Great Sermon by D. Martyn Lloyd Jones

Follow this link to Fighting For the Faith and enjoy this sermon about how the Bible alone diagnoses our problems!

Dr. James White discusses Hillsong's gay "membership" policies!

All of this video is well worth a listen, but the discussion of Hillsong Church's strange stance on homosexuality begins around minute 17.

A biblical case for church membership!

A wise assessment of the Devil's work.

This insight is from Fighting For the Faith -

June 23, 2015

My Perspective on Tullian's Sin

It has been very interesting to watch the fallout and discussions regarding the announcement, this past Sunday, that Tullian Tchividjian had resigned as pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church after having admitted to an affair. One of the reasons it has been interesting to watch is because several weeks ago I had been brought into the circle of men and a few women who were briefed on why Tullian had taken a leave of absence nearly 10 weeks ago and what his plans were going to be moving forward. None of us were aware of Tullian's affair. But, all of us were aware of the turmoil of Tullian's life these past 10 weeks.

 

Last Thursday afternoon, I was informed of Tullian's moral failing and briefed about the pending announcement of his resignation and in an instant I experienced a profound moment of clarity that caused me to understand just how evil and tireless the devil is.

 

There are some who want to use the occasion of Tullian's sin to move the theological football down the field in the hopes of scoring some points. But, ultimately the folks doing that are short-sited and are missing much of the data that would be needed to make an informed assessment.

 

As one who has far more data to work with than many others, I must admit that the whole series of events leading up to last Sunday has shaken me to my core. The reason for this is simple. I just witnessed one of the most elaborate satanic schemes pulled off in modern history. The devil concocted the perfect plan to tempt a pastor to sin and the devil left nothing to chance.
 

The entire scenario from beginning to end was designed to take a pastor to the brink of what he could bear and then provide the perfect temptation in the midst of the turmoil that would then end his pastoral ministry while nationally dragging Christianity and Christ Himself through the mud.

The plan was perfect. It was executed flawlessly and the devil played Tullian and a whole lot of other people the way a concert violinist would play a Stradivarius. It was breathtaking to watch.
 

Now there is a man who is reeling from his sin and the sins committed against him. His family has had not one but two nuclear bombs tear them apart. An entire church has been thrown back on its heels and there are many people around the country and the globe who've had their faith shaken to the core by the news of Tullian's sin. Furthermore, Christianity itself has taken a hit. Christ's enemies have been given comfort and have viewed this whole affair as even more proof that Christianity is a crock just days before the U.S. Supreme Court is poised to make same-sex "marriage" the law of the land.

 

This was like a perfectly planned and orchestrated terrorist attack and all I see are a lot of dead and wounded bodies strewn everywhere.

 

When Jesus taught us to daily pray, "lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one" He was not giving us empty words to mindlessly recite. The Apostle Peter put it this way, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

 

With Tullian's sin, and believe me when I say that just like Adam, Tullian is responsible for this whole mess, we've witnessed one of the most vicious "lion attacks" of our day. If Tullian Tchividjian wasn't safe from such an attack then no gospel preacher in the pastoral office is safe either.

 

"For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens." - Ephesians 6:12

 

The work of caring for the wounded has only just begun and my prayer is that repentance, forgiveness of sins and reconciliation will win the day. But, thus far, I have seen very little that would give me hope along those lines and truth be told, I think I took some shrapnel in the blast.

χάρις ἔλεος εἰρήνη σοι,

- See more at: http://www.fightingforthefaith.com/#sthash.QsrHyUWl.dpuf

It is really not that complicated!

We live in a day when narcissism is the norm. Even in the church so many programs and so much curriculum is aimed at helping people achieve a happy life for themselves.

Of course we call it something more spiritual than seeking a happy life, such as seeking:

a "Spirit filled life"

Or

a "victorious life"

Or

an "abundant life"

and so on, but what we really mean by all this is that we aren't altogether happy in our faith and desire to find that happiness in Jesus under these more spiritual sounding names!

Why are we so concerned about how we feel? Is how we feel our main problem? Is trying to feel better the answer?

Jesus said:

Mark 12:28 Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, “Which is the first commandment of all?”

²⁹ Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. ³⁰ And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.  ³¹ And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (NKJV)

Does Jesus want us to be happy in Him? I think so, joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22), we are to rejoice in the Lord always (Phil. 4:4), we are to "serve the Lord with gladness" (Psalm 100:2), and of course the Greek word translated "blessed" in the beatitudes can also be translated "happy" are the poor in Spirit" (Matt. 5:3).

The problem isn't that we are wanting something we can't have, happiness in the Lord, the problem is we are looking for it as a goal, rather than experiencing it as a byproduct of following Jesus! And according to Jesus following Him is pretty simple - love the Lord and love your neighbor!

One thing we won't be doing as we do this, is thinking about our own happiness, and it is as we love Jesus and others in His name that these promises of an abundant life, a victorious life, a Spirit filled life, and even a happy life will happen, not because we sought it, but because we sought to love God and others and forgot about us in the process!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The path to freedom!

John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. ³² And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (NKJV)

Want to be free from sin and it's wide ranging and most heinous effects on both body and soul? Believe upon Jesus, abide in His word, and you will be as free as is possible in this life!

Purpose driven, ok, but what purpose?

 

This is long, but worth your time and consideration -

 

A Biblical Perspective on Homosexuality!

First, let me be clear, the following is not intended to hurt, but to help. Our love for you (a person with homosexual desires) and other sinners (all mankind), requires we call you and all people to repent of things God says are bad for us and offensive to Him. It is in this desire to love you and others biblically, that I offer the following information.

Biblical texts like Gen. 19:1-13, Lev. 18:22, 20:13, Rom. 1:18-32 and 1 Cor. 6:9-10 condemn homosexual activity in very clear language. However, some have suggested that these passages don’t condemn homosexual activity within committed relationships. Others have said that those writing in biblical times did not know the scientific facts of homosexuality, and if they had they would surely not have condemned it. Finally, it has been suggested that to deny homosexuals the opportunity to act on their desires, is to deny them a love that God wants all to experience.

In response to these objections to the way the church has understood these passages throughout history, I would offer the following:

1^st even if the passages cited above did not as clearly condemn homosexual activity as they do, the truth is that sexual activity was from the beginning (Gen. 2:24), and later affirmed by Jesus (Matt. 19:5), to be only properly expressed within a marriage between one man and one woman. Had there been a category of committed homosexual relationships that was allowed or approved of by God, surely He would have made that clear within the scriptures, so as to protect those within that category, but rather than that we have His word consistently condemning all homosexual activity.

2^nd the scriptures are not in error because people lacked information about homosexuality at the time of their writing, but rather the scriptures are the result of God’s Spirit moving men as they wrote (2 Pet. 1:21), every word of the scriptures is true, and we must submit to it (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Mankind may be learning things about the world as we proceed through history, but God knew all there was to know when He led these men to write His word.

3^rd the idea that people are born with homosexual tendencies is consistent with the Bible, not in conflict with it. God’s word makes it clear that we are all born with many sinful desires, that we will naturally seek to act on them, that we are condemned by God’s law for doing so, that we have need of Jesus’ sacrifice to satisfy God’s wrath for these sins, and we need His Holy Spirit in us if we are to have the power us to resist these sins (Eph. 2:1-10). If the only criteria for making something right were being born with that particular desire, then there is nothing that could be called wrong, and all things that anyone feels prone to do, they should be allowed to do.  Thankfully God has given us His word to clearly define what is right!

I would suggest that the person who has sexual desires for those of the same sex is very much like any other sinner. Any homosexual or heterosexual desires that fall outside of God’s design, even though they may feel right or necessary to the one experiencing them, are not things we should resign ourselves to and act upon, but rather, according to the Bible, we should repent of such thoughts and actions, and seek God’s help to stop them at the thought level, before we get in a place where we might act on them (Rom. 12:2, 1 Cor. 6:9-11).

Some have said that God would never deprive the person who is attracted to people of the same sex, the love that those who are attracted to people of the opposite sex get to experience. This is a most dangerous thought, as it equates sexual activity with love in a very unbiblical way.  Jesus says we are to love others as He has loved us, not sexually, but sacrificially, as that is the highest expression of love (John 15:13, Eph. 5:1-2). Further, even those who are attracted to people of the opposite sex, are not guaranteed they will find a spouse and marry, nor are those who get married guaranteed that their spouse will be able to continue participating in sexual activity throughout the relationship. The scriptures never suggest sexual activity is essential for a Godly life and even commends those who live a celibate life (Matt. 19:10-12). The truth is that according to God’s word, no one will ever be deprived of the ability to love others as Christ loved us, simply because they could not have sexual relations.

What would the Bible say to those who are attracted to people of the same sex, but now desire to follow Jesus and participate in the life of His church?

1^st know that your homosexual desires or past activity need not define you or condemn you!

Rom. 3:21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, ²² even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; ²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, ²⁵ whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, ²⁶ to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (NKJV)

Tit. 3:3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. ⁴ But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, ⁵ not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  (NKJV)

Further, even though you may struggle with this and other sins until the day you die, something all Christians experience with their particular bents toward sin, there is help and hope to fight the battle, and you will always be able to love others and God, and He will certainly love you!

Gal. 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, ²⁰ idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, ²¹ envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. ²⁴ And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. (NKJV)

Finally, know that this battle will not last forever:

Matt. 22:29 Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. ³⁰ For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven.

Rev. 21:1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. ² Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ³ And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. ⁴ And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

For the reasons above, it is perfectly appropriate for us to receive a person who has struggled with homosexual desires into our fellowship, if they are repentant and desire to follow God’s teaching on this and in others areas. However, we cannot receive a person who is not willing to repent of this lifestyle, or any other clearly condemned in God’s word, as we would be from day one in a position of having to seek to remove them from the church for the same reason (Matt. 18:15-17, 1 Cor. 5:9-13).

Again, let me remind you of where I started, this is not intended to hurt, but to help. Our love for you and all people requires we call them to repent of things God says are bad for us and offensive to Him.

Where can you get access to some of the most theologically sound books available, for free?

If you want theologically sound books, you will likely be disappointed if you visit your local "Christian" Bookstore. However, if you life in the Raleigh, Garner, Clayton or Benson NC areas, you will be pleased to know you have access to some most excellent written and video resources at the Mount Herman Christian Church Library!

Library Hours are:

Sunday Morning's after our Morning Service from 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

Tuesday Afternoon's from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Wednesday Evening's from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Other times may be arranged by appointment.

 

Follow this link to explore just a few of our - Library Resources

Predictions on the future of the U.S. church, from James White!

This video appeared on Wretchedradio.com

Hope in times of increasing persecution!

A simple, but very precious truth -

Rom. 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

Follow the link to a good discussion of persecution from Generations Radio.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Good news, but a little sad.

There are a limited number of theologically sound churches around Garner and Clayton NC, where I live and Pastor. I was blessed to have several folks who had left a local Presbyterian church attend and worship with us for several months. A new church plant that they are a part of has now begun, so I am sorry to see them leave our fellowship, even while I am very glad another church committed to the Scriptures and sound reformed theology is now available in our area.

If you are looking for a conservative Presbyterian church, I encourage you to check them out here -

Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church

More good stuff from Wretched Radio!

 

 

Here is the link for Wretchedradio

When Churchians die!

The Pharisees thought themselves very religious and one might think that if anyone was to enter into God's kingdom, it was these who worked so diligently to make themselves acceptable to God and were quick to point out where others fell short!

Yet, Jesus said of the Pharisees in Matt. 23

V 4 ...they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

V 5 ...all their works they do to be seen by men...

V 6 They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues....

V 13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.

V 15 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.

V 16 “Woe to you, blind guides...

V 23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.

V 25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.

V 26 Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.

V 27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.

The Pharisees, who seemed so religious, were not believers in or lovers of God, but rather loved themselves and the religious traditions they had created out of a misrepresentation of God's word!

What is a Churchian and how do they relate to the Pharisees? A Churchian is someone who is dedicated to their church, but not to Jesus and His word!

How will you recognize them? They will be much like the Pharisees! They aren't concerned with learning and doing God's will according to His word, if they were they would be quick to turn to the word for guidance and have a true desire to share Jesus with others through word and deed.

The Churchian will be more concerned with protecting their traditions than loving and serving others in Jesus' name. The Churchian will be more concerned with what someone wears to church than their soul. The Churchain may want new people in the church, so they can feel the church is successful, but they don't want them taking any role that might threaten their power or the status quo.

When asked to compare thier actions and attitude to the scriptures, the Churchain may simply say they know they are right or say they have earned the right to have things their way, because they have been around a long time and/or given much to the church. However, the Churchian will definitely not want to have their attitudes or actions held up to the scrutiny of God's word.

The death of a Churchian is a very sad thing! They may be seen by many as a hero's of the faith, because of their many years of service, and yet still be lost and going to hell!

A pastor who has to do the funeral of a Churchian is in an awkward spot to say the least. If many in the church did not get to see a person's behind the scenes attempts to control the church to promote their own agenda, or see their blatant rejection of biblical teachings when confronted about their actions, they might feel they must be saved based on their outward acts of service in the church. If a Pastor is called upon to do their funeral, and he knows better, he may have to walk a fine line indeed!

You don't want to declare someone lost, when it is possible they were saved, but at the same time you don't want to jump on the bandwagon of heralding the praises of a Churchain, who like the Pharisees, may seem very religious and yet may not enter God's kingdom at all!

I am not sure any Churchians still remain in the church I attend, but some who have left are getting older and may soon face the Lord. I pray they come to know and love Jesus and His word before they die, if they are in fact lost, and I pray for the pastors who will have to do their funerals if they do not!

"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

How can we glorify God?

Psalm 50:15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”

We can do good works to the glory of God, but how much more is He glorified when we call upon Him in times of trouble and He shows His great strength by delivering us - by His good works! 

Ouch, from Voddie Bauchum and Wretched Radio!

Got worries? Can't sleep?

Psalm 4:8 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. (NKJV)


"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

How do you hear from the Lord?

 

 

John MacArthur teaches on the value and supremacy of God's written word!

 

 

Pray for pastors - me included!

Lately, I have noticed a number of high profile pastor have found themselves responding to accusations of sin, resigning for disqualifying sins, or even being fired for such things. In some cases I am not surprised, as the church models the pastors are operating under put too much emphasis on their high profile pastors, and don't seem to provide enough biblical accountability through other Elders.

If a church, or even multiple sites calling themselves one church, are all known predominately through the fame of their pastor, it may be very scary for that organization to consider disciplining or removing that pastor. However, sin must be addressed, and I hope lessons will be learned by the mega churches and smaller churches as well. It gets proven over and over that bilbical accountability is essential for pastors, and you can't let fear of the fallout, keep you from addressing sin when you see it, even when it involves your famous or just very popular pastor.

With that said, but for the grace of God go I!

Gal. 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. ² Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. ³ For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. ⁴ But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. ⁵ For each one shall bear his own load.

I know my load is far less than many of these high profile leaders, so I need to examine my faithfulness in the areas where God has called me. I also need to help others who are overtaken in sin, and be careful, lest I find myself in sin as well!

We know pride comes before the fall, so I need to thank God, as He is the power for any faithfulness I have.

I need to continue to seek His help to be faithful, and to be open to accountability from my Elders, and church as a whole.

Finally, I ask that that you pray for me, and other pastors, if you don't wish to see more pastors disqualified through sin.

Blessings!

 "Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

Is "The Sinners Prayer" Biblical?

If you have never considered the pros and cons of The Sinners Prayer, or if it is biblical, follow the link below for a good discussion of the issue.

Sean E. Harris discusses The Sinners Prayer