These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Acts 17:11

This article on FoxNews.com caught my eye tonight. Robert Jeffress, a senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Dallas, is under fire for describing Mitt Romney’s religion (Mormonism) as a “cult.” He later defended his statement, saying, “Mormonism was invented 1800 years after Jesus Christ and the founding of Christianity, and it has its own founder, Joseph Smith, its own set of doctrines and its own book, the Book of Mormon. And that, by definition, is a theological cult, that’s all I’m saying.”

Let’s do a little exercise right now, and apply Mr. Jeffress’ definition to some other “Christian” religious groups.

Even the group that Mr. Jeffress identifies with was founded centuries after Christianity, had a founder other than Christ, and has a book other than the Bible. I doubt that Mr. Jeffress would consider the Baptist church a cult–theological or otherwise.

The point is not really whether or not any of these groups is a cult, but whether or not they are Biblical. And the simple answer is: they’re not. There are doctrines taught by Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists, Methodists, and Baptists that are simply not in line with the Scriptures.

Each of us has a responsibility to search the Scriptures to make sure we are in line with God’s Word (1 John 1:7), to make sure we are part of His church (Acts 2:38-47), the church that Christ will deliver to the Father (Ephesians 5:27).

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 7:21-23

Abstain from all appearance of evil.

1 Thessalonians 5:22

Every day, we have choices to make. Some choices are amoral; that is, what we choose is not necessary right or wrong in a moral sensse. What you eat for lunch, which route you take to work, what time you go to sleep. Sure, there may be options that are sinful, but more often than not these decisions have no bearing on your soul.

There are other choices we make that can have eternal consequences. Often we try to justify our sinful choices by appealing to the degree in which we are participating, or “dabbling.” I only had two beers. I only smoked three cigarettes. I only bought one lottery ticket. But it’s not the degree that matters. It’s the choice itself: to sin or not to sin.

Whether it is drinking, smoking, gambling, pornography, gluttony, or gossip…the degree doesn’t matter. Drinking “only” two beers is not morally better (or worse) than drinking twenty. Smoking “only” three cigarettes is not morally better (or worse) than smoking three packs. When you sin, you sin.

God tells us, “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22, KJV). The NIV reads, “Avoid every kind of evil.” The NKJV and ESV both say, “Abstain from every form of evil.”

On a personal level, I find it easier to quit something “cold turkey.” I’m not one to be weaned from a sinful practice. I just have to quit. Sometimes it is more difficult, and at times the relapses are more pronounced than others. But at the end of the day, sin is sin, no matter how much or how little it is practiced.

Thank God for His mercy and grace, for His forgiveness and willingness to take us back when we come to Him. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10

I never forgot about this blog. I never wanted to delete it. But I was stuck in a rut, and just couldn’t figure out what to do about it. I still study and read and pray. My family has a devotional period every weekday morning before school. But motivation to do more has been lacking.

Last Sunday, though, things started turning around for me. We decided to worship with a different congregation, and knew right away that is where we needed to be. I finally felt at home (after just a few hours) and I have missed that feeling sorely.

Those who know me, you know that I’m not all about “feelings.” So “feeling” may not be the most accurate word. In speaking with the elders and preacher, though, everything lined up. Our understanding of some of the more difficult or controversial issues is the same, something that I haven’t been able to say for quite some time.

Most importantly, though, I was happy when I went home. I was encouraged. I was excited. And that excitement hasn’t faded yet.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

(Phillipians 4:8)

The question was asked in a recent Bible class I attended, “How seriously are we to take this verse?” The thrust of the question being, with so much evil in the world, how is the Christian to protect himself against negativity?

When we look at Paul’s epistle to the church in Philippi, it is a very positive and encouraging letter. He talks about the humility of Christ, and the benevolence of the brethren, and faithfulness in our walk toward heaven. There is little written in a negative way. While he does warn against “strife or vainglory” (Philippians 2:3), but even here the emphasis is on the positive example of humility in Christ’s sacrifice (Philippaisn 2:5-8).

Back to Philippians 4:8, then, does this mean that we should ignore all the bad things in the world and focus only on the good, and to try and find good in everything?

One of the most important rules of Bible study is this: Never interpret a passage in such a way that it contradicts other passages. God does not contradict Himself; He does not say one thing to one crowd and the opposite thing to another crowd.

Yes, we should focus on true things, honest things, just things, pure things, lovely things, and things of good report. This is not to say, though, that we should ignore the bad or overlook the sinful. Paul says we need to pay attention to some bad things, to “mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them” (Romans 16:17). Likewise, Peter says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

The key here is balance: we should focus on the good while recognizing and avoiding the bad. We seek Scriptural unity (1 Corinthians 1:10) but must not compromise with false teachers (Romans 16:17). We do that which is good (1 Thessalonians 5:15) and warn against that which is bad (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

How seriously do we take Philippians 4:8? As with all of God’s Word, we take it very seriously, but we do not apply it in such a way that contradicts or nullifies other Scriptures.

“Do all things without murmurings and disputings” (Philippians 2:14).

This is a toughy for me. Some days it seems like every word out of my mouth is a complaint because someone cut me off while driving, or the mail carrier bent a package, or the internet is too slow, or there are too many commercials on the radio, or it’s too hot, or…you name it! And complaining is highly contagious, too. Once a co-worker starts in, I have to join in the belly-aching!

It is a constant struggle, and one that I am consciously trying to overcome. I’ve done better, but I still have moments of weakness, and once I get on a roll it is really difficult to put on the brakes.

One way to avoid murmuring or complaining is to take notice of everything that is good in life, rather than focusing on the bad. This will help to develop an attitude of gratitude (Colossians 3:17, Ephesians 5:4). It is not enough to simply want to be rid of an improper frame of mind; the bad must be replaced by good. Doing so will make it much more difficult for the bad to return.

But what is the source of faith? Is it our conscience? Whatever seems right to us personally? Or is there an objective standard?

Fortunately, we do not have to figure it all out on our own. God gives us the answer, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

God has left us instructions, commands, and principles by which to conduct our lives in faith. He has given us everything we need in His inspired Word so that we can serve Him in everything we do (2 Peter 1:3, 2 Timothy 3:16-17). We should use faith to make the decisions we face in life–faith that comes from the proper source, the Word of God.

A lot easier said than done, but the effort continues to this day. The congregations that were and are planted as a result of these efforts are often referred to as churches of Christ. They are non-denominational and anti-denominational. By simply following the doctrines found in the New Testament, one can become a Christian without having pledging allegiance to any man-made religious organization or denomination.

The links I have added are for research and study on both historical and doctrinal topics. There are several men which have done a great deal of good for the cause, but not everything they taught was necessarily correct. Always, always, always compare what is taught, whether from the pulpit or on the page (or in this case, the computer screen) to what God has revealed in His Word. When you find error, correct it. The doctrines of men, no matter how well-intentioned, must never overrule the doctrines of God in the student’s life.

I hope you will find the links useful. Should you have suggestions for others under “Restoration History,” please let me know.

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ… Ephesians 4:11-13

In the church, everyone has different talents and serve in different areas. There are some who are more adept at preaching and teaching, while others can lead singing. Some can write well, others can cook, others work well with children, some can perform tasks of manual labor with great ease. Everyone serves a purpose.

Likewise, publications are often designed to serve a purpose, and not all are the same. Magazines like The Gospel Advocate are full of articles to educate and edify members of the church, while mailings like House To House/Heart To Heart are intended to give Christians “a foot in the door” to non-Christians’ homes so they can share the truth with them. Other periodicals such as Contending For The Faith are produced to expose error and refute false doctrine.

This blog does not yet have a specific purpose, mission statement, or goal. I started it because I wanted to make some comments about Anne Rice’s recent announcement, and didn’t feel that it fit in on my other blog. Where I go from here, though, I’m not sure. Perhaps some textual exegesis, maybe some historical research, possibly some word studies.

If there is anything you would like to see, please let me know, either in the comments section, via e-mail, or in person.

Author Anne Rice recently announced via her Facebook page that she “quit Christianity.”

My faith in Christ is central to my life. My conversion from a pessimistic atheist lost in a world I didn’t understand, to an optimistic believer in a universe created and sustained by a loving God is crucial to me. But following Christ does not mean following His followers. Christ is infinitely more important than Christianity and always will be, no matter what Christianity is, has been, or might become.
July 29 at 5:06pm

How wonderful that a person lost in a world without meaning and hope could throw off the burden of unbelief and accept the fact that yes, there is a God, and yes, He is loving! There is much more to faith than just acknowledging the fact of God’s existence, but we must start there. I applaud Rice for having an open mind about religion, and the humility to admit that she was wrong in her former atheistic views.

I hope that her mind is still open, and that some believer who knows her will be able to share the whole truth of the gospel with her, and that she will accept what is revealed in God’s Word and obey it.

Now, back to the attitude about organized religion/the church/Christianity…

Rice says, “But following Christ does not mean following His followers.”

We must follow Christ, there is no doubt about that (Luke 9:23, Luke 9:57-62, etc.). But we should also imitate those who strive to live like Christ. Paul wrote, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). This does not mean we should blindly follow any religious leader; it is conditional on whether they are following Christ. Hateful attitudes, erroneous teaching, sinful living are evidences of those who are not following Christ, and we should not follow them. But to throw away all organized religion based on one’s experience with a few is unwise.

Rice continues, “Christ is infinitely more important than Christianity and always will be, no matter what Christianity is, has been, or might become.”

Obviously, without Christ there would be no Christianity. Paul proclaims the necessity of the Lord’s resurrection to our faith in 1 Corinthians 15:12-20. Without Jesus, everything we do is in vain. But Christ is raised, and we should rejoice in that and spread that news to all who will listen! And that is what Christianity is all about: praising God here on earth, going to heaven and taking as many souls with us as we can.

In the first century, congregations were established all over the world and those who claimed to follow Jesus were told, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

We should strive to find a group of believers wherever we are so that we can draw encouragement from them (and reciprocate as well), worship the Lord with them, and work together to spread the gospel to those who have not yet heard or obeyed.

God’s wisdom is infinitely greater than ours. He wants us to work together, not alone. Let us listen to Him, and follow Him, and encourage others to do the same.

“Not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

As I said below, I quit being a Christian. I’m out. In the name of Christ, I refuse to be anti-gay. I refuse to be anti-feminist. I refuse to be anti-artificial birth control. I refuse to be anti-Democrat. I refuse to be anti-secular humanism. I refuse to be anti-science. I refuse to be anti-life. In the name of Christ, I quit Christianity and being Christian. Amen.
July 28 at 1:41pm

While Rice’s brand of “Christianity” was Catholicism (which is not the church described in the Bible), it is the specific attitudes Rice mentions that we want to examine in this article, and compare that to the God’s message in His Word.

1. Rice says, “In the name of Christ, I refuse to be anti-gay.”

What does the Bible say about homosexuality?

Romans 1:26-28 shows that God considers homosexuality “unseemly” and “error,” and that those who engage in such will be given “over to a reprobate mind.”

Paul warms in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 that “abusers of themselves with mankind” are among those who will not “inherit the kingdom of God.”

It seems from these passages that God is “anti-gay.”

2. “I refuse to be anti-feminist.”

This one I struggle with, because I’m not sure exactly what is meant by “feminist.” Wikipedia states, “Feminism refers to political, cultural, and economic movements aimed at establishing greater rights, legal protection for women, and/or women’s liberation.”

Within the church, God has established roles and restrictions for men and women. This does not mean men are better than women, or vice versa (Galatians 3:28). All people are precious to God, regardless of gender.

Paul, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote, “But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence” (I Timothy 2:12).

There are some who want to set aside Paul’s inspired instruction, to promote women preachers and elders, to do whatever a man is allowed to do. But it is not up to us! “Not as I will, but as thou wilt.” That is the attitude of Jesus, that is the attitude we should have. God has established roles for men and roles for women, and to disregard those roles would be serious error.

3. “I refuse to be anti-artificial birth control.”

Catholics teach that contraception is a sin. It is one of their so-called “infallible doctrines.” I am not aware of a specific condemnation of such in the New Testament, however.

4. “I refuse to be anti-Democrat.”

Ah, politicians. Don’t you just love ‘em?

The fact is, neither Republicans nor Democrats are following Biblical precepts. One must choose which candidate is closest, and many times the answer is neither. A closer examination of the political parties would require a book.

5. “I refuse to be anti-secular humanism.”

Secular Humanism, according to Wikipedia, “rejects supernatural and religious dogma as the basis of morality and decision-making.”

If we do not turn to the Lord’s infallible Word to help us make decisions, to what do we turn? Our own fallible wisdom? It is God who has “given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3), and it is through the Scriptures that we can learn those things (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Secular Humanism is wrong, and must be rejected by those who follow Christ.

6. “I refuse to be anti-science.”

I do not reject sound science. The problem comes from those who promote false science (evolution, old earth, etc.) over the truth. Apologetics Press has done a very good job of using science to corroborate Biblical truth, and show the fallacies of evolutionary doctrine.

7. “I refuse to be anti-life.”

I’m not sure to what Rice is referring here. Should I find out in further reading, I will revisit this point.

8. “In the name of Christ, I quit Christianity and being Christian. Amen.”

One cannot do something “in the name of Christ” that is against what Christ teaches throughout the Word. The attitude against the church that Rice has developed is anti-Scriptural.