Since Senior Pastor warned us that posting anything about the AGM in the internet is not ethical - We will not mentioned anything about the AGM.
However, I want to give God all the glory for a wonderful AGM.
And FINALLY THE SILENT MAJORITY HAS SPOKEN AND HAVE HAD ENOUGH WITH TTG - this was very obvious.
The church wants to move on, this is the desire of the Lord and fulfill the calling that the Lord has placed on us.
We rebuke and bring Liza to the Lord in prayer, for the "Liar" accusation.
Matthew 7:1 "Judge not, that you may not be judged;
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO THE CHURCH
By Grant Phillips
I noticed this morning in one of the local papers the following activities scheduled this week-end for some of the local churches:
One local church is offering an Internet safety program presentation. The Internet can be very helpful with education, purchasing, news and other ways, but it is also like walking through a mine field. One needs to be careful. Therefore, this is probably a good thing to do, even within the church scenario. There are many ways our children can be harmed via the Internet, and parents need to know what to do to protect their children and themselves.
Another local church will sponsor “Photography as a Prayer Workshop”, where they will “define prayer, basic photographic principles, and think together about the spiritual practices of photography”. Now I’m getting somewhat apprehensive. Understood, I don’t know where they are going with this, but I’m having to stretch my mind to comprehend any relationship between prayer and basic photographic principles. I also cannot seem to connect with the “spiritual practices of photography”, although I’m trying to keep an open mind.
Two churches are having a bean supper. All I will say here is that church folk sure do like to eat.
Two others are having a gospel singing. I have always noticed that many, many more people will turn out for a singing event (and/or to eat, see previous paragraph), than a Bible study.
One is offering free English classes to the international residents in the area. Now they are definitely losing me. What does this have to do with the function of the church?
Another is having “food, fun and games”. And again we eat, and have fun and play games. This is beginning to sound like the Corinthian church.
Another is having a fish fry and auction. Alas, we eat again, but this time an auction is included.
I thought this was interesting. This church is celebrating its 175th anniversary. They mention every pastor who has ever served since their beginning. They talk about their new steeple being added. They refer to their structural damage from a storm and the repair work. They inform us that they replaced the carpet with hardwood flooring and are now going to replace the hardwood flooring with carpet. They tell us about their new siding, new concrete surfaces to the entrance, parking lot, lighting, landscaping and retirement of debt. My Bible tells me that the Lord Jesus Christ is the head of the church, but there was no mention of Him. There was no mention of the souls He has saved. There was no mention of how others can come to know Him as their Savior. It was all about the building.
This next one is the crème de la crème of idiocy. They are celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Andy Griffith show on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. They will have memorabilia on display, trivia games on Mayberry knowledge and favorite episodes to watch. But that’s not all. They have also begun sign-up for the community basketball league for boys and girls ages five and six. The cost being $20 with scholarships available. This tops it all. Obviously, this group is big on entertainment. The Andy Griffith show?! What on earth does The Andy Griffith show have to do with what Jesus expects of His Church?! And instead of teaching children how to play basketball, as most all of the churches are now doing, what are they being taught about Jesus?
One other church was advertising that they are having a preaching service, and invited everyone to attend. One!
God help us folks! Is this what Jesus wants from His church? I have noticed church ads like these for a long time, but this time it really got to me. If this isn’t the epitome of classic Laodicean type churches, I don’t know what is.
I am not saying that the activities mentioned in these ads are intrinsically wrong. I am saying they are wrong for the Church. Again, none of the activities mentioned are bad. They are good, but any Christian who has studied the Word of God (the Bible) knows that this is not the direction that Jesus wants us to go. These things, other than the one lone church that invited everyone to come to the preaching service, can be done by the world outside the Church. Greater things are expected of Christ’s Church. It may be our opinion that these things are what the Church should do, but our opinion does not count. The only “opinion” that counts is God’s. So what does God expect from us? Let’s talk about that.
The Lord says to train up a child in the way he should go and he will not depart from it. Christian parents are to train up their children in the Word of God. The Church group should do the same, realizing that many of the childrens’ parents are not saved. Let the schools teach them how to dribble. Let us teach them how to face life with the Sword of God. Why am I such a stickler on teaching the Bible? The following passages will explain; “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12); Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11; Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
The Church is to come together to praise our Savior, to be taught from His Word, to assist each other in growing in Christ. We are to be fueled, so to speak from His Word, and then share the Good News about Jesus to a lost world, not just in the building where we meet, but in the world where we live. Jesus did not wait for people to come to Him, although many did because they wanted something, but He went out looking for the lost sheep. He trained His disciples and sent them out into the world as lambs among wolves (Luke 10:3) to tell others about Him. That is what He wants from His Church. Learn of Him. Share Him with others. I don’t think He had a meal after meal, basketball, The Andy Griffith show, buildings, a list of preachers, photography, the Internet, and all the other “stuff” in mind. I can hear it now, “but we fellowship in the Lord”. Answer me, and be honest. Is anything at all said at these events concerning Jesus? For example, I too have been to church suppers, and have yet to hear one word said about Jesus and/or anything in relationship to Him during the dinner conversations. Much of it is gossip.
Jesus told the first of the seven churches in the book of Revelation, Ephesus, that it had left its first love, referring of course to Himself. He further stated to the Ephesians, “Remember, therefore, from where thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick (lamp stand) out of its place, except thou repent.” (Revelation 2:5) Have we the Church left our first love? I think we have. We are not in love with our Savior anymore, and we show it by our actions, specifically our disobedience to His Word. We prefer to entertain and gorge ourselves. We try hard to appease the world by mimicking its ways, instead of “putting on Jesus”. We need desperately to return to our first love.
He told the last of the seven churches in the same book of the Bible that it was so full of itself and lukewarm that He would spew (vomit) it out of His mouth. Jesus told the Laodicean church it was neither cold nor hot. He reminds this church that it thinks it is rich, increased with goods, has need of nothing and does not know how wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked it is. (beginning at Revelation 3:14) A Christian would have to be living on another planet to not see that we are definitely living in the Laodicean church age. Many church groups have some or maybe all of the attributes of the seven churches, but definitely the predominate attribute of the church age today is wholly Laodicean.
It is not to say that all church groups today have left their first love or are lukewarm concerning the Lord, but those who still love Him and obey Him and reject the things of the world seem to be few and far between. Basically, they are very hard to find. Most, yes I said most, church groups today exude as about as much “true” Christianity as a pagan social club. It is clearly seen from just one local newspaper on one day showing church ads for one week-end that most of the church in general today is so humanistic and so far from true Christianity, it is no wonder that Jesus would choose to vomit it out of His mouth.
Let me add another thought. Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd. If any local church actually follows the Good Shepherd in its call and direction, then the Lord Jesus Christ will be glorified.
The pastors who have been truly called by Jesus to shepherd His flock and who are obedient to His Word in doing so, will have churches in tune with our Lord’s commands. Remember, we are the body. He is the head.
Sadly though, some men have been called to shepherd and are not obeying our Master in their duties. They are like jellyfish with no back bone. They forget that those in such a position will be judged more harshly by our Lord for not fulfilling their duties per His commands. They will be judged for allowing the world to creep in among the flock and attack it. They will be judged for not standing up for what is right in the eyes of God. When I say they will be judged, I am referring of course to their works, not their salvation. (I am assuming in this example that they are saved by the grace of God and called to shepherd His flock.)
We’ve seen two types of shepherds, or pastors. There is another class consisting of those who are Christians, but have not been called to pastor. I personally believe that there are many who fit this description. Whatever the reason may be that they are pasturing a local church, it is not because they were called by God to do so. Some do so for the money, some for fame, some because they like to grandstand, some because they just like to hear themselves talk. There could be many reasons, but it is not the right reason. They are where they should not be.
Fourthly there is one final group I believe are erroneously in the pastoral field, those who do not know the Good Shepherd as their Savior, but yet have managed to wiggle themselves into the position of shepherding His flock. They are charlatans. They are wolves in sheep’s clothing. They know the right words to say to deceive the ignorant, and unfortunately much of the church is ignorant.
I must insert at this point that this is another tremendous reason for every Christian to be Biblically knowledgeable. Again, most Christians are not. The Lord tells us in His Word to, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) In this country at least, anyone can get a Bible, even free, in different translations no less, for better understanding. There are many self-help books, such as Bible dictionaries, that can assist the Christian in their growth in the Lord. But most Christians, at least those who profess to be Christians, are too sorry and lazy to study God’s Word. They can tell you all about the drug-induced sports figures and bed-hopping Hollywood crowd, but don’t know diddly squat about God’s Word. I often wonder how many will be taken from the local churches when Jesus comes for His own at the Rapture. I shudder to think that probably most of the pulpits will still be occupied and the number in the pews see little change.
When I saw those church ads in the local paper that I mentioned at the beginning of this article, these are the thoughts that came to my mind. I have only hit the high spots. Many, if not most, of the churches have strayed from the path our Lord wants us on. Even though every Christian is commanded by Jesus to know Him, and we cannot know Him apart from listening to Him, and we cannot listen apart from His Word, Christians in general are not feeding upon the saving and life-directing Word of a Holy God. Also, they are not being properly fed from the Word by many of those in the pastoral field. Therefore much of the fault comes from the pulpit. The blind are leading the blind. The blind flock does not even know they are being fed to the wolves by the blind under-shepherds.
Is it then any wonder that so many choose to gorge themselves on earthly food, and starve spiritually from not eating the heavenly food? Is it any wonder so many choose to play games, instead of working while there is day (John 9:4) for the Lord? Is it any wonder that some put more importance in a building than the One it represents? Is it any wonder that some will honor a secular television show from Hollywood over the One Who saved our hell-bound souls?
Jesus also said to the Laodicean church, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Folks, I repeat, we are now living in the final stage of Church history, the Laodicean church age. The next event on God’s calendar is the removal of His Church from this earth to Heaven. It is called the Rapture. It does not matter whether or not you believe it. It will happen. He said so. Are you ready to meet Him, or are you going to be playing games, eating beans and fish, worshiping your church building and watching old Andy Griffith reruns while the true Church ascends with Jesus to the home He has prepared for those who are His? Today is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2) There may not be a tomorrow.
The world teaches compromise. It is not politically correct to be dogmatic, at least if it concerns what God says. Romans 3:4 says, “God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar…”. It is past time for Christians to stand up and speak out. Right is right, and wrong is wrong, but the only measuring device is the Word of God, the Bible. Learn it. Know it. Live it. It is the very Word of the One who now saves (Acts 16:31) and will soon judge (Revelation).
If Jesus stood alone against the forces of evil, and He will, He would still be a majority. In the end, He will annihilate His enemies with just the Word of His mouth while His Church (the Bride) looks on. Let us pray for each other, praying that through the power of God’s Spirit within us, we will not follow the ways of the world, but will stay true to the one who bought us with a price that no man can pay. We should have the attitude that “this world has nothing I want”, so I will stand up for Him until He takes me home.
The church ads I mentioned are only a very, very small example of how the world (Satan’s crowd) has taken over many, many of the church groups. However, Christ’s true Church is alive and well. In Matthew 16:18 Jesus said, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter (petros, a small stone), and upon this rock (petra, a large rock) I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Jesus is the rock of our salvation, to those who come to Him. He is the cornerstone (Mark 12:10) of His Church, but a stumbling stone (1 Peter 2:8) to those who reject Him.
If we truly are His, we will hunger and thirst for his righteousness (Matthew 5:6). The yearning in our hearts to hear what He has to say will constantly draw us to His spoken Word, the Bible. Satan is the master of deception. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) Beware of the worldly claptrap that is so prevalent in many local churches. Some of these churches are so full of this nonsensical garbage, it has filled the buildings within to the rafters, and is flowing out the front doors. Don’t be part of it. I would rather my wife and I sit on the back porch and worship Jesus alone (Matthew 18:20), than to have this unholy stench upon me. It would be worse than being sprayed by a skunk. Am I insinuating that I am better than everyone else? God forbid! No! I am always aware of the wretchedness of my being, but thank God I am cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God! I know I deserve the hottest seat in hell, but I thank God that He has given me what I do not deserve. It is called “grace”.
So, if you were placing a church ad in your local newspaper, what would it say?
Grant Phillips
grantphillips@windstream.net
I noticed this morning in one of the local papers the following activities scheduled this week-end for some of the local churches:
One local church is offering an Internet safety program presentation. The Internet can be very helpful with education, purchasing, news and other ways, but it is also like walking through a mine field. One needs to be careful. Therefore, this is probably a good thing to do, even within the church scenario. There are many ways our children can be harmed via the Internet, and parents need to know what to do to protect their children and themselves.
Another local church will sponsor “Photography as a Prayer Workshop”, where they will “define prayer, basic photographic principles, and think together about the spiritual practices of photography”. Now I’m getting somewhat apprehensive. Understood, I don’t know where they are going with this, but I’m having to stretch my mind to comprehend any relationship between prayer and basic photographic principles. I also cannot seem to connect with the “spiritual practices of photography”, although I’m trying to keep an open mind.
Two churches are having a bean supper. All I will say here is that church folk sure do like to eat.
Two others are having a gospel singing. I have always noticed that many, many more people will turn out for a singing event (and/or to eat, see previous paragraph), than a Bible study.
One is offering free English classes to the international residents in the area. Now they are definitely losing me. What does this have to do with the function of the church?
Another is having “food, fun and games”. And again we eat, and have fun and play games. This is beginning to sound like the Corinthian church.
Another is having a fish fry and auction. Alas, we eat again, but this time an auction is included.
I thought this was interesting. This church is celebrating its 175th anniversary. They mention every pastor who has ever served since their beginning. They talk about their new steeple being added. They refer to their structural damage from a storm and the repair work. They inform us that they replaced the carpet with hardwood flooring and are now going to replace the hardwood flooring with carpet. They tell us about their new siding, new concrete surfaces to the entrance, parking lot, lighting, landscaping and retirement of debt. My Bible tells me that the Lord Jesus Christ is the head of the church, but there was no mention of Him. There was no mention of the souls He has saved. There was no mention of how others can come to know Him as their Savior. It was all about the building.
This next one is the crème de la crème of idiocy. They are celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Andy Griffith show on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. They will have memorabilia on display, trivia games on Mayberry knowledge and favorite episodes to watch. But that’s not all. They have also begun sign-up for the community basketball league for boys and girls ages five and six. The cost being $20 with scholarships available. This tops it all. Obviously, this group is big on entertainment. The Andy Griffith show?! What on earth does The Andy Griffith show have to do with what Jesus expects of His Church?! And instead of teaching children how to play basketball, as most all of the churches are now doing, what are they being taught about Jesus?
One other church was advertising that they are having a preaching service, and invited everyone to attend. One!
God help us folks! Is this what Jesus wants from His church? I have noticed church ads like these for a long time, but this time it really got to me. If this isn’t the epitome of classic Laodicean type churches, I don’t know what is.
I am not saying that the activities mentioned in these ads are intrinsically wrong. I am saying they are wrong for the Church. Again, none of the activities mentioned are bad. They are good, but any Christian who has studied the Word of God (the Bible) knows that this is not the direction that Jesus wants us to go. These things, other than the one lone church that invited everyone to come to the preaching service, can be done by the world outside the Church. Greater things are expected of Christ’s Church. It may be our opinion that these things are what the Church should do, but our opinion does not count. The only “opinion” that counts is God’s. So what does God expect from us? Let’s talk about that.
The Lord says to train up a child in the way he should go and he will not depart from it. Christian parents are to train up their children in the Word of God. The Church group should do the same, realizing that many of the childrens’ parents are not saved. Let the schools teach them how to dribble. Let us teach them how to face life with the Sword of God. Why am I such a stickler on teaching the Bible? The following passages will explain; “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12); Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11; Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
The Church is to come together to praise our Savior, to be taught from His Word, to assist each other in growing in Christ. We are to be fueled, so to speak from His Word, and then share the Good News about Jesus to a lost world, not just in the building where we meet, but in the world where we live. Jesus did not wait for people to come to Him, although many did because they wanted something, but He went out looking for the lost sheep. He trained His disciples and sent them out into the world as lambs among wolves (Luke 10:3) to tell others about Him. That is what He wants from His Church. Learn of Him. Share Him with others. I don’t think He had a meal after meal, basketball, The Andy Griffith show, buildings, a list of preachers, photography, the Internet, and all the other “stuff” in mind. I can hear it now, “but we fellowship in the Lord”. Answer me, and be honest. Is anything at all said at these events concerning Jesus? For example, I too have been to church suppers, and have yet to hear one word said about Jesus and/or anything in relationship to Him during the dinner conversations. Much of it is gossip.
Jesus told the first of the seven churches in the book of Revelation, Ephesus, that it had left its first love, referring of course to Himself. He further stated to the Ephesians, “Remember, therefore, from where thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick (lamp stand) out of its place, except thou repent.” (Revelation 2:5) Have we the Church left our first love? I think we have. We are not in love with our Savior anymore, and we show it by our actions, specifically our disobedience to His Word. We prefer to entertain and gorge ourselves. We try hard to appease the world by mimicking its ways, instead of “putting on Jesus”. We need desperately to return to our first love.
He told the last of the seven churches in the same book of the Bible that it was so full of itself and lukewarm that He would spew (vomit) it out of His mouth. Jesus told the Laodicean church it was neither cold nor hot. He reminds this church that it thinks it is rich, increased with goods, has need of nothing and does not know how wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked it is. (beginning at Revelation 3:14) A Christian would have to be living on another planet to not see that we are definitely living in the Laodicean church age. Many church groups have some or maybe all of the attributes of the seven churches, but definitely the predominate attribute of the church age today is wholly Laodicean.
It is not to say that all church groups today have left their first love or are lukewarm concerning the Lord, but those who still love Him and obey Him and reject the things of the world seem to be few and far between. Basically, they are very hard to find. Most, yes I said most, church groups today exude as about as much “true” Christianity as a pagan social club. It is clearly seen from just one local newspaper on one day showing church ads for one week-end that most of the church in general today is so humanistic and so far from true Christianity, it is no wonder that Jesus would choose to vomit it out of His mouth.
Let me add another thought. Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd. If any local church actually follows the Good Shepherd in its call and direction, then the Lord Jesus Christ will be glorified.
The pastors who have been truly called by Jesus to shepherd His flock and who are obedient to His Word in doing so, will have churches in tune with our Lord’s commands. Remember, we are the body. He is the head.
Sadly though, some men have been called to shepherd and are not obeying our Master in their duties. They are like jellyfish with no back bone. They forget that those in such a position will be judged more harshly by our Lord for not fulfilling their duties per His commands. They will be judged for allowing the world to creep in among the flock and attack it. They will be judged for not standing up for what is right in the eyes of God. When I say they will be judged, I am referring of course to their works, not their salvation. (I am assuming in this example that they are saved by the grace of God and called to shepherd His flock.)
We’ve seen two types of shepherds, or pastors. There is another class consisting of those who are Christians, but have not been called to pastor. I personally believe that there are many who fit this description. Whatever the reason may be that they are pasturing a local church, it is not because they were called by God to do so. Some do so for the money, some for fame, some because they like to grandstand, some because they just like to hear themselves talk. There could be many reasons, but it is not the right reason. They are where they should not be.
Fourthly there is one final group I believe are erroneously in the pastoral field, those who do not know the Good Shepherd as their Savior, but yet have managed to wiggle themselves into the position of shepherding His flock. They are charlatans. They are wolves in sheep’s clothing. They know the right words to say to deceive the ignorant, and unfortunately much of the church is ignorant.
I must insert at this point that this is another tremendous reason for every Christian to be Biblically knowledgeable. Again, most Christians are not. The Lord tells us in His Word to, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) In this country at least, anyone can get a Bible, even free, in different translations no less, for better understanding. There are many self-help books, such as Bible dictionaries, that can assist the Christian in their growth in the Lord. But most Christians, at least those who profess to be Christians, are too sorry and lazy to study God’s Word. They can tell you all about the drug-induced sports figures and bed-hopping Hollywood crowd, but don’t know diddly squat about God’s Word. I often wonder how many will be taken from the local churches when Jesus comes for His own at the Rapture. I shudder to think that probably most of the pulpits will still be occupied and the number in the pews see little change.
When I saw those church ads in the local paper that I mentioned at the beginning of this article, these are the thoughts that came to my mind. I have only hit the high spots. Many, if not most, of the churches have strayed from the path our Lord wants us on. Even though every Christian is commanded by Jesus to know Him, and we cannot know Him apart from listening to Him, and we cannot listen apart from His Word, Christians in general are not feeding upon the saving and life-directing Word of a Holy God. Also, they are not being properly fed from the Word by many of those in the pastoral field. Therefore much of the fault comes from the pulpit. The blind are leading the blind. The blind flock does not even know they are being fed to the wolves by the blind under-shepherds.
Is it then any wonder that so many choose to gorge themselves on earthly food, and starve spiritually from not eating the heavenly food? Is it any wonder so many choose to play games, instead of working while there is day (John 9:4) for the Lord? Is it any wonder that some put more importance in a building than the One it represents? Is it any wonder that some will honor a secular television show from Hollywood over the One Who saved our hell-bound souls?
Jesus also said to the Laodicean church, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Folks, I repeat, we are now living in the final stage of Church history, the Laodicean church age. The next event on God’s calendar is the removal of His Church from this earth to Heaven. It is called the Rapture. It does not matter whether or not you believe it. It will happen. He said so. Are you ready to meet Him, or are you going to be playing games, eating beans and fish, worshiping your church building and watching old Andy Griffith reruns while the true Church ascends with Jesus to the home He has prepared for those who are His? Today is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2) There may not be a tomorrow.
The world teaches compromise. It is not politically correct to be dogmatic, at least if it concerns what God says. Romans 3:4 says, “God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar…”. It is past time for Christians to stand up and speak out. Right is right, and wrong is wrong, but the only measuring device is the Word of God, the Bible. Learn it. Know it. Live it. It is the very Word of the One who now saves (Acts 16:31) and will soon judge (Revelation).
If Jesus stood alone against the forces of evil, and He will, He would still be a majority. In the end, He will annihilate His enemies with just the Word of His mouth while His Church (the Bride) looks on. Let us pray for each other, praying that through the power of God’s Spirit within us, we will not follow the ways of the world, but will stay true to the one who bought us with a price that no man can pay. We should have the attitude that “this world has nothing I want”, so I will stand up for Him until He takes me home.
The church ads I mentioned are only a very, very small example of how the world (Satan’s crowd) has taken over many, many of the church groups. However, Christ’s true Church is alive and well. In Matthew 16:18 Jesus said, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter (petros, a small stone), and upon this rock (petra, a large rock) I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Jesus is the rock of our salvation, to those who come to Him. He is the cornerstone (Mark 12:10) of His Church, but a stumbling stone (1 Peter 2:8) to those who reject Him.
If we truly are His, we will hunger and thirst for his righteousness (Matthew 5:6). The yearning in our hearts to hear what He has to say will constantly draw us to His spoken Word, the Bible. Satan is the master of deception. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) Beware of the worldly claptrap that is so prevalent in many local churches. Some of these churches are so full of this nonsensical garbage, it has filled the buildings within to the rafters, and is flowing out the front doors. Don’t be part of it. I would rather my wife and I sit on the back porch and worship Jesus alone (Matthew 18:20), than to have this unholy stench upon me. It would be worse than being sprayed by a skunk. Am I insinuating that I am better than everyone else? God forbid! No! I am always aware of the wretchedness of my being, but thank God I am cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God! I know I deserve the hottest seat in hell, but I thank God that He has given me what I do not deserve. It is called “grace”.
So, if you were placing a church ad in your local newspaper, what would it say?
Grant Phillips
grantphillips@windstream.net
Friday, June 25, 2010
Lessons from Nehemiah
The following articles is from this link --> http://drtscott.typepad.com/pastor_scotts_thoughts/2009/09/lessons-from-nehemiah.html
I am currently preaching a sermon series on Nehemiah and am thoroughly enjoying what I am learning from this great re-builder of Jerusalem's walls and identity. There are many important themes regarding leadership and mission that emerge from the life of Nehemiah, but one of the major themes of the book is the way that Nehemiah dealt with opposition and criticism.
This month it has been seven years since I transitioned from being a full-time college professor to taking on the role of senior pastor. The last seven years have been wonderful and blessed in so many ways, but they have also been filled with very difficult moments. I have especially had to learn how to deal with criticism. It isn't that professors don't get criticism (every semester students get to fill out course evaluations), but for a number of reasons parishioners often feel very free to share their perspective on your ministry and leadership. Here are some of the things people have shared with me over the last seven years:
My sermons are too long.
My sermons are too short.
I spend too much time preaching the "love" found in the New Testament and not enough on the judgment and righteousness of God in the Old Testament.
I spend too much time preaching out of the Old Testament. "Who cares, pastor, what Solomon did. I need to know what Jesus did."
My sermons are too heady and scholarly.
My preaching is trite and unbiblical. Quote: "It is forty minutes of stand-up comedy and stories about your children all for the purpose of getting people to like you."
I'm soft on sin.
I'm too hard on the saints.
I'm too critical of people who are critical.
I'm too demonstrative and raise my voice too often.
I'm too reserved and quiet and when I drop my voice no one can hear me.
I preach like someone who never had to sacrifice anything for their country.
I'm part of the "taker" generation not the "giver" generation.
I'm a liberal who doesn't take the bible literally.
I take the Bible too seriously. (i.e. Jesus didn't really want us to give everything away...)
I'm too political.
I'm not political enough. (On this point, one prominent leader called me "the low point in the 100 year history of PazNaz").
I'm disrespectful in the pulpit.
I don't speak to the common person enough and am overdressed to identify with everyday folk.
I don't use the altar enough and act uninterested in people meeting Jesus.
I'm too emerging.
I'm not emerging enough.
I'm not a holiness preacher.
I focus too much on holiness.
My shirts don't fit right and my shoes need polished.
I move the church too fast and change too many things.
I move the church too slow and don't change things fast enough.
I don't hire enough diversity.
I hire too many women.
I'm not involved enough in the lives of the pastoral staff.
I spend too much time with, and only care about the pastoral staff (and rich board members).
I'm not a good mentor to younger staff.
I only care about preaching and not about pastoral care.
I should know the names and life situations of every person in the congregation.
I do too much and don't have any personal boundaries.
I'm here too many Sundays and need to give more people a chance to speak.
I'm gone too many Sundays and it is terrible when I invite other people to speak.
"Never give the whole service away to another musician."
"I wish we had more variety. Like the week we had the musician."
I care too much about the church being Nazarene.
I don't focus enough attention on making people good Nazarenes.
I care too much about what the old people think.
I don't care enough about what the old people think... They pay the bills after all.
My children are very well behaved and we are great parents.
My children are wild and I need to be a stronger disciplinarian.
When our kids went to public school people told us they should be home schooled.
When our kids have been in private school people told us they should be in public school.
I am getting too skinny and need to eat more.
I'm looking heavier and need to start watching what I eat. (The actual quote was: "You are much fatter than you used to be..."
That's probably enough for today. It is funny that in the last seven years I have received hundreds of positive emails and letters. They are so encouraging at the time, but I unfortunately forget them quickly. However, I can rehearse the list above with very little effort and I remember each moment well. The reality is that all of us have to learn to deal with criticism. So here is what I'm learning from Nehemiah.
1. Consider the source. Nehemiah's enemies were people whose power and lives were going to be profoundly effected if the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt. Leaders always have to be able to consider where criticism is coming from. Sometimes, whether we know it or not, just our presence or our message is causing changes for a person internally or externally that they are reacting against. Sometimes people are simply broken or facing difficulties and we are just the convenient place for diffused anger and frustration to be placed.
2. Listen for truth. Many of the things I listed above have some truth in them (as much as I hate to admit it). Good leaders have to learn to move past the initial hurt to weigh any truthfulness that criticism (no matter how awkwardly or angrily presented) contains.
3. Don't react in kind. Especially in chapter 6, Nehemiah's enemies try to lure him into a fight. Nehemiah never lets Sanballat or any of his foes lure him into a scuffle. Leaders have to learn to rise above the criticism and not "lose it." Christian leaders in particular have to stay committed to overcoming evil with good.
4. Build a team. Leaders have to have a team around them that lovingly tell them the truth about themselves (thus keeping them grounded and humble) but who also don't allow the critics to have the final word.
5. Keep the mission central. Nehemiah's focus was not his personal popularity but on the mission God had given him. These last seven years have taught me that not every one will share in or be energized by the mission that ignites my passion. That doesn't always make them bad people, it just makes them different people with different concerns and a different vision than I have.
Nehemiah's teaching me that accepting visible leadership comes with both blessings and costs. Nevertheless, I am thankful today for the opportunity to serve with others and work at rebuilding the walls.
I am currently preaching a sermon series on Nehemiah and am thoroughly enjoying what I am learning from this great re-builder of Jerusalem's walls and identity. There are many important themes regarding leadership and mission that emerge from the life of Nehemiah, but one of the major themes of the book is the way that Nehemiah dealt with opposition and criticism.
This month it has been seven years since I transitioned from being a full-time college professor to taking on the role of senior pastor. The last seven years have been wonderful and blessed in so many ways, but they have also been filled with very difficult moments. I have especially had to learn how to deal with criticism. It isn't that professors don't get criticism (every semester students get to fill out course evaluations), but for a number of reasons parishioners often feel very free to share their perspective on your ministry and leadership. Here are some of the things people have shared with me over the last seven years:
My sermons are too long.
My sermons are too short.
I spend too much time preaching the "love" found in the New Testament and not enough on the judgment and righteousness of God in the Old Testament.
I spend too much time preaching out of the Old Testament. "Who cares, pastor, what Solomon did. I need to know what Jesus did."
My sermons are too heady and scholarly.
My preaching is trite and unbiblical. Quote: "It is forty minutes of stand-up comedy and stories about your children all for the purpose of getting people to like you."
I'm soft on sin.
I'm too hard on the saints.
I'm too critical of people who are critical.
I'm too demonstrative and raise my voice too often.
I'm too reserved and quiet and when I drop my voice no one can hear me.
I preach like someone who never had to sacrifice anything for their country.
I'm part of the "taker" generation not the "giver" generation.
I'm a liberal who doesn't take the bible literally.
I take the Bible too seriously. (i.e. Jesus didn't really want us to give everything away...)
I'm too political.
I'm not political enough. (On this point, one prominent leader called me "the low point in the 100 year history of PazNaz").
I'm disrespectful in the pulpit.
I don't speak to the common person enough and am overdressed to identify with everyday folk.
I don't use the altar enough and act uninterested in people meeting Jesus.
I'm too emerging.
I'm not emerging enough.
I'm not a holiness preacher.
I focus too much on holiness.
My shirts don't fit right and my shoes need polished.
I move the church too fast and change too many things.
I move the church too slow and don't change things fast enough.
I don't hire enough diversity.
I hire too many women.
I'm not involved enough in the lives of the pastoral staff.
I spend too much time with, and only care about the pastoral staff (and rich board members).
I'm not a good mentor to younger staff.
I only care about preaching and not about pastoral care.
I should know the names and life situations of every person in the congregation.
I do too much and don't have any personal boundaries.
I'm here too many Sundays and need to give more people a chance to speak.
I'm gone too many Sundays and it is terrible when I invite other people to speak.
"Never give the whole service away to another musician."
"I wish we had more variety. Like the week we had the musician."
I care too much about the church being Nazarene.
I don't focus enough attention on making people good Nazarenes.
I care too much about what the old people think.
I don't care enough about what the old people think... They pay the bills after all.
My children are very well behaved and we are great parents.
My children are wild and I need to be a stronger disciplinarian.
When our kids went to public school people told us they should be home schooled.
When our kids have been in private school people told us they should be in public school.
I am getting too skinny and need to eat more.
I'm looking heavier and need to start watching what I eat. (The actual quote was: "You are much fatter than you used to be..."
That's probably enough for today. It is funny that in the last seven years I have received hundreds of positive emails and letters. They are so encouraging at the time, but I unfortunately forget them quickly. However, I can rehearse the list above with very little effort and I remember each moment well. The reality is that all of us have to learn to deal with criticism. So here is what I'm learning from Nehemiah.
1. Consider the source. Nehemiah's enemies were people whose power and lives were going to be profoundly effected if the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt. Leaders always have to be able to consider where criticism is coming from. Sometimes, whether we know it or not, just our presence or our message is causing changes for a person internally or externally that they are reacting against. Sometimes people are simply broken or facing difficulties and we are just the convenient place for diffused anger and frustration to be placed.
2. Listen for truth. Many of the things I listed above have some truth in them (as much as I hate to admit it). Good leaders have to learn to move past the initial hurt to weigh any truthfulness that criticism (no matter how awkwardly or angrily presented) contains.
3. Don't react in kind. Especially in chapter 6, Nehemiah's enemies try to lure him into a fight. Nehemiah never lets Sanballat or any of his foes lure him into a scuffle. Leaders have to learn to rise above the criticism and not "lose it." Christian leaders in particular have to stay committed to overcoming evil with good.
4. Build a team. Leaders have to have a team around them that lovingly tell them the truth about themselves (thus keeping them grounded and humble) but who also don't allow the critics to have the final word.
5. Keep the mission central. Nehemiah's focus was not his personal popularity but on the mission God had given him. These last seven years have taught me that not every one will share in or be energized by the mission that ignites my passion. That doesn't always make them bad people, it just makes them different people with different concerns and a different vision than I have.
Nehemiah's teaching me that accepting visible leadership comes with both blessings and costs. Nevertheless, I am thankful today for the opportunity to serve with others and work at rebuilding the walls.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Credibility – A letter from a Reader and Online Observer.
Definition: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credibility
In a general point of view, the TTG are lacking credibility due to the following reasons:-
In a general point of view, the TTG are lacking credibility due to the following reasons:-
- CT- this website/blog is evidently managed by a group of former CA’s. These are a group of youngster with the task of communication integrators where they act as the middle person between the TTG core leaders and the general public. These people monitor the blog and allow only for certain comments to be published in the site without any regards to the word of God or any God given principles. Just try this out, go to their comments sections and comments something bad about the church leadership, they will happily publish your comments. However when you comment something good or even a testimony that you have been blessed by so and so‘s preaching – all the best to you in seeing your comments published. The irony is the TRUTH, TRANSPERANCY and GOVERNANCE Champions depend on CT’s administrator to get the message across to their supporter and other interested parties. It’s like how Jesus described in Luke 5:36-39. TTG your approach in having CT especially its administrators is strategically wrong. We all know how lopsided they are. I use to think that CT is managed by some anti-Christian or anti-church groups, however to my dismay I found out only recently that its young people who are behind the blog.
- The church leadership (+ deacons) have taken many measures in addressing the issues/concerns raise by the TTG (well in the initial stages – I was impressed by them also) and surely the TTG will get a big pat on the back for their effort. However the TTG has failed miserably to accept the changes, reconcile and move on for the betterment of the church. They have not acknowledged the progress and the effort by the church leaders. They are adamant in their ways in escalating the issue and concerns without any regards to the consequences whatsoever. The TTG is like a human body but without the ability to absorbs or hear. Only one part of their body is dominion over all else that is their TONGUE. Their words are louder than their action.
- The TTG + CT eagerly cling to anyone and anything that is against the church and its leadership, a good example is one of its leaders called Mr. Bamboo. This person is an outsider (i.e. not a calvarite) that seems to have a huge voice in the inner circle of the TTG leaders. Due to the lack of support within congregation.
- The TTG has been stubborn in its ways without accepting or acknowledging every effort by the leaders. Not a single pinch of humility shown. This is very obvious in all the AGM and EGMs. The motto – I know it all, I know what is best for you. Even though so many church members have conveyed our message to them, via email, letter, sms, mms, comments, face to face, they think we are pro- so and so, hence our voice is biased. They just never listen and never understand our desire – the church at large.
- The TTG have this prayer meeting in Taman Seputeh, it’s more like a cult meeting, they have this prophecy session where one of the sister will prophecy that whatever done by the TTG is endorsed by God and God is on their side and at the end they cry out in tears of joy to God for strengthening them. Ok all fine and good, however each and every prophetic word need to act as a confirmation in your heart and seconded by the literal word of God.
- The TTG are never seen in any of the church meetings, they can only be seen on the day the AGM or EGM are held, you can never see them in prayer meeting, holding another bother or sister’s hand and praying for our church. You can never see them in any of the church activities. They are a separate group on their own. They have forsaken the church.
- Finally the worst of their calls: TOTT – stands for turn of the tap – i.e. stop giving to the church. They list a list of lies in supporting this call. I will just say this and I rest my case. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNBIBLICAL.
For those of you in Church Camp – what a wonderful time we had.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
CalvaryToday and... tomorrow
To be honest, it's hard for me to say that I love the TTG or the people behind CalvaryToday - (Btw, please allow another to be honest here.... to be honest....I'm beginning to move to that direction for the church leaders aswell, as all their action seems to only address the human level... what about the spiritual level?)
I just found out the following articles
http://syedsoutsidethebox.blogspot.com/2009/05/goings-on-at-calvary-church-malaysia.html
The whole article is based on CalvaryToday's comments.. it's comments - thanks to their administrator for only allowing comments that are critical to the church leadership - all other comments are NOT published...... believe me - I have tried commenting - it seems that comments goes into a black hole and never to be seen anymore. Maybe the TTG gravity ...dissects my comments and what's left is not even a logical sentence. Ok I know .. i being too metaphoric....
Ok here it goes.....
Not sure how many of you have read the AGM - what you call that...apa nama, you know the book that we collect before we attend the AGM.....oh ... the annual report - One of deacon in charge for communications said that they are looking into the idea of creating a blog for calvary church? Well Bro.Deacon any progress on that? That yet to be created blog, will be only open to Calvarites and no one else and I guess some copyright law will also apply since it's a "within 4 walls blog".
I was thinking, maybe we should test the water first, I have created (with some help from a couple of calvarites) a blog called:-
http://calvaryconnectkl.blogspot.com/
Email address: calvaryconnectkl@gmail.com
We (since I’m speaking for a couple of other people as well), intend for this blog to be a calvarites only blog with access for those who register with an authenticated email ID, then they will be requested to answer some question to determine whether they are really calvarites or not. We are still working on mechanism for this. This is what we need from you:-
1. Give a thumbs up or down for this idea.
2. Provide some suggestion for the authentication mechanism – how do we cross check?
Pleas email directly to calvaryconnectkl@gmail.com
The need is there for such a blog, at least to stop the shameful act of some blog – sad to say mine included.
When this blog is up and running, I will handover administration to a selected group of people or better still, if I receive an email from the communications deacon – I will be even more glad to handover the access to him.
I just found out the following articles
http://syedsoutsidethebox.blogspot.com/2009/05/goings-on-at-calvary-church-malaysia.html
The whole article is based on CalvaryToday's comments.. it's comments - thanks to their administrator for only allowing comments that are critical to the church leadership - all other comments are NOT published...... believe me - I have tried commenting - it seems that comments goes into a black hole and never to be seen anymore. Maybe the TTG gravity ...dissects my comments and what's left is not even a logical sentence. Ok I know .. i being too metaphoric....
Ok here it goes.....
Not sure how many of you have read the AGM - what you call that...apa nama, you know the book that we collect before we attend the AGM.....oh ... the annual report - One of deacon in charge for communications said that they are looking into the idea of creating a blog for calvary church? Well Bro.Deacon any progress on that? That yet to be created blog, will be only open to Calvarites and no one else and I guess some copyright law will also apply since it's a "within 4 walls blog".
I was thinking, maybe we should test the water first, I have created (with some help from a couple of calvarites) a blog called:-
http://calvaryconnectkl.blogspot.com/
Email address: calvaryconnectkl@gmail.com
We (since I’m speaking for a couple of other people as well), intend for this blog to be a calvarites only blog with access for those who register with an authenticated email ID, then they will be requested to answer some question to determine whether they are really calvarites or not. We are still working on mechanism for this. This is what we need from you:-
1. Give a thumbs up or down for this idea.
2. Provide some suggestion for the authentication mechanism – how do we cross check?
Pleas email directly to calvaryconnectkl@gmail.com
The need is there for such a blog, at least to stop the shameful act of some blog – sad to say mine included.
When this blog is up and running, I will handover administration to a selected group of people or better still, if I receive an email from the communications deacon – I will be even more glad to handover the access to him.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
AG Position Paper: Church Conflict
Is there an orderly and biblical way for members of a local church to resolve conflict? If it pertains to doctrine, is there a procedure available to implement corrections? When individuals become disgruntled with their church should they leave? Does the Assemblies of God believe there is ever a time or circumstance where believers should look for a new church? If an individual were to leave a church, is there a biblical and ethical way to leave?
Church problems existed even in the first-century Church, so it is not surprising that today’s Church, which is still not perfect, would have its problems. People become dissatisfied with the way church leadership spends money, with a youth program which doesn’t meet the needs of their children, with the style of worship or preaching, with teaching that seems unscriptural, and so on. Sometimes a problem exists between members who disagree on everything that happens in the church. Paul had to reprimand two ladies in the church at Philippi. "I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord" (Phil. 4:2). These were not just marginal troublemakers who had cantankerous spirits. They had both worked at Paul’s side in the cause of the gospel.
Trouble and disagreement seem inevitable in any human situation, even in a church populated by humans in the process of becoming Christlike. Satan, who seeks to discredit God’s work wherever he can, delights in raising occasions for friction and disagreement right in the church body. This is reality even though the Bible urges all believers to work together in unity (Eph. 4:3,13), to be kind to one another (Eph. 4:32), and to show equal respect to all who come into the congregation (James 2:1-9).
When church problems arise and seemingly come to the point of having no solution, what should a Christian do? The first step is severe self-evaluation. If the dissatisfied person is in any way responsible for the problem, and leaves the church, the problem will go along, only to break out in another form in the new situation. A time at the altar, sincerely seeking the Lord’s direction on what can be changed in one’s own life is essential, even if the problem seems to have been initiated by another party.
After one has passed the "inner-spirit check," with no solution becoming evident–remembering all the time that God desires unity among His children–one must then look toward ways in which the Holy Spirit can use him or her to deal with and resolve the problem. With a gentle spirit, nurtured through extended prayer, and possibly fasting, one might then speak with the one or ones who are part of the problem. This step fulfills the instruction of Scripture: "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ’every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church" (Matt. 18:15-17). Hopefully, by this time, with each party seeking the unity of the Spirit, there will be some resolution.
But human nature being what it is, and with Satan busily at work trying to keep unity from becoming a reality, one may actually have to separate from the congregation and seek to identify with a group devoted to God and His Word. Unfortunately, some Christians have left unpleasant situations which should have been dealt with according to Matthew 18, only to see later that the remaining members of the congregation followed after false leadership that led the congregation into spiritual ruin. There may even be times when mature denominational leadership should be called in to deal with unhealthy situations. An objective outside voice, sensitive to the leading of the Spirit, can often cut through pettiness that causes major church problems.
But what if, after carefully following all the above steps, the option of withdrawal seems to be the only alternative? Before leaving a church, one should always talk privately with the pastor, or communicate by a carefully worded letter. A kind contact with others who are a part of the problem or a part of the solution might also be appropriate. The purpose of these contacts is not to speak the last word in a disagreement, but to make sure that good will and understanding are key elements in the separation. All information and reasons should be accurate, and one’s attitude must be right at the time of leaving. The departure should be without bitterness or resentment. To carry ill will in the separation means a continuing battle in one’s own spirit will also go along. One should meticulously avoid trying to influence others to leave the church. Nor should one speak ill of the former church when becoming part of the next church.
CONCERNS:
Just to speak about the possibility of needing to leave a church is dangerous. There are too many who change churches, or drop out entirely, because of minor disagreements or dissatisfaction. Such people are sometimes derogatorily referred to as church tramps. The unity of the Body, however, should always be the primary concern of all persons involved if and when a move seems to be necessary.
The above statement is based upon our common understanding of scriptural teaching.
Church problems existed even in the first-century Church, so it is not surprising that today’s Church, which is still not perfect, would have its problems. People become dissatisfied with the way church leadership spends money, with a youth program which doesn’t meet the needs of their children, with the style of worship or preaching, with teaching that seems unscriptural, and so on. Sometimes a problem exists between members who disagree on everything that happens in the church. Paul had to reprimand two ladies in the church at Philippi. "I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord" (Phil. 4:2). These were not just marginal troublemakers who had cantankerous spirits. They had both worked at Paul’s side in the cause of the gospel.
Trouble and disagreement seem inevitable in any human situation, even in a church populated by humans in the process of becoming Christlike. Satan, who seeks to discredit God’s work wherever he can, delights in raising occasions for friction and disagreement right in the church body. This is reality even though the Bible urges all believers to work together in unity (Eph. 4:3,13), to be kind to one another (Eph. 4:32), and to show equal respect to all who come into the congregation (James 2:1-9).
When church problems arise and seemingly come to the point of having no solution, what should a Christian do? The first step is severe self-evaluation. If the dissatisfied person is in any way responsible for the problem, and leaves the church, the problem will go along, only to break out in another form in the new situation. A time at the altar, sincerely seeking the Lord’s direction on what can be changed in one’s own life is essential, even if the problem seems to have been initiated by another party.
After one has passed the "inner-spirit check," with no solution becoming evident–remembering all the time that God desires unity among His children–one must then look toward ways in which the Holy Spirit can use him or her to deal with and resolve the problem. With a gentle spirit, nurtured through extended prayer, and possibly fasting, one might then speak with the one or ones who are part of the problem. This step fulfills the instruction of Scripture: "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ’every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church" (Matt. 18:15-17). Hopefully, by this time, with each party seeking the unity of the Spirit, there will be some resolution.
But human nature being what it is, and with Satan busily at work trying to keep unity from becoming a reality, one may actually have to separate from the congregation and seek to identify with a group devoted to God and His Word. Unfortunately, some Christians have left unpleasant situations which should have been dealt with according to Matthew 18, only to see later that the remaining members of the congregation followed after false leadership that led the congregation into spiritual ruin. There may even be times when mature denominational leadership should be called in to deal with unhealthy situations. An objective outside voice, sensitive to the leading of the Spirit, can often cut through pettiness that causes major church problems.
But what if, after carefully following all the above steps, the option of withdrawal seems to be the only alternative? Before leaving a church, one should always talk privately with the pastor, or communicate by a carefully worded letter. A kind contact with others who are a part of the problem or a part of the solution might also be appropriate. The purpose of these contacts is not to speak the last word in a disagreement, but to make sure that good will and understanding are key elements in the separation. All information and reasons should be accurate, and one’s attitude must be right at the time of leaving. The departure should be without bitterness or resentment. To carry ill will in the separation means a continuing battle in one’s own spirit will also go along. One should meticulously avoid trying to influence others to leave the church. Nor should one speak ill of the former church when becoming part of the next church.
CONCERNS:
Just to speak about the possibility of needing to leave a church is dangerous. There are too many who change churches, or drop out entirely, because of minor disagreements or dissatisfaction. Such people are sometimes derogatorily referred to as church tramps. The unity of the Body, however, should always be the primary concern of all persons involved if and when a move seems to be necessary.
The above statement is based upon our common understanding of scriptural teaching.
AG Position Paper: Christian Involvement in Law Suits
This document reflects commonly held beliefs based on scripture which have been endorsed by the church's Commission on Doctrinal Purity and the Executive Presbytery.
Should Christians be involved in lawsuits? Are there biblical principles that apply to Christians in these matters? Is it permissible for Christians to sue others who harm them?
Paul’s main concern in advising believers not to bring lawsuits against other believers (1 Cor. 6:1-8) is the discredit such action brings on the reputation of the church and the cause of Christ. With this understanding in mind, it is appropriate to ask when legal action is appropriate and when it is not. Since the Bible is our authoritative rule for conduct we must study Scripture to see if it permits or prohibits such action.
The Old Testament clearly indicates there should be compensation or satisfaction for injuries or losses. The Mosaic Law of retaliation (eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, life for a life—Ex. 21:23,24), while seeming cruel or barbaric by today’s western-world standards of justice, actually worked to limit vengeance and eliminate inter-family feuds. No one could exact as penalty more than one life for a life or more than one eye for an eye. In less serious cases, money could be paid by the guilty party to compensate the loss suffered by the injured party (cf. Ex. 22:12 to 23:9). Prior to the monarchy under Saul and his successors, judgment was often administered by the elders of a town (Ruth 4:1-12). Under the monarchy, punishment for civil and criminal wrongs was left to the king and his administration (1 Kings 3:16-28).
Jesus held His disciples to a higher standard of behavior than required under Old Testament law. Instead of retaliation toward a wronging party, He directed the injured or offended person to turn the other cheek, to give up one’s cloak, and to go the second mile. Enemies were to be loved, prayed for, and forgiven (Matt. 5:38-48, 6:14,15). Such behavior overcame evil with good and had the intended effect of shaming the wrongdoer into reforming his ways (Rom. 12:17-21). This "new righteousness" forced the injured party to be more concerned with his own inner attitude and the eternal destiny of his "enemy" than with a wrong to be corrected, an injury punished, or a loss compensated. This does not mean that an offended person was left without any practical recourse for righting a wrong, but the first act was to be an attempt to achieve personal reconciliation. If reconciliation was not successful, a third-party believer might be asked to arbitrate. If that failed, the matter was to be presented before the entire church. When an offender refused to obey the judgment of the church, he was to be treated as a pagan (Matt. 18:15-20).
In 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 the apostle Paul addressed the problem of a believer who brought a lawsuit against another believer in the secular courts. Since most of the believers in Corinth were poor (1 Cor. 1:26-31), and the lawsuit dealt with one financially cheating another, it is likely that the suit involved two of the more prominently wealthy persons in the Corinthian church. It appears that the plaintiff had filed the suit rather than following the admonition of Jesus (Matt. 5:38-48) or involving the church according to Matthew 18:15-20). Unfortunately, the Corinthian church had done nothing while the Christian community was scandalized by the airing before a secular court of a struggle between two believers. Here was a church recognized for its "wisdom" (2 Cor. 11:19), but which had not had "anyone wise enough to judge a dispute" (1 Cor. 6:5). Paul chastised the plaintiff by telling him it would have been better to have suffered wrong rather than to disgrace the church (1 Cor. 6:1-7); he chastised the defendant for having cheated and done wrong (1 Cor. 6:8); and he chastised the church for not taking care of the matter (1 Cor. 6:2-6).
Paul never addresses the question of whether a lawsuit would be appropriate if the church had declared the offending party to be "a pagan and a tax collector" (Matt. 18:17). Perhaps such a lawsuit would be permitted under the teaching of Romans 13:1-5 that the secular government exists to uphold justice, prevent lawlessness, and punish the wrongdoer.
So when a believer is wronged by another believer, the offended believer must seriously consider whether or not he or she should simply drop the matter, leaving the judgment to God alone. If the believer, following prayer and careful consideration, determines the matter should be pursued, then a face-to-face meeting with the offending party should be the first step. Failing that, one should seek out a believer mediator. If that does not provide resolution, the dispute should be brought to the church (the pastor, the recognized board of elders or deacons, and if need be the membership).
Sometimes the legal conflict does not pit believer against believer, but believer versus unbeliever. What is the Christian response then? Paul himself exercised the right of defending himself under Roman law (Acts 16:37-40; 18:12-17; 22:15-29: 25:10-22). Clearly, Paul did not interpret "turning the other cheek" to include forfeiture of all legal rights pertaining to citizenship. No doubt he exercised those rights consistent with his Spirit-given understanding that the function of government is to uphold justice and punish wrongdoers (Romans 13). Punishing wrongdoers also means protecting the innocent. Thus the question for a believer is never "How do I get personal vengeance?" Instead, the proper question is "Which action on my part (filing or not filing a lawsuit) will best promote justice in society, punish the one who does wrong, protect the innocent, and bring the least possible negative reflection on the cause of Christ?
If all avenues of settling a matter between believers have been exhausted, and the offending party refuses to correct the wrong, then the injured believer must balance Matthew 5:38-48 and 6:14,15 with Romans 13:1-5. The following questions, to check personal motivation, should be asked.
Is my desire for a redress of injury motivated simply by personal gain, or am I involving the secular power of the court in order to uphold justice and prevent lawlessness?
If I bring action before a secular court, will that, in the context of American rather than Corinthian society, bring harm to the Church and the cause of Christ?
Am I totally honest with my claim (or defense), or am I seeking through self-deception to gain (or avoid) a compensation that is more (or less) than the injury suffered?
Since the Holy Spirit will never counsel a believer contrary to the Word He has inspired, after a thorough season of prayer, what course of action "seems good to the Holy Spirit"?
As an additional safeguard, what is the counsel of other believers who are in a position of leadership or eldership in the body of Christ?
CONCERNS:
In American society, another matter needs to be considered: liability and other forms of insurance. Public policy has established insurance as a means of compensating an individual for a wide variety of injuries suffered. In many cases, while a litigant may be the legal defendant in a suit, the actual payer for the injuries may be an insurance company. Suppose, for example, that a Christian is severely injured by the bad driving of another believer. A suit between the two really does not stem from personal malice, but is an effort on the part of the injured person to reclaim financial losses stemming from the accident, which will be compensated by the insured’s automobile liability policy. In such a case, the believers have not brought the church into censure before a worldly court (as was the situation in Corinth), but have simply availed themselves of a legal system which seeks, as a matter of public policy, to help victims to be made "whole" from their injuries.
In many American communities, attorneys who are believers have formed Christian conciliation or mediation groups that a wronged person may also seek out. The legal advantage to seeking mediation from such an organized group is that, upon proper stipulation by the parties, the judgment of the Christian conciliation group may be recognized by the secular course as a substitute for the court’s involvement.
The above statement is based upon our common understanding of scriptural teaching.
All Scripture quotations are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise specified.
Should Christians be involved in lawsuits? Are there biblical principles that apply to Christians in these matters? Is it permissible for Christians to sue others who harm them?
Paul’s main concern in advising believers not to bring lawsuits against other believers (1 Cor. 6:1-8) is the discredit such action brings on the reputation of the church and the cause of Christ. With this understanding in mind, it is appropriate to ask when legal action is appropriate and when it is not. Since the Bible is our authoritative rule for conduct we must study Scripture to see if it permits or prohibits such action.
The Old Testament clearly indicates there should be compensation or satisfaction for injuries or losses. The Mosaic Law of retaliation (eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, life for a life—Ex. 21:23,24), while seeming cruel or barbaric by today’s western-world standards of justice, actually worked to limit vengeance and eliminate inter-family feuds. No one could exact as penalty more than one life for a life or more than one eye for an eye. In less serious cases, money could be paid by the guilty party to compensate the loss suffered by the injured party (cf. Ex. 22:12 to 23:9). Prior to the monarchy under Saul and his successors, judgment was often administered by the elders of a town (Ruth 4:1-12). Under the monarchy, punishment for civil and criminal wrongs was left to the king and his administration (1 Kings 3:16-28).
Jesus held His disciples to a higher standard of behavior than required under Old Testament law. Instead of retaliation toward a wronging party, He directed the injured or offended person to turn the other cheek, to give up one’s cloak, and to go the second mile. Enemies were to be loved, prayed for, and forgiven (Matt. 5:38-48, 6:14,15). Such behavior overcame evil with good and had the intended effect of shaming the wrongdoer into reforming his ways (Rom. 12:17-21). This "new righteousness" forced the injured party to be more concerned with his own inner attitude and the eternal destiny of his "enemy" than with a wrong to be corrected, an injury punished, or a loss compensated. This does not mean that an offended person was left without any practical recourse for righting a wrong, but the first act was to be an attempt to achieve personal reconciliation. If reconciliation was not successful, a third-party believer might be asked to arbitrate. If that failed, the matter was to be presented before the entire church. When an offender refused to obey the judgment of the church, he was to be treated as a pagan (Matt. 18:15-20).
In 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 the apostle Paul addressed the problem of a believer who brought a lawsuit against another believer in the secular courts. Since most of the believers in Corinth were poor (1 Cor. 1:26-31), and the lawsuit dealt with one financially cheating another, it is likely that the suit involved two of the more prominently wealthy persons in the Corinthian church. It appears that the plaintiff had filed the suit rather than following the admonition of Jesus (Matt. 5:38-48) or involving the church according to Matthew 18:15-20). Unfortunately, the Corinthian church had done nothing while the Christian community was scandalized by the airing before a secular court of a struggle between two believers. Here was a church recognized for its "wisdom" (2 Cor. 11:19), but which had not had "anyone wise enough to judge a dispute" (1 Cor. 6:5). Paul chastised the plaintiff by telling him it would have been better to have suffered wrong rather than to disgrace the church (1 Cor. 6:1-7); he chastised the defendant for having cheated and done wrong (1 Cor. 6:8); and he chastised the church for not taking care of the matter (1 Cor. 6:2-6).
Paul never addresses the question of whether a lawsuit would be appropriate if the church had declared the offending party to be "a pagan and a tax collector" (Matt. 18:17). Perhaps such a lawsuit would be permitted under the teaching of Romans 13:1-5 that the secular government exists to uphold justice, prevent lawlessness, and punish the wrongdoer.
So when a believer is wronged by another believer, the offended believer must seriously consider whether or not he or she should simply drop the matter, leaving the judgment to God alone. If the believer, following prayer and careful consideration, determines the matter should be pursued, then a face-to-face meeting with the offending party should be the first step. Failing that, one should seek out a believer mediator. If that does not provide resolution, the dispute should be brought to the church (the pastor, the recognized board of elders or deacons, and if need be the membership).
Sometimes the legal conflict does not pit believer against believer, but believer versus unbeliever. What is the Christian response then? Paul himself exercised the right of defending himself under Roman law (Acts 16:37-40; 18:12-17; 22:15-29: 25:10-22). Clearly, Paul did not interpret "turning the other cheek" to include forfeiture of all legal rights pertaining to citizenship. No doubt he exercised those rights consistent with his Spirit-given understanding that the function of government is to uphold justice and punish wrongdoers (Romans 13). Punishing wrongdoers also means protecting the innocent. Thus the question for a believer is never "How do I get personal vengeance?" Instead, the proper question is "Which action on my part (filing or not filing a lawsuit) will best promote justice in society, punish the one who does wrong, protect the innocent, and bring the least possible negative reflection on the cause of Christ?
If all avenues of settling a matter between believers have been exhausted, and the offending party refuses to correct the wrong, then the injured believer must balance Matthew 5:38-48 and 6:14,15 with Romans 13:1-5. The following questions, to check personal motivation, should be asked.
Is my desire for a redress of injury motivated simply by personal gain, or am I involving the secular power of the court in order to uphold justice and prevent lawlessness?
If I bring action before a secular court, will that, in the context of American rather than Corinthian society, bring harm to the Church and the cause of Christ?
Am I totally honest with my claim (or defense), or am I seeking through self-deception to gain (or avoid) a compensation that is more (or less) than the injury suffered?
Since the Holy Spirit will never counsel a believer contrary to the Word He has inspired, after a thorough season of prayer, what course of action "seems good to the Holy Spirit"?
As an additional safeguard, what is the counsel of other believers who are in a position of leadership or eldership in the body of Christ?
CONCERNS:
In American society, another matter needs to be considered: liability and other forms of insurance. Public policy has established insurance as a means of compensating an individual for a wide variety of injuries suffered. In many cases, while a litigant may be the legal defendant in a suit, the actual payer for the injuries may be an insurance company. Suppose, for example, that a Christian is severely injured by the bad driving of another believer. A suit between the two really does not stem from personal malice, but is an effort on the part of the injured person to reclaim financial losses stemming from the accident, which will be compensated by the insured’s automobile liability policy. In such a case, the believers have not brought the church into censure before a worldly court (as was the situation in Corinth), but have simply availed themselves of a legal system which seeks, as a matter of public policy, to help victims to be made "whole" from their injuries.
In many American communities, attorneys who are believers have formed Christian conciliation or mediation groups that a wronged person may also seek out. The legal advantage to seeking mediation from such an organized group is that, upon proper stipulation by the parties, the judgment of the Christian conciliation group may be recognized by the secular course as a substitute for the court’s involvement.
The above statement is based upon our common understanding of scriptural teaching.
All Scripture quotations are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise specified.
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