The AUTHORITY of the WORD of GOD

We live in a culture that has been, for a couple generations, openly rejecting and rebelling against proper authority. The latest manifestation of this trend is the “occupy” demonstrations. More accurate would be to refer to them as the “occupy” squatters. These spoiled vagrants throw their violent temper-tantrums in an illogical protest of … uh, what? Well, that depends on who you ask.

Some don’t like the fact that they are expected to pay back money loaned to them for their college education so they rebel against tax-payers who funded the program that loaned them the money. Some don’t like capitalism so they reject the authority of business owners and investors to make decisions that are best for their own companies. Some don’t like to be told they can’t camp-out in a public space and smoke marijuana all day, so they rebel against the police who patiently attempt to enforce the law. Some don’t like representative government so they rebel against the idea of participating in the election process. The bottom line is they don’t recognize or respect authority.

The timeless Word of God is the supreme authority for all of humanity. Whether recognized as such or not, the fact remains that God has given mankind absolute truth in the Bible. Certainly, believers should recognize, respect, and regard the authority of the Holy Scriptures.

There are several evidences of the authority of the Word of God.

The authority is in its authorship. God gave the Bible word for word through human writers that we might know Him. As we read it we learn the mind and the heart of God. 2Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God … 2Peter 1:20-21 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. [21] For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

The authority is in its power. The message of the Bible has formed nations and restored individual lives. It gives direction for humanity to aspire and simple truths for a child to grasp. The Bible affects all who receive it – in profound ways. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The authority is in its perfection. The Word of God is without error. It is totally accurate; completely true in all its statements. It is absolute truth. The Bible makes declarative statements about the perfection of the itself. So, it is either totally true or a complete scam. Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect,… Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Psalm 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

The authority is in its endurance. For centuries many have tried to dismantle it, destroy it, deride it and dilute it. But, the Bible remains the best-seller every year. Governments have seized it. Dictators have burned it. Scoffers have ridiculed it. Yet, still today, millions of people read it for comfort, guidance, and hope. 2Peter 1:24-25 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: [25] But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

The authority is in its impact. No other writing as impacted humanity as the Bible has. No other book as the personal impact on one who reads and studies it as the Bible has. What a staggering thought, when you open the Bible you are opening the voice of God. Jeremiah 23:29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction [are] the way of life:

Independent But Not Isolated

The Case for Churches Working Together

I am an INDEPENDENT Baptist. That is what I have always been and what I always will be.

I am an INDEPENDENT Baptist not only by my heritage but also by personal conviction. I am thankful for the godly men who lead a great surge of the independent movement in the 1940s and 50s. These inspiring leaders include men like: Lee Roberson, Harold Sightler, Bob Jones, Sr., Jack Hudson, John R. Rice, Jack Hyles, Joe Boyd, Lester Roloff and others.

These men paid a heavy price for their stand of INDEPENDENCE – from denominational control of their churches and their colleges. They stood for independence from liberal theology that was attacking the very fundamentals of our faith. They produced a two generations of independent servants of God. These servants are faithful pastors, missionaries and evangelists who have had significant impact for the cause of Christ in our country and in the world.

We have learned to value and defend our stand of “independence.” However, in recent years – many independents have become SO independent that we are practically isolated from each other. So careful are we to maintain our independent status that we seldom (if ever) join our efforts together for the work of God.

On the rare occasions that believers from different churches DO come together it is usually for “fellowship” such as a pastors meeting (with lunch, of course) or a preaching conference at a larger ministry.

Fellowship is fine and fellowship is appropriate, but fellowship does not get the work of the Lord done. “Working” gets the work of the Lord done. The Bible speaks much about the work and labor that is connected to our responsibility as believers.

1Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

In our appreciation and application of independence we have formed a long list of reasons that we DO NOT work together – some are significant, most are trivial. Sadly, the independent movement as become fragmented into many smaller groups. These groups generally do not even fellowship together, much less work together.

Ironically, the world sees ALL of these independent, fundamental, Baptist groups as one homogenous entity with no discernible differences. While those of us within the movement see ONLY our differences never considering ourselves part of a united movement.

In spite of that reality - I believe that we are compelled by the Word of God to work together. Consider 1Corinthians 3:1-11 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. [2] I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. [3] For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? [4] For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? [5] Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? [6] I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. [7] So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. [8] Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. [9] For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. [10] According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. [11] For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

We are compelled to WORK TOGETHER by …

#1. by THE SCOPE OF OUR ASSIGNMENT

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Jesus commissioned us to take the glorious Gospel of Salvation to all the world. Today that is almost 7 billion souls. Most have never heard the message of Christ. One single local church will never accomplish the goal. Working together, striving together, pulling together we CAN reach the world in the name of Jesus.

#2. by THE SINGULAR FOCUS OF OUR MESSAGE: THE GOSPEL

Notice the verse 11 (1Corinthians 3) For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

There IS a singular focus to our message: it’s JESUS! What the world needs is JESUS. What Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia need is JESUS! What your county and your city needs is JESUS! We are compelled to work together by the MESSAGE of salvation found ONLY in Jesus Christ. John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

Jesus warned his disciples about becoming elitists in the ministry. He taught them to value the work of others who are spreading the gospel. Mark 9:38-40 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. [39] But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. [40] For he that is not against us is on our part.

#3. by THE PRINCIPLES OF SCRIPTURE

Notice the verse 4 (1Corinthians 3) For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? [5] Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? [6] I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

Clearly the work of Paul and Apollos were different. They attracted different followers who were quick to point out the contrasts. Each group identified themselves by their human leader. BUT, God blessed the effort of both Paul and Apollos. They were working toward the same goal. Paul clarifies the situation (writing as directed by the Holy Spirit) he says it is not me or Apollos – it is God’s work and it is GOD who gives the increase.

Answering THE common objection:

Some may object to working together with those who are not exactly like themselves. These folks will say, “The Bible says that we are to contend for the faith. We must fight against those who do not believe like we believe.”

Yes, we are to “contend for the faith.” The Bible says in Jude vs.3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

However, let us continue to look at the book of Jude to find out WHO it is that we are to contend with. Jude vs.4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jude goes on to compare those (who we are to contend with) to: the angels who rebelled against God with Satan, the whoremongers who inhabited Sodom and Gomorra, and Cain the man who murdered his brother.

Many independents seem to be spending a lot of energy “contending” with each other over issues of music, dress standards, and who has the greater love for the King James Bible. I am not saying these issues have no significance. But, the book of Jude is teaching us that we are to “contend” (fight) against those who are ungodly, lascivious, deniers of the Lord.

Think about the pastor or church across town who uses some music a little less conservative than yours, or has women wearing pants to church, or doesn’t print “1611 KJB” on every piece of literature. Does that pastor or that church fit the biblical criteria of one who we are to “contend” with? Sadly, some pastors seem to feel they need to fight against every other independent Baptist church that is not a carbon copy of his church.

We DO need to pick some fights. Let’s pick a fight with those who deny the God of creation. Let’s pick a fight with those who are preaching “works” salvation. Let’s pick a fight with those who deny the deity of Jesus Christ. Let’s pick a fight with the health/wealth-gospel charlatans. Let’s pick a fight with somebody who is leading people AWAY from Christ.

There are PLENTY of those types out there. Let’s go fight with them! In fact let’s fight together against them. We can “gang-up” on them!

#4. by THE LOVE OF GOD

As believers we know that the love of God is in us. 1John 4:20-21 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? [21] And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God - love his brother also.

According the words of Jesus the love of God is to be expressed through us. John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. [35] By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

#5. by THE COMMONALITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

1Cor. 12:3-6 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. [4] Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. [5] And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. [6] And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

WE are the body of Christ. A body is designed with diversity of different body parts. The Bible uses this object lesson to teach us that “difference does not equal deficiency.”

See 1Corinthains 12:13-27. The Holy Spirit of God brings us together into the Body of Christ. Verse 13 and 14 says, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.” We preach this about our local church and that is a proper application. The proper interpretation of the text speaks of the entire body of believers. We are ALL to work together like a physical body of different parts.

#6. by THE IDENTIFICATION OF OUR TRUE ENEMY

Eph 6:11-12 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

We have a vicious, wicked, aggressive enemy! We are in a war against Satan. The battlefield of this war (for now) is his territory. None of us are called to “Rambos” for God – single-handedly defeating an entire brigade of enemy combatants. We are soldiers in the army of the Lord. Soldiers work together focused on an enemy. Let us not only stand together – let us CHARGE together against the Devil.

#7. by THE REALITY THAT THE ONLY KINGDOM WE ARE TO BUILD IS GOD’S

Back to our initial text - 1Cor 3:5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? [6] I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. [7] So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

We must be mindful that “the best of men are men at best.” All of us have a major besetting sin – pride. Those who lead are especially susceptible to pride. Paul acknowledged his own battle with pride in recounting the struggle physical affliction he endured. 2Corinthian 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

The adulation that Paul felt and that Apollos felt would have been a great temptation to enter in to prideful attitdutes toward the other. Each man had a following of supporters. It is a natural temptation to build my kingdom by tearing down your kingdom. We must be careful to clarify to ourselves and to our followers the principle from 2Corinthina 4:5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

CONCLUSION - I am not suggesting nor advocating that we or our churches join anything or make any long-term partnerships. I am certainly not suggesting that you compromise your Biblical convictions. The reality is you may not be comfortable to participate in every “work-together” effort.

What I am suggesting is this: Because the Bible teaches us that we should work together, let’s look for and find some opportunities to work together for God’s glory. We can work in cooperation on specific projects and special events.

Our church (Maranatha) is excited and encouraged to be WORKING TOGETHER with several other churches on a specific project and a special event. The project is the planting a new church in Athens, Ohio. The new church will be planted this fall (October, 2011). The special event is the God Bless America Rally, to be held on Sunday night, September 11. The 10^th Anniversary of the 9-11 attacks. Over thirty churches will be coming together for a combined Sunday night service in Charleston, West Virginia.

Some wonderful benefits of these efforts are becoming evident in my own church even though this project and this event have not happened yet.

I truly believe that the cause of Christ, the message of salvation, and the kingdom of God will be advanced because of the WORKING TOGETHER of different churches and pastors. Take note of this familiar scripture. 2Corinthinas 5:21 - 6:1) For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. [1] We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

May God deliver us from the vanity of our carnal nature and let us, TOGETHER, lift the blood stained banner of the cross HIGH, for ALL the world to see. As independent Baptists working together we can accomplish so much more for God than we can ever do toiling in isolation.

Love Your Neighbor Week

March 27 – April 2

Jesus said, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”

This is our emphasis and assignment for the week – not only by our words only, but by our actions. Today we are challenging, instructing and equipping every member of our church to be part of a a united concentrated effort to demonstrate Christ-like love to our community.

The command to love our neighbor is given in the Word of God ten different times. We are setting aside a special week to devote focused attention on this Biblical command.

Our strategy is that every member of Maranatha Baptist Church would perform “intentional acts of kindness” to demonstrate God’s love to coworkers, neighbors, friends, and complete strangers. The idea behind Love Your Neighbor Week is that we would point our community to the Lord Jesus Christ through our actions. With each act of kindness, we follow up with a simple reminder of God’s love—a card that says “God loves you” and has our church’s name and contact information on it.

As a church, we are looking this week for creative ways, as families and individuals, to demonstrate Christ’s love. And we are praying for those who will receive these acts of kindness, that seeds of the Gospel will be planted in their hearts.

I gratefully attribute this idea to Pastor Paul Chappell of the Lancaster Baptist Church, Lancaster, CA.

2011 Theme: WORKERS TOGETHER FOR CHRIST

Everyone a servant; every servant trained.

WORK – it’s a four letter word! Some people work hard at avoiding work. But the children of God who appreciate what the good Lord has done for them are ready and eager to work. Our general thrust in 2011 will be: work and workers, servants and service, labor and laborers. The Bible has much to say about our duty as believers to be workers for the Lord.

The beauty of being part of the family of God is that no one works alone. As Christians we work together within the body of Christ. As a church family, we work together as part of this local church body (Maranatha Baptist Church). And, we work together with our wonderful Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is, after all, His work – not ours.

There is always a need for additional workers in the cause of Christ. Too many people watch, applaud and approve of the work going on around them without every getting involved themselves. But, growing Christians learn to serve the Lord.

Some people are hesitant to get actively involved in the work because they feel they “don’t know how” to do it. Dr. David Wood says, “Motivation without education always leads to frustration.” Therefore, this year we will challenge every member of our church to commit themselves to an on-going ministry. AND, we will provide specific training for every area of ministry within our church.

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting for Revival

It has begun!

Maranatha Baptist Church has entered into 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting for Revival.

This could be the most important thing we have ever done as a church family. From Tuesday, Oct 5 to Sunday, November 14, (40 days) we are setting aside extra time and efforts for prayer. We are united in calling on the Lord to give us a true revival. We are asking the Lord: for revival in our individual lives, for revival in our church, and for revival in our community. Pray for revival! Our meeting is set for Sunday, November 14 through Friday, November 19. Dr. Ron Comfort will be preaching.

This week several people made solemn commitments to increase their prayer time. They will be earnestly praying for revival. This week many people (five to seven each day) will be fasting and praying for revival. If you were not in the combined adult Sunday School class for the lesson on fasting, we have CDs available at no cost. Please get one and listen to what the Bible says about fasting.

Special prayer meetings each week until Nov 14:

The church auditorium is open and available each the weekday (Mon-Fri) from 7:30am to 5:30pm for anyone who would like to come in and pray.

Ladies’ prayer meetings – Tuesdays at 11:00am in Auditorium

and Sunday mornings at 9:00am (Teen room)

Men’s prayer meetings – Saturday nights, 9:00pm in Auditorium

and Sunday mornings at 9:00am (Friendship room)

Every member of our church should be part of this “prayer saturation” effort. We NEED revival. Revival only comes from God to people who passionately want it.

“Momentum comes from activity, but power comes from prayer.”

Tips For Home Improvement

Here are 15 tips drawn from Biblical principles to improve your home.

Your home and the Lord

Joshua 24:14-15 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. [15] And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

1. Attend church together

2. Read the Bible and pray together

3. Find times to serve the Lord together

The husband and the wife relationship

Ephesians 5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. [25] Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

4. Work at keeping the communication flowing

5. Have a date time (men your wife needs this even if you don’t)

6. Never yell – unless the house is on fire

The finances in the family

Prov 6:6-8 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: [7] Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, [8] Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

7. Be faithful stewards of God’s blessings

8. Get on a budget that includes a saving account

9. Save so that you can - take family vacations

The potholes in life’s road

Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

10. Resolve differences quickly and respect each other’s opinion

11. Forget what has been forgiven

12. When in trouble get Godly council

The kids

Prov 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

13. Do not let the kids play one parent against the other

14. Give every child at least two years of piano lessons

15. Let kids participate in sports, scouts, and other activities as long as they do not have to miss church to do so. Don’t tell the pastor you won’t be at church because of a ballgame, tell the coach you won’t be at the ballgame because of church. Tell him, at your house - the Lord is first.

Why We Must Do MORE at Maranatha Baptist Church

As the Lord has directed and lead I have been challenging our church to do more in recent months. We can praise the Lord for many things that have been accomplished through the ministries, labor, sacrifice and prayer of our church. But, I firmly believe that we must do more.

Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, [14] I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Why must we do more? Why must we “reach forth” and “press toward the mark” as a church? Why have the last four Sunday morning messages been on Biblical evangelism?

Here are six reasons WE MUST DO MORE.

I. HE IS WORTHY OF OUR VERY BEST

To God be the glory, we have done well. But, we have not yet done our very best.

1Cor 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Rev 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

II. THE NEED IS GREAT

Matt 9:37-38 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; [38] Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

The need is great around the world. And, the need is great all around us. Our community is filled with people who are lost, headed to Hell, with no personal relationship to God through Jesus Christ. Additionally there are many, many saved people who are out of church. They are not growing, not productive, not being blessed.

III. THE OPPORTUNITY IS SIGNIFICANT

We are not a tiny church in a remote rural area with little visibility in the community. God has blessed us with wonderful facilities, layers of talent and abilities, a significant location. On and on it goes. We have been given much; the Bibles much is then required of us.

Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

IV. THE TIME IS LIMITED

The last days are approaching fast. The Lord is coming back. We work while we can “for the night cometh when no man can work.”

2Tim 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. [2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, [3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, [4] Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; [5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

V. OUR NATION IS IN GREAT PERIL

I am for voting and making our voice heard in the political arena. But, we will never bring revival to this nation via the ballot box. The church, God’s people must engage in the spiritual warfare and be the impactful salt and light in our culture.

Prov 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

VI. BECAUSE IT CAN BE DONE

We have been given a great commission; empowered by the great Holy Spirit; armed with the great Word of God. All that is lacking is our own resolve to get the job done!

Matt 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. [14] Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Read the book of ACTS – It can be done! Impacting our world for Jesus Christ is doable in the power of God.

CONCLUSION – What type of “MORE” are we talking about?

More evangelism (inviting, witnessing, door knocking, soul winning)

More giving (more people obedient about tithing, more missions giving, more building fund)

More impact events – Youth Sunday, Missions Expo, Revivals, Special Days

More Sunday School classes

More people completing the Basic Discipleship Class

More areas touched by our bus ministry

More kids in Sunday School and in AWANA clubs

More teens in Sunday School and in ACT

More churches planted in needy areas.

Will YOU be part of the MORE at Maranatha?