The map in my hands

Well then. How should I respond to the slap? I should learn from it. So then, if God’s model for believers is commitment to a specific group of believers called the local church, how do I decide which local church to join?

People employ various reasons for joining (and sometimes leaving) a church. Some like the music, some don’t. Some prefer hymns, others prefer pop, and some even rock. Some like the programs, some don’t. Some even think the preacher looks good, many don’t. Some have many friends there, others don’t. Well, while these are all perhaps things we like and do not like, should they be the criteria for choosing a local church?

It’s time to turn to the Bible and see what God has to say about it rather than what we feel we like.

Primarily, the local church exists for the glory of God. “so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.  This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Eph 3:10-11). But how do we find a church that is fulfilling this purpose – the glory of God? What kind of church does that?

First, a healthy church that has Godly leaders. One reason we conclude that a local church is biblical is because Matt 18:15-17. There is a “church” that holds us accountable and watches us and rebukes us when we sin. This church that we commit to must be a group of believers who, plainly speaking, if they discipline us, we can trust is for our own good. As such, they must have Godly leaders. As such, they must have a clear understanding of sin. As such, they must have a good ministry of the Word. The question then is, can you fully trust the leaders of this church if you were to join it? Trust that when they rebuke you, it is for your own good? Trust that if they rebuke you, it is for Scriptural reasons and not personal? Trust that if they come to a point of excommunicating you as we see in Matt 18 (and the man in 1 Corinthians), then by Christian standards we are defined as unrepentant of a sin and ought to repent for that particular sin of which we are rebuked? Therefore, the New Testament has strict qualifications for Christian leadership.

Take for example, the qualifications of Elders in Titus, “6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”

Therefore, I want to find a Church that has Godly leaders. Leaders who I can trust will rebuke me when they find me in sin, according to Scripture, by the love of Christ, power of the Spirit and glory of God.

Second, a healthy church that has a strong ministry of the Word. As stated in my previous post, another reason to join the church is to gladly come under the authority of a shepherd. I know, that because of my sinfulness and fragility, I cannot see the mud on my face. And especially youths, we need older men know the Word and therefore know Christ truly to lead and guide us. Because I am young and inexperienced, I want to be led by others who God has taught more. I want to sit at their feet and learn about Christ. They have much to teach me. Therefore, in Paul’s parting speech to the Elders at Ephesus, he charged them to protect the sheep from false doctrine and teaching (Acts 20:25-33). Therefore, one necessary condition for choosing a local church is this: The Church has a such a clear position and teaching and commitment to Scripture, which gives rise to a Biblical theology, and therefore can protect me from false teachings and guide me to know Christ. To see the emphasis of the Word in the Church in the New Testament, go to any of the books.

Go to:

Matthew 4:4, 28:20
Mark 4
Luke 1:2, 11:28
John 21:15-17
Acts 2:42
Rom 10:17
1 Cor 1:18, 21
2 Cor 2:17, 4:2
Gal 1:9
Eph 1:13, 4:11-13
Phil 1:14
Col 3:16
1 Thes 2:13
2 Thes 2:15
1 Tim 3:2, 3:9
2 Tim 4:2-4
Tit 1:2
Philemon 6
Heb 4:12
James 1:18, 22
1 Pet 1:23, 25
2 Pet 1:20-21
1 Jn 2:5-6
2 Jn 6
3 Jn 4
Jude 4-16
Rev 3:8

To name but a few. These are taken from Mark Dever’s book, “What is a healthy church?”

These are what Dever calls 9Marks of  healthy Church. And instead of me trying to explain it here (as though this kid can do it better than Dever), I recommend taking a look as he explains them on his website here, or buying his books “9 Marks of  a Healthy Church” and “What is a Healthy Church”.

AND THEN, there are practical considerations for the local church.

Haha! Practical. Anyways.Here are some practical diagnostic questions for finding a good local church. Again, taken from Dever.

1. Would I want to find a spouse who has been brought up under this church’s teaching?

2. What picture of Christianity will my children [or future children (for the case of us youths)] see in this church – something distinct or something a lot like the world?

3. Would I be happy to invite non-Christians to this church? That is, would they clearly hear the gospel and see lives consistent with it? Does the church have a heart for welcoming and reaching non-Christians?

4. Is this church a place where I can minister and serve?

With these thoughts, I leave you. If you’re already in a good local church, bless the Lord and love your church with all your heart! If you’re deciding, pray through these. And if you’re not, consider: Why not? And perhaps it’s time to start finding one in humility, recognizing you need other Godly men to lead and watch over you.

The Slap in my Face

It was a couple of things, really.

I used to think Christianity is about me and God; that’s all. Hey, it’s a personal thing right? Why do we need others? I used to think much like Lewis did when he first came to know Christ. Lewis commented, “My own experience is that when I first became a Christian, about fourteen years ago, I thought that I could do it on my own, by retiring to my rooms and reading theology, and I wouldn’t go to the churches and Gospel Halls.”

Likewise, I thought that I could do it on my own. As someone once said to Dever, I thought that “others will just slow me down!”. And I bet you can tell by now the amount of pride that  I had. Filled with it!

One of the first of these events was when I was taking a class. THIS was a slap in my face. As Pastor Chris went through Gen 1 and 2, he read “The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. ” (Gen 2:15). Then he commented (I paraphrase), “Adam, at this point, could have taken out a guitar [he pretends to take out and play a guitar] and sang a song to God.” I can’t remember which song Pastor Chris sang, but it was one of those love songs, about me and you, and that’s all I need. As he did that, I thought to myself, “Wow! That’s great! I want that!”. Then came the slap. Pastor Chris then said (I paraphrase again), “But that wasn’t God’s plan. That’s not what He wanted. In fact, this is what God says, “It is not good that the man should be alone” (Gen 2:18)”. And I thought to myself, “How true!”.

And as I read through Scripture, it began to occur to me how often we are not addressed as individuals but as a Church. In the Old Testament, the emphasis on the people of God, Israel. And in the New Testament, still the emphasis on a people, the Church. We are called into a Kingdom. In a Kingdom, it is filled with people! A body is many (1 Cor 12)! And so on. Sure, we are saved as individuals, but again often, that is through the ministry of the Church.

Another significant person in my realisation of this revealed truth is Mark Dever. In a sermon in T4G entitled, “The Church is the Gospel made visible”, Dever argued that to a large extent, the Church is God’s plan of evangelism. It is the Church that was commissioned with the Gospel, and, expounding on Eph 3:10, the Church IS God’s means on earth today for Glorifying His name. Eph 3:10 reads, “so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.” Ponder on that verse or read it in the entire chapter and you’ll know what I mean. Later, his sermon “The Importance of the Local Church” and his book 9Marks of a Healthy Church helped too. To access these resources free, just click the links below:

1. The Church is the Gospel made visible – T4G

2. The Importance of the Local Church – Mark Dever

3. Commitment to the Dearest Place on Earth – Joshua Harris

4. More Info on 9Marks of a Healthy Church

2 Questions you might be asking. These are taken from 9Marks too.

1. So why is joining a local Church important? 

Every Christian should join a church because Scripture requires it. Granted, there is no direct command in Scripture that says, “Every Christian must join a local church,” but two factors in Scripture indicate that every Christian should be a member of a local church.

1. Jesus established the church to be a public, earthly institution that would mark out, affirm, and oversee those who profess to believe in him (Matt. 16:18-19, 18:15-20). Jesus established the church to publicly declare those who belong to him in order to give the world a display of the good news about himself (John 17:21, 23; see also Eph. 3:10). Jesus wants the world to know who belongs to him and who doesn’t. And how is the world to know who belongs to him and who doesn’t? They are to see which people publicly identify themselves with his people in the visible, public institution he established for this very purpose. They’re to look at the members of his church. And if some people claim to be part of the universal church even though they belong to no local church, they reject Jesus’ plan for them and his church. Jesus intends for his people to be marked out as a visible, public group, which means joining together in local churches.
2. Scripture repeatedly commands Christians to submit to their leaders (Heb. 13:17; 1 Thess. 5:12-13). The only way to do that is by publicly committing to be members of their flock, and saying in effect, “I commit to listening to your teaching, following your direction, and to submitting to your leadership.” There’s no way to obey the scriptural commands to submit to your leaders if you never actually submitto them by joining a local church.

2. Why else should I join a local Church?In addition to the New Testament’s teaching that every Christian should submit to a local church and its leaders (see Matt. 18:15-20, Heb. 13:17), there are many other good reasons to join a church:

1. Assure yourself. Membership is the church’s way of affirming the validity of someone’s profession of faith (Matt. 16:19, 18:18). The church looks at a person’s life, hears their explanation of the gospel and how they came to believe it, and says, “You look like a Christian to us. So join us. Watch over our lives and we’ll watch over yours.” So, while membership in a church doesn’t guarantee that someone is a Christian, it should assure believers of the genuineness of their faith.
2. Evangelize the world. We can preach the gospel to our community and the world much better together than we can apart. Not only that, but as we covenant with other Christians to love, encourage and admonish one another, we display a living, breathing image of the gospel to the world.
3. Expose false gospels. As the members of a church support and submit to its teaching, they collectively say, “This is the truth! World, pay attention!” and their unity in doing so works to expose corruptions and imitations of the true gospel.
4. Edify the church. When we join a local church we let the pastors and other members of that church know that we intend to attend regularly, give faithfully, pray for the church, and serve the church as we have opportunity. We allow fellow believers to have greater expectations of us in these areas, and we hold them responsible in these ways as well. So join a church in order to build it up (Eph. 4:11-16). You can do far more to build up the church as a committed member than as a detached, autonomous attender. And it will do good to your own soul as well.
5. Glorify God. Jesus told his disciples, “A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35, NIV). We testify to the world about what God is like by how we love one another—and a committed, persevering, accountable love is a far greater picture of God’s love than a picky-and-choosy, I’ll-only-be-involved-with-the-people-I-want kind of “love.” By committing to one another as members of the same church we display the glory of God’s love—a committed, persevering, transforming love—as we image it in our lives together, and so bring him glory.

(Some of this material has been adapted from Nine Marks of a Healthy Church by Mark Dever, pages 151-159)

I’ll end with a quote from a book by Paul Tripp. And this is what I would say to you, and this is what I hope you’ll say to your local church: I need you.

“On the cross and in the resurrection, Christ broke the power of sin over us (Rom. 6:1-14), but the presence of sin remains. Sin is being eradicated within us, and this process will continue until we are sin-free. But while sin remains, we must remember that sin is deceitful.

Sin blinds– and guess who gets blinded first? Me! I have no trouble seeing the sins of my family, but I can be astonished when mine are pointed out! Since each of us still has sin remaining in us, we will have pockets of spiritual blindness. Our most important vision system is not our physical eyes.

We can be physically blind and live quite well. But when we are spiritually blind, we cannot live as God intended… Physically blind people are always aware of their deficit and spend much of their lives learning to live with its limitations.

But the Bible says that we can be spiritually blind and yet think that we see quite well. We even get offended when people act as if they see us better than we see ourselves! The reality of spiritual blindness has important implications for the Christian community.

The Hebrews passage [Heb. 3:13] clearly teaches that personal insight is the product of community. I need you in order to really see and know myself. Otherwise, I will listen to my own arguments, believe my own lies, and buy into my own delusions.

My self-perception is as accurate as a carnival mirror. If I am going to see myself clearly, I need you to hold the mirror of God’s Word in front of me.”

–Paul David Tripp, Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2002), 53-54.

Throwing In The Towel

Objections to the local church?

That’s not hard to find.

“I don’t have time for organised religion” – Mark Dever‘s friend
“My own experience is that when I first became a Christian, about fourteen years ago, I thought that I could do it on my own, by retiring to my rooms and reading theology, and I wouldn’t go to the churches and Gospel Halls.” – C.S.Lewis (Initially)
“The church is full of hypocrites.” – Many of my friends

And the objections to attending a local church are many. Especially in a church shopping, consumeristic culture: People try churches like they try on clothes; and switch churches the same way they switch clothing; and even choose churches the way they choose clothes: This one looks good on me. Well, I was one of these. Sort of, at least.

Here’s a story of my journey; part of it. Some time back, I had many objections to the idea of the local church. All of them were personal. I wanted to throw in the towel, give up on organised religion. Why? Well, to name a few,

1. I was tired of doctrinal controversies
2. I lost trust in church leaders
3. I thought the church was full of hypocrites

I’m sure we’re all familiar with these kind of issues and objections. In some sense, they might be true and legitimate objections looking around at how institutions with the label of ‘churches’ present themselves. However, I learnt that there’s one more reason why I objected to organised religion: And perhaps the biggest reason – My sinfulness. My pride, my self-centeredness, my depravity.

What do I mean? Well, it’s really easy to point the finger at others and push the blame. Well, that was what happened when sin first entered into the world: Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the serpent. It’s always someone else’s fault. It’s always because of those hypocrites over there, those problematic people. But that is not the Gospel. We must start by pointing the finger first at ourselves. Judging ourselves before we judge others (Matt 7). And yes, this would be excusable if I was sinless: To say the fault rest with others. But I am not. In fact, a Christian cries, I the chief of sinners am! And so looks at himself, and his sin, and understands that every judgment he makes is never perfect: Our vision is always blurred with sin – with the fact that we want ourselves to be right and so twist what we see to come to our conclusions. Sure, others may be hypocritical, but so am I. And so before I judge the church, I must judge myself: And come to conclude that I am sinful as well.

But does this excuse what we call the Christian “church” for her bad reputation? I think not. Just because we’re sinful and others are sinful, does that mean that the church is useless? No!

I’ve heard Mark Dever tell a story many times. A woman came to him and said, “I think the church is a pit of vipers.” And Dever replied, “You may be surprised at how much a agree with you. But do you think the world out there is any better?”. “I guess not”, the woman replied… and then Dever drew a distinction, he said, “You know, I think at least those in the church know they’re vipers and those outside don’t.” In fact, the church is a place for sinners! You’ll never find a righteous church: And if you do, don’t join it. You’ll spoil it;). But in this life, here on earth, the church will never be perfect. But rather, the Church on earth is daily repenting and looking to Christ. And Dever turned to her, and said, “We always have space for one more (her) to slither on in.”

And this viper (me) needs a church. I am sick, and need a place for treatment. I am blind, and need help to see. I need fellow Christian brothers and sisters to show me the mud on my nose that I can’t see. I need the church, because Christ has instituted the Church to be the vehicle of His glory here on earth (Eph 3:10), and man, I wanna be a part of that!

Lessons from 2011

Was reflecting on what He’s been teaching me for this past year: 2011. Well, I’ve decided to type it out to clarify my thoughts and to share them with my friends. Or, anyone who might be thinking about the same things.

So what have I learnt? I think the lesson is primarily around the local church. Is the idea of the church Biblical? Where did it come from? What’s it’s purpose? Is there a time when a Christian should leave a local church? When should that be? How should that be done? How do I determine whether a church is a good one or not? How much commitment must I have to a local Church? … are among the many questions I was asking. And what I learnt revolves very much around all of these.

So until the end of the year, (maybe the start of next), I would be posting some of the lessons I’ve learnt. And I pray that this will benefit some of my friends whom I know are asking the same questions:)

Some of the postings will be:

1. Throwing in the towel (Problems with Church: Common and Personal Objections to the idea of the local church)
2. The slap in my face (The Bible’s emphasis on the importance of the local church)
3. The map in my hands (Finding a good local church)
4. The beauty of a clean towel (Benefits of a good local church)
5. Married to the church (Being in love and commited to the Church)

For a start, I’ll be the first to say, I haven’t gotten it all figured out. But this pilgrim is on his way, growing in knowledge that produces love as he flies towards the celestial city. May that glorious day come soon!

Well, this post will be boring if it’s simply informative. Here’s something to think about for a start. What’s your relationship with your local church like? Here’s a story:

BOY: Hey, are you seeing anybody?

FRIEND: Yeah, you know I met this really nice girl

BOY: Is that right?

FRIEND: Yeah, yeah, really great girl.

BOY: you really like her?

FRIEND: I think I do, we’ve got some good times, you know.

BOY: And how long have you guys been together?

FRIEND: About 6 months or so?

BOY: Really? Are you like getting into membership classes?

FRIEND: Yeah yeah, I’ve been to about 5 membership classes. She’s really into that you know. Made her happy so I went. But I dont know..

BOY: Is she attractive?

FRIEND: Oh man, yeah. She just got a new lobby and auditorium. Just fine…

BOY: So I mean are we talking marriage?

FRIEND: Marriage? Oh no! No, I don’t think so. Not yet. I’m still young you know, and I feel like there’s a lot of other girls out there that I… you know.. you don’t just wanna marry the first girl you come across, you know. And to be honest you know, there are some things about her that are just sorta.. I don’t know.. she’s kinda clingy. I mean, when we get together on Sundays she wants to be together for like 2 hours! And shes always like “oh you got to get here on time, and could you turn your cell phone off?” and I’m like “okay”. And then she calls me up, and like, “I want you to go to care group, and I want you to serve and I’m like woah”. I mean, I’ve never said this to her but I just wanna say like, “back off”. I’m not saying this to be proud but there are all kinda girls that would be happy to have me. Just wanna keep my options open.

What do you think? Well, now read the conversation again and substitute the term “girl” for “church”.

Joshua Harris, using this example, points out that much of us have a merely ‘dating’ relationship to the church. We’re not committed to her; we’re not married. We’re simply dating the church. He then concludes, “I used to just date the church…. I’ve kissed dating the church goodbye”.

What about you? What’s your relationship with your local church like? Are you committed? Are you in a marriage relationship with her? (I’ll explore this more in my post on married to the local church.) Or are you simply dating her? It’s good for now; pretty stable I guess; but I may leave her one day.. I don’t think that’s God’s design for us and the church. For a more detailed explanation, listen to Harris’ message here: http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/Product/A1220-03-51/Married_to_the_Church_Commitment_to_the_Dearest_Place_on_Earth_MP3_DOWNLOAD.aspx

 

A FREE, helpful Bible Study app for your iPhone/iPad

Step 1: Go to the app store and download “pocketsword”.

Studies in Romans – Introduction

Introduction to Romans  - 1. Introduction

The Comfort of The Doctrine of Predestination

Reading the book ‘Already Gone’ by Ken Ham now. Won’t do a review on it yet, but I’m still on the first chapter and I’ve been so convicted. Answersingenesis did a survey across the coasts. Their target audience? 20-30 tear olds who have been to church when they were kids. What are the findings? Well, for a start, only 11% of the thousand people who were interviewed : were still going to church during their early college years.” The rest were gone. Left the church. More and more people are turning away from Christianity. (In the West at least).  For example, “Between 1995 and 2005, there was an overall decline in regular church attendance of 15% – and the trend continues.” (That’s in the UK). And that’s just one of the many examples. What will happen by the next generation? If it continues, based on statistics alone, “we are one generation away from the evaporation of church as we know it” (pg 25).

My response? I felt depressed. I was on the verge of tears reading it. I knew it was bad but not this bad. It is terrible. And a good friend reminded me that God is still Sovereign. But oh, how He comforted me! And how? With the Doctrine of Predestination! Isn’t it interesting? My heartache? “Father, how could it be that the Church is in such a decline and such a devastation? The numbers are dripping. Heresies are springing up. Youths seem to be leaving. Father, save us!”. And then, came the solemn reminder, that He is God and He has a plan and His plan is good. The condition of the church today is the exact way He planned it. He is Sovereign. And whatever He planned will come to pass. Nothing, no man, no heresy, no country can come against His plan. Who shall arise and attempt to overthrow the Almighty? What is man, that He should attempt to destroy the church of the Living God? We are feeble, frail, but dust. Then, came the sweet doctrine of predestination! Those whom He foreknew and chose before the foundation of the earth (Eph 1:4), He will make sure they are saved! Nations may decline. Churches may seem to be boring. Everything else may fail. But the will of the Lord shall stand forever! No pastor shall thwart His plan! Those He chose, will come to Him!

Father I thank You that Your plan is good and that You know what You are doing., That no one can thwart Your plan, for You are God and there is no other. Who shall stand in the way of the Almighty? None! I thank You that all who were chosen and purchased with the blood of Christ will come unto You! That Your salvation is not based on man, and our ability, but Christ’s finished work and Your Sovereign and Gracious election!

Oh, how the Doctrine of Predestination has brought comfort to my soul! Thank You Father for choosing us!

The Church’s one foundation

Is Jesus Christ her Lord,

She is His new creation

By water and the Word.

From heaven He came and sought her

To be His holy bride;

With His own blood He bought her

And for her life He died.

She is from every nation,

Yet one o’er all the earth;

Her charter of salvation,

One Lord, one faith, one birth;

One holy Name she blesses,

Partakes one holy food,

And to one hope she presses,

With every grace endued.

The Church shall never perish!

Her dear Lord to defend,

To guide, sustain, and cherish,

Is with her to the end:

Though there be those who hate her,

And false sons in her pale,

Against both foe or traitor

She ever shall prevail.

Though with a scornful wonder

Men see her sore oppressed,

By schisms rent asunder,

By heresies distressed:

Yet saints their watch are keeping,

Their cry goes up, “How long?”

And soon the night of weeping

Shall be the morn of song!

’Mid toil and tribulation,

And tumult of her war,

She waits the consummation

Of peace forevermore;

Till, with the vision glorious,

Her longing eyes are blest,

And the great Church victorious

Shall be the Church at rest.

Yet she on earth hath union

With God the Three in One,

And mystic sweet communion

With those whose rest is won,

With all her sons and daughters

Who, by the Master’s hand

Led through the deathly waters,

Repose in Eden land.

O happy ones and holy!

Lord, give us grace that we

Like them, the meek and lowly,

On high may dwell with Thee:

There, past the border mountains,

Where in sweet vales the Bride

With Thee by living fountains

Forever shall abide!