (be healed). 2 Kings 5: 1-14 tells us of Naaman, a Syrian general, who was afflicted with leprosy. He came to Elisha the prophet who then instructed him to go and dip himself and wash in the Jordan river seven times and he would be healed. Eventually, Naaman obeyed and was healed. In Daniel 4: 29-36 the Bible tells us that Nebuchudnezzar stole God's glory, attributing the greatness of the Babylonian kingdom to his own wisdom and strength. God afflicted him with insanity for a season to teach him a lesson, that God shares his glory with no man and that kingdoms rise and fall at the bidding of the Lord. God then healed Nebuchudnezzar of his insanity and restored him as king.

Of course the New Testament is also filled with examples of healing. Matthew 4: 23 states that Jesus travelled all throughout Galilee healing the sicknesses and diseases that were among the people. In Luke 7: 1-10 we're told that Jesus healed a Roman Centurion's servant without even being present with the man. In fact, the Lord was a great distance away. In Mark 5: 21-43 we're told of two miraculous healings: one involved a woman who had an issue of blood for more than twelve years; she simply touched the hem of Jesus' garment and was instantly healed. The other example was the daughter of a man named Jairus, who was not merely sick, but was, in fact dead. Jesus raised her to life again. Acts 3 records the healing of man who lame from birth. Acts 5: 16 describes a multitude of people being healed. Acts 19 records even more miraculous healings stating that even handkerchiefs and aprons that the Apostle Paul had touched and handled were brought to the sick and those touched them were healed.

Of course, I could go on and on with more and more examples, but I believe the point is clear: the God of the bible can and does supernaturally, miraculously heal the sick and the diseased. Now, there are some among us today who would say that healings ceased with the end of the apostolic era. I find no Biblical evidence to support such a position. Besides, the healings of the Old Testament took place prior to the apostolic era, as well as those performed by Jesus Himself. There is nothing in Scripture to suggest that God can not heal today just as did in the pages of Scripture. In fact, if any conclusion at all could be drawn from Scripture it would be that God can and does still heal! For, "... Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever..." Hebrews 13: 8. Now, let's move to our second question...

2. Does God always heal?

Again, I'll begin with the offer of a simple answer, which is no. God does not always heal the sick and afflicted. I realize that there would probably be just as many people who would argue with me about this point as there would be to argue the previous question, but I believe that Scripture supports my answer to this question just as it does the previous one. So, let me submit the following Biblical testimonies for your consideration.

In 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10 we find the famous account of where the Apostle Paul talks about the 'thorn in his flesh.' He testifies that He sought the Lord for the removal of the thorn (healing). However, healing is not granted to Paul. In fact, God's answer to Him is "... My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness..." (vs. 9). This was God's way of saying to Paul that He (the Lord) wasn't going to heal him but instead would display His power and His presence by working through His infirmity. Now some have said that this 'thorn' may not have been physical. Some have even suggested that Paul might be talking about a lust issue. But let me be clear: there is absolutely no Scriptural evidence to support such a claim, in fact, it is just the opposite. Paul uses the term "infirmities" to describe his ailment. This comes from the Greek astheneia meaning: sickness, illness, weakness or disease. So, Paul describes his 'thorn' as a physical infirmity for which he prayed to be healed from, yet God chose instead to work through and use his infirmity rather than to heal him from it. It was suggested to me that in his writings to Timothy that Paul spoke of his deliverance (healing) from this thorn. I have read and studied both letters to Timothy and can not find a reference regarding healing from what he discusses here in 2 Corinthians. Furthermore, it seems very difficult to believe that God would heal Paul from this infirmity, especially given the reason he states for suffering from this thorn. In vs. 7 he says, "... And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure..." Paul had been gifted by God in unusual ways, arguably more so than any other man before or since, with exception of course to the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul recognized how blessed and gifted of God he was was. And so, the man, who in Romans 7 so clearly confesses his own struggle with the flesh, reveals an affliction from Satan, but used by God to keep the man of God humble, SO THAT "... the power of Christ may rest upon [him]..." Paul is a prime example of when God doesn't heal and how to respond to that and, in fact, be thankful for it.

I won't be quite as lengthy in the following examples, as I was with Paul. Timothy, the young pastor and disciple of Paul, suffered physical affliction with no record of healing. Paul wrote to him under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit the words of 1 Timothy 5: 23: "... No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities..." Timothy, obviously had a number of health problems to endure and Paul gave instruction on treating those frequent infirmities, but we're never told that Timothy was ever healed from any of them. It is noteworthy that Colossians 4:14 reveals that Luke the gospel writer, and noted physician was with Paul on at least part of his missionary journeys and could have very well been the one who mentioned the advice to Paul for Timothy. Trophimus is another example of one described as sick, but no mention of healing. In fact, Paul's own words are, "... but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick..." 2 Timothy 4: 20. In Galatians 4: 15 & 6:11 Paul alludes to suffering some type of hindrance to his eyesight. This could have been the 'thorn' that Paul spoke of, or perhaps even another affliction. 

In my estimation, however, perhaps the greatest Biblical example of the reality that God doesn't always heal comes in the life of a man who was healed! Let me explain. Philippians 2 mentions a man by the name of Epaphroditus. Paul had sent him to Philippi because he longed to visit the church there. He is described as having been "... sick almost unto death..." vs. 27. Then the Scripture goes on to say that "... God had mercy on him..." which is to say that God had healed him. But here is the interesting part: Paul says that God not only had mercy on Epaphroditus, in that He healed him; but, God had mercy on Paul, in that He healed Epaphroditus! In his own words, Paul said, "... but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow..." vs. 27. And he goes on to testify that for this reason, that is the fact that he was sick, Paul made haste to send Epaphroditus to the believers at Philippi so that they may see him and fellowship with him one more time, in the event that he might  possibly die. Had he died and Paul had not sent Epaphroditus to Philippi, the indication of Scripture is that Paul would have greatly regretted that. Now, I mention this example simply to point out that IT IS CLEAR that Paul recognized first that Epaphroditus was sick. Believers sometimes experience physical sickness, suffering and disease. Secondly, Paul obviously did not know, and wasn't sure, that Epaphroditus would be healed. The great man of faith, the one who had been used in so many powerful miracles, so greatly used of God understands that it might not be God's will for his friend to healed. The fact that he wanted to send him quickly to the Philippians is an acknowledgment that while healing is always possible, it isn't always probable. God can choose not to heal. Healing is an act of the mercy of God, which is what this example shows us, but IT IS NOT TO BE UNIVERSALLY APPLIED. You see, God can heal; and God does heal; but He doesn't always heal. These examples I have provided are present to show us that when God doesn't heal, He is still worthy to be trusted!

3. What do I do when I suffer infirmities and need healing?

Well, you pray. You pray and you trust the Lord. Perhaps the better question to ask would be: how should I pray when I suffer sickness? I honestly think that there are several ways to answer this question. I see no reason why a believer wouldn't want to pray and ask God for healing. The Scripture is full of pleas from God to call upon Him in prayer with our requests and needs, and to trust and believe that He will answer. Both Old and New Testaments overflow with such references. The Psalms are packed with David's many requests of deliverance from trials, troubles and tribulations. The New Testament often teaches us to petition the Lord in faith. In fact, Hebrews 11:6 says, "... But without faith it is impossible to Him for he who comes to God, must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him..." As believers we're pray and we're to seek God for "... because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs..." Luke 11: 5. So, why wouldn't a child of God call on his/her Father and ask for healing? Certainly, it would be appropriate to do so.

But at the same time, it is important for the believer to strive to understand the heart of God in the matter. Individual circumstances differ. In the midst of sickness and suffering there may be something much bigger going on... something much bigger than the believer realizes. Like, Paul and Timothy and Trophimus, the Lord may allow the believer to suffer from physical infirmities; and He may not provide an explanation for it, at least one not adequate for our feeble understanding. Like Paul recognizing the healing of Epaphroditus as an act of God's mercy, and seeing that God could have chosen to not heal him, we must approach suffering with the desire of learning the will of God in the matter. If one suffers illness, then perhaps like Paul it is to keep that individual humble; or, perhaps like Job it is to display His Sovereignty; or like the man discussed in John 9:3, simply for the glory of God; or perhaps God has something else in mind altogether. But if you do find yourself suffering illness, disease or some other infirmity consider the words of 1 Peter 4: 19, "... Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator..." Also, remember Romans 8:28, "... And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose..."

Before I close let me address one very important matter. What you do not want to do is to twist or misinterpret Scripture to fit a certain theological construct based on preconceived notions because you are unsatisfied with your circumstance. For example, Isaiah 53: 5, "... and by His stripes we are healed..." is often used as THE verse to state that if a believer properly exercises their faith they will be healed, because we have already been healed. This faulty. It is wrong teaching. It is a misinterpretation of Scripture. It is dangerous, and it is flat out wrong. You must remember that Scripture must be interpreted in it's context; and a study of Isaiah 53 clearly reveals that Christ suffers physically (by His stripes) for our benefit spiritually (we are healed). 1 Peter 2: 24-25 drives this point home. Also, I must note the verses that mention God granting those things asked for "... in His name..." It must be understood that to ask in Jesus' name, Biblically, means to ask according to His will. The name of Jesus is not some cheap magic formula to be tossed around. Certainly, do not take the name of the Lord in vain to try and help yourself feel better!

So, if you find yourself suffering physical infirmity, then pray. Pray and seek God's face in the matter. Get a word from God from the Word of God. Probe yourself and ask the serious questions: Is my suffering the result of sin? Is my suffering a test of faithfulness to God? Is my suffering to be used as an instrument for the glory of God? Could God be using my suffering to humble me and perhaps draw me closer to Him? Is it possible that my suffering is God's will? Is God allowing me to suffer in order to provide a testimony for His healing power? These questions are worth your time, but let me warn you: prepare yourself for God's answer and be ready to abide by His will. Lastly, as you consider suffering, sickness and disease let me leave you with the Words of the Bible: "... My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing..." James 1: 2-4

Until next time...
Love in Christ,
Pastor Jeremy

The trouble with church

Jesus said, "... Upon this rock, I will build my church..." Matthew 16: 18

I was talking with a preacher friend of mine one time when I asked how is church was doing. He said to me, "Brother, my church would be doing great if it wasnt' for the people." Well, we both had a good laugh recognizing that without the people there would be no church. But underneath that simple humor lies an element of truth. The church of God, that is the people of God, not the building or the property, but the people are often times their own worst enemy.

I certainly do not want there to be any misunderstanding here. I love the church! I enjoy church! I will always be a part of a local church. However, there must be recognition given to the fact that the church is made up of imperfect people who, not only can innocently make mistakes, but also sometimes can deliberately sin and rebel against the Lord. Of course, this leads to problems in the church. By the way,it must be understood: THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A PERFECT CHURCH! And as I have so often heard it said: if you find the perfect church then don't join it, 'cause then you'll mess it up!

Now, having acknowledged my love and devotion to Christ's church I do feel it is warranted to examine and evaluate the condition of the church. It has been my observation in 16 years of ministry that people have a tendency to run to extremes. With respect to the church I will classify the extremes as the 'lovers & the haters.' On one hand you have the extreme of the 'lovers' who can go so far in their devotion to the church that they elevate church over Christ. This is sin and can not be tolerated! They forget Colossians 1:18 which says, "... And He [Christ] is the head of the body, that in all things He [Christ] may have the preeminence..." They fail to keep Scripture as the standard and in so doing tradition and men's opinions become the authority and the guide. Soon the church is overidden with dead religion and men live in the misery of their own futile, humanistic thoughts. Self is the new god and the Savior is relegated to the status of a lucky rabbit's foot. I wonder how many churches in America could be described like this?

On the other hand, you have the 'haters.' This group sees absolutely nothing good in the church. Now, mind you, in both groups I'm talking about people who are a part of the church and profess to be believers. The 'haters' are best known for their gryping, grumbling and complaining. They are often control freaks who get along fine with everyone until something happens that causes them to not have their way. It is then that they grumble and grype. They will often politicize church; maneuver themselves against God-ordained authority in the church. They will undermine the pastor, the elders and deacons. Of course such a person never does this in the open. They are usually way too cowardly to do so. No, they do their work in the background, on the telephone, or in secret meetings. Make no mistake they seem to be the greatest and godliest people in the church, until they're crossed. Then their true colors a revealed. 

May God have mercy! I have often said that the reason why there are so few, in this country, coming to Christ is because they've been to church! They've been to church and see nothing there that is any different than any other venue in society! Oh, what an indictment! The truth is we must remember that the church is the bride of the Lord Jesus Christ! She isn't our hobby! She isn't our play toy! She isn't our gang or our group! She is the church! She is the bride of Christ! And no one has any business treating the bride in any fashion less than the way her bridegroom (Jesus)  would have her to be treated (Ephesians 5: 25-33)! At the same time as part of the church we must learn to practice Biblical principles for the purpose of growth, harmony and ultimately the glory of God! We practice examination for the purpose of edification! We examine and unveil our hearts, our motives and our methods before God so that we can change and correct according to the will and the Word of the Lord. But in order to be clear I'm talking about us! I'm talking about the people. For, you see the real trouble with church is not the building, the plumbing or the sound system. The real trouble with the church is when people run to an extreme behavior that is unscriptural, unhealthy and ungodly. The individual believer must daily crucify the flesh and choose to live a surrendered life to Christ. In my estimation this is the only way for the church to overcome her shortcomings and remain spiritually effective for the kingdom of God. Until then I look forward to that grand adn glorious day described in I Thessalonians 4: 13- 18 when Jesus will snatch His bride up out of this world, glorify her, and perfect her and remove ALL the trouble out of her! Even so, come Lord Jesus!

When the Bible doesn't matter...

It has been several years ago now when I served in my first assignment as pastor of a local church. I had many unusual experiences while serving that local body. In fact, I have often referred to that time as my "seminary of hard knocks." I made many mistakes as a young, green pastor. Mistakes I would never want to make again, and yet, now have a sense of gratitude for making because of the lessons learned. There were also many difficult days during those two years of my life. Little did I know when I accepted the call to pastor there that the church had been plagued with problems for years. Of course, as I write this blog the thought comes to mind: "what church doesn't have problems?"

The ususal problems of control issues, decision making, financial matters and personality conflicts were present; but what took me by surprise was the battle fought over the Scripture. Two distinct events stick out in my mind, one of which led to my resignation as pastor. I remember one particular day in study preparing to preach when one of the church members dropped by for a visit. We exchanged pleasantries and visited for awhile. Then we began to talk about Scripture. I'll never forget the statement that he made to me. He said, "Preacher, the ten commandments don't apply to me." I was taken by surprise. He went on, "Those commandments, along with the rest of the Old Testament were meant for another people in another time, but not for me, not for us and not for our church." I understood what he meant. I had just finished a series of messages on the Ten Commandments and he was essentially rejecting everything I had preached for the last ten weeks. It was a subtle yet obvious rebuke. But then I thought and later put the question to him: which one of the commandments didn't apply to him? Was it acceptable for him to steal? Was he free to murder? Was it alright for him to commit adultery? Dishonor his parents? Covet? Practice idolatry? Take the name of the Lord in vain?

I am no legalist. I certainly do not believe that New Testament believers are still under the law, I know that we now live under grace. However, I do believe that Jesus made it clear that the spirit and the essence of the Law is applicable to the Christian. In Matthew 22 Jesus was asked which was the greatest of the commandments. He answered in verses 37-39, saying, "... You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself."  And then the Lord made this statement, "... On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets...(vs. 40)" Then, of course, we find that there are numerous occasions that  the Lord would say, "... You have heard it said by them of old... but I say to you..," a statement that never nullified a command, but one that illustrated and explained the heart of God in the command. This man had missed it. The Ten Commandments that he rejected were lived and accomplished in the life of Christ. And they did apply to him in the sense that Christ must apply to him. You see, what he was doing was segregating the Bible as though the Old Testament wasn't part of God's Inspiration. But, beloved, the Old Testament is as much the Word of God as the New Testament is! God's Word, the Holy Bible starts at Genesis, not at Matthew, and runs through Revelation.

Now, the second event was even more grievious. I had an associate pastor who was not only 50+ years my senior, but he was also well educated. At the time I had no seminary training and this man had a Thd. In Matthew 27: 46 the Bible records the cry of the Lord Jesus Christ: "... Eli, Eli, lama sabachtani, that is, My God, My God why have you forsaken me?" My associate pastor at the time said that this was an incorrect translation of Scripture. Jesus could not have been forsaken. God could not have turned away from the Son. The correct translation, he said, should have been, "But for this purpose I have come." I was shocked to say the least when learning this. I didn't understand his thinking. The Lord had already said "But for this purpose I have come..."  in John 12, not to mention that one simply needed a Hebrew dictionary to see that the words of Matthew 27: 46 were infact translated correctly. And what about Psalm 22? Of course, he rejected any correlation between Psalm 22 and what was taking place on the cross. I made the argument that he was missing the point. The real tragedy of the cross was what Jesus suffered at the hands of men, the real tragedy of the cross was what He suffered at the hands of God! Where "... He who knew no sin, became sin for us that we might become the righeousness of God in Him..." 2 Cor. 5:21. The cross is where something happened that has never happened in all of eternity, and will never happen again; and that is that God the Father forssok God the Son as He bore in Himself the sin of all humanity. It was this forsaking that compelled Jesus to fullfil the prophecy of Psalm 22 and cry out, "... My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?" This was the great sacrifice that was being made on the behalf of a lost humanity; and it was this sacrifice that my associate pastor rejected.

Sadly, everyone in leadership stood with him. They stood with error. They stood against Scripture.Looking back now I think I might have done something different, but at the time I didn't know what to do. I resigned and moved on. Since that time that associate pastor has died and a few pastors have come to that church. I believe they have been correvtly taught and have learned the truth of the cross. But, I'll never forget those days. It was a challenge that stays fresh in my memory and drives me even now all these years later. We can never lose sight of the importance of Scripture! The Word of God must have not only priority, but authority in our lives and certainly in the church! For if we neglect, change or modify the Scripture then, really, what is the point! The Psalmist wrote, "... Forever, O Lord, Your Word is settled in Heaven..." (Psalm 119: 89). Beloved, if the Word is settled with God, it most certainly should be settled with us!