Learning to Trust God

by Larry Rouse
www.cvillechurch.com

What is the purpose of the body of Christ, the church of our Lord? Are we building in a wise way or are we pursuing things that are not in the Lord’s will? It is important to know the foundation that God gave His people so that we can be sure to build upon it. “According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor 3:10-11).

We must build on the foundation of Jesus Christ. In the work of conversion and in the work of helping a Christian to grow, we must help others to build a personal faith in the Lord. To truly bring one to “see the unseen” and then to “know the Lord” is not an easy process. When you see the reality of the spiritual realm, then you will make decisions that will be very much “out of step” with this world. When Moses rejected the riches and esteem that was offered to him as a prince of Egypt so that he could “suffer affliction with the people of God,” he did this because he could “see Him who is invisible” (Heb 11:24-27). Are we helping people to “see the unseen” or are we making people comfortable in their worldliness?

My Personal Struggle to Find a Biblical Faith

How did you come to trust in the Lord? I can remember many years ago, when I was in High School, an occasion in my life where I saw the emptiness of the path I was following and desired to find something more. On a clear, cold night I went outside and looked up at the stars and prayed a simple prayer for God to let me find Him. It was a humble prayer for light and truth that I followed up with my first attempt to read the Bible for myself.

As I started reading the scriptures there were so many things that I did not understand but there were some things that stood out distinctively to me. As I read the book of Romans I came to see the power and optimism of a genuine faith in Christ. When I read the words of Paul concerning his life and sufferings as viewed by the heart of faith, I was amazed! “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom 8:18). Later, in the same chapter, Paul expresses the confidence that faith brings in our outlook on our day-to-day events. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). After reading that chapter I sincerely wanted to have that kind of faith in my life!

I came to find out that the process of building such a faith takes time! In the year that followed I began to seek the Lord in the best way that I knew (Jn 7:17). So many steps that I took were imperfect, but I constantly sought to do what I believed the Lord had spoken in His word. As I went through this seeking process I tried to surround myself with people who also placed a high value on walking by faith. I found that both in the denominational world and in the local churches that I would later attend, that I was “out of step” with others that seemed to have another reason for attending the assemblies of the local church.

The stand that I take today is one of faith. When I left the human movements that dominate the religious world, I simply wanted to follow the Lord apart from the rule and the traditions of men. Paul left Judaism with this simple goal in his heart: “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him” (Phil 3:7-9). When I was baptized into Christ, I did so with “faith in the working of God” (Col 2:11-13). As I came to face the unpredictable difficulties of life, I came to know that I serve a God that will never forsake me and thus learned to live without fear (Heb 13:5-6). Over time I have found a faith that allowed me to view my life in light of the promises of God (Rom 8:18, 28)!

Have We Drifted?

Does the local church that we attend make the building of faith a priority? Are our homes a place where a daily trust in God is a priority? The reason why I ask these questions is that I fear some Christians and some churches have drifted from this great foundation. “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb 3:12-13).

Some Personal Questions

1. Do I have a daily confidence in the promises of God and of His care, or do I worry and have the scornful attitude of the world?

2. In times of uncertainty and hurt do I read the promises of God and pour my heart out to Him in prayer, or do I complain and seek out worldly companions to take my burdens? (Mt 11:28-29).

3. When I attend the assemblies, am I able to place myself before God and personally find application to my life from His word regardless of how interesting the speaker is or how friendly others are?

4. Do I often think about the Lord, His present approval, His future return so that in everything I do I see Him as my constant companion (Col 3:17, 22-23)?

Do Not Accept Substitutes

Please do not let the approval and the praise of men be the “joy” you find among Christians (Gal 1:10, 2 Cor 10:12, 17). Some become “issue-oriented” out of a sense of party loyalty or out of a desire to display their personal knowledge and thinking skills. There is a big difference between building up another’s faith in the Lord and in preaching one’s personal glory (2 Cor 4:1-2).

What will the Lord find when He returns? It is my prayer that He will find in each of us a genuine, pure faith that has been tested by fire! Does this describe you and me? “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:6-9).

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The "Misleading" of the Holy Spirit

by Bill Hall
www.cvillechurch.com

The 1980s will surely be remembered as the decade when so many "Spirit-led" projects failed.
The fall of Jim Bakker with his PTL empire and Heritage USA will long be remembered. Jim Bakker could hardly speak without referring to what the Spirit was leading him to do. His explanation for the collapse of his empire was: "God has me on a roller-coaster ride" (Time, March 30 1987). Oral Roberts built his $150 million City of Faith "on direct orders from God" (Time, Nov 6, 1981). Roosevelt Greer, Rex Humbard, and Pat Robertson attended the dedication. Barbara Mandrell sang the national anthem. President Reagan sent a congratulatory letter. Further, in 1983 the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that Roberts sent out "millions of letters saying Jesus appeared to him and told him God had chosen Roberts to find the cure for cancer" (Jan. 18 1983). The (Nashville) Tennessean had a news item, however, in its 15 September 1989 edition that said, "Roberts announced Wednesday the City of Faith hospital will be closed by the end of the year and the Oral Roberts University School of Medicine will close after the current school year" (Guardian of Truth, Nov. 1989, p. 25). We do not have an update as to whether or not the hospital actually closed, but it is apparent that Roberts was expecting failure in that which the Holy Spirit supposedly had led him to do.

Jimmy Swaggart was once called the "King of Honky-Tonk Heaven" by Newsweek. He raised $142 million in just one year (1989). Because of sexual misconduct, however, his ministry is also foundering. An article by Bill Crews (Park Forest Proclaimer, July 22 1990]), reports that the number of Swaggart's TV viewers has fallen 83 per cent and that enrollment in his college has declined from 1451 to 419. Throughout the buildup of his ministry, Swaggart credited God for the growth that had taken place.

These examples of "Spirit-led projects" gone awry are truly signs of the times in which we are living. We frequently hear people claiming that the Spirit is leading them to do this or that. Often the very activity into which the Spirit is supposedly leading them is contrary to the teaching of the Spirit-inspired Scriptures. Several observations are in order.

1. The Spirit on occasions did directly lead men of the first century into specific fields of labor. The Spirit told Philip to join the eunuch in his chariot (Acts 8:29), then caught Philip away after he had baptized the eunuch (Acts 8:39). The Spirit told Peter to go with the messengers Cornelius had sent (Acts 10:19, 20). The Spirit gave the orders for the beginning of the first missionary journey (Acts 13:1-4). The Spirit forbade Paul to preach in Asia and Bithynia as he traveled westward on his second journey, and then through a vision directed his feet toward Macedonia (Acts 16:6-10).

2. Whenever the Spirit did directly lead men in the first century, the results were always favorable. The eunuch was baptized and went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:38,39). Cornelius and those with him were converted, becoming the first fruits among the Gentiles (Acts 10:44-48). Paul's first journey resulted in much fruit, and when he went into Macedonia on his second journey, his work resulted in the beginning of great churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea.

3. The Spirit did not so completely take over the lives of men in the first century that every move made by them was "Spirit-led. " More often they were left to make their own decisions and plans. For instance, plans for a second journey were formulated in the minds of Paul and Barnabas, and when they went separate ways, "Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; and Paul chose Silas . . . and he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches" (Acts 15:39-41). Had the Holy Spirit directed that Paul and Barnabas go on this journey as he did on the first, they would have been defying his directions in going separate ways. But these were their plans, and they had every right to change their plans.

Later, Paul made his own plans to go to Rome and Spain after completion of his third journey, and he asked the Romans to pray that he could come to them "with joy by the will of God" (Rom. 15:23-33). Had these plans been made through the direction of the Spirit, our faith might well be shaken, for these plans did go awry. But they were Paul's own plans which fell through just as some of our plans fall through.

4. The tragic failure of "Spirit-led" projects of our generation is proof that they were not truly instigated by the Holy Spirit. Had the Spirit truly instigated them, they would have been successful. "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 Jn.4:1).

5. The Spirit does lead us into various fields and activities through the revealed word, leading us through the directions he gave to the inspired men of the first century. As we read the Spirit's directions to Peter to go to Cornelius, the Spirit is leading us to go to people of all races without prejudice. As we read of the Spirit's directions to Paul not to turn aside into Asia and Bithynia, he is leading us to ever expanding territories in our world. As we read of the Lord's encouragement to Paul in his time of despair in Corinth (Acts 18:9, 10), he is encouraging us in our time of despair.

6. We do believe that God's continues to work within our lives, "choosing our changes" on occasions, but his providential workings should not be confused with the direct leadings of the Spirit in the first century.

Paul wrote of certain ones in his day who were inflated without cause, taking their stand on visions they had seen, rather than holding to the Head (Col. 2:18,19). Such people always seem to take on an air of superiority, lightly regarding those who simply take their stand on revealed and confirmed truth. Paul did not want the Colossians to be intimidated by such people in his day, and we must not be intimidated by such people in our day.

The Spirit leads through the word he has revealed. When all fully realize that the Scriptures are the product of the Holy Spirit, and that whenever we read the Scriptures he is speaking to us, teaching us, and leading us, most of our problems over the Holy Spirit will vanish.

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Learning How to Worship

by Larry Rouse
www.cvillechurch.com

In what manner do you come before the presence of the King of the Universe? As Christians we are expected to be at His table to remember the greatest sacrifice ever made when we observe the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor 11:23-26). Please understand that this is an occasion very different from what we do in our everyday service to God. Without proper preparation, proper concentration and a tender heart, we can incur the wrath of God and place our souls in jeopardy (1 Cor 11:27-30).

I believe that a good barometer of the spiritual health of a Christian and that of a local church is found in the attitudes and actions expressed in our assemblies for worship. Over the years I have observed those who showed disrespect and disinterest when they should have been trembling in their heart at the presence of God. As I look back, most of those who displayed these attitudes have since fallen away. Also, I have know of some older couples that considered themselves “faithful members of the church” because they brought their bodies to an assembly without the involvement of their hearts. These same “members” came to see, over time, that all of their children have fallen away! What are we really teaching others about worshiping God?

God is Seeking Worshippers

Jesus revealed a great truth about our God when He discussed the subject of worship. “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24). We should pause and listen to the words of our Lord. The ruler of the universe, the One who is all powerful and needs nothing, is seeking worshippers! Please understand, He is not seeking just any kind or worshipper. God will only take “true worshippers,” those who will worship “in spirit and truth.” Are you that “true worshipper” that God is seeking?

True Worship is not Man-Centered

What did Jesus mean when He talked about “worship?” This word Jesus used is proskuneo and is defined: (1) from a basic sense bow down to kiss someone's feet, garment hem, or the ground in front of him; (2) in the NT of worship or veneration of a divine or supposedly divine object, expressed concretely with falling face down in front of someone worship, venerate, do obeisance to; (a) toward God (MT 4.10); (b) toward Jesus (MT 2.2); (c) toward the devil and demons (MT 4.9; RV 9.20); (d) toward idols (AC 7.43); (e) toward human beings as given or claiming to have divine power or authority (RV 3.9; 13.4b) - Friberg’s Analytical Greek Lexicon.

Worship is a strong word that indicates an awe of the heart that causes one to fall down either literally or in one’s heart in the presence of a holy God. Isaiah’s response should be ours as we see God’s majesty and our own sinfulness when we worship. “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The Lord of hosts” (Isaiah 6:5). Rest assured, true worship is not a place for the casual man-centered approach of our current religious world.

We Must Come to Know and Love God

So much of what men call worship is a mindless repetition of outward acts and outward words that men think will obligate God to them. Some view God like a “divine vending machine.” If you put the proper coins in a vending machine and press the right buttons, then the machine dispenses what you want. Our God is not an impersonal being that will respond to a certain formula. He wants our hearts!

It takes much teaching for man to see and know God. It is the love of God that ultimately melts a man’s heart and causes him to “obey the gospel” (Romans 6:17; 5:6-8). Once a man becomes a Christian, he has a daily need to renew that love by placing himself before God in worship. It is so easy to replace seeking the approval and praise of the unseen God with seeking the presence and approval of men (2 Cor 10:12, 17). We must fight to keep our hearts before God.

If a man does not love God, then worship will truly be a “weariness” (Malachi 1:13). Those who have this view will want short services, short sermons and “worship” that caters to their tastes. Yes, we can “improve worship” from the world’s point of view by doing things to keep the shallow attention of the worldly. Is this really the worship that God is seeking? If Jesus came to your assembly, would he be welcomed in reverence and listed to with rapt attention? Or would He leave in disgust at what His “house” (Mk 11:17) has become? In Malachi’s day God wanted to “shut the doors.” “Who is there even among you who would shut the doors, So that you would not kindle fire on My altar in vain? I have no pleasure in you,” Says the Lord of hosts, “Nor will I accept an offering from your hands” (Malachi 1:10).

How Do We Teach Others About Worship?

Worship begins with learning to come before God on a daily basis. The disciples saw Jesus pray often and as a result they asked to be taught. “Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples” (Luke 11:1).

The assembly for worship should be an extension of what we are already doing on a daily basis. Sadly, some pray in their in private lives only the kind of prayers heard in the assembly. The assembly prayer is led with the needs of the many in mind, and, as a result, will often be more general. However, in private I need much more time to confess my sins and talk to God alone about the multitude of things on my heart. Those who have never learned to do this are spiritual dwarfs that may make demands to change the assembly to keep themselves from “weariness.”

We Must Rebuild the Foundations

Over the last few years I have witnessed things in the assembly that have dismayed me. I have seen people bring their secular work into the assembly and work on it as they would at a desk. I have seen young people laugh and talk and, in one case, a young lady let her non-Christian boyfriend give her a backrub during the sermon. In one place a church looking for a preacher had a man ask each preacher this first question in a business meeting: “Will you cut back on the length of your sermon?” Later this same man wanted the preacher to be “fired” because he often preached over this man’s self-imposed limit of 30 minutes. Brethren, we have drifted and there is much work to do!

The Call to Repentance

We need teaching that will rend our hearts and bring us back into the presence of God. Hear the words of God to the church at Ephesus. “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent” (Rev 2:4-5).

Be honest, are you a true worshipper? If not, repent and start today by pouring out your heart in a personal confession to God.

Let us be able to join with the Psalmist in our joy at worship. “I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord” (Ps 122:1).

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