I Grew Up Church of Christ

“I Grew Up church of Christ”

“I grew up ‘church of Christ.’” How many times have you heard it? You’re talking with someone and the subject of ‘church’ or ‘religion’ comes up, just as it recently did with my wife and I. We were in a department store, and during the course of a brief conversation with one of the store staff, we inserted the subject of ‘church’ into the conversation as we usually try to do, and the lady asked me what church I “pastored.” When I answered that I preached for the church of Christ, she responded, “I grew up church of Christ.” And that was certainly not the first time we’d heard that particular statement.

But what exactly does that sad sentiment and statement, ‘I grew up church of Christ,’ really mean? Due to the regularity in the recurrence of this response from so many, I’ve given the answer to that question quite a lot of thought lately… and the answer – no matter the cause – is actually pretty terrifying as far as I can see. And I have to wonder if those who so often and easily just allow that phrase to arbitrarily roll off of their tongues, have spent much time at all in truly considering what those words really mean in light of biblical teaching.

“I grew up ‘church of Christ.’” That obviously means that growing up, they had the precious privilege of being around, amongst, involved within, and surrounded by, a congregation of God’s blood-bought, grace-pardoned, and while far less than faultlessly perfect, God’s yet forgiven people (Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 1:2-10; 1 Jn. 1:5-2:2). They had the opportunity to learn, and grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord (2 Ptr. 3:14-18); and to come to understand, accept, and obey the blessed gospel, rightly dividing God’s word of truth (2 Ptr. 1:2-11). It means they had the chance to go to heaven and spend eternity with God and His blood-bought people, but eventually chose for whatever reason, that such a life of love, and belonging to and with the Savior both here and hereafter, wasn’t what they wanted. And so, they opted to leave the Lord and His people – along with all the blessings and privileges of sonship in both the earthly kingdom and the heavenly places (Eph. 1:1-12; Col. 1:13-14) – for a few brief moments of non-submission to Him and eternal torment to boot (Jms 4:4-10, 13-16).

Now, perhaps it was a particularly difficult teaching that they didn’t want to accept that caused them to leave the Lord and His people. That is certainly nothing new; Jesus encountered the very same sorts of folks regularly (Jn. 6:60-69; Mk. 10:21-22). How many people have left the Lord’s church today because of her faithful adherence to the Lord’s instruction on such topics as marriage, divorce, and remarriage; or the exclusivity of teachings such as are found in Ephesians 4:1-6; amongst other life-altering and sometimes difficult to adhere to topics?

Perhaps it was some “hypocrite” in the church whose double-standard they could no longer stand. But once again, that doesn’t provide adequate reason for their non-compliance to the Lord’s commandments (Matt. 23:3). And besides, if one leaves the Lord and His people because they let some “hypocrite” come between them and God, who’s closer to Him?

And then again, perhaps it was just some form of personal persecution that resulted from their being a truly biblical Christian, or something as simple as the allure and activities of the world around them that caused them to abandon the Lord, His people, and His eternal presence and protection (Matt 13:20-22). Doesn’t matter; the end result is still the same (vss. 36-42).

One who “grew up church of Christ,” but then abandoned and no longer assembles, works, and worships with the Lord’s church, needs to deeply and thoroughly consider the absolutely-guaranteed-by-God, eternal life and death consequences of their actions, as contained in God’s “forever firmly fixed in the heavens” (Ps. 119:89 ESV) word:

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of fire which will consume the adversaries.

Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY.” And again, “THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.” It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one. Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.

FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE, HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY.

BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH; AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM.

But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul. (Hebs. 10:23-39 NASV).

That one passage about says it all, about those who “grew up church of Christ,” but have long since abandoned the assembling of themselves together with the Lord and His church, as it gathers around the table with Him in their Father’s house each and every Sunday. That willful, deliberate, and ongoing sin to abandon the assembly will undeniably cost them their eternal souls, according to God, period – and we need to make absolutely certain both in, with, and because of nothing less than the love and word of almighty God Himself, that they know that!

Simply said, God is going to honor whatever choice they make here on earth – whether they want to be with Him and His people constantly or not – for all eternity. And although Satan will surely have them deceived into thinking that they can somehow have Jesus without having anything to do with His church at this point, the biblical fact of the matter is, that with God, it’s all or nothing; it’s a “package deal.” 1 When one comes to Christ, they come to “the living God,” “the heavenly Jerusalem,” “an innumerable company of angels,” “to the general assembly and church of the firstborn,” “to God the Judge of all,” “to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant,” and “to the blood” all together (Hebs. 12:22-24). These elements, according to God, are intimately, intrinsically, and absolutely and eternally inseparable. Subsequently, just as one comes to all of them when they come to any one of them, so they desert and abandon all of them when they leave or forsake any one of them. Hence, to leave the church of Christ, is to also leave the blood, Person, and protection and intercession of Jesus Christ Himself as well (Hebs. 5:7-9, 7:25)! I believe this somber but sobering truth is exactly why Hebrews 12:25-29 goes on to solemnly warn:

See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.

And so we would beg and plead with any who might be reading this, who “grew up church of Christ,” but have, since adulthood, abandoned, forsaken, and shrunk back from their assembly and association with the saints of God and therefore the Son of God as well, to please understand the gravity, penalty, and eternality of such a presumptuous statement and position. Whatever it was that caused you to leave, the Father, as well as myriads of loving brothers, sisters, and heavenly beings, are all anxiously awaiting your return (Lk. 15:all).

Yes, it’s true; there will always be hypocrites, as well as weak people who are trying but sometimes fail, present in the Lord’s church. The church is the people – and not one of them is perfect (Ro. 3:23). But although all are far from perfect except in the loving eyes of their loving Father in heaven, due to the blood of Christ with which they’ve been clothed (Gal. 3:26-27), one day the sincere and faithful (although once again, not completely faultless or flawless aside from the grace of God and the shed blood of Christ) in the church will be perfected forever, while the rest will be sent on to hell by Jesus Himself (Matt. 7:21-27, 13:41-43). But no matter which category they currently fall into (and only God alone truly knows), no one else’s current faults and failures should serve as the very reason you choose to lose your eternal soul and willingly spend eternity in hell with some of those very same “hypocrites” whom you perhaps claim you left the Lord’s church during your short life on earth in order to avoid! Think about that!

And then, please come home… while you still can (Lk. 16:19-31). The Father and His faithful are praying and anxiously anticipating your return… In the meantime, is there anything we can do to help? Please let us know! And please don’t let Satan steal out of your heart, the truth you’ve just put ingested into it (Matt. 13:1-23; Jms. 1:19-22; 1 Ptr. 1:13-2:3)!!!

  1. To hear a very thought-provoking audio sermon on this vey subject, please go to: http://www.clevelandcoc.com/?p=4717.     
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Christianity Pays

Christianity Pays

I was asked this week what I would say to an agnostic. I replied that I would say, “If the agnostic were right, no big deal. But if the Christian is right, BIG DEAL.” In 1 Timothy 4:8 Paul reminds us that “bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” We often hear the old adage that “There are no sure things.” But that’s not true when it comes to living a Christian life.

Christianity has very important rewards.

Christianity has very important rewards.

Living a godly Christian life pays in this life:

In respect and influence. When we respect others (1 Peter 2:7) and live upright, honest, and godly lives others will respect and honor us. Timothy was “well spoken of” by those in Lystra and Iconium who knew him (Acts 16:2).

In physical health. Paul doesn’t say that exercise is worthless but is of little profit compared to godliness. The godly live lives that, while we are all subject to illness and death, is more healthy than the ungodly. Alcohol, tobacco use, fornication, and putting one’s self in dangerous situations all are uncharacteristic of godliness and are filled with physical consequences.

In financial peace. God doesn’t promise us great wealth, but far too often people of the world waste their blessings, just as the Prodigal Son did, with “riotous living.” The godly person is a good steward (1 Corinthians 4:2).

In relationships. It has been said, “For a person to be happy, finding the right companions is critical.” Human beings are social creatures and need to belong to a community. This, in a huge way, is why God gave us the church. A spiritual family, friendship, and fellowship.

In satisfaction of purpose. For centuries men have searched for the purpose of life. The full purpose can only be found in obedience and faithfulness to God (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Yet while all this is true the most important thing to remember is that Christianity pays in the life to come.

The godly man will receive:

Treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20)

The joy of the Lord (Matthew 5:21, 23)

A crown of life (James 1:12)

Christianity pays! Are you a faithful child of God?

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Capital Punishment

As a juror, how should a Christian consider capital punishment?

The basic idea behind capital punishment is that it is the government that is imposing the punishment on individuals in society that have failed to respect the laws of our society. However, the term ” capital punishment ” has come to refer to a sentence and ultimate execution of death to the guilty individual. Does a Christian have the authority to sentence someone to death?

Can a Christian Vote for Capital Punishment?

Can a Christian Vote for Capital Punishment?

Before we further answer this question, let’s look at it from a different perspective. Does the government have the authority from God to sentence someone to death? The answer to that question is a most definite, “Yes.” In Romans 13:1-4 we read, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” The phrase “he beareth not the sword in vain” implies that God has authorized the government to use the sword as a means of punishment to those that do wrong. A sword is not an instrument of punishment with which you want to come into contact. Both edges are usually sharp and it is designed to seriously incapacitate and or kill one’s enemy. The implication is that if God allows the government to use the sword for the purpose of incapacitation or death, then the government has the right to punish evil doers by means of death. Peter also makes some significant statements along this line in 1 Peter 2:13, 14. We read, “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.” This passage says that individual rulers in the government are sent by God for the punishment of evil doers. So not only does the government as a whole have a right to punish evil doers, but individuals within the government have the right to punish evil doers. Is this punishment merely up to the sentence of death or does it include the sentence of death?

There are some additional principles under the Old Covenant that may help us understand this concept a little better. First of all we read in Exodus 21:23-25 “And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.” The principle that God is trying to get across in this passage is that the punishment should fit the crime. In other words, you wouldn’t put a person to death for purposely stepping on someone’s toes. At the same time you wouldn’t just slap someone on the wrist for murdering their fellow man. The punishment for the crime committed must be equivalent, at least in physical response, to the crime itself. In the times of the New Testament, the Jewish people had basically turned this passage of scripture into a justification for revenge. This is not what was originally intended by the thoughts that were presented in the Mosaic Law. Jesus, however, in refutation of the Rabinnical traditions, quotes their use of it as a justification for revenge and then refutes the idea that the man of God is to harbor thoughts of revenge in his heart. We read in Matthew 5:38,39 “Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Don’t lash out in revenge against someone who would do you wrong. This is the attitude that the Christian should have as well. It is not our place to go seeking revenge against everyone who has done us wrong or wrought evil against us in our life. Paul also writes in Romans 12:19 “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

Now, we can answer the question as stated above. First, the Christian when serving on a Jury is acting as an officer for the government and on the government’s behalf. The Bible clearly teaches that such an officer can and must exercise punishment upon those who do wrong. Second, when punishment is exercised it should fit the crime that was committed. It should not merely be a slap on the wrist. So if the crime involved death, then the punishment should involve death as well. Third, as an individual, the Christian, though acting as an officer of the government, has no right to harbor thoughts of revenge in his or her heart. Based upon these three things, therefore, the Christian is authorized by God to sentence a person to death when acting as part of the function of the government (i.e. in a jury) provided that the Christian does not harbor any thoughts of revenge in their heart for the person sentenced. In other words, it is not the Christian’s individual desperate desire for this person to be put to death, but because this person has committed a crime, then justice demands that he/she answer for this crime in a just way. This is how a Christian, as a juror, should consider capital punishment. As always, if there resides in the heart of the individual unwillingness due to conscience sake not to participate in the sentencing of an individual to death, then the Christian should abstain (Romans 14:23). However, let the Christian voice this thought prior to the jury selection process so that a just and fair result may prevail.

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Unity Together or Apart

Unity Together or Apart

Here are a couple of sayings with which you may be familiar:

  1. “If you want something done, do it yourself.”
  2. “Never ask someone to do something you aren’t first willing to do yourself.”

    Unity can be broken by many actions.

    Unity can be broken by many actions.

As humans, it seems we always have an opinion about how others can improve their lives.  The other person could go to college, work harder, study more, aim higher, make better financial decisions, etc.  Yet, how often is it that criticism given by someone who is not willing to engage in the same activities?  Note:  This is not the same as criticism from someone telling you not to engage in something destructive, though they have never done so themselves.  We are talking about someone giving you advice which they themselves are not willing to follow.

Folks in the Church are often guilty of these same actions.  They instruct others to sing, yet, they do not sing.  They instruct others to study, yet, they do not study.  Advice is given, yet the advisor ignores their own advice.  There are a few churches that I know of who speak of unity among the brethren.  They have actively discouraged the multiple congregations in their town and area for not being in one location under one body of elders.  The congregations are small and close to dying, most without elders, and they all agree doctrinally.  Yet, they will not unite together under one roof.  Gossip has started.  Frustration has mounted.  Hurt feelings have resulted.  What are the limitations?  The most significant factor is the fact that none want to sell their (paid off) buildings.

Jesus in speaking in Luk 18:22-23 stated:

… One thing thou lackest yet: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. But when he heard these things, he became exceeding sorrowful; for he was very rich.

Jesus speaks in those verses to the desire of man to hold on to his physical possessions, rather than moving forward in serving Christ.  The congregations we are examining here are holding to their physical possessions.  None is willing to take the first vulnerable step and commit to putting a for sale sign on their lots.  None are willing to strive for unity in the name of Christ, due to their inflexible human desires.  Sadly, much pain is felt from lack of unity.  Men qualified as deacons and elders cannot be appointed.  Brothers and sisters are building “made up” animosity with one another.  Even the issue of race is being mentioned.  All of this from good kind people, who have glanced briefly away from Christ.

Resolution, could be biblically met in two distinct ways.

1) Talk about Unity and be willing to follow through on the words spoken.

2 Cor 1:18 But as God is faithful, our word toward you is not yea and nay.

2) Do not speak of the topic of geographic unity anymore and instead work together in unity in separate locations serving God together.

Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

In all that we instruct, we must first be willing to do the very same words we say.  If not, we create pain, damage, and disharmony among others.  This is true both in the church and in the world.  In doing so, we will lead by a solid Christian example and others will be willing to follow the wise words which we speak.

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Are Good Morals Enough?

Are Good Morals Enough?

Statement: Some have in mind that all there is to being a Christian is simply being a good moral person. Many believe that as long as you are honest, pay your debts, take care of your family, be a good citizen, and maybe give to a charity once in a while, that this is all God requires. There is something praise worthy to be said about people that are morally good and upright; for many have left even that. However, though moral goodness is necessary to be pleasing to God, being a Christian requires more than moral goodness.

The fact that moral goodness does not save can be seen in the New Testament example of Cornelius. The Scriptures tell us that Cornelius was “a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always” (Acts 10:2). Here was a good moral man by anyone’s standard. But Cornelius was not saved as a result of his moral goodness; for he was told to send for Peter at Joppa that he might come and tell him words by which he and his household might be saved (Acts 11:13-14). It was only when Cornelius heard and obeyed the gospel of Christ, being baptized, that he was saved (Acts 10:48).

There are many good moral people who don’t have any spirituality about them. There are a lot of folks who are good, honest people, who have never submitted to God’s will and are not interested in worshipping and serving Him. It is no wonder that Jesus declared, “Not every one who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21).

If good morals were all that God required for salvation, then Jesus would not have had to die. But good morals do not wipe away one’s sin, the blood of Jesus does that, and one must come to it through repentance and baptism (Rom. 6:3-5, Gal. 3:26-27). Thus, good morals are not enough, we must submit to God and receive pardon for sin that only He can give.

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