Stand Firm!

After nine years of church revitalization work in a previous ministry context I can personally affirm the points Charles Spurgeon drives home in his short address on "Standing Firm."

As was noted in a previous article the three major Trojan Horses that are sneaking into the Bible-believing Church right now are: 1) Thin Complementarianism ("Christian feminism" is en vogue again); 2) A modified view of sexuality (note Same Sex Attraction teaching), 3) A left leaning understanding of racial justice (i.e. a Christianized version of critical race theory/cultural Marxism).  Because conservative evangelicals have been swept away in the "Celebrity Culture" the Church today as at risk of making subtle compromises.  Have you noticed how if well known church leaders ("experts") from the Gospel Coalition or _____ promotes something how the masses seem to almost blindly follow?  Sola Scriptura is affirmed on paper but is often not fleshed out in daily life and in church ministry.  Now more than ever, do we need courageous believers who are willing to flesh out the implications of 1 Corinthians 16:13 and to stand firm (regardless of the cost)! 

Peace and Courage in Christ

Photo credit: todayschristianwomen.com

"If, therefore, we desire to be Christians, we must not seek exemptions from the cross, but must be satisfied with this single consideration, that, fighting under the banner of Christ, we are beyond all danger, even in the midst of the combat."

John Calvin commenting on John 16:33.

Jesus said to them, "Take courage, I have overcome the world!"

Knowing the Times (We Will Not Bow)

The extreme drought conditions that have plagued the State of California this year bring to mind a slew of arid Old Testament texts (Deut. 28; 1 Kings 8:34-35; Ruth 1:1); none more so than the historical narrative featuring Elijah the Tishbite and the godless King of Israel, Ahab.   Who can forget the showdown on Mount Carmel (note 1 Kings 17:1-18:45)?  As I traveled to Grace Church on Sunday night the sky grew black with clouds and it began to rain.  If you will allow me to use 1 Kings 18:45-46 as an analogy of sorts Sunday’s “rain shower” was quite apropos seeing that California’s “Elijah” returned home just a few days prior.  On this same night Pastor John MacArthur was endowed with power from on high in order that he might deliver a prophetic word from the Lord.  As I was listening to this message I realized rather quickly that this was one of those Martyn Lloyd-Jones-esque “Knowing the Times” sermons.   Even for someone who was part of Grace Church for twelve years it was a privilege to hear this “Logic On Fire” address in person.  This special message will not doubt become an “instant classic.”

As most of you no doubt realize much ink has been spilled in the aftermath of the landmark SCOTUS decision.  Nothing I have read, heard, or written comes close to what John MacArthur preached this past Sunday night.  This was “Hope For A Doomed Nation” times a thousand.  The following is a brief sketch of MacArthur’s epic July 19, 2015 sermon (You can listen to the sermon in its entirety by following this link).

Since our nation’s founding in 1776 the American experiment has brought an usual amount of religious freedom for all men, including- but not limited to- evangelical Christians.  In light of what Jesus said in John 16:33, what Paul declared in 2 Timothy 3:12, and what Peter wrote in 1 Peter 4:12-19 these blessed liberties should not be taken for granted.  In recent days the “reprieve” from an ungodly and hostile culture has been removed.   Those who continue to uphold what the Word of God clearly teaches concerning gender and marriage must prepare themselves for forthcoming persecution.  (If you are interested in how America got to this place so rapidly consider this article.  The LGBT blitzkrieg has taken root in six basic stages:  Desensitize, normalize, demonize, legalize, idolize, and finally, victimize/penalize the opposition).

Dr. MacArthur went on to remind the congregation that almost every form of sexual perversion is described in the first half of Genesis.  In other words, voyeurism, incest, adultery, fornication, and homosexuality is nothing new (see Genesis 3-19).  The Bible teaches that sexual sin and corrupt human nature go hand in hand.  We live in a fallen world of men who are lost and ruined by the fall (note Ephesian 2:1-3, Colossians 1:21-23). 

Biblical Boldness, Courage, and Truth Telling.

“I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house” (Acts 20:20). 

Martin Luther said, "The man of God should also open his mouth vigorously and confidently, to preach the truth that has been entrusted to him. He should not be silent or mumble, but testify without being frightened or bashful. He should speak out candidly without regarding or sparing anyone, let it strike whomever or whatever it will. It is a great hindrance to a preacher if he looks around and worries about what people like or do not like to hear, or what might make him unpopular or bring harm or danger upon him. As he stands high on a mountain in a public place and looks around freely, so he should also speak freely and fear no one, though he sees many kinds of people and faces. He should not hold a leaf in front of his mouth."