THE PLAN OF SALVATION

At the end of Matthew's Gospel are what most in the Church consider Christ's marching orders for the church. Matthew 28:18-20 read, “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded ...”. In fact, all four gospels and the Book of Acts contain some words of instruction concerning what the Church was to do until Christ would return. Mark 16:15 adds, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”. Luke has this to say in chapter 24:47, “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations”. John chimes in with chapter 20:21, “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”. Finally Luke also records in Acts 1:8, “"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”. With His Great Commission to Teach, to Preach, to Witness, just what is we are to tell.

Getting people to agree on what the gospel or good news is is like trying to get three blind men to agree on what an elephant looks like. Three blind men are brought up next to an elephant. The first is put back near the tail, the second next to a leg, and the last near the trunk. The first man thinks an elephant is like a rope, its long and skinny, even a little frayed on the end. The man near a leg thinks the elephant is like a big tree. The last man thinks the animal is like a snake wrapping itself around him. That is a good description of how the Church describes or explains the gospel. Several answers for the same question – How does one get saved.

The first thing we need to address is WHY do we need saving? Simple, we are all sinners, and being such, all bound for damnation if left in that state. Consult Romans 3:23 and 6:23 on this. What is a sin some may ask? I John 5:17 defines a sin as, “ All unrighteousness is sin...”. Any action that goes against God or His Word is a sin. James 4:17 says this, ““Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”. In other words, to NOT do what God has I instructed us is a sin. Finally there are sins that do not involve any action just a thought or contemplation. Jesus said in Matthew 5:27 and 28, “"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”.

The good news is we can be saved. A fairly clear explanation of mankind's situation is found in Ephesians 2:1 to 8. Verse 8 reads, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,”. God offers a free gift to all who will accept, that gift is grace. A couple of easy definitions of grace we need to remember and share are, Grace is the unmerited (unearned) favor of God. Another is to take the letters forming the word GRACE. God's Riches At Christ;'s Expense. This is predicated on the fact we will accept that gift via our faith (trust, belief) in His offer and its existence. Without these two, Grace and Faith, anything else we do is a waste of time. There are other directions given in Scripture which we here cited as the way of salvation. But Grace and Faith are the starting place.

Many cite Romans 10:9 and 10, “if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”. A profession of one's belief in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. Another form of profession or confession is found in I John 1:8 to 10, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. “. This confession of sin doesn't have to be made in public or to a clergy member, but only to God.

Repentance is also cited as an action based on one's faith. Acts 3:19 says,”Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,”. To repent is to renounce your former life, to turn away from any sins that may have plagued you. Water Baptism is often coupled with repentance. Acts 2:38 and 39 state, “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.". Immersion for the remission of sin.

Some stop at grace and faith. Others add verbal confession or profession to the mix. Some advocate saying a “sinner';s prayer” as the way of salvation. I leave you with a simple question, whose idea or opinion counts more? Man picks a piece here and a piece there, and says that enough to be saved. Maybe they are right, we do have a merciful Father. However, our Father has laid out relatively clearly what His Word says we must do to be saved. Who;'s word carry s more authority or weight?

Dr. O

WHAT I DID ON SUMMER VACATION

Early this summer I left the church I had been attending for over a year.  I won't go into details as to why I left.  What this did was give me an opportunity to attend and observe a variety of congregations as they celebrated worship each Sunday.  It was an eye opening experience.

The first congregation I visited is part of a larger group, don't dare call them a denomination, that is known for its ultra conservatism.  These churches have a reputation for believing and openly preaching that they are the only ones who have gotten it right.  My visit to this particular congregation only served to confirm the reputation.  Even though I was trained in a loyal institution of higher education related to this group, I was left with a feeling of distinct inferiority to the true faithfulness of this group.  I did not return for a second visit

The second week I visited another congregation not from the same group as the first, but one related by heritage and history.  They do consider themselves a denomination, and an open minded one at that.  It was interesting to see both the similarities and stark differences between these two related churches.  This congregation is liberal in theological, spiritual, and even political thinking.  The service was fairly typical.  They mixed traditional hymns lead by a song-leader and organist with contemporary choruses lead by a praise team and small group of instruments.  It felt as if the worship portion of the service was obligatory and devoid of emotion.  Here my presence was noted and even announced by the Pastor from the pulpit.  The liberalism was evident in the fact that the lay leaders listed in the bulletin were predominately female.  I have no problem with women taking appropriate leadership roles, but to have them in the majority in the Elders and Deacons is very telling.  The most revealing event came during the Pastors prayer time.  His prayer was to, "God our father, Mother of us all".  I did not return to this church for a second visit either.

A third congregation I visited is a part of what most would call an old mainline denomination.  This church was interesting in that it has four worship services each Sunday morning.  They have a Traditional Service geared for the older generation.  There is the "Blue Jean" service with a generally contemporary design.  The third service is a blending of the first two.  The fourth service is held at the same time as the blended service, and it is designed for those in their late teens and 20's.  Due to transportation restrictions I attended the traditional service, the old folks service.  The worship folder lists the order of worship for the three main services.  The messages are the same, but the order and content is different.  I am unsure if the Pastor does a wardrobe change, but in the traditional service he is in a robe and stole.  Many similar churches may see the Pastor change from a robe, to a blazer with shirt and tie, and finally to a sweater.   What I felt was a division in the body.  I did attend here more than once, but probably will not return.

Next I attended a modern "Cookie Cutter" Charismatic service. This service began with a large rock band performing a set lasting roughly thirty minutes.  I use the term performing a set rather than leading worship because that was the feeling I got during the show.  It was a show, it wasn't worship.  The message left little or no impact.  The thing I came away with was he neat I Pad pouch the church gave out to first time visitors.  I probably will not be a second time visitor.

This past Sunday I returned to the church I had left approximately three months earlier.  It is a small congregation from a Baptist heritage.  I was welcomed back by the members of the church, and by the Pasto who was the only one who knew why I left in the first place.  A church I believe has genuine worship, a loyalty to the Word of God, and a love for sinners and saints alike.  This congregation, in my opinon, cme the closest to fitting what I consider God's model or plan for his church found inActs 2:42, "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."(NKJV).  This little church held to the Word of God, welcomed both old members and strangers into the group, prayed earnestly for God's will to be manifest, and even though communion was not served, Christ was not only an after thought but the main attraction.  To this church I will return.

DEBUNKING THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST

            The week preceding Easter is traditionally referred to a Passion Week or Holy Week in many churches.  It begins with Palm Sunday which is celebrated as the Christ made His triumphant entry into Jerusalem.  He was greeted by the people who laid palm branches and even their own clothes on the path before Him.  Then we move to Maundy Thursday.  Traditionally the day He celebrated the Last Supper with His disciples.  Later He would be handed over to the temple guards to be tried by the High Priest, and by Pilate, and by Herrod.  The results of these kangaroo courts would be his humiliation and torture culminating in His crucifixion and death on Good Friday.  His dead body would lay in a borrowed tomb until that first Easter Sunday when He would be miraculously raised from the dead  -  Raised to Die No More!

                I have no problem with any of the events we list as having occurred that first Holy Week.  However, the chronology of when they occurred is another matter.  Matthew 12:40 gives Jesus’ own words concerning these events.  It reads, “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”(NKJV).  Jesus tells his audience this in response to their demanding from Him a sign.  He is very specific about three days and three nights.  There is no way to reconcile the traditional chronology and Jesus’ words in Matthew.

               First, when He says three days and three nights He is referring to any portion of a day, or any portion of a night.  With a Thursday through Sunday scenario you can fit three days well enough, but there are only two nights.  Definitely different from Christ’s own words.  To fulfill Christ’s own prophecy, the Last Supper, and the other events traditionally ascribed to Thursday, would need to take place on Wednesday.  His crucifixion would take place on Thursday, and He would lie in the tomb part of Thursday as well as Friday and Saturday.  Day #1  -  The remaining daylight portion of Thursday.  Night #1  -  Thursday night.  Day #2  -  The daylight portion of Friday.  Night #2  -  Friday night.  Day #3  -  Saturday, and Night #3  -  Saturday night.  Three days and three nights just as He said.

                Many are asking, “What about Easter Sunday morning?  Wouldn’t that be a fourth day?”  John 20:1 says, “On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.” (NKJV Emphasis added).  Mary discovered Jesus resurrection before sunrise.  Matthew 28, Mark 16, and Luke 24  all add varying, but reconcilable, accounts of Jesus’ resurrection being DISCOVERED.  None has Him actually exiting the tomb.

                        

               Let me conclude with these thoughts.  An alteration of the chronology of these events in no way alters the TRUTH of these events.  Christ died as the sacrificial lamb of God.  John the Baptist is quoted in the Gospel of John as saying, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29  NKJV).  Of course who hasn’t memorized John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (NKJV).  He was laid in a borrowed tomb.  He rose from the dead.  Paul gives the following thoughts on the resurrection.  “Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you unless you believed in vain.  For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve.  After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep.  After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles.  Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.  For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” (I Corinthians 15:1-9  NKJV).  Later in chapter 15 Paul adds, “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.  For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” (I Corinthians 15:20-22  NKJV).

               

                 Altering the traditional chronology does not alter another set of facts.  For us to be saved by Christ’s sacrifice and to be raised to eternal life, we must do something ourselves.

                1.            Accept, by faith, the gift of grace offered us by Christ  -  Ephesians 2:1-9

                2.            Confess you are a sinner  -  Romans 3:23;  I John 1:8-10

                3.            Confess Jesus is your Lord  -  Romans 10:8-11

                4.            Repent and Be Baptized  -  Acts 2:38 & 39  

 

Dr. O

Political Correctness vs Biblical Correctness

 

            Paul tells us in Galatians 5 of an ongoing battle within each person.  The battle is between the flesh and the spirit.  One way this battle manifests itself is in the decision we face to live Politically Correct or Biblically Correct.  The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines political correctness (PC), “…agreeing with the idea that people should be careful to not use language or behave in a way that could offend a particular group of people.”  (m-w.com).  You compare this to Biblical Correctness, which I define as following the teachings of the inspired and inerrant Holy Bible.

            This conflict is nothing new.  In the Old Testament the children of Israel demanded from the Prophet Samuel that he find them a king to rule them.  Samuel tried to dissuade them, but to no avail.  The reason they so wanted a king is telling.  I Samuel 5:8 says, “…Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.".  They wanted to be like everybody else.  In the New Testament Jesus encountered Political Correctness in the form of the religious leaders of the day.  Several time in the Sermon on the Mount we read Jesus’ words, “You have heard that it was said”.  He is dealing with the political correctness demanded from the people, by the religious leaders, that they comply with the various opinions and interpretations forced on them..

            The main problem I see with political correctness is its tendency to change almost daily.  It is a perfect example of the lack of wisdom expressed by James.  In James 1:5-8, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” (NKJV).  Biblical Correctness represents “Wisdom”, where Political Correctness represents “Doubt”.  The first is rock solid, the second is unstable, wavering, wind-blown.

            Consider the example of civil rights in the United States.  In 1760 it was PC for primarily white people to OWN black human beings as they would cattle and horses.  By 1860, the PC winds were shifting, and the Union would soon be divided and at war over this very idea of human ownership.  Move up to 1960 and blacks were more than welcome to walk into Woolworths and spend their hard earned money on what they could purchase at such an establishment  -  Just don’t try and buy something to eat or drink at the lunch counter of one of these stores.

            Biblical Correctness is rock solid.  Psalm 119:89 says, “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.” (NKJV).  Also consider I Peter 1:22 to 25, “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because "All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the Lord endures forever.'' (NKJV).

            Political Correctness is front page news.  Consider the question of homosexuality and same sex marriage.  Both are currently accepted and defended as simply an alternate life style choice.  Several states have already, or are considering, codifying the defense of these into law.  Many business owners, against their own moral standards, have been legally forced to serve same sex couples with such things as wedding preparations.  However, as late as 1973 homosexuality was recognized as a mental disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders produced by the American Psychiatric Association, and used by mental health professionals as their primary criteria in diagnosis and treatment.  In 1975 the first homosexual couple was featured on national television in a weekly series. 

            The BC response to this is found in Romans 1: 18 to 27, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,  because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.  For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man and birds and four-footed beasts and creeping things.  Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.  For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.  Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.”(NKJV)

            The Bible also gives the answer to homosexuality, and all sexual immorality.  I Corinthians 7, verses 1 to 3 says, “Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.  Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.  Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.” (NKJV).  Sexual Immorality includes any sexual activity outside the bonds of holy matrimony, both homosexual and heterosexual.  The answer to the problem is marriage between a man and a woman, pure and simple.

            Consider the ongoing debate on abortion, or a woman’s right to choose.  Prior to 1973 abortion was legal in many states, many of which set limits on the reasons for the abortion.  In 1973 the landmark Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade gave the right to all women to decide to terminate their pregnancy.  From then on a woman was given the right to choose any course of action.  She could have the baby.  She could have the unborn baby torn limb from limb.  She could choose to have the baby poisoned, virtually burned alive, by having saline solution introduced into the womb.  In a worse-case scenario, she could give birth to the baby’s body, but while the head was still in the womb have a sharp instrument rammed into the brain cavity.  The result has been 55 million abortions in the USA since 1973.  The possible impact of this staggers the imagination.

            The BC point of view says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you;…”(Jeremiah 1:5 NKJV).  Psalm 139:13-16 expands on this, “For You have formed my inward parts; You have covered me in my mother's womb.  I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.  My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.”(NKJV).

            A third PC subject is religious liberty in the United States.  Our constitution says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;”.  In some Florida public schools Muhammed is taught to be God’s Messenger  -  my question is Where Is Jesus?  In Indiana Muslims are allowed to evangelize and proselytize in the schools  -  Where Is The Gospel?  In Maryland special accommodations are made for the Muslim Prayer time  -  When Can Christian Kids Pray?   In Tennessee children, not just Muslim children, are taught the five pillars of Islam  -  Where Is The Ten Commandments?  Frankly, we have to defend the rights of Muslims, and other religions, to practice and promote their faith.  But shouldn’t we be afforded the same rights?

            The BC point of view is simple.  John 14:6 says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (NKJV).  In the Old Testament the shrines and idols of other religions were torn down and destroyed.  Paul offers us this advice, “…whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.” (I Corinthians 10:31ff  NKJV).  In other words, we don’t have to participate in or condone these other religions, but we should not go out of our way to offend those who do.  We are called to share the gospel of Jesus Christ; to plant the word and trust the Father for its coming to fruition.  Ezekiel 33:8 and 9 say, “When I say to the wicked, `O wicked man, you shall surely die!' and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand.  Nevertheless if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.” (NKJV).

            I would be remiss if I did not offer some reminders to those who consider themselves to be Biblically Correct already.  First of all, Paul reminds us of a couple Biblical truths in the book of Romans.  Romans 3:23 says bluntly, “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” NKJV).  He also tells us in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”(NKJV).  We are NO BETTER than the homosexual, the abortion provider, the one who chose abortion, or anyone from any other faith.  They have the same opportunity to be saved that we have already taken advantage of.  Ephesians 2:1-8 tells us, “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.  But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,”(NKJV).  God offers to ALL that gift of grace, and our responsibility is to pass on that invitation as witnesses to the miracle of salvation in our own lives.  We have to get our own hose in order by believing, confessing, repenting, and obeying in baptism.

 

Dr. O

PREPARING TO WORSHIP

PREPARING TO WORSHIP

                What does it take to get a church service ready?  For instance, the musical portions of the service don’t just happen.  The songs the congregation will sing must be picked out to match the theme or subject of the service.  Those need to be communicated to the instrumentalists so they can practice.  If there is to be special music, it needs to be rehearsed, sound checks done, etc.

                The sermon takes preparation.  The late Bro. Don DeWelt of Ozark Christian College suggested blocking out around 18 or more hours for study, writing, and rehearsal.  I have heard others suggest upwards of 40 hours of prep time for a good sermon.  The Scriptures chosen need to be thoroughly and accurately studied.  Appropriate and meaningful sermon illustrations need to be chosen.  Rehearsal needs to done to keep the preacher from heading down any “rabbit trails” during the presentation.

                There are numerous, some would consider trivial, details to be considered and prepared for.  For instance, bulletins or programs need to be typed, copied, collated, folded, and ready for distribution.  If there are additions to the service, preparations for them need to be made.  Will there be Baptisms?  The baptistery needs to be filled.  Will communion be served?  The bread and juice need to be prepared, and additions made to the day’s program.

                What do you do to get ready to simply participate in a church service?  I dare say most of us haven’t stopped to consider the fact we need to be ready to take part in even if it’s just sitting in a pew.  The Biblical example of such a preparation time is the Day of Preparation that preceded each Sabbath.  Exodus 20:8-11 says, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.  Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates.  For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.” (NJKV).  To comply with this command, a day of preparation was needed.  There are three parts of ourselves we need to make ready.

                There are physical preparations to be made.  While living in South Dakota I became good friends with a Seventh Day Adventist minister serving in the same town.  One of the major differences between our churches was the fact the SDA held to strictly remembering the Sabbath.  This included the admonition to do no work.  He described for me his families preparation on Friday for the Saturday Sabbath.  His wife would prepare their meals in advance so a minimum of effort would be needed on Saturday.  They would even leave any clean-up to be done on Sunday, the day after the Sabbath.  Do you consider this extreme, or is it an extreme devotion to following the Lord and His Word.

                A more basic application of the principle of physically preparing for worship includes two elements.  First – get enough sleep the night before.  Can you really worship when you spent to the wee hours of Sunday morning “Getting your Groove On”?  Second – eat breakfast.  Can you concentrate while your stomach is growling “Feed Me”?

                There are emotional preparations to be made.  Matthew 5:23&24 says, “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." (NKJV).  Can you worship and be at peace with God knowing someone, perhaps someone seated in the same sanctuary, has a grievance against you.  Hebrews 12:14 adds, “Pursue peace with all men, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:” (NKJV).  Psalm 24:3-5 reads, “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place?  He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully.  He shall receive blessing from the Lord, And righteousness from the God of his salvation.” (NKJV)

                Finally we need to prepare Spiritually for worship.  In Acts chapter 1 Jesus instructs his disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the fulfillment of Gods’ promise to send a helper, a counselor, a comforter, the Holy Spirit.  They complied waiting in the upper room.  The Spirit would later be poured out upon them.  Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God…” (NKJV).  In otherwords, while you are praying, shut up and listen as well.

                I challenge you for the next four Sundays, come prepared to worship.  Clear any physical barriers that would effect your ability to participate in worship.  Take an emotional inventory, and seek to make amends wherever possible.  Finally, come in prayed up and with an open mind and heart to receive the blessings of the Lord.

Dr. O

FAITH IN THE PUBLIC ARENA

The question of faith in public has reached the forefront in a variety of arenas. In the political arena the faith of some is questioned. A person may claim Christian faith, but as Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruit”. Another claims a faith heritage that is seen by some as no different than mainline Christianity, but by others as diametrically opposed to it. Still others claim their faith is simply a return to that expressed by the founders of the United States of America.

Jesus says the following, “"Not everyone who says to Me, `Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, `Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, `I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness! Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. Now everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” (Matthew 7:21 to 27 NKJV).

Claiming faith in Christ, and even serving in Jesus name have no eternal point for us unless the desire is truly to serve the Lord and not ourselves. The hypocritical leaders in Jesus day did a variety of things that if they were done to glorify Jesus are excellent. However, their desire was not to show off Jesus, but show off their own piousness to an audience of human beings. As with prayer, as mentioned in my last regular blog, they should be done for an audience of one, the Holy One. Here Jesus returns to that theme later in His Sermon on the Mount. Here he lays out their fate in no uncertain terms saying, “depart from me”. He compares the person who lives out their legitimate faith to the wise builder who constructs his house, his life, on the solid rock, Jesus Himself. The one with an illegitimate faith builds theirs on a constantly shifting foundation of sand. Their result ends in disaster.

There is an old saying which to some may seem trite or cliche’, but never the less true, “You may be the only Bible some people ever read”. If you worked with a person who was a scoundrel to deal with, who knows and tells the vilest of dirty jokes, who “borrows” all sorts of company owned resources, etc., and then loudly proclaims their Faith and church membership – which personality are you going to believe? If you served on a parent committee at your child’s school with a woman who constantly gossips about or slanders other committee members, and then invites you to her ladies group at church, would you accept the invitation? What if that person at work shows a truly humble spirit, is an encourager to the rest of the staff, or shows a solid work ethic would it make their claim more believable. If the mom builds up those around her instead of tearing them down, her invitation would be more acceptable.

If you had a spiritual mirror in front of you, would you like what you see?

Dr. Oberg

Are the Mormons Christians??

In light of recent comments on the political front I felt the need to re-publish two of my early blog's concerning one of the most widely accepted cults world-wide. The first part lays out a definition of a cult. the second deals specifically with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.


INTRODUCTION
In my life I have had the opportunity to deal directly with three of the major cults active in the United States. The fourth dealt with in this presentation represents some of the heritage of my family. In this presentation I hope to expose these groups for what they truly are. The majority of well meaning, but ignorant, Christians accept these groups as equals. Looking at them as just other denominations, other groups of true Christians. Part of the reason for this misunderstanding is the fact that these groups use the Bible, primarily the King James Version, as one of their primary texts.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (The Mormons) were given an opportunity to teach me concerning their beliefs. Two well meaning young men stopped by my home one Saturday afternoon. I introduced myself, and the fact that I was a Pastor serving a local church, and offered to sit down with them and discuss things. Even in light of my identity the two young men agreed and we began meeting every Tuesday for a time of study and prayer. Over the next few weeks I was taught by four different Mormon Elders, their term for their door to door missionaries. From the outset it was agreed that chances were slim that I would be converted to Mormonism, and they were also slim that the young men would be converted away from Mormonism. In the process I learned a great deal about the young missionaries and their devotion, and I learned a great deal about the Mormon Church.

I had a similar opportunity with the Seventh day Adventist Church. I was serving a young Independent Christian Church that met for three and one half years in the Seventh Day Adventist Church building in our community. In the one and a half years I served the church I developed a close friendship with their pastor. At one point I became his test subject or guinea pig. He had been trained to present a thirteen week study in Seventh Day Adventist doctrine, but before he could train his congregation he was required to actually conduct the study with a person not connected with the Seventh Day Adventist church. Here again I learned a great deal about their heritage and doctrine.

My encounters with the Church of Christ Scientists (AKA. Christian Science) hits a little closer to home. My mother dabbled in Christian Science for decades. She would attend their lectures, read their materials, and try to apply their teachings. At one point she balanced the teachings of Kenneth Hagin, a “name it claim it health wealth doctrine” charismatic evangelist, and those of Mary Baker Eddy, founder of Christian Science. My mother was faithful to Christian Science almost to the end. She was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer that had spread to her brain and liver. She had not sought medical treatment until the cancer was beyond repair. However after being diagnosed by a physician, and being treated in a hospital, a Christian Science Practitioner, their term for a minister, refused to counsel her further.

The fourth group, the Jehovah’s Witnesses have not impacted my life as personally as the other three. My paternal Grandmother at one time in her life practiced this religion. Some of my relatives on that side still practice it.

DEFINING A CULT
Dr. Charles Braden defines a cult as, “…any religious group which differs significantly in one or more respects as to the belief or practice from those religious groups which are regarded as the normative expressions of religion in our total culture.”[1] John H. Gerstner of the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary uses the term “sect” rather than “cult”. He is quoted as saying, “Evangelicals generally use Sect when referring to those denominations which do not hold to fundamental biblical principals – especially the deity of Christ and His atonement”[2]
For a Biblical perspective lets consider Galatians 1:6 to 10. These verses read, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”(NKJV). The basic question before us is simple. Is what the group teaches in conformity to orthodox Christian doctrine as revealed to us in the Scriptures.

In this presentation we are going to do a brief comparison of basic Christian doctrine and the beliefs and doctrines of these three major groups. We will especially concentrate on the following areas:
1. Scripture - how do these groups view the Bible as well as other documents they may hold as inspired.
2. The Trinity - how do they define the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as compared to orthodox Christianity.
3. Salvation - is there a thing called sin, and how is it atoned for.
4. The Sacraments of Baptism and Communion.
We will conclude with a list of principles to keep in mind when reaching out to these groups, as well as any other denomination of religious group. Much of the material used has been gleaned from the official and authorized materials published by each of these respective groups. When necessary the information has been supplemented with conservative, evangelical responses taken from such works as The Kingdom of the Cults by Dr. Walter Martin and Larson’s New Book of Cults by Bob Larson.

BASIC CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIANITY
Before we look at these cults we need to lay out a foundation of some of the basic beliefs that are held as the truth which cannot be altered or changed. First, the Bible is the inspired word of God. II Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,”(NKJV). II Peter 1:21 adds, “for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”(NKJV). Some thirty-nine human authors were given the word by the process of revelation. God, through, the Holy Spirit, used the vocabulary, style, and even dialect of these authors to deliver His word. In addition, there are sections of Scripture that were given primarily by dictation with God instructing the authors to “Write these words”. In its original form, in its original languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek) the Bible is without error in any form

Second, conservative Christianity teaches there is one God, but that He is a trinity of three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. As a part of the commission of His Church, God gave the following instruction, “"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (Matthew 28:19 NKJV). Chafer and Walvoord write, “While the doctrine of the Trinity is a central fact of the Christian faith, it is also beyond human comprehension and has no parallel in human experience. It is best defined as holding that, while God is one, He exists as three persons. These persons are equal have the same attributes, and are equally worthy of adoration, worship, and faith.”[3]

Third, conservative Christianity teaches that man is a sinner in need of salvation. Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”(NKJV). Romans 6:23 adds, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”(NKJV). Ephesians 2:8 and 9 tell us how to collect this gift, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”(NKJV).

Finally, conservative Christianity recognizes two ordinances of the church. The first is baptism, as stated in Acts 2:38, “…Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”(NKJV). The second is communion or the Lord’s supper, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.”(I Corinthians 11:26 NKJV).

[1] Martin, Walter, The Kingdom of the Cults, (Minneapolis, MN., Bethany House Publishers, 1997) p. 17
[2] Gerstner, John H., The Teachings Of Mormonism, (Grand Rapids, MI., Baker Book House, 1960) p. 5, Dr. Gerstner includes this same definition in each of his series of booklets on the major sects.
[3] Chafer, Lewis Sperry and Walvvord, John F., Major Bible Themes, (Grand Rapids, MI., Zondervan Publishing House, 1974) p. 40

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS
Mormonism is perhaps the most native of all American religious groups, in its early history and development it was chased out of Ohio, Mississippi, and Illinois. The faithful settled in what at the time was Mexican territory, but which later became part of the American west. It all began in Sharon, Vermont, the birthplace of Joseph Smith. There he was born to Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith. He was a prophet in his own right, having had visions that were very similar to the later ones alleged by his son. Joseph Smith’s mother would have been seen as a “psychic” today. His maternal grandfather, Solomon Mack displayed a great knack for the occult. One biographer, Fawn Brodie, summed up Joseph Smith JR’s youth with this description, “a likable, ne’er-do-well who was notorious for tall tales and necromantic arts and who spent his leisure leading a band of idlers in digging for buried treasure.”[1] In 1820 Smith had his first vision. In 1823 Smith “met” the angel Moroni who was reportedly a resurrected saint who had died in AD 400. Moroni introduced him to a set of gold plates that contained the text of the Book of Mormon. In 1830 this new revelation was published in Palmyra, Illinois. Later that year the church was founded. In 1844 Smith was martyred by a lawless militia near Nauvoo, Illinois. In 1847 Brigham Young lead the Saints to Utah which was not a part of the United States at the time. Young offered a knowledge of business in place of Smith’s visions.
The most notable characteristic of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (AKA. Mormons) is their door to door evangelistic efforts.. Most have encountered Mormon missionaries or elders, and can spot them very readily. The typical missionaries are males, traveling in pairs, they are 19 to 21 years of age, and they serve for a period of 18 months to two years. Their normal attire is black pants and white shirts. Some things not so readily known is that they are volunteers, it is not compulsory that a Mormon young person serve in this capacity. They are unpaid, and have had to raise their own support for the work. They are given some training before being sent out. A training period of three weeks is given, with nine weeks being allowed if a foreign language must be learned.. They are taught to present a set presentation of their beliefs concerning Jesus Christ and His Atonement for all people.. There are approximately 60,000 missionaries at work at any one time, and this work may include evangelism as well as community service.[2]

PLEASE NOTE - You may want to review my previous article which outlines very briefly the tenets of conservative Christianity.

The Mormons and the Scriptures
When one of these young men come into a home they will be carrying a book which they revere as much as we do the Bible. In a single bound volume they have the King James Version of the Holy Bible.[3] In addition to the Bible are the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. All of these additional works are considered divine and authoritative.
Concerning the Book of Mormon Joseph Smith is quoted as saying, “We believe the Bible to be the word of God… we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.”.[4] The Book of Mormon was allegedly given to Joseph Smith by the Angel Moroni who had compiled it in 421 AD It is a sacred record of the peoples of ancient America written on metal plates and supernaturally translated by Smith. The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of divine revelations and inspired declarations. These were received through Joseph Smith Jr. beginning in 1829 when he was fourteen years old. It was subsequently added to by later Presidents and Prophets of the Mormon Church. The Pearl of Great Price is a collection of writings by Joseph Smith. It was first published in 1851, and later accepted by the church in 1880. Included in it are the Book of Moses, Book of Abraham, Book of Matthew, Book of History, and the Articles of Faith.[5]

The Mormons and The Trinity
When answering the question “Who is God?” the Mormons offer a mix of descriptions and definitions. Some of their definitions sound true and legitimate, but others sound extremely far fetched. The Doctrine and Covenants 130:22 offers this description, “God the Father is a glorified and perfected man, a personage of flesh and bone.”. Another definition offered by Joseph Smith says, “God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens!…God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same s Jesus Christ himself did.” (Teachings, p. 345).[6] We to can become a god. Christ became God, “By obedience and devotion to truth he attained that pinnacle of intelligence which ranked his as a God…As such he became, under the Father, the Creator of this earth and of worlds without number.”[7]
The Spirit of the Lord has three distinct meanings in Mormonism. First it is referencing the spirit body of Christ our Lord, the body he inhabited from his birth as the First born of the Father until he was born of Mary in mortality. It also means the Spirit of Jesus Christ, or light of truth, the Spirit which is impersonal and fills immensity of space; the agency by emas of which God governs and controls in all things. Finally the Spirit entity of personage who is a member of the God head.[8] The Prophet Joseph Smith did not accept the Spirit as a part of the Godhead. In Lectures on Faith he writes, There are two personages who constitute the great, matchless, governing, and supreme power over all things, by whom all things were created and made…They are the Father and the Son.”[9]

The Mormons and Salvation
One of the most notable teachings in Mormonism is the fact that anyone may attain a position of Godhood. God hood is defined as, “…to have the character, possess the attributes, and enjoy the perfection which the Father has. It is to do what he does, have the power resident in him, and live as he lives, having eternal increase.”(Doctrine and Covenants 132:17-20, 37)[10] Eternal life is described as, “To inherit the same power, the same glory, and the same exhaltation, until you arrive at the station of a god, and ascend the throne of eternal power, the same as those who have gone before..”(Teaching, p. 345)[11]
The Mormons also teach a salvation for the dead. This is a system where those who would have accepted the gospel in life, had they been permitted to hear it, will have a chance to accept it in the spirit world. This involves a baptism for the dead where a living subject acts as a proxy fulfilling the ordinance of baptism. A Mormon may be baptized numerous times for numerous people. One of the young elders I dealt with had already been baptized over 20 times.

The Mormons and the Ordinances
The Mormons believe in two types of baptism. Water baptism, by immersion, by the power of the Aaronic Priesthood and Baptism of the Spirit by the power of the Melchizedek Priesthood. Baptism serves four purposes in Mormon doctrine. Baptism is for the remission of sin, membership in the church and the kingdom, it is the gate to the celestial kingdom, and finally, the door to personal sanctification. [12] Communion or the Lord’s supper is not considered a sacrament, but simply a rite or ceremony of the church.

MY CONCLUSION
Comparing the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to the basic beliefs of conservative Christianity it becomes apparent they are a cult. They deny the divinity of the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They also add to the Scriptures.

[1] Gerstner, p. 8
[2] This information has been taken from the official web site of the Mormon church.
[3] Some have contended that the Mormons adapted or changed the KJV, but I found no evidence of this.
[4] Articles of Faith, Article 8
[5] This information has been taken from the official website of the Mormon church
[6] McConkie, Bruce R., Mormon Doctrine, (Salt Lake City, UT., Publishers Press, 1966), p. 321
[7] Ibid. p 129
[8] Ibid. P.752
[9] Ibid. p. 319
[10] Ibid. p.321
[11] Ibid. p. 321
[12] Ibid. p. 70