Category: Articles Page 10 of 11

On June 10, 2016

Sometimes we fall into the trap that Paul warned against in his epistle to the church at Rome; we begin to “think of ourselves more highly that we ought to think” (Romans 12:3). His prescribed remedy for this prideful attitude was to “think soberly as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3b). We need to ensure that we think “soberly” – to be thoughtful in our actions and to always keep in remembrance who we truly are by nature.

I’ve heard many ministers in the past quip the profound statement: The best of men are only men at best. The psalmist placed the scriptural rubber stamp on this quote: “Every man in his best state is altogether vanity” (Psalm 39:5). On our best day here on this earth, we are just dust, destined to return to the dust from whence we came (Genesis 3:19). Thankfully the Lord is compassionate towards His children because “he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are but dust” (Psalm 103:14). God is longsuffering towards us because he understands our nature and fleshly warfare that we engage in on a daily basis. Without the quickening power of God in our lives, we would still be dead in trespasses and sins. So we have no ability to please God in and of ourselves, especially since “without faith it is impossible to please him” (Hebrews 11:6). Until we are given faith in the new birth and as a fruit of the Spirit, we have no ability to please God because we do not have faith.

Mind of a Servant

On June 10, 2016

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus…But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant…” (Philippians 2:5,7)

Jesus set the supreme example for humility and the attitude of a servant during His earthly ministry. He had all power in heaven and earth, but yet Jesus willfully and humbly served finite men. “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Matt. 20:28) Let us consider the servant mindset of Jesus that is exhibited in His life.

One Man, One Offering

On May 31, 2016

Is salvation a tag-team effort, where you do your part, and Jesus does His part? Is it an open-ended transaction that is incumbent on multiple people to perform an action individually to “seal the deal”? Scripture places a prominent emphasis on Jesus alone – and never with man’s help or even slight involvement – in the completion of salvation. “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3). I trust that you will not be deceived by the ultimate trickster – Satan – to be corrupted from the simplicity of salvation that focuses on Jesus Christ alone.

The Way of Salvation

On March 31, 2016

The scriptures restrict man’s salvation and merit of entrance into heaven to Christ alone:

1) Jesus is THE WAY (John 14:6) – Jesus is THE [ONLY] DOOR OF THE SHEEP (John 10:7)

2) There is ONLY ONE MEDIATOR between God and man, and it’s Jesus Christ (1 Tim. 2:5)

3) NEITHER IS THERE SALVATION IN ANY OTHER: for there is NONE OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN GIVEN AMONG MEN, WHEREBY WE MUST BE SAVED. (Acts 4:12)

So if salvation is truly “In Christ Alone”, we should never have to apologize that our doctrine – when applied consistently – covers all of God’s children in their specific circumstance: that God will save them all to heaven, despite their individual conditions here in this life. So what is the way of salvation that is presented in scripture?

Article of Faith 12 – New Testament Worship

We believe in the simplicity of New Testament worship consisting of acapella singing, prayer, preaching, and fellowship. (Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19, Acts 2:42-47, 1 Corinthians 1:18)

Article of Faith 11 – Secret Societies

We know, from experience, that no good can result to the church from any secret organization; therefore, we declare non-fellowship with those who participate or engage in secret organizations of any kind. (John 18:20-21, Ephesians 5:11-13, Matthew 5:14-16)

Article of Faith 10 – Ordination of the Ministry

We believe that no minister has a right to the administration of the ordinances except those who have been regularly baptized and called of God and have come under the imposition of hands by a presbytery and that only so long as they continue in the faith once delivered to the saints. (Acts 13:2-3, Titus 1:5-6)

Article of Faith 9 – Resurrection and General Judgment

We believe in the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment and that the joys of the righteous and the punishment of the wicked will be everlasting. (John 5:28-29, 1 Corinthians 15:19, Daniel 12:2)

Article of Faith 8 – Observance of Church Ordinances