Is Non-Denominational Christianity Possible?

By Mark E. Larson

www.cvillechurch.com

"That they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me." (John 17:21, NASB). In a world where religious division is common and where thousands upon thousands of “Christian” denominations exist, the idea of “Non-denominational Christianity” as Jesus prayed may seem to some people like a “fairy tale,” a “pipe dream,” or too idealistic. Yet, that doesn’t stop people from trying. Many are desperate to escape the problem of denominationalism and work to free them from it. So when a religious group or church claims to be non-denom. (non-denominational) or is working toward that goal, it can be quite appealing in a world of religious confusion.

In America, there is an ever growing popularity of “non-denom.” churches. Many “mega-churches” claim to be non-denom. Even many churches that belong to a denomination claim to be non-denom. to sound more attractive to church seekers. Why the trend to be “non-denom.”? Certainly the interest by some comes from a sincere desire to be “Christians only.” Yet, unfortunately, most people who want to be non-denom. do not understand what that actually means. Many believe that anything different and new is non-denom. which is a huge mistake (1 Tim. 6:20-21). Many wrongly suppose that to be non-denom. all traditions must be set aside, including the “traditions” or instructions handed down by the apostles of Christ (2 Thes. 2:15). Others merely seek to escape the need for authority, doctrine, leadership, and organization, even though the Bible clearly teaches the necessity of all of these (Col. 1:18; 3:17; Acts 2:42; 1 Pet 5:1-4; Phil 1:1b; Tit 1:5; etc.). Therefore, the mere claim of a church to be non-denom. doesn’t make it so.

What is a Denomination?

To understand what it means to be non-denominational we need to first understand what it means to be denominational. The word denomination cannot be found in the Scriptures; therefore we look to definitions provided by English dictionaries: “1. A large group of religious congregations united under a common faith and name and organized under a single administrative and legal hierarchy. 2. One of a series of kinds, values, or sizes, as in a system of currency or weights: Cash registers have compartments for bills of different denominations…3. A name or designation, especially for a class or group (American Heritage Dictionary); “4. a religious organization whose congregations are united in their adherence to its beliefs and practices” (Merriam-Webster Online). From these definitions we learn the following:
A denomination is a group of churches that has chosen a specific name to identify (or designate) themselves to separate themselves from other religious groups. There is nothing wrong with this, provided the name is a name given by God in the Scriptures (e.g., Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 1:2; 1 Tim. 3:15). Denominations commonly choose non-biblical names (e.g., Lutheran, Academy, Baptist, Community). Of course, a Scriptural name used for the church does not necessarily mean it is a group of God’s people.

A denomination is a united group of churches (two or more) that follow a specific tradition, teaching, and practice. Certainly if there is agreement among churches who walk by the same rule (Phil. 3:16), this can be a great encouragement and blessing if the standard is the word of God. Yet, denominations are not based upon the Bible alone. Man-made creeds, philosophies, opinions, and the like are also included in the shaky foundation of denominationalism (cf. Mat. 7:26-27).

A denomination is commonly under the authority of an administrative body in which one church and/or her leaders oversees the work of others. Commonly, a denom. or a group of churches unite to accomplish a work that was meant to be fulfilled only by the local church or individual Christians such as the work of teaching the lost (e.g., Phil. 4:15-18; Acts 8:4). As a result, an organization larger than the church is formed, an organization which is not authorized by the New Testament.

Where did all of the Denominations Come from?

One study (e.g., “Center for the Study of Global Christianity”) asserts that there are over 39,000 denominations in the world. Where did they all come from? Not being content with the teachings of Scripture, men went beyond Scripture (1 Cor. 4:6; 2 John 9) and they added to and took away from God’s word (Rev. 22:18-19). They followed the words of men, instead of the word of God only. No matter how well-intentioned people may be, whenever the wrong “seed” is used, another denomination will be formed. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Gal. 6:7-8). Only by sowing the right kind of “seed”, the word of God, will Christians be the result (Lk 8:11; Rom. 1:16).

Denominations did not come from God. Denominationalism is the world’s concept of Christianity. The world thinks of the church not as Christians only, but as consisting of many denominational churches or “Christian” subgroups. Whenever a denom. is formed, the world views it as an addition to the worldwide church of Christ. All people of every denomination are considered to be “Christians” by the world.

What’s wrong with Denominationalism?

“Denominational Christianity” is foreign and contrary to the New Testament: The practice of forming “Christian denominations” has no approval or authority in the Scriptures. No where in the New Testament can you find the existence of a Christian denomination, certainly not with God’s approval! Denominations are sinful, simply by the fact that there is no authority by Christ in His Word for them to exist.

Denominations Promote Division: Denominationalism, by its very nature, leads to division which is clearly condemned in Scripture (1 Cor. 1:10; Gal. 5:20). Jesus prayed that His disciples be as one and that such unity be based on the truth or God’s word (John 17:17, 20-21). Thus, denominationalism goes against the desire of Jesus. Instead of bringing people together for Bible study and discussion, there is the further advancement of separation and isolation from one another.

Denominations Lead to the Establishment of Man-made Creeds: A creed, sometimes called “a confession” or “rule of faith”, is an authoritative statement in a precise written or oral form that formally and publicly declares the beliefs and doctrines of a religious group. Whenever a denomination is formed, men feel the need to establish an official consensus or agreement in what is believed by their members and thus has turned to creeds. Creeds have been seen as a way to keep people loyal to “the truth”, as a standard to measure “correct doctrine.” This way, it is believed, the world will know exactly what they stand for and will set them apart from other churches.

The problems with creeds are abundant! They are not inspired and thus are imperfect and grossly insufficient, always needing to be revised (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Creeds cannot build genuine saving faith, only God’s word can (Rom. 10:17). Creeds often add man’s wisdom, traditions, and philosophies (Col. 2:8) and also take away from God’s word (Rev. 22:18-19). Instead of helping people be God’s special people, man-made creeds have been used as divisive instruments, teaching people how others are wrong and how they are right discouraging Bible study with those who differ.

Denominations create followers of men, not Disciples of Christ: The first example of “denominationalism” took place at Corinth. “For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe's people, that there are quarrels among you. Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, "I am of Paul," and "I of Apollos," and "I of Cephas," and "I of Christ." Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Cor 1:11-13). People today often make the same mistake. Commonly, people will say: “I am a Lutheran” or “I am a Baptist” or “I am an Adventist” for example. Whenever loyalty that should belong to Christ is transferred to a man and his teachings, that person has become a follower of man! Denominations promote this type of thinking in which people take their focus off of Christ and onto a man-made creed and organization.

Destroys the Autonomy and Independence of Local Churches: A local church that belongs to a denomination often forfeits her independence and autonomy (the right to self-govern). This is contrary to the New Testament that teaches that each local church must be independent and autonomous from one another. This is not to say they cannot help each other when in need (e.g., Benevolence – Acts 11:27-30; 2 Cor. 8). But, there must be an independent rule of the leadership of each congregation. Overseers (i.e., bishops, pastors, elders) are commanded to shepherd only the members of a church of which they themselves belong. “Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.” (1 Pet. 5:1-3; cf. Acts 20:28).

Denominations go beyond this limitation, unlawfully extending their rule over many congregations. For example, "Methodists have bishops elected by the Jurisdictional Conference which oversee work in a broad geographic area.” (Church History by John D. Cox). This goes beyond the oversight of a single congregation. Not even the apostles ruled in this way! Though the apostles’ doctrine is the foundation of the church (Eph. 2:20), the apostles understood the importance of church autonomy. “Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy; for in your faith you are standing firm.” (2 Cor. 1:24). Sadly, denominational churches often sacrifice their independence and free will to think and stand on their own for the Lord. They allow one law-making body to “lord it over” their faith! For instance, even many Baptist churches that claim to be independent and autonomous are allowing themselves to be dictated to by the Southern Baptist Convention.

God in His wisdom instructed churches to be autonomous to safeguard each one against widespread corruption. When a local church departs from the faith, this does not have to affect other churches. For example, the church in Thyatira tolerated a false teacher and her doctrine (Rev. 2:18-29), yet this particular problem did not advance to the other churches in Asia (Rev. 2-3). On the other hand, when the headquarters of a denomination starts to teach error, false doctrine has the potential to “spread like cancer” (2 Tim. 2:17-18) to every church associated with it.

The One Church of Christ is comprised of Christians, not Churches.

There is Only One Body or Church: Contrary to the Scriptures, denominationalism teaches that there are many bodies or churches that comprise the worldwide church of Christ citing John 15 as proof. Yet, the figure Jesus uses, “the branches,” clearly refer to individual disciples, not denominations or churches: “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).

Christ is the Head over just one body / church: “And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fulness of Him who fills all in all… There is one body” (Eph 1:22-23, 4:4a; cf. Eph 2:16; 3:6; 5:23; Rom. 12:4-5; 1 Cor. 12:12-13, 20). There is only “one flock” or “one fold” of God’s people along with the “one shepherd” Jesus Christ (John 10:16; cf. 1 Pet. 2:25). Jesus promised: “I will build My church” - singular, not plural – “churches” (Mat. 16:18). There was just one church purposed (Eph. 3:10-11), prophesied (Dan. 2:44-45; Heb. 12:23, 28), and promised by God (Mat. 16:18).

Every Person who is Saved (Becomes a Christian) is Added to His Church (Acts 2:38, 41). Not added to a denomination, but added to the Church by the Lord: “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47b, NKJV). Those who are baptized into Christ, are baptized into His one body, the church (1 Cor. 12:13; cf. Col. 1:18). Therefore, those who are baptized into Christ’s body belong to the saved people of God (Heb. 12:23). Therefore, the worldwide church of Christ is made up of Christians, not local churches or denominations.

Local Churches: Individual Christians, who already belong to the church, then have a duty to work and worship with other Christians, establishing local churches of Christ. Christians are authorized by God’s word to organize themselves into local “churches of Christ” to collectively worship God and carry out the work of the church. “…All the churches of Christ greet you (Rom. 16:16b, NASB e.g. 1 Cor 1:2; Gal 1:2; 1 Thes 1:1).

How Can I Be a Non-Denominational Christian?

Maintain a Non-Denominational Mindset: When a person has responded to the gospel to become a Christian (John 3:16; Rom. 10:9-10; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Pet. 3:21), it is very important that he/ she not think of himself as belonging to a denomination nor speak in ways that convey this. Do you speak as being member of the Lord’s church or just a member of a local church that happens to have the name “Church of Christ” on the door? God’s people are simply Christians that belong to His church: “But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God” (1 Peter 4:16). Refuse to speak in denominational ways of your faith. Avoid labels, partyism, or any hint of a denominational affiliation (1 Cor. 1:10-15).

Lead People to Christ, not to a Local Church: Again, what is your mindset? Do you lead people to Christ or merely to the “local church of your choice”? Certainly, there is great value to bringing visitors to worship assemblies or Bible classes so they may hear God’s word taught. But again, what is our number one goal? Christ, not the Body (Church) is the Savior (Eph. 5:23); we are first and foremost leading the lost to Jesus Christ, not to any particular local church. Therefore, even if a person we teach the gospel becomes a Christian and has to attend a different congregation (e.g., in another city), we still rejoice, for a soul for Christ has been saved!

Do not Condone the Error of Denominationalism: In our society, it can be awfully tempting to regard all people of every denomination as Christians in order to “get along.” Yet, we do our neighbor a disservice when we act as if denominational differences do not matter. “And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them” (Eph. 5:11). Denominationalism goes against God’s word and thus is a “deed of darkness.” We must not submit to the “age of toleration” and condone error, but instead be helping people out of their error and teaching them the truth.

Don’t Confuse being Non-denominational with Being Interdenominational: Some people believe they can fellowship or be members of many different denominations and show respect of all doctrines, and be non-denominational at the same time. Yet, this is not the unity that Jesus prayed for. Instead, this is interdenominationalism. Interdenominational churches attempt to unite people of different denominational backgrounds. This is achieved by getting people to make compromises on doctrinal issues that are, in their view, “secondary” to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

Unity certainly starts with our belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ which is the foundation of the gospel (1 Cor. 15:3-4). Yet, the gospel also stands for the truth, which is God’s word (Eph. 1:13; John 17:17). Unity or fellowship with one another requires that we abide in the teaching of Christ (2 John 9), “the law of Christ” (1 Cor. 9:21), the truth of God’s word (Jn 17). Any compromise of so called “secondary” issues is to belittle the New Covenant that Jesus gave His life for (Mat. 26:28).

How Can I tell if a Local Church is truly Non-Denominational?

Look Beyond Autonomy: Just because a church makes the claim to be independent and autonomous from other churches, doesn’t mean that they are truly non-denominational. While autonomy is important, this is not the only characteristic to look for in a church. Many religious cults are autonomous, but this does not make them the Lord’s people!

Respects Christ as Their Head: “And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fulness of Him who fills all in all” (Eph 1:22-23; cf. Mat. 28:18). A church is non-denom. when she respects Jesus as the One with all authority. This means that the church is committed to making sure that every belief and practice they have is authorized by Christ (Col. 3:17). Law is not determined by church leaders, but by the word of God. The Lord is our only lawgiver and judge (James 4:12). Jesus has the final say on everything (John 12:48).

What Does This Local Church Stand for? Being non-denominational does not mean that a church has to compromise the truth. Some seem to think that taking a position on any doctrinal issue automatically makes a church a denomination. Not so! A non-denominational church should and must stand for the truth of God’s word and not settle for anything less! “But in case I am delayed, I write so that you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth” (1 Tim 3:15). Any local church worth consideration should have the courage or “backbone” to proclaim their beliefs as taught by God’s word.

“The Faith” is Taught, not Something “Different”: Beware of churches that boast of being “fun, new, different, and exciting.” Being non-denom. is not merely about being new and different. God’s people will certainly be different or set apart from the world (2 Cor. 6:14-18). Yet, what should set a church apart from most all other churches is that the original faith, “the faith” is taught: “Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

Does this church preach the same message of the first century? (1 Cor. 4:17; 7:17; 16:1).

They Practice New Testament Christianity: “And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42) Has the world changed so much that we cannot be New Testament Christians but instead something close but not the same? God’s word “lives and abides forever” and applies to us today! (1 Pet. 1:23-25). A church that does this will appear strange to the world, yet that is what sets it apart as a non-denominational church!

Christians can be non-denominational when they are committed to being only Christians who belong to the church which Jesus Christ paid for with His own blood (Acts 20:28).

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Spiritual "Ubrban Legends"

by Larry Rouse
www.cvillechurch.com

Men have always been gullible and quick to believe and spread false stories they have heard from another. In this internet age and with the use of e-mail, false stories are spread like lightning and are accepted by millions without a second thought. Even when websites are dedicated to debunking these falsehoods, and conscientious people inform others about what is true, these false stories never seem to die. The modern term coined to describe these deceptions is “Urban Legends.”

Here are but a few of these Urban Legends that sincere people have sent me:

“Forward this e-mail and Bill Gates will pay you $156.29!”
“NASA scientist has found a missing day that proves Old Testament miracles!”
“Terrorists are buying UPS uniforms!”
“You must write the FCC now or Madelyn Murray O’Hare will ban all religious broadcasts.”

As Christians, we should be concerned about every word that comes out of our mouths and every e-mail that we write or forward that bears our names (Matthew 12:36). These and other false stories cost others money, damaged the reputations of others, and hurt the creditability of those that spread them.

Our society thinks of themselves as being informed and enlightened and above the ignorant beliefs of past generations. The hard truth is that this generation is just like all past generations and has often accepted falsehoods without any attempt to investigate what is true.
How does this apply to our religious world? How many doctrines and practices that are commonly believed are actually taught in the Bible? God commended the Bereans because they “searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). When you begin to actually “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1), that is check what men do and say by God’s word, then you will also find many things that are accepted by millions and practiced by “mainline” denominations are nothing more than spiritual “Urban Legends.”

The Literal Reappearing of the Body and Blood of Jesus

When Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper to commemorate His death, He used bread and fruit of the vine to represent His body and blood that was to be given as a sacrifice for our forgiveness. “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:26-28). Just as the Passover meal reminded the Israelites of a past merciful act of God, so the Lord’s Supper or Communion would remind all Christians of all times about the sacrifice of Jesus. The power in this act of worship is found in the remembrance and not in some mystical strength in the physical elements (Luke 22:19; 1 Cor 11:24-25).

Sadly, many years ago men took verses that had no direct bearing on this memorial feast and twisted them to mean something that is contrary to the scriptures. Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you (John 6:53).” He explained in the context that men are to fully partake of His teachings and, in that, they would be eating His “flesh and blood.”

In order to gain power over men, a whole series of assumptions have been made about this text that push men to believe that only the Catholic Church through their priests has the power to administer the Lord’s Supper. This service is called a “Mass” and claims to be a literal sacrifice of the body and blood of Jesus anew. These assumptions are widely accepted, even though the scriptures teach that the sacrifice of Christ was “once for all,” and because of that it would never be repeated again (Hebrews 9:26-28).”

Accepting Jesus as Your Savior through Prayer

How many people, that have come to be convicted of their sin and thus have seen their need of salvation, were then urged to say the “sinner’s prayer?” From the popular Billy Graham crusades of years past, to today’s typical Protestant services, millions are told that they have been forgiven and now are Christians because they have “received Jesus into their hearts” by this prayer. Where is this taught in the Bible?

When you look in the scriptures, you will not find a command or any example of men finding forgiveness in this manner. However, you will find that out of a belief in the resurrected Jesus, that men were to repent of their sins, confess Jesus as Lord and then be baptized (in water) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 22:16; Romans 10:9-10). The very first sermon Peter preached after the ascension of Christ concluded with this command and example: “Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit….Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them (Acts 2:38, 41). Have you tested these beliefs?

Ordained Priests or Clergy are Needed in Our Service to God

In both Catholic and Protestant churches there exists a special class of men that act as priests, or as ordained men, that alone can perform certain services to God. Because of this distinction, these men have special callings, special ordained educational institutions that they must attend, and that they alone can baptize, conduct marriage ceremonies, and speak with a special authority about the word of God.

In the church that Jesus Christ built there are no such classes of men. Rather than having special titles such as reverend and father, Jesus taught that we are all brothers (Matthew 23:8). If you are a Christian, then you are a priest. ”But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). Do you understand that no one stands between you and God except the Lord Jesus Himself (1 Timothy 2:5)?

Have these things been part of some of the spiritual “Urban Legends” that you have accepted? Why not begin today to look at the Bible anew, and test the things you have heard? By taking that step you will begin to glorify Jesus in your life and be able to confidently stand with Him in your beliefs. “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:11)

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The Emptiness of a Culture-Based Worship

by Larry Rouse
www.cvillechurch.com

We live in an age where numbers determine the success of everything. A business must be judged by its growing profit numbers, a team must be judged by the number of wins, and individuals are judged by their accumulation of things that, too, are given a numerical value. The religions of this world have fully imbibed this spirit and proclaim their successes by their numbers and by their growth rate. How does our God view these things?

While the early church had a phenomenal growth that produced real disciples for the glory of God, the Lord never judged these churches by just numbers. Among the seven churches of Asia, faithfulness was not determined by numbers, financial success or popularity in the community. The one church that received nothing but praise from the Lord was the church at Smyrna. From a community standpoint this church was despised, and consisted of people who were not successful in the ways of the world. How did God view them? “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich)...” (Revelation 2:9).

Sincere, but misguided men, have thought to survey their communities and produce the kind of church that would appeal to the greatest number of people. In every age there have been fads that attracted people to these latest trends. However, the trends that are “hot” today are discarded for something else tomorrow.

During Bible times in the city of Colossae, there were those who claimed to worship angels, while others showed their great “devotion” by depriving themselves of certain things. Their outward liveliness and the newness of their beliefs attracted numbers from the world who marveled at their “commitment.” How did God view their “success”? “Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God” (Colossians 2:18-19). Paul points out the only real test of success before God is “holding fast to the Head.” Is your success based on the Lord Jesus Christ, the only Head of the church? Are you building on His word or are you enticing people through the flesh? Numbers cannot answer that question.

In the Old Testament, one of the greatest Kings of Israel, Josiah, seemed to achieve a stunning success in bringing Israel back to God—if you judge by the numbers.

Josiah was truly converted to the Lord with his whole heart. He lived in a generation that had literally lost the word of God. During a cleanup of the temple it was told to Josiah that “Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the LORD given by Moses. Then Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD”” (2 Chronicles 34:14-15). Josiah immediately wanted to hear God’s word and we see his reaction. “Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it before the king. Thus it happened, when the king heard the words of the Law, that he tore his clothes” (2 Chronicles 34:18-19).

When Josiah heard God’s word he heard a distinct message. It was not the feel-good message that “all is well” and that you should “live and let live.” It was a message of commitment, of holiness and of the consequences of sin. Josiah understood that his country was going to be destroyed because of their sin. He wanted to stop that from happening so he tore his clothes as a sign of mourning and then pleaded with God about what He would do.

God’s answer to Josiah was twofold. First, God spoke concerning the nation of Israel. “Thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, I will bring calamity on this place and on its inhabitants, all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah” (2 Chronicles 34:24).

Then God spoke concerning Josiah. “Concerning the words which you have heard; “because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,” says the LORD. “Surely I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace…” (2 Chronicles 34:26-28).

Josiah did everything within his power from that moment on to save Israel. He had God’s word read in the presence of all Judah. He then used his authority as King to call on the people to make a commitment. Here was the outward result: “Thus Josiah removed all the abominations from all the country that belonged to the children of Israel, and made all who were present in Israel diligently serve the LORD their God. All his days they did not depart from following the LORD God of their fathers” (2 Chronicles 34:33). Was Josiah successful?

The prophet Jeremiah began his preaching during the reign of Josiah. He personally observed the good works of Josiah and the stunning success of having Judah pouring into the temple to pray and offer sacrifices as they once did. What did Jeremiah say about the success Josiah had with his people?

Nothing!

The prophet did recognize that many people were once again visiting the temple, but he also pointed out what men could not see with their eyes—that is the motive behind their “attendance.” “And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah has not turned to Me with her whole heart, but in pretense,” says the LORD” (Jeremiah 3:10). Yes, they outwardly did what was right, but for them it was a fad—a pretense—so that they could be a part of the latest popular movement.

For all the numbers, all the sacrifices, all the excitement of seeing everyone bringing their bodies to “worship God,” one thing was lacking. They had not given God their hearts. In Isaiah’s day God warned: ““When you come to appear before Me, Who has required this from your hand, to trample My courts? Bring no more futile sacrifices…I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting. Your New Moons and your appointed feasts My soul hates; They are a trouble to Me, I am weary of bearing them” (Isaiah 1:12-14).

How are you building your life and your heart? Please do not trust in numbers or in how good men make you feel. Take the narrow, neglected path that our Lord laid out for you and me. You can have fellowship with those who know the Lord and love Him. The Lord Himself will be with you too!

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

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Do You Know the Holy Spirit?

by Mark E. Larson

www.cvillechurch.com

Do you really know the Holy Spirit? As much as the Bible talks about the Holy Spirit, it is a wonder then why so little thought or consideration is given to Him. In our understanding of who God is, we must not forget about the Holy Spirit.

Unfortunately, many people do not think of the Holy Spirit as a Person and therefore their disrespect of Him shows. Many talk about the Holy Spirit as if He equaled a powerful emotion to be experienced. Many define Him as some kind of unexplainable, mysterious energy force of the cosmos. They will speak of Him as an influence or a power of God, but rarely if ever as a Person, one of the three persons that comprise Deity.

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The apostle Paul by the Spirit said to his Corinthian brethren: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.” (2 Cor. 13:14, NASB) We should know the Holy Spirit with whom we have fellowship! Taking the time to study the Scriptures will clear up any misunderstandings we have and enrich the relationship we are meant to have with the Holy Spirit as Christians.

The Holy Spirit is Holy!

The word spirit in the New Testament comes from the Greek word PNEUMA. There are several different uses of the word in Scripture (e.g., wind – Jn 3:8; breath – 2 Thes 2:8; unclean spirits – Mt 10:1). What sets the Holy Spirit apart is that He is holy! (Jn 14:26)

The Holy Spirit is holy (from HAGIOS). This means that He is worthy to be revered as an object of awe or veneration, He is set apart and sacred, and that He is pure and sinless (cf. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon). Holiness is one of the characteristics of God. To be designated as holy, identifies the Spirit with God Himself! “And one called out to another and said, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory." (Isa. 6:3; cf. Ps. 103:1; 111:9; Isa. 57:15; Mat. 6:9b; Rev. 4:8)

The Holy Spirit Has a Spiritual Nature.

Being a Spirit, He is spiritual, not physical. To rightly understand the Holy Spirit, we must view Him differently than a physical man, for He is a Spirit as God is (John 14:26; cf. 4:24). His existence is not verified by the physical or our emotions! Since the Holy Spirit is a spirit or spiritual, He cannot be perceived by our physical senses (i.e., sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste). The raised Jesus said to His apostles: “See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” (Luke 24:39). The Holy Spirit exists in an invisible realm, a non-physical world (cf. Eph. 6:12).

Beware of Human Reasoning in Religion That Defines the Holy Spirit in Physical, Fleshly, or Earthly Ways. Many mistakenly base the Holy Spirit’s presence on their emotions: “It feels so right, it must be the Spirit.” Sadly, many validate sinful behaviors this way! Similarly, others determine that the Holy Spirit is communicating to them by the physical sensations they experience (e.g., energetic, shaky, tingling, dizzy, calm, hot/ cold, restless, tense, burning, feeling light or heavy, pain, shiver, etc.). This is far too subjective – How is a person to know this is from the Spirit or from a meal they ate!?! Others claim to receive visions from the Spirit, yet once again such experiences stem from the physical such as drug or alcohol use, sleep depravation, or an intense emotion. Sadly, there are televangelists today that will preach about “supernatural success” defining the Spirit’s presence in your life by your success in a career or economic fortune. Finally, there are those who fraudulently make claims of miraculous healings that are unverifiable, lacking in supporting evidence.

Like Ancient Times, Many Religious Groups Today Attempt to Bring the Holy Spirit (a Spiritual Being) Down to the Level of Physical Man! For example, many today claim to have the miraculous gift of speaking in tongues. Yet, not a one of these speak from the Holy Spirit. These occurrences are nothing more than ecstatic utterances – unintelligible speech that is caused by overpowering emotions such as joy, fear, or anger, not by the Holy Spirit. Instead of speaking actual languages fluently without study (cf. Acts 2:4-11), the claim of speaking in tongues is eerily similar to the ancient practices of the pagans. Just like the pagans, people suppose that by making a lot of noise through their babblings they can get the attention of God!

Another example of this is the people’s request for a “Spirit-filled” worship service. Often, what they really want is not a worship that follows the Holy Spirit inspired Scriptures, but a worship that physically heightens the senses and makes them “feel good.” Thus, many religious groups are more than willing to accommodate if it will bring in the numbers. By majoring in the psychology of “sensation and perception,” modern day worship services aim to stimulate the emotions through physical means (e.g., music, chanting, incense, candles, drama plays, dancing, the powers of human persuasion, etc.).

All we know with certainty about the Holy Spirit comes from the Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Rom. 10:17), not from our traditions, superstitions, feelings, or by physical measurements. If we truly want to know the Holy Spirit, we need to learn from His word.

The Holy Spirit is a Person with Whom We Can Have a Relationship.

The Holy Spirit Possess the Qualities and Attributes of a Person. Every person has life, thoughts, character, the ability to choose and take action, etc. and that is exactly what the Holy Spirit has! For example, the Holy Spirit has a mind (Rom. 8:27), knowledge (1 Cor. 2:11; 14:11), a will (1 Cor. 12:11; Acts 16:6-7; 21:11-14), goodness (Neh. 9:20; Ps. 143:10), and the power to love and comfort others (Rom. 15:30; 5:5; Phil. 2:1) (John 14:16-17; Acts 9:31).

The Holy Spirit Performed Good Works That Demonstrated That He is a Person. The Holy Spirit speaks (e.g., Acts 8:29; 10:19-20; 13:2; 1 Tim. 4:1). He testifies or bears witness (John 15:26; Acts 20:23; Rom. 8:16). He also teaches, guides, and leads or directs (John 14:26; 16:13; Acts 16:6-7; Rom. 8:14).

The Holy Spirit has emotions as a person would and can be offended. The Holy Spirit can be grieved or saddened (Eph. 4:30; Isa. 63:10). The Holy Spirit can be resisted or opposed (Acts 7:51). He can also be insulted (Heb. 10:29), even blasphemed (Mat. 12:31).

How then should we speak of the Holy Spirit? Clearly, He is not an “it,” a feeling, thing, impersonal force, or a mere divine influence. Nor is the Holy Spirit just a manifestation of God the Father or the word of God. The Holy Spirit is a Person and thus we should always speak of Him as a person. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you” (John 14:26; cf. John 15:26; 16:13-14; cf. Rom. 8:16).

The Holy Spirit: One of Three of the Divine Nature (Deity).

The Holy Spirit is God! “But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back some of the price of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God.’” (Acts 5:3-4) He is Eternal (Heb. 9:14), all-knowing (1 Cor. 2:11), all-powerful (Job 33:4), and present in all places at the same time (Ps. 139:7ff).

The Holy Spirit is not God by Himself, but One of Three Persons That Comprise the One True God (the Godhead or Divine Nature - Acts 17:29; Rom 1:20; Col 2:9). God has a unified or compound oneness to His nature. The Hebrew word ECHAD is often translated “one” to denote a unified oneness (Deut 6:4; cf. Gen. 2:24). We also find plural nouns and verbs to refer to God; the most common one is the Hebrew word ELOHIYM (Gen. 1:1; cf. Josh. 24:16). God at times spoke in the first person plural (Gen 1:26; 3:22; 11:7). While all three Persons comprise who God is, each is distinguishable from the other, coexisting simultaneously. “And after being baptized, Jesus went up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon Him, and behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.’”(Mat 3:16-17; cf. Mat. 28:19; Rom. 15:30). Each person is equally God, yet each is of a different rank by the Divine order. The Father has first rank, then the Son, and then the Holy Spirit (John 16:13-15), yet each are equally God (Jn 6:27; Col. 2:9; Acts 5:3-4).

There Are Many Names of the Holy Spirit

There are many names of the Holy Spirit found in the Scriptures such as: The Spirit of God (This emphasizes His divine nature) (Rom. 8:9, 14; Phil. 3:3) or the Spirit of Christ (He comes from the Father through the Son) (Rom. 8:9). Therefore, a complete study of the Holy Spirit will require our consideration of every passage where the Spirit is found: There are over seventeen different names of the Holy Spirit! (e.g., Isa 11:2; 61:1; Mat 3:16; 10:20; Jn 3:5; 14:17, 26; 16:13; Rom 8:2, 15; 1 Cor 6:11; 2 Cor 3:3; Eph 1:13; 4:30; Heb 10:29; 1 Jn 4:13; Rev 1:4; etc.).

Clearly, Knowing Who the Holy Spirit is, is Essential to Living Life as a Christian!

“For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” (Rom. 8:14). Do you know the Holy Spirit?

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