Christian Renewal

Christian Renewal

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

In Christ there is renewal of life.

In Christ there is renewal of life.

To be in Christ is to be different from what we were before we were in Christ. What one was before being in Christ is “old” and what one is after being in Christ is “new.” There is a change that must take place. What is this change and how does it happen? What is this renewal?

First, the Bible teaches that the sinner becomes new through the process of the new birth. Jesus said in John 3:3 “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” He explains in John 3:5: “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” In order to become new, one must be born of both the water and the Spirit. The apostle Peter expounds upon the idea of the new birth in 1 Peter 1:22-23. He says, “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” Peter gives us the following insight on the new birth.

1. The soul is purified by obeying the truth.
2. We are born again through the living word of God.

What is the Spirit’s role in the new birth? The Spirit is the source of the living word of God, the truth. Hence when one obeys the truth one has been born of the Spirit. The individual who is baptized (born of water) and does so out of his desire to obey the word of God is a new creation. How so? Because he has dedicated himself to following the Lord’s will for his life.

Renewal, however, doesn’t end there. The Christian is urged to continue renewing himself on a daily basis. Paul writes to the church at Rome, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” ( Romans 12:2) Our minds are renewed by transforming or changing our lives to the will of God.

Paul speaks of the Christian’s involvement in renewal in Ephesians 4:17 where he exhorts Christians not to walk as the Gentiles. Why? Because “you have not so learned Christ” (vs. 20). He instructs that if “you have heard him and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus” (vs. 21) that you put off the old man with his old lifestyle and “be renewed in the spirit of your mind and that you put on the new man” (vs. 22-24). Notice Paul’s emphasis upon 1) learning Christ 2) hearing Christ, 3) being taught by Christ, and 4) the truth in Christ. Renewal occurs as a result of being taught, hearing, learning, and understanding the truth. Based upon these things, one must “put off the old man,” “be renewed,” and “put on the new man.” How? Paul explains in Ephesians 4:25-32: don’t lie, speak truth, control anger, don’t give place to the devil, don’t steal, hold down a good job, keep your speech pure, put away malice, be kind, and forgive. This is the renewed life. It is based upon “learning Christ” and being “taught by him as the truth is in Jesus.” It is a command that we “be renewed.” It is something the Christian does by following the teaching of Christ and the apostles.

We learn more about renewal in Colossians 3 where Paul explains to Christians in Colossae what it means to live the resurrected life. It means putting to death sin in our life ( Colossians 3:5-9) because the Christian has put off the old man of sin ( Colossians 3:9) and has put on the new man ( Colossians 3:10). This new man is the man who has been “renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.” The renewal of the new man is a renewal in knowledge based upon the model of Christ. Why is the knowledge important? Because that is what affects behavior and it is one’s behavior that demonstrates his new life. This new life puts off fornication, sexual immoralities, covetousness, anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, impure speech, lying and puts on mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, forbearing, forgiveness, and love ( Colossians 3:5-14). This is the resurrected life; this is the renewed life. Renewal is not something that God does to us, rather it is something that man is commanded by God to do with his life.

Titus 3:5 summarizes this new life where Paul states that God saved us, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” At first glance, this appears to be just the opposite of what Paul taught in Ephesians and Colossians. However, when we consider that the instructions for living the renewed life came from God, we understand them to be part of His plan for our righteousness. Moreover, since these instructions were also revealed by the Holy Spirit to the apostles and prophets, we can understand that it is the renewal of the Holy Spirit; i.e. that renewal that comes from the Holy Spirit as its source. Moreover, this renewal isn’t a one time event but an ongoing process. We are spiritually renewed every day, Paul tells us, in 2 Corinthians 4:16. There’s nothing in the context of Titus 3:5 that indicates to us that this renewal is merely a one time event only that the Holy Spirit is ultimately responsible for it.

In this brief study we’ve looked at the New Testament’s teaching regarding renewal. We’ve learned that 1) renewal is dependent upon our learning about Christ, 2) begins when we are baptized, 3) continues as we are obedient to the Lord’s will in living the Christian life, and 4) the Holy Spirit is its ultimate source. Let’s strive to live each day renewed in the knowledge of the image of Christ.

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Memorial Feasts

Lord’s Supper and Memorial Feasts

In the New Testament, Christians kept a memorial that signified the death of our Savior, Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 11:23-26). Christians keep this memorial every first day of the week (cf. Acts 20:7). Since Christianity was offered to the Jews first (cf. Matt. 10:6; Acts 1:8; Rom. 1:16), the Jews would be familiar with keeping memorial feasts. Among the many Jewish feasts, the Jews observed three prominent annual feasts in Jerusalem every year that served as memorials for important events in their past or principles that God wanted them to remember. Consider the correlation of these Jewish feasts and the Lord’s Supper.

The Jews celebrated many feasts.

The Jews celebrated many feasts.

The first feast is the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which Jews observed in the beginning with the Passover (Lev. 23:4-8). The Passover Feast was to remind them of their origin as a nation when the death angel passed over their firstborn when they observed such and paved the way for them to leave Egyptian bondage. The Feast of Unleavened Bread, which immediately followed this, signified that they were to be free from corruption and that they were distinct from the other heathen nations around them.

The second feast is the Feast of Pentecost, which is also the Feast of First-fruits or the Feast of Harvest (Lev. 23:9-22). This feast indicated that God is the benefactor of all blessings, including the harvest of the earth. The fruit of the land belongs to Him. The first fruits not only symbolize the best, but it also represents the rest of the harvest, because when they offered their first fruits, they were consecrating the rest of the whole harvest.

The third annual feast is the Feast of Tabernacles, or the Feast of Ingathering (Lev. 23:33-44). This joyous feast indicated a completed harvest. God intended this feast to remind them of how they lived in the wilderness and the lessons they should learn from their ancestors when they wandered through the wilderness, including and especially the fact that God miraculously took care of them the entire trip.

Now, what is significant about all three of these most important Jewish memorial feasts is that they offer spiritual lessons which are all encapsulated in the single important memorial feast of the New Testament—the Lord’s Supper. Jesus is our Passover Lamb (John 1:29; 1 Cor. 5:7), which points to the Feast of the Unleavened Bread. The same emblems used in such (Matt. 26:26-29) offer the same lessons for us—Jesus offered Himself without spot and blemish (1 Pet. 2:21-24) as bread without leaven. Just as He was free from corruption, we are to strive to live free from corruption (2 Cor. 6:17-7:1). We are to be distinct from the world (1 Pet. 2:9). In addition, just as God has provided everything we need for life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3), including every spiritual blessing inherent within redemption (Eph. 1:3), we should respond by giving our very best to God (Matt. 6:33). These lessons point to the Feast of Pentecost, not to mention the fact that the church began on this day, because Acts 2 shows the first fruits of the gospel. Then, just as the Feast of Tabernacles was to remind them of their heritage, and the fact that God provided for them, we are to remember that God delivered us from the bondage of sin, providing for our every need (cf. Eph. 2:11-13).

I hope that these thoughts will enrich our thoughts and minds as we look forward to partaking of the Lord’s Supper each first day of the week.

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Influence our Children

Influence our Children

We are dreading it like the plague—and yet, we know there is nothing we can do about it. Our children will grow up, and one day leave home to build their own family. God blessed my wife and me with three precious children, who have brought a lifetime of joy and happiness. With bedraggled hair and lines on their faces, we have soaked up their morning smiles. And with comforting arms and a plethora of nightlights, we have conquered nighttime monsters. All the while, watching their beautiful handprints fill our house. But the time will come when they grow up and move away, no longer under our guidance and care. Thus, this open letter to you.

Do You Have Any Influence With The Children?

Do You Have Any Influence With The Children?

I don’t know what day it will be, or in what town you will likely see them. But chances are, in this “small world,” your paths will cross one day. I hope on that day, you will remember this letter and help their mom and me out. Believe me when I tell you that we are praying for that day. For you see, as parents, we want nothing more than to hear Almighty God say to our children “Well done good and faithful servants…enter thou into the joy of the Lord” (Matthew 25:23).

Now please do not think we are unloading our responsibility on you. This is certainly not the case. We know that children are like arrows in the hand of a mighty man (Psalm 127:4), and it has been with forethought and determination that we have launched them towards that goal that we so lovingly call Heaven. In fact, we have centered their lives around God and His Word from the day they were delivered into this world. We try to seize every opportunity available to teach them about God, Jesus, the Bible, and His creation around us. We not only “talk the talk” of Christianity, but we humbly “walk the walk.” But there will come a day when mom and dad’s voices will not be heard as loudly as others. And sadly, there will come a time when we will not load them into our car to go to worship with us. And so, we are soliciting your help.

My wife and I do not subscribe to the idea of “political correctness.” Thus, if you ever see our children doing something they shouldn’t, correct them, and add a good swat as a reminder. Should they be running, playing, and acting like the church building is a playground, block their path and rebuke them—remind them that tracks and playgrounds are for running. If our children look sleepy or tired in worship, please ask them what was more important the evening before that caused God to take a backseat. If they are late to worship, tell them to buy a watch. If they leave the auditorium during the sermon, kindly remind them to get “their business” done before worship begins. If they walk by without speaking to (or worse yet, almost knocking over) elderly members in the church, take them by the arm and nip it right then and there. If they appear to be passing notes or not paying attention, kindly take a minute to ask them what they learned in the lesson that day, and ask them why we worship. Do not be afraid to tell them if they are dressed inappropriately. And if for any reason you do not see them in a worship assembly that they should be in, please pick up the phone and call them (and us) immediately. For you see, we want our children not only to be “Christians” in name; we want them to live faithful Christian lives.

If you have the opportunity to teach either one of our children in school, or in a Bible class, please challenge them. I know many “specialists” warn that we should not push our children too hard, but we would like to see ours wrestle with a few problems. Part of learning is knowing how to think on your own. This lesson will never be learned if they are given the answers each time something is challenging. How will a child learn perseverance or diligence if they are handed everything on a silver platter? God blessed them all with brains, and we expect them to use them.

If you happen to be the parents who are currently rearing the children who will be their future spouses, know that we are praying for you as well. We know that the values, character, and spiritual emphasis you are currently placing in your children’s life, will one day greatly affect our own children. Our children are being taught that marriage is for life—period. We hope your children are hearing the exact same message. Your offspring will likely be one of the most influential factors in getting our children to heaven. Please do not take your job lightly!

The devil desperately wants my children. However, he knows that as long as their mother and I still have breath in our lungs, we will be fighting for their souls—a fight that we do not intend to lose. And with you in our Christian family, we know that the devil will fail. Know that we are eternally grateful for your help, and we ask for your continued prayers, as we do all we can to get our children to Heaven. –

Brad

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Prophecy of Zephaniah

Why The People Perish

Zephaniah was a descendant of good King Hezekiah and was contemporary with Jeremiah and Habakkuk. He prophesied in the days of King Josiah and undoubtedly had some impact on the king’s efforts to reform the spiritual climate of the Northern Kingdom of Judah.

Zephaniah prophesied to Judah.

Zephaniah prophesied to Judah.

As one will notice from the other prophets it is common to declare what exactly the people had done (and were doing) that would bring about God’s wrath and judgment on the people. Hosea spoke the word of the Lord saying, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” (Hosea 4:6).

Zephaniah gives four clearly defined faults in Zephaniah 3:2 which would lead to the demise of the people:

  • Jerusalem did not obey the voice of God.
  • She would not be corrected.
  • She did not put her trust in the Lord.
  • She would not draw near to Him.

Men are no different today and neither is the Lord (Hebrews 13:8). Many in our nation and, yes, even in the church, refuse to obey, will not be told they are wrong without getting angry and defensive, do not truly trust in the Lord by following His Word, and continually move further and further away from God and move closer and closer to hell.

In order to be spiritually blessed by God and saved when this life is over it is imperative that every accountable man and woman:

Obey Him: “When the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. (2 Thessalonians 1:7 – 8).

When we sin we must allow His Word to correct us: “For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but the sorrow of the world produces death” (2 Corinthians 7:10). “Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live?” (Hebrews 12:9).

We must put our trust in the Lord: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

And we must draw near to Him: “Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22).

Where am I lacking in saving myself from this crooked generation (Acts 2:40)? We must die to ourselves and live to righteousness in this world (1 Peter 2:24) if we hope to live with Him in eternity. Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins (Acts 2:38), confess His name with your words and your life (Matthew 10:32 – 33), and be faithful (Revelation 2:10; Matthew 25:21, 23).

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Acts of Worship

How Should We Worship?

The Word of God will be the final say as we shall be judged by it (Jn. 12:48).  Let us therefore turn to the Bible to learn the answer to the above Question.

How should we worship to be pleasing to God?

How should we worship to be pleasing to God?

“And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.  Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.” (Rev. 22:8-9)

Man is a worshiping creature.  Without command from the Bible, the history of man has been that of worship.  He has bowed himself down to different objects made by his own genius.  Without authority from God, regardless of were men dwell, they worship some one or some thing.  In order to worship God acceptably, we must do that which God has prescribed in his word.  God in his word has taught you and me the proper object of worship and the proper way and manner in which to render the acts required. Everyone that worships does not worship the right object.  Everyone that worships the right object does not necessarily worship in the right spirit or in the right way.  The combination of the above must be present in order for man to worship God.  The majestic writer of the book of Revelation would have us to know that the right object of worship is God.  Men have worshiped angels and other lesser beings, but the Bible prescribes that we worship God.  That should settle thee matter in the mind of honest people.  However, what acts do we perform in worship?

Some folks count beads as part of their worship.  Others will throw their new born babies into the Ganges river to appease the gods of wrath that have taken their punishment upon them.  Neither one of these acts are approved unto God as worship.  A long list of other things that men do and pass off as worship could also be outlined.. There is the god of fashion, the god of recreation, the god of sports and hunting, the god of mammon, and the list continues.  All of these are gods that men worship, but these are in contrast with the God of the Bible.

Remember that worship must be in spirit and Truth.  Truth is as the Bible commands it.  Jesus said, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (Jn. 17:17).  Since the word of God is truth and God cannot lie (Heb. 6:18), then we need to turn to the Bible to see what God accepts as acts of worship.

In Acts 2:42, the scriptures says, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”  The apostles’ doctrine was simply the things which the apostles taught.  That which the apostles taught is further enumerated by the rest of the verse.  The apostles taught breaking of bread as an act of worship.  The Lord’s supper was partaken of on the first day fo every week (Acts 20:7).  The people were taught to give as they had been prospered (1 Cor. 16:2).  Notice that men were no longer commanded to tithe, but to give as they had been prospered.  For other pertinent facts on giving see 2 Cor. 8-9.

The apostles also taught that prayer was an act of worship unto God.  Paul, an apostle, commanded, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17).  Jesus taught that men should pray and not faint (Lk. 18:1).  Also, in this list and completing it, we are commanded to sing and make melody in our hearts unto God (Eph. 5:19).  Unless we do these things in the prescribed manner., we cannot say that we have worshipped God acceptably.  What does it take to constitute and act of worship which meets God’s approval?  The act must be directed unto God, the right object; second, it must be done in spirit, which means prompted by the right motive and third, the act must be in truth or according to God’s word, with is the Truth.

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