Why is fellowshipping with those who are not of like faith and order such a big issue today?
Why do so many try to justify ecuminicalism?
The reason is that many today just like having fun; fellowshipping with all who profess to be "Christians"
While we are having our fun fellowshipping with those who are not of like faith and order, we are forgetting that iin our fellowshipping we are condoning their beliefs. [Call it what you want preachers this is the truth].
Call me mean, hateful and unloving; call me uncaring, but the fact is this--Jesus established His church to go into the world to preach the Word to the unbelieving, not fellowship with them and wish them God Speed.
If you like to play "Christian Fellowship" with the religious of the world that is your choice, but please don't take the Bible, bend it and wrest it to make it say what you want it to say or support ecuminicalism.
Final Thought--Why is this subject such a debate today? Because God's people are neck deep in ecuminicalism and don't know how to get out, or don't want to get out--because it is so much fun.
Love Your Brother in Christ
Bro Joey Grappe
PS. To my Brethren who want to slay me with Scriptures, PLEASE make sure that you use them in context.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
A LONG FAR CRY!
A little boy riding a tricycle is a long far cry from a race car driver.
A little boy with a BB gun is a long far cry from a sniper.
A little boy with a toy airplane is a long far cry from an astronaut.
You Add The Rest
A little boy with a BB gun is a long far cry from a sniper.
A little boy with a toy airplane is a long far cry from an astronaut.
You Add The Rest
Thursday, January 28, 2010
WHY?
Why can't the Lord's New Testament churches just do what He sent them into the world to do? Why do His churches have to be involved with everything except the "Great Commission"?
Why can't God's men, whom He called into the gospel ministry, just commit themselves to fulfilling their calling? Why are we, as God called men, trying to change God, His ways, His teachings? Why can't we just preach and teach God's Word?
Why can't God's people be happy with service that is undefiled before God? Why do many seek to stone "Stephen" when truth is taught? Why do they seek the pleasures of the world over the service to the Lord?
1. Because we have to keep up with main stream religion. Because the "Great Comission" is old school, we live in the 21st century, we have to be more hip, mix things up--Hey, if we don't have it or offer it we cant add to the church--God adds not us
2. Because we remain ignorant of Bible truths. We don't study like we should. Because we would rather make people laugh that preach truth that convicts them of sin. Because we want to be popular, liked, men pleasers we have become.
3. God's people are becoming less and less faithful-in service and in godly living. Less interested in the things of God and more interested in competed with false religion.
Summary: If the Lord's churches would commit themselves to the "Great Commission", and God's men would stop playing who is the best preacher and start fulfilling their office, then God's people would be taught, they would be growing, and they would be seeking to please God instead of self.
Why can't God's men, whom He called into the gospel ministry, just commit themselves to fulfilling their calling? Why are we, as God called men, trying to change God, His ways, His teachings? Why can't we just preach and teach God's Word?
Why can't God's people be happy with service that is undefiled before God? Why do many seek to stone "Stephen" when truth is taught? Why do they seek the pleasures of the world over the service to the Lord?
1. Because we have to keep up with main stream religion. Because the "Great Comission" is old school, we live in the 21st century, we have to be more hip, mix things up--Hey, if we don't have it or offer it we cant add to the church--God adds not us
2. Because we remain ignorant of Bible truths. We don't study like we should. Because we would rather make people laugh that preach truth that convicts them of sin. Because we want to be popular, liked, men pleasers we have become.
3. God's people are becoming less and less faithful-in service and in godly living. Less interested in the things of God and more interested in competed with false religion.
Summary: If the Lord's churches would commit themselves to the "Great Commission", and God's men would stop playing who is the best preacher and start fulfilling their office, then God's people would be taught, they would be growing, and they would be seeking to please God instead of self.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
HOLDING THE FAITH WITH PARTIALITY
HOLDING THE FAITH WITH PARTIALITY
James 2:1-4
INTRODUCTION
A. James addresses his “brethren”. This is not a physical kinship but a spiritual one. “My brethren”, my brothers and sisters in Christ, fellow members of the Lord’s New Testament churches, those who are now scattered throughout the region.
B. James is going to speak concerning the “faith”
faith: the doctrine of Christ and His teachings, those delivered unto His church.
C. These verses address the manner in which God’s people “have”, hold or possess the faith.
D. These four verses will expose those who are prejudice against those whom the Lord desires to be saved, baptized, and taught the all things.
“have not the faith”
have not the faith: to hold as your personal possession
A. James warns his brethren that they shouldn't hold onto the faith as if it is their own personal property in which they can possess in any manner of their choosing. It is the faith:
“of our Lord Jesus Christ”
A. The “faith” that was delivered unto the saints is the Lord’s system of doctrines in which His church is to deliver unto the world.
1. The church is to preach, baptize, and teach the all things to all men in all places.
B. James refers to our “Lord Jesus Christ” as “the Lord of glory”.
1. The Lord Jesus Christ is the glory of God revealed unto men.
C. Therefore His teachings are God’s teachings and by His teachings, by the faith, all men may see the glory of God and glorify God.
D. Therefore church do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ:
“with respect of persons”
respect of persons: to fix the eye upon, to show partiality or favoritism
A. James addresses a problem that is still present in the Lord’s churches today.
1. We will preach, baptize, and teach those who are appealing to us—we will witness to those who we think will make a good church member.
2. Those who are less desirable to us can receive the faith from someone else.
B. The “faith” is not ours to distribute to who we think deserves it or to those who we desire over others.
1. The Great Commission teaches us that the church is to spread the faith throughout all the world—preaching it to every creature.
“For if there come unto your assembly” 2
A. Not any assembly but “your” assembly”. The church—James addresses the manner in which church members treat visitors, and even their own church members.
Read 2-4
B. James speaks of two men—the man in goodly apparel—and the man dressed in vile raiment. Rich man poor man
C. The rich man was shown favoritism while the poor man was given the lowest estate in the congregation-under the footstool.
D. How do you treat those who come to your assembly?
1. Are some looked upon with greater desire than others?
2. Do we treat everyone the same or do we cater to the rich, the beautiful, intellectual, etc?
3. Who will you give your seat to—the thief, drunkard, drug addict, murderer, beggar—or is it reserved for the rich man.
E. Again the rich man has more to offer than the poor; therefore many times these are treated with favoritism—in hopes to win them that they may give what they have to offer.
F. The poor man wore vile raiment.
vile: dirty, filthy-it reflects a man in a mendicant state, a beggar/ more than dress but this man is nasty and filthy—he can also be a very sinful man (this man represents that which is disgusting to society.
G. The poor man is in the same condition as the fatherless and widows in their affliction (1:26, 27). They don’t have much to offer so their place is under “my” footstool.
1. Many are guilty of showing this partiality to those who visit their assembly.
2. Partiality is even shown within the membership--many churches today are placing all their emphasis on the youth while neglecting the older of the church.
3. The faith is to be delivered unto all men of all ages—rich and poor.
“Are ye not then partial in yourselves”?
A. In your own mind you have made a distinction between the rich man and poor man.
“and are become judges of evil thoughts”
A. By your evil thoughts you have judged as to who you believe is worthy of receiving the faith.
1. In our mind the rich man and poor man are different—one more deserving than the other.
CONCLUSION
A. When we hold the faith with respect of persons we are partial in ourselves and are judges of evil thoughts.
B. We take the faith, which is meant for all men to hear and receive—and distribute it to who we think is worthy.
C. Churches need to take a long look at to whom Jesus delivered the faith.
James 2:1-4
INTRODUCTION
A. James addresses his “brethren”. This is not a physical kinship but a spiritual one. “My brethren”, my brothers and sisters in Christ, fellow members of the Lord’s New Testament churches, those who are now scattered throughout the region.
B. James is going to speak concerning the “faith”
faith: the doctrine of Christ and His teachings, those delivered unto His church.
C. These verses address the manner in which God’s people “have”, hold or possess the faith.
D. These four verses will expose those who are prejudice against those whom the Lord desires to be saved, baptized, and taught the all things.
“have not the faith”
have not the faith: to hold as your personal possession
A. James warns his brethren that they shouldn't hold onto the faith as if it is their own personal property in which they can possess in any manner of their choosing. It is the faith:
“of our Lord Jesus Christ”
A. The “faith” that was delivered unto the saints is the Lord’s system of doctrines in which His church is to deliver unto the world.
1. The church is to preach, baptize, and teach the all things to all men in all places.
B. James refers to our “Lord Jesus Christ” as “the Lord of glory”.
1. The Lord Jesus Christ is the glory of God revealed unto men.
C. Therefore His teachings are God’s teachings and by His teachings, by the faith, all men may see the glory of God and glorify God.
D. Therefore church do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ:
“with respect of persons”
respect of persons: to fix the eye upon, to show partiality or favoritism
A. James addresses a problem that is still present in the Lord’s churches today.
1. We will preach, baptize, and teach those who are appealing to us—we will witness to those who we think will make a good church member.
2. Those who are less desirable to us can receive the faith from someone else.
B. The “faith” is not ours to distribute to who we think deserves it or to those who we desire over others.
1. The Great Commission teaches us that the church is to spread the faith throughout all the world—preaching it to every creature.
“For if there come unto your assembly” 2
A. Not any assembly but “your” assembly”. The church—James addresses the manner in which church members treat visitors, and even their own church members.
Read 2-4
B. James speaks of two men—the man in goodly apparel—and the man dressed in vile raiment. Rich man poor man
C. The rich man was shown favoritism while the poor man was given the lowest estate in the congregation-under the footstool.
D. How do you treat those who come to your assembly?
1. Are some looked upon with greater desire than others?
2. Do we treat everyone the same or do we cater to the rich, the beautiful, intellectual, etc?
3. Who will you give your seat to—the thief, drunkard, drug addict, murderer, beggar—or is it reserved for the rich man.
E. Again the rich man has more to offer than the poor; therefore many times these are treated with favoritism—in hopes to win them that they may give what they have to offer.
F. The poor man wore vile raiment.
vile: dirty, filthy-it reflects a man in a mendicant state, a beggar/ more than dress but this man is nasty and filthy—he can also be a very sinful man (this man represents that which is disgusting to society.
G. The poor man is in the same condition as the fatherless and widows in their affliction (1:26, 27). They don’t have much to offer so their place is under “my” footstool.
1. Many are guilty of showing this partiality to those who visit their assembly.
2. Partiality is even shown within the membership--many churches today are placing all their emphasis on the youth while neglecting the older of the church.
3. The faith is to be delivered unto all men of all ages—rich and poor.
“Are ye not then partial in yourselves”?
A. In your own mind you have made a distinction between the rich man and poor man.
“and are become judges of evil thoughts”
A. By your evil thoughts you have judged as to who you believe is worthy of receiving the faith.
1. In our mind the rich man and poor man are different—one more deserving than the other.
CONCLUSION
A. When we hold the faith with respect of persons we are partial in ourselves and are judges of evil thoughts.
B. We take the faith, which is meant for all men to hear and receive—and distribute it to who we think is worthy.
C. Churches need to take a long look at to whom Jesus delivered the faith.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Pastors, Have you ever been asked?
Oh how I love the questions that are asked when going in view of a call. You know them:
1.Do you agree withe the 21 doctrinal statement of the ABA? We say yes--I ask do you even know them?
2. Grape juice or wine?
3. Do you visit?
4. Testimony of salvation and call
5. Do you mow your grass?
6. Do you run up the utility bills?
7. Etc Etc
8. Do you meet the qualities stated in 1 Timothy 3? Anybody ever said no? of course not
One question that I have never been asked, nor have I ever heard of any my brothers being asked,
Do you have a desire to pastor a New Testament church?
I think it would be a good one to ask--what do you think?
1.Do you agree withe the 21 doctrinal statement of the ABA? We say yes--I ask do you even know them?
2. Grape juice or wine?
3. Do you visit?
4. Testimony of salvation and call
5. Do you mow your grass?
6. Do you run up the utility bills?
7. Etc Etc
8. Do you meet the qualities stated in 1 Timothy 3? Anybody ever said no? of course not
One question that I have never been asked, nor have I ever heard of any my brothers being asked,
Do you have a desire to pastor a New Testament church?
I think it would be a good one to ask--what do you think?
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
IF A MAN "SAY" HE HAS FAITH
James 2:14-26
INTRODUCTION
A. These verses of Scripture are very familiar to us. They are the verses that teach us that faith without works is unprofitable; James calls this type of faith, dead faith.
B. A good summation of these verses could be:
1. As God’s people we are to show our faith by our works—we are to do more than just “say” we have faith: works should accompany our faith if we are going to be profitable in the work of the Lord. If we do not have works that accompany our faith the brother or sister isn’t clothed and warmed, the sacrifice of service is not made, and we are not a help to God’s people and His purpose (Rahab).
C. Everything in this summation is true and scriptural, but in the context, is James concerned with the lack of works that are accompanying the saved or is he speaking concerning the absence of saving faith altogether?
1. What is the author saying?
a. As we will discover, these verses do not refer to the saved person who has no works—These verses teach that saving faith WILL produce or result in good works.
D. We like to believe that we cannot tell if a person is saved or unsaved. While we cannot know the heart of man as God knows, the Bible does teach that God’s people, His children who are saved and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, will stand out from the lost.
E. The Bible reveals evidences that prove one’s faith.
“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?” 14
profit: advantage
A. To what advantage is it for a man to “say” he has faith?
say: to speak or profess
1. James did not say “What doth it profit……though a man have faith?” but what advantage is it though a man “say he hath faith”
2. A mere profession of faith does not mean a possession of faith, or the natural accompaniments of faith.
“and have not works”
A. How important are works of faith?
1. According to the Bible those who possess faith will have works of faith, thus becoming profitable to and for the Lord.
2. Works of faith are a natural accompaniment of faith; now the man who says he has faith yet no works:
“can faith save him?”
A. There are two kinds of faith here.
faith: A firm relying confidence in the savior Jesus Christ, such a confidence that brings us to repentance and give our lives to him.
faith: An intellectual belief in God and His existence
B. The second faith, “can faith save him?” refers to the intellectual belief in God and His existence.
1. This type of faith cannot save, neither can it or will it produce works of faith.
2. If this type of faith saved, the devils, demons would be saved. 19
C. The Bible teaches that man is saved by grace through faith and not of works (Ephesians 2:8-10). This faith is the first faith, that firm relying confidence in Christ as savoir.
1. When a person has that firm persuasion and conviction, based on God’s Word, that the blood of Jesus saves, and he accepts Christ, he is immediately indwelt with the Holy Spirit.
2. God creates in him a new creature ( 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15). He has a new heart, new desires, one that wants to be profitable for his Savoir.
a. It is this faith only that can produce works of faith—it is this kind of faith that is profitable.
Read 15-17*
A. Faith alone is dead, useless in that it is no faith at all.
B. In verses 17, 20, 26 James refers to faith without works being dead, a dead faith.
Application: This is not teaching that some saved people do not have works of faith therefore their faith is dead, as meaning useless to others. This is teaching that faith without works is dead in that it is no faith at all.
1. It is a faith that is dead in trespasses and sins
2. You can be saved and still sin, but you cannot be saved and nothing change.
C. James gives three examples of works of faith.
1. Each work of faith justifies inward faith to man.
2. Abraham was justified before God by his faith, but his works justified him before man—was profitable
3. Rahab also, her faith justified before men by her works
I. WORKS OF BENEVOLENCE 15, 16
A. The second greatest commandment Matthew 22:37-40
1. Love thy neighbor
Application: How many have no heart when it comes to the suffering of others?
II. WORKS OF SACRIFICE 21-24
A. The greatest commandment Matthew 22:37-40
1. Love God with all our heart, soul and mind
B. Committing ourselves a living sacrifice unto God
Romans 12:1, 2
III. WORKS OF SERVICE 25
1. Service to God’s people
2. Love for our brothers and sisters in Christ
A. Who did Rahab help? God’s people
1. She showed her love for God’s people through her service unto them.
2. She sacrificed her own self, her own safety to help the messengers.
Application: We are called to love our brothers and sisters in Christ.
1. This love is the evidence of our salvation, 1 John 3:11, 14
2. We are commanded to sacrifice ourselves for our brothers and sisters in Christ 1 John 3:16
3. The absences of this kind of love shows an absence of love for God and is indicative of dead faith 1 John 4:20
CONCLUSION
A. We show our saving faith by our works.
B. The Bible teaches that works accompany saving faith.
C. Read 2:26*--Dead, no life
D. James wants people to know that intellectual faith is the same as demon faith, and cannot save.
E. Saving faith does not just believe the things concerning Jesus, saving faith produces repentance, and true repentance unto salvation produces good works.
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