April 1, 2009

A Worship “Experience”

Worship Experience

Many people in the religious world talk about the worship “experience.” What exactly is a worship experience? You will not find this term in the Bible. So what do people mean when they use it?

The worship experience has to do with the worship service in a local church. The experience refers to all the things involved in the service – the message, the music (typically performed by a band), the atmosphere (lighting, décor, etc.). All of these things are part of this “experience.” The things that one sees, hears, and feels make up the worship experience.
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April 1, 2009

What Must One Believe to Be Saved?

Standing by a Mountain Lake

“He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mark 16:16).

Brethren have debated the meaning of this verse with those in denominations for years. The disagreement is over baptism. Brethren teach that Jesus’ words indicate that one must be baptized (in addition to believing) to be saved. Those in denominations teach that since baptism is not mentioned in the second clause, then one must only believe to be saved.

It is clear that belief is essential for salvation. If one does not believe, he will be condemned. But what exactly is it that one must believe to be saved? I would suggest that once we find the answer to this in the Bible, it will also settle the debate on baptism. So what does the Bible teach that one must believe to be saved?
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March 27, 2009

Wise Words About Government Bureaucracy

Government Center

The wise man who authored the book of Ecclesiastes wrote about what he learned as he observed and experienced life “under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:14).

One of the things he observed was the effect of government bureaucracy. Many in this country want bigger government. Those currently in office are pushing for this as well with increased spending, regulations, and powers. Notice what the wise man had to say about the benefits of bigger government:

“If you see the oppression of the poor and the denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be shocked at the sight; for one official watches over another official, and there are higher officials over them” (Ecclesiastes 5:8).

Notice that he does not mention a benefit of bigger government. The poor were oppressed and justice and righteousness were denied despite – or perhaps because of – the bureaucracy.
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March 25, 2009

The Lectureship Issue

Over the past few years, there has been some discussion about a new form of institutionalism among brethren.

The traditional form of institutionalism involves local churches sending funds to an organization (orphan homes, colleges, etc.) to help them do their work.

The modern form of institutionalism has Christians forming or using human organizations to do spiritual works (evangelism/edification). An example of this that has drawn much scrutiny is the Guardian of Truth Foundation, which is in the business of publishing and selling books, hosting an annual lectureship (like a congregation would a gospel meeting). The problem with this arrangement is simply that God has already established an organization through which Christians can work collectively in these spiritual works. That divinely ordained organization is the local church.

There is a new website that has been set up with articles and audio sermons relating to this topic. This website has been put together by Aaron Erhardt and Tim Curry. I am grateful for their work in this and I encourage you to check out the material contained there.

Lectureship Issue

You can also visit Truth Magazine Lectures for material that I have collected, and some that I’ve written, on this issue.

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March 23, 2009

God Knows What We Need Before We Ask

Prayer

In teaching about prayer, Jesus taught to avoid using “meaningless repetitions.” He explained that using “many words” does not mean that God is going to hear us any better (Matthew 6:7).

Jesus went on to explain one reason why repeating the same words over and over is meaningless: “Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him” (Matthew 6:8).
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March 15, 2009

Start with the Right Foundation

Stone Wall

The Unitarian Universalist church is an interesting denomination. While it does share roots, historically, with Protestant churches, it is not really a “Christian” denomination. Perhaps it is more accurate to say that “Christianity” is only a part of its identity. This group welcomes and accepts various forms of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and even atheism. They simply ignore the things that most obviously divide these groups and focus on personal “spiritual” growth.

There is one of these churches that I pass on my way to and from work everyday. On their sign by the road, they have a message board they change once a week or so. They use this to provide concise messages to the public, reflecting their liberal religious (and even political) views. These messages sometimes say things that other churches/Christians do or believe, but will not admit. The most recent message is an example of this:
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March 11, 2009

Jesus on the Glorification of Mary

Mary and Jesus

Many people in the religious world – particularly among the Catholic Church – exalt Mary, the earthly mother of Jesus, to a higher position than where she is placed in the Bible.

It is true that Mary does hold a special place in God’s scheme of redemption. The same is true for people like Abraham, David, or any of the others mentioned in the genealogy of Christ (Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38). But some have taken their perception of Mary too far and it has led them to deify her and make her an object of worship and a recipient of prayers.
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