Earnestly Contend For The Faith

The Beginning and End of All Things

2008-01-23T15:32:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 2:1-11
“My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea , every good path.
When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;
Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:”

Prov. 2:1-2 – “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;”
“If thou wilt…” all the promises and purposes to follow are contingent upon these three words. There must be a desire within to receive what is spoken, for one does not will to receive what one hates. And this desire is the foundation of the one being preserved by discretion and kept by understanding. This desire spurs not only the receiving of the words, but an inclination, or stretching, of the ear toward wisdom and an application of the heart to what is understood from what has been heard (this inclination and application is defined as biblical hearing).

Prov. 2:3-4 - “Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;”
This receiving also results in a crying out for knowledge and understanding, and a seeking of it that is on par with the carnal man's thirst for riches. (Prov. 2:4) Just as the fool was wrapped up in his possessions (Luke 12:19-20), so this man would be wrapped up in the things he seeks.

Prov. 2:5-6 – “Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”
The end of this inclining the ear is not preservation, but God. If one thinks that the end of understanding and applying the words of the speaker here is to preserve him from harm, or grave mistakes in life, he has grossly missed the meaning and motive behind this instruction. The end is not that the father has a son that seeks good and doesn’t make the mistakes he did. It is that his son have a knowledge and love for God. This wisdom and understanding comes from God and God alone. We are to apply our hearts to understanding, yet understanding only comes from the mouth of The LORD (Job 38:36) – therefore it is to HIS very words to which we are to apply our hearts. Even this knowledge, as we are to eventually discover, is from the very mouth of Jehovah. The end of our path is to be The LORD. There must be a desire within one's heart for one to receive what is being spoken and to hide the biblical commands. This desire is the desire for The LORD.
A grandfather extended an invitation to his eldest grandson to go with him to the land fill, and the eldest declined. The younger one, hearing the invite availed himself to it and pleaded with the grandfather to take him. When they returned the younger had chocolate icecream all over his face. The elder, feeling cheated, expressed his dissatisfaction with to the grandfather. “You didn’t say there would be ice cream!” The grandfather replied, “You want to go with me for the ice cream, but your brother just wanted me”. So it is with the preservation and the keeping. To attempt to receive these things (the gift/ ice cream) over the Giver is nothing short of humanism.

Prov. 2:7-8 – “He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.”

He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous. This is wonderful! You who desire The LORD, look at what is awaiting you. God has lain up sound wisdom. It is set aside, reserved for the child of God! What is this but HIMSELF, for the fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 19:10). There is no wisdom apart from Him. Wisdom is not knowing about God, it is knowing HIM, for fearing Him is the beginning of it. What more could The God of all creation have reserved for His child other than HIMSELF? There is nothing/no one more; and nothing/no one less could satisfy.
HE is also the buclker, or protector, of HIS children.
HE guards, or keeps the paths of judgment. – He preserves the path of right and justice, for He is just Himself. Lest anyone think it unfair that these blessings are reserved for HIS children, we are assured here that HE keeps the paths of judgment. "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right"? He does not err. He reserves them for His children in His grace. They receive it for no special purpose other than they are His, and they are His because He chose them. It is not reckoned of merit, but all of His grace to them!
He preserveth the way of HIS saints. - God's children hear His voice and follow HIM. As such, HE preserves them in their way. God goes before HIS children, walks with HIS children, and follows behind HIS children. (Psalm 139) They are engulfed within HIM. (Col 1:2; Col. 3:4) HE will guide them, and they will follow. (John 10:27) Yes, discretion preserves them, as we learn further down in the text, but ultimately this preserving is done by The LORD. It is He that preserves, for it is He that gives discretion. This is also a guarantee that if they err from this path He will put them back on it. “Whom The Lord loveth He chasteneth”.

Prov. 2:9 – “Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea , every good path.”

Then shalt thou understand righteousness... - At that time. What time? The time of this receiving and hiding. It is a second result. God reveals HIMSELF to HIS children and keeps them, and HE also gives them the understanding of every good path. To know God is to know what pleases God; and to know God is to desire to please HIM. (Phil 2:13) God will guide HIS children to understand (the ability to separate or discern) righteousness (what is right), judgment (what is just), equity (what is straight and unswerving), every good path (that way which is pleasing to God).

Prov. 2:10-11 – “When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;
Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:”

There is no mistaking at this point. God grants wisdom in the heart of HIS children and the desire and love for HIS Word; and when HE does, their preservation and keeping is guaranteed. For God says that "Discretion shall preserve thee" (or guard thee from evil) and "understanding shall keep thee" (maintain). God gives His children the desire for Him (Phil. 2:13), and in turn fulfills that desire. It is all of Him, by Him, to Him, and for Him. He is the beginning and end of it all. Our desire to receive what is spoken comes from God - for as my brother stated in the post below “…each man naturally follows after evil and that which pleases the flesh.” Apart from the grace of God none of us would meet the three word contingency in verse one. It is completely of God that we will to receive the words spoken here or anywhere else in God’s Word!
In His grace He gives us the desire, and in His grace He blesses us for the desire. Praise be to God! May He and He alone receive all glory, honor, and praise - for He is the beginning and end of all things!

Whom Discretion Preserves and Understanding Keeps

2008-01-13T15:12:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 2:10-11 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:

The book of Proverbs is a book of God's wisdom. Much of it was written by the wisest man that ever lived: King Solomon. Solomon often speaks in the book as a father would to his son, even using expressions like, "My son." He often compares the wise and the foolish, the simple and the subtile, and the godly and ungodly. The Lord reveals that man may live life by the wisdom of God, or he may live life foolishly and of his own knowledge.

In Proverbs 2:10-22, Solomon speaks of being preserved by discretion and kept by understanding. This should be desired by all people who know the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour. The word, discretion, has the idea of, "purpose," or, "plan." Discretion is that discernment which enables one to act according to God's will. Understanding carries the idea of, "intelligence." Understanding relates to an intelligence in the things of God.

Many people have lost their godly influence and their testimony of love and zeal for God because they were not preserved by discretion and kept by understanding. The child of God cannot hope to live the Christian life in a manner that is well-pleasing to God apart from the wisdom of the LORD. Without seeking and obeying the counsels of God, man will fail. Because of the evil lurking inside of each person, whether Christian or lost, each man naturally follows after evil and that which pleases the flesh. It takes God and the power of His word to preserve and keep those who will live the Christian life and enable men to live apart from fleshly lusts.

The Scriptures are very clear about the man whom discretion preserves and understanding keeps.

1. He Will Be Delivered from the Way of the Evil Man (Proverbs 2:12-15)

God's word issues a strong warning. There is a path known as "the way of the evil man." It may not be openly labeled as such by the world, but it is the way of the evil man. It may be a way that is beautifully painted by the world, but God's face is turned against this way.

The way of the evil man is characterized by speaking froward things, or things not complying with that which is godly (Proverbs 2:12). The idea of perverseness is often associated with frowardness. There is no doubt that so-called Christians often give little to no thought about speaking froward things. The way of the evil man is also labeled by leaving the paths of uprightness (Proverbs 2:13). It is a turning from that which is known to be right. For example, many professed Christians willingly yield themselves to the evil of pornography only hours after attending a service dedicated to the worship of God. The way of the evil man also is a path in which men rejoice and delight in the wickedness of themselves and others (Proverbs 2:14-15). It is a path in which the things of God are rejected for that which delights the sinfulness of man. Every Christian should ask himself, "in what am I delighting?" God's people are to be preserved by discretion and kept by understanding.

2. He Will Be Delivered From the Strange Woman (Proverbs 2:16-19)

Another warning is given to men from the Bible; it concerns the way of the strange woman. One could think of a "strange woman" as any person God has not given him. For example, to a married woman, every man apart from her husband is strange to her in the context of sexual relations. The Bible speaks very sharply regarding this way.

The stranger, or the way of the strange woman, is said to flatter with words (Proverbs 2:16). Every Christian should desire sexual purity unto the Lord; therefore, they must realize that words can be snares. It is not pleasing to God to give ear to the sweet, charming words that come from the lips of one who is not a God-given spouse. Many people use words of promise and comfort, only to snare and entrap a child of God and rob him or her of purity. No man who has yielded to the flattering words of the strange woman will ever be able to look at his wife or his children in the same way again.

The stranger also forsakes the guide of her youth (Proverbs 2:17). This strange woman cares nothing for the husband she married in her youth, who became her authority and her guide. She promises to give pleasure to another, all the while abandoning her husband for her own selfish ends. If she will forsake her husband, she will forsake the lovers that she only compares to her husband.

Furthermore, the stranger forgets the covenant of her God (Proverbs 2:17). Sin is never unseen by the eye of God. The stranger disregards the commandments of God. Those who follow the way of the strange woman do not merely bring shame to other men; they invite the wrath and anger of the eternal God upon their wicked lives (Hebrews 13:4).

God's people are to be preserved by discretion and kept by understanding.

3. He Will Walk in the Way of Good Men (Proverbs 2:20-22)

God's word declares that there is a way of good men. In Scripture, good men are not merely those who perform charitable acts and offer kind words to others. They are men who obey God, regardless of the outcome in the eyes of the world.

Discretion and understanding may not lead God's child into a path which is decorated with earthly comforts and pleasures; but they will lead the Christian in the way of good men. The Christian who lives yielded to God will strive only to keep that which is right before God (Proverbs 2:20). The Christian lives by faith, believing that God's word is true and knowing that it is the upright who shall dwell in the land of God's promise (Proverbs 2:21). God's blessings are not poured out upon disobedience. Discretion and understanding will not offer all of the desires of men's hearts, but they will always lead in paths upon which God delights and blesses. However, those who refuse to bow before the Lord and seek His face will find that no matter how deeply entrenched they may are in comforts, pleasures, and favors before men, God will root them out (Proverbs 2:22).

God's people are to be preserved by discretion and kept by understanding.

If a man desire to live by discretion and understanding, how will he obtain these treasures? The answer lies in Proverbs 2:10: "When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul." Scripture is clear that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). To live a life given to the Lord, it must begin with the Lord. It does not come from making a list and following certain practices each day; it comes from a communion with Jesus Christ in prayer and meditation of God's word. It comes through an abiding with Christ and a confession of sins. It comes through humility before the Lord and reverence unto His name in one's own personal life on a daily basis.

The first word of Proverbs 2:10 is the word, when. Every Christian should determine that his "when" will be today. Every Christian should purpose to not live another moment apart from this beautiful "when" of Scripture.

God's people are to be preserved by discretion and kept by understanding.

Founded on Pure Love and Cemented in Mutual Esteem

2007-11-04T15:34:00.000-05:00

Contending for the faith must begin at home. Often, Christians seek to publically display faith in Christ without regard to a private fellowship with the Lord. For one to show religion amongst strangers without godliness at home is hypocrisy.

Before God ever founded the church, he established the home (Genesis 1-2). The home is the first and primary place of living the Christian life. It is God's plan that all Christians worship the Lord, teach Biblical truth, and live the Christian life inside of the home. The Christian life was not meant to be lived in the home only, but it cannot be truly lived at all without giving regard to the home.

The home is a place of peace and rest. It is a refuge from the hellish influences of the outside world. It is a place where Jesus Christ is preeminent and each member of the family bows to His will. It is the primary place of biblical instruction and teaching. It is where children learn to sing the songs of Zion for the glory of God. It is where parents wholly follow the Lord and teach their children to do the same. It is where God receives the glory due unto his name, and it is a place where good things are gladly yielded for the best things. There is no substitute for the Christian home.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon, who pastored the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London, England, offered wonderful insight on the home. His comments should be carefully considered in light of Scripture. Mr. Spurgeon said:

Sometimes we have seen a model marriage founded on pure love, and cemented in mutual esteem. Therein, the husband acts as a tender head; and the wife, as a true spouse, realizes the model marriage-relation and sets forth what our oneness with the Lord ought to be. She delights in her husband, in his person, his character, his affection; to her, he is not only the chief and foremost of mankind, but in her eyes he is all-in-all; her heart's love belongs to him, and to him only. She finds sweetest content and solace in his company, his fellowship, his fondness; he is her little world, her Paradise, her choice treasure At any time, she would gladly lay aside her own pleasure to find it doubled in gratifying him. She is glad to sink her individuality in his. She seeks no renown for herself; his honour is reflected upon her, and she rejoices in it. She would defend his name with her dying breath; safe enough is he where she can speak for him. The domestic circle is her kingdom; that she may there create happiness and comfort, is her life-work; and his smiling gratitude is all the reward she seeks. Even in her dress, she thinks of him; without constraint she consults his taste, and considers nothing beautiful which is distasteful to him. A tear from his eye, because of any unkindness on her part, would grievously torment her. She asks not how her behaviour may please a stranger, or how another's judgment may approve her conduct; let her beloved be content, and she is glad. He has many objects in life, some of which she does not quite understand; but she believes in them all, and anything that she can do to promote them, she delights to perform. He lavishes love on her, and, in return, she lavishes love on him. Their object in life is common. There are points where their affections so intimately unite that none could tell which is first and which is second. To watch their children growing up in health and strength, to see them holding posts of usefulness and honour, is their mutual concern; in this and other matters, they are fully one. Their wishes blend, their hearts are indivisible. By degrees, they come to think very much the same thoughts. Intimate association creates conformity; I have known this to become so complete that, at the same moment, the same utterance has leaped to both their lips.

Happy woman and happy man! If Heaven be found on earth, they have it! At last, the two are so blended, so engrafted on one stem, that their old age presents a lovely attachment, a common sympathy, by which its infirmities are greatly alleviated, and its burdens are transformed into fresh bonds of love. So happy a union of will, sentiment, thought, and heart exists between them, that the two streams of their life have washed away the dividing bank, and run on as one broad current of united existence till their common joy falls into the ocean of eternal felicity.

May God strengthen the homes of His people! Christians are called upon to seek the Lord for grace and guidance that the home be not lost. Nothing is of such value that it is worth sacrificing the precious souls God has established into a home!

"By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house...."
-- Hebrews 11:7

Uncompromising Love

2007-10-21T00:31:00.001-05:00

I just completed reading a book on same-sex marriage. It was extremely helpful and contained much insight as to how homosexuals are pushing their agenda and our biblical response to their flawed reasoning and Hitler-like tactics (this description of tactics is even an admission on their own part1 ). It challenged the believer, although hating the sin of homosexuality, to love the person and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with them, for only Christ can free them from their sinful bondage. It helped refute such false logic as “What they do doesn't affect me and my family”, “Some people are just born that way”, “Who are you to deny them the right of marriage”, etc.

What struck me was how he concluded the book. The author mentioned that we may end up having to settle for a “half-loaf” for such is better than nothing at all, meaning in our fight against same-sex marriage, we may have to settle for a civil union granted to them, but still not marriage.2 (Please note - The author of this book holds a Doctorate degree, while I only have a bachelor's degree. I do not claim to have more wisdom and understanding that the author of the book I read, but I humbly say with a surety that he is biblically wrong in this area.) Although he does state “politically speaking”, we cannot divorce this issue from God's Word. Although we may be fighting in the political field, it is a spiritual battle and this is nothing short of a call to compromise. We are told in Scripture to “quit ye like men”3 or not to resign. When we enter a fight it will end in one of two ways, our victory or our death. A half victory is no victory. If we settle for anything less than the slaying of our opponent, we only guarantee that our children will have to fight the battles we should have fought and won. Just like Israel when entering the promised land. They were to defeat all the heathen nations, but settled for peace pacts with some. These later became the downfall of following generations. What we permit, our children will indulge.

The other matter of concern is that although throughout the book he submits the need to reach those who are engaged in sodomy with the Gospel of Jesus Christ (he even says “We cannot let our cultural revolution obscure our primary calling.”4), he goes on to encourage believers to “reach out to those who agree with our stance against same-sex marriages despite other doctrinal differences”5. Christ commissioned the church to go unto all the world and preach the gospel to every creature, not league with other denominations and sects to fight for a moral or social cause. Although we should, and must, take an active role in our community and the political realm for the sake of our faith, freedom, and families; we are not to purchase national morality at the sake of biblical doctrine. Jesus Christ came to seek and save the lost, not revive a moral, political movement. He calls sinners to repentance, not to ban together to defeat abortion. { Please don't misunderstand me. I am most certainly pro-life and pro-family. I believe abortion and homosexuality are sinful and should not be legitimized by our government. They are both a threat to our society, but more than that they are sinful and break the heart of God.} The author submits that for victory to be reached and our society spared, we must place doctrine on a lower level and join together on our common interest, yet gives a historical illustration using 18th century Britain. This country was believed by some historians to be headed for the same revolutionary fate as France experienced, but “God reversed that trend through the preaching of John Wesley and George Whitefield”.6 Even in history, the thing that spared a nation that was full speed ahead toward self-destruction wasn't an organization or political group, but two Spirit-filled preachers who faithfully proclaimed the Word of God. To quote the author, “People change their minds only when God changes their hearts.” 7 If we are going to win any battle, it will be through God's power, not our own.
People need the gospel!

People aren't sinners because they sin, they sin because they're sinners. Those who are homosexuals are so because they are sinners. Homosexuality is a proof that they are sinners, it doesn't make them sinners for they already were - “For ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”8 They aren't going to hell because they are homosexuals, they are going to hell for the same reason the heterosexual is going to hell – they are dead in their trespasses and sins and have not a personal relationship with The Lord Jesus Christ. We should not hate them, or treat them as if they are the most revolting thing on the face of the planet. Although their lifestyle is an abomination to God, their soul is one for whom Christ died. They need The Lord.

“Imagine that you are standing at the bottom of a cliff and you are watching as someone on the ledge above you is walking backwards, and in a few steps he will surely fall over the precipice. You shout, warning him to stop, and before you know it, a crowd gathers around you, snapping your picture and accusing you of 'hate speech.' You are being warned to keep your prejudices to yourself. After all, who are you to tell someone where they can and can't walk? Who are you to say someone can't walk backwards? You are dumbfounded, but there you are the object of everyone's wrath.”9 This is precisely what is occurring. They are involved in wickedness, and headed for eternal hell. They are glibly walking backwards toward the edge and will soon perish. We must warn them. Love demands no less! Will you go to them? Will you give them the gospel. The call to ecumenicism (unity regardless of religious beliefs) will, at best, only cause the cliff-traveler to about face, but still allows him to walk headlong off the cliff. Only The Lord can remove him from the path of destruction and plant his feet on a sure path that leads unto life.

We must uncompromisingly love them. This is to speak from our heart with the truth on our lips and a tear in our eye.

What will you do?

See foot note.10

1“The Truth About Same-Sex Marriage” – pg 22
2“The Truth About Same-Sex Marriage” – pg.102
3I Corinthians 16:13
4“The Truth About Same-Sex Marriage” – pg 98
5“The Truth About Same-Sex Marriage” – pg 100
6“The Truth About Same-Sex Marriage” - pg 109
7“The Truth About Same-Sex Marriage” – pg 109
8Romans 3:23
9“The Truth About Same-Sex Marriage” – pg 41
10I am grateful to Dr. Lutzer for all he has allowed God to do through him. This is by no means an attempt to discredit this man, nor his ministry; nor is this an attempt to exalt myself up to, or above, his status or respectability. I purchased this book for I knew he would have many insightful things to equip a believer in the fight against the homosexual agenda and have no regrets in doing so. I commend him for his involvement in attempting to be a light for God in this dark world. He is not an enemy, but a brother in Christ. I am simply challenging those who read this to fight, and fight biblically.

The Truth Shall Set You Free

2007-09-16T21:31:00.000-05:00

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 - For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. (14) And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (15) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Introduction

The Twenty-first Century is characterized by great technology and much learning. There is more information available to people at this moment than at any other time in history. The Internet, television entertainment, radio programs, and printed publications are means of conveying data. The great tragedy is that, even though there is much information, the world is starving for truth.
People are looking for the truth, and they are looking for help. When one considers the numbers of people who seek out counsel and advice from various personalities and programs, it is clear that millions of people recognize their need of guidance. Is there deliverance to be found in those sources? Truth is the need of the hour! Christians must know God’s word and speak the truth in love. Only the truth can set men free.
God reveals that the accuser of our brethren is deceptive and subtle. Eve learned well this lesson. The old serpent seeks to break the heart of God by blinding the lost to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and by leading God's people into sin. Key teachings from God’s word must be heeded to combat the Devil’s agenda. For example, it is the Christian’s responsibility to look unto Jesus and declare the truth of God’s word everyday. Also, simply because something is moral and legal does not mean that it is biblical. Furthermore, the Devil is very knowledgeable and uses that which many would consider to be good to accomplish his goals. Finally, the only help for people is in the Lord Jesus Christ. Only the truth can set men free.

The Devil’s Desire is to Keep Men from the Truth

The Devil is revealed in the Bible as being subtle and deceitful (Genesis 3:1; Revelation 20:10). He is the enemy of God and of God’s people, and his desire is to prevent people from coming to the Lord, whether for salvation or any other need. He attempts to accomplish this goal through blinding the lost to the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ, through destroying confidence in the word of God, through infiltrating churches with unbelief and godless methods, and through offering substitutes for the power of God. Satan is as a roaring lion walking about seeking whom he may devour.
The Devil labors to prevent men from coming to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. II Corinthians 4:4 states, “…the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not….” For example, godless philosophies have flooded the world, particularly in education and psychology. Also, materialism and prosperity have become an epidemic; goods become idols when savored. Furthermore, many people believe they can claim to be Christians yet live unholy lives. This is a lie of the Devil, and it leaves others with no respect for the message of God. The Devil is glad to give men anything that will keep them from looking unto the Son of God.
The old Accuser has worked tirelessly to destroy confidence in the word of God. In the Garden of Eden, the Serpent said, “Yea, hath God said...?” Satan knows if the Bible is not the only rule for faith and practice, churches will continue to be powerless, and more souls will go into an eternal Hell. The father of lies knows that good advice and moral standards apart from the authority of God’s word, will do nothing more than keep people from the liberty in Jesus Christ. Many preachers no longer preach the fiery truth of the Bible. Rather, they speak almost exactly like modern radio and television personalities, declaring prosperous lives, morality, and conservative principles all apart from the word of God. The Bible alone makes a person mature and complete in Christ.
The apostle Paul warned that there would be those who are guilty of “having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” It is evident through moral living apart from the Lord. This reason is why most philosophies behind public schools, self-help books, and therapy are deadly. There are sincere people who desire to help children, the mentally unsound, and those who have grave problems in their homes, yet it is all vain unless it grows out of God’s word. The devil has led men to believe that they can have their best lives at this moment yet without giving preeminence to Christ. He promoted this idea to Eve when he said, “…Your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing GOOD and evil.” (Genesis 3:5, emphasis added) There is no power and there is no help without the Bible! Joshua 1:8 says that man’s goal is to be obedience to God. One cannot be spiritual without being Scriptural!
The Devil walks by the door of a person’s life a thousand times just to find it cracked open once. The Accuser floods the world with a form of godliness which contains no truth. He works to destroy confidence in God’s word, leading them to find truth from other sources. He labors to keep men from knowing Christ. He is not foolish; he is subtle. God’s people must awake to earnestly contend for the faith.

Christians Are Responsible for Giving the Truth to the World

Every Christian must be aware that it is his responsibility to look solely to the Lord and speak the truth in love. Hebrews 12:1-3 states,

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

The Lord uses the expression, “Looking unto Jesus.” How is the Christian life to be lived? It is to be lived by “looking unto Jesus,” which involves daily meditation in the word of God and earnest prayer before the throne of God. If a man has a need, should it not be the Saviour who is sought for the answer? It is the word of God which is our only rule for faith and practice. The Lord gives witness of His word’s power when he states, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” The Lord, though, does not end at that point; rather, he drives home the extent of the power of the word of God when he says, “That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (II Timothy 3:17).
The Creator knows everything that it is in man; therefore He should be given preeminence in every Christian’s life. This principle means that before the telephone is used or the television viewed, the prayer closed ought to be consulted. The Bible declares in John 2:24-25, “But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.” Opinions and advice can be most helpful, and it is not wrong to seek them out. The Proverbs state, “In the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 24:6). However, let it always be the Lord who is sought in all matters.
Counsel from radio and television personalities, among others, would not be necessary if more Christians practiced the admonition, “speaking the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:15).” The Devil has deceived many by influencing Christians to think that Bible teaching is only done by pastors, preachers, and Sunday School teachers. God’s word is clear that all of His people are to be salt and light in the dark world in which they live (Matthew 5:1-15). This exhortation means that as a member of God’s family goes into the work place, school, the doctor’s office, or the restaurant, he ought to be seeking others that can be helped with the word of the Lord, regardless of the day of the week. Matthew 10:7 states, “And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Clearly, It is the responsibility of God’s people to unwaveringly declare the truth to the world.

The Truth is in Jesus Christ

Christians must speak out that the only hope for any person is in the Lord Jesus Christ. The word of God declares that “Christ is all.” When one considers the need of man and the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, it becomes abundantly clear that anything which leads away from the Lord is evil. All men, whether lost or redeemed, need the Lord Jesus Christ.
The need of man is Jesus Christ. The Bible reveals the darkness and depravity of man’s natural state. For example, Romans 7:18 states, “…In me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing….” There is nothing good about man’s fallen nature. Also, the Isaiah 64:6 states, “…All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags….” Apart from the Lord, man can do nothing worthy before the Lord. The apostle Paul understood this truth, for it led him to cry out, “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” His answer is given in Romans 7:25, as Paul writes, “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Man is totally destitute without God. Man’s only hope is Jesus Christ.
The person of the Lord reveals His ability and willingness to help man. The Bible is a revelation of Jesus Christ. For example, Colossians 2:9 states, “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” Also, Isaiah 9:6 says, “…His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” When the Lord worked in His earthly ministry, people referred to him as a friend of sinners. James 5:11 states, “…The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” Paul understood something of Christ when he said, “…The Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” The world could not contain all of the books that could be written concerning the person of the Lord. He is man’s only hope and greatest need.
If the Lord is all and man is needy of Christ, then anything that leads away from the Lord Jesus is evil. Modern societies have been filled with godless philosophies and wicked ideas that parade under the banner of godliness and truth. Television and radio broadcasts are filled with people who offer guidance apart from Jesus Christ. If man truly needs the Lord, then it is wicked to teach him that he can live a good life without yielding to the Saviour. Bookstores are filled with self-help material and church-growth tactics that speak nothing of being humble before Christ and seeking Him daily in prayer and study of the Bible. Men are not to focus on having a balanced life; men are to look unto Jesus, repenting of sin and trusting Him as their Guide and Saviour. Colossians 2:10 makes this point as it states, “And ye are complete in him….” No man has power to help another, only Jesus has that power.
Christ said, “…For without me, ye can do nothing.” Every man would do well to remember that truth. There is no deliverance from sin, no freedom to serve the Lord, no Christian life, no hope, and no joy without Jesus Christ. The Lord loves sinners, and He desires to give them eternal life and enable them to live the Christian life. This reason is why Christians must be careful to speak against anything that directs men to any other source than Jesus Christ.

The Truth is Lived Through Biblical Principles

There is a difference between what is moral, legal, and biblical. The standard of the Christ-like individual has never been, nor shall ever be, the standard of the world. God’s people are to live by what is Biblical, following the principles found in the word of God for their lives. Through understanding the differences between these three standards, one will be better equipped to serve the Lord.
The Bible way is the only way for God’s children. The Bible teaches that there is no substitute for God’s inerrant word. For example, Psalm 119:33 states, “Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.” Also, the Scriptures do not change. It is written in Psalm 119:89, “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” There must be a standard by which one may live his life; if the standard constantly changed, so would one’s direction and path. God’s word never changes, for the God of the Bible never changes (Hebrews 13:8). The Bible is the only rule of faith and practice for the Christian.
God’s people must never allow their lives to be governed by morals. The Bible teaches that it is God’s word that is to mold the lives of God’s people. Mores, or moral teachings and standards, are not always biblical and can change. For example, many years ago, abortion was not viewed as moral. Though that evil is not considered to be moral by serious Christians, it has found much more acceptance in present-day society. Yet, its acceptance with man does not equal acceptance with God. Again, it was inconceivable to previous generations that people would dress in revealing ways, yet this practice has become accepted as part of American culture. God’s word must be the guide, for it declares what is found beautiful in the eyes of God.
What is legal is not to be the guide for the practices of God’s people. The word of God is clear that Christians ought to be law-abiding citizens, faithful to their country and to the laws of the land. Romans 13:1 states, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” However, all that is legal is not righteous before the Lord; laws are a reflection of the moral standards of a society. For instance, it is legal to consume alcoholic beverages, but strong drink is clearly condemned in God’s word. Furthermore, pornography is legal in America, yet according to the Scriptures, it is hated by God. What man considers being legal is not the rule by which Christians live.
“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.” The Christian belongs only to Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 6:19-20). God’s people are to be law-abiding, upstanding citizens, for it is commanded by the Lord. However, the laws of the land and the standards of society do not always reflect what the Lord desires. The only unchanging, uncompromising authority is the word of God. There is a great difference between that which is biblical, that which is moral, and that which is legal. Christians are responsible to seek out the Lord’s will and obey that which He commands.

Conclusion

Truth is found in God, and He alone can help sinners. Satan’s desire is to keep people from the deliverance that is in Jesus Christ. His wicked devices are set to prevent the Lord’s glorious truth from being heard and received. The Devil does not want people to understand their need of Christ; he does not want people to realize how subtle he truly is; he does not want men to live their lives solely by the word of God; and he does not want Christians to be salt and light to a dark world. The words of Jesus must not be forgotten and must be believed, for He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me.”
The Bible tells a story of a good and devout man. His name was Cornelius, and he was a person who feared God and gave alms. However, even though he performed many good deeds, he was still lost and bound of Hell. God sent Peter to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Cornelius, who believed when he heard the word. It was then that Cornelius’ life was forever changed, and he was brought into a relationship with God. The Devil will use religion and morals to keep people bound in sin, for those works cannot save a soul. Only Jesus Christ can redeem and help.
The world needs truth! The truth is that Jesus Christ alone can make the difference in the lives of people. If a Christian is not pointing others to Christ, he is disobedient. God’s people must witness with a holy passion of the miraculous power of Jesus Christ, and His willingness to free those in bondage. Christian people must encourage others to shun anything that offers help and guidance apart from Jesus Christ. Let there be Christians on every street, in every market, and in every country side telling men the truth of God’s word, ready to help people become more like Jesus Christ! The only way to be saved and to live a holy life is through the Lord.

Referrence Helps

2007-03-03T11:03:00.000-05:00

Below are some helpful handouts I've accumulated. One will find in contending for the faith, the strongest mode of contending is separation (see Baptist Distinctives). There can be no greater protest to the wickedness of another than by one's refusal to associate with the evil doer. This not only rebukes the one in sin of his error, but also serves as a warning for others to refrain from fall prey to the same wickedness. Separation is clearly taught in Scripture, but is repudiated by those who desire recognition of the world and respect among apostate/false religious systems. Scripture is clear that the unclean only serves to contaminate the clean. There should be no admixture! "A little leaven leavens the whole lump".

I hope the following documents will be helpful in educating and encouraging you to earnestly contend for the faith.

Defining fundamentalism and new evangelicalism

New Evangelicalism

Rise of religious liberalism in America (a brief time-line on the formation of liberalism in America)

The Baptist Distinctives

"Earnestly Contend for the Faith"

2007-01-14T16:14:00.000-05:00

Jude 3 “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”

In the little book of Jude is a command that is often overlooked in today's churches. The phrase “earnestly contend for the faith” is one that is almost unheard of. We are being bombarded with topics such as love, tolerance, and acceptance; all in the name of “winning” people over. Nobody likes a “hater”, we are told. Somehow, all biblically fundamental Christians who contend for the faith are lumped into this unloving, intolerant, exclusive band of “haters”. But here, in Jude's solo chapter, we are given the mandate to contend for the faith. We are commanded to struggle and fight against all odds, giving every ounce of energy to keeping the faith unadulterated, just as it was first delivered unto the saints.

The Faith: The faith, which Jude so strongly exhorts us to fight for, is biblical doctrine. There are some who are of the persuasion that what Jude is exhorting us to contend for is faith (or the belief that God does exist). They submit that if Jude had meant for us to contend for doctrine then he would have stated so. They miss some important truths within this text, and in teaching this stance, also teach a subtle, but deadly doctrine. Those who propound this belief also claim they are not downplaying doctrine, while in reality they are doing that very thing! (Which I will address later.) If all we were to contend for was that God does exist, then we have no quarrel with the Jehovah's Witnesses, the Mormons, the Muslims, or any other sect or cult that claims to believe in God. Jude saw a far deeper purpose for earnestly contending than just the belief that God is real; and that was biblical doctrine.

Never take a text out of context: There is an important hermeneutical principle that is easily and often overlooked and that is the principle of CONTEXT. We must always interpret a text within it's context. To accurately expound the truth of the passage of Scripture (whatever it may be) that you are studying, you must NEVER separate the two! If you read the book of Jude in it's entirety, it is clearly seen that he is warning of false teachers. In Jude 3, he did not say that we are to earnestly contend for faith, but that we are to “earnestly contend for the faith, which was once delivered unto the saints.” (emphasis added) The word faith is used two ways in Scripture. In Hebrews 11 we have what many call the hall of faith, or the classic passage on faith. It is a record of those God used greatly because of their faith in Him. These men and women truly believed God for who He was and were used mightily because of their total dependence on Him. But it should be noted that each of these men stood alone in their accounts of faith. What I mean is that Moses, through faith, chose to stand with his people and suffer rather than enjoy the pleasures of Egypt. This faith was his own belief in God. It was not passed down to him from Abraham, or even his mother. She taught him the things of God, no doubt; but Moses had to choose to believe. His mother, nor anyone else could pass that down to him. It came from within. Each man must be fully persuaded in his own mind of the truths of God. Believing faith is not a thing that is, or can be, passed down from one generation to another. Not by sprinkling, not by confermation into the church, not by any means. It is personal. The faith, or doctrine, however, is quite different. Galatians 1:23 is a prime example of how Scripture uses "faith" in this context. "But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed." This verse is speaking of Paul, and his persecution of the Christians. He was not persecuting their belief in God (for Paul was a Jew and believed in God himself). But he was persecuting the Christians for the set of doctrine they taught and held to be true. {For more Scripture references, see the end of this post.} Doctrine can be fought for, or fought against. It can, and should be passed down. It was given once, and then taught to each and every succeeding generation, to the present.

The same greek word, pistis, is used for both references (Hebrews and Jude), but the context makes the difference. Allow me to illustrate with a more practical application. A man loves his wife. By saying such things, he expresses his desire to give to her all he can provide in order for her happiness, security, and well-being. He would give his own life in exchange for hers. He loves her. This same man may also say that he loves sweet-tea, but this is a completely different love. It doesn't even compare to the love he has for his wife. Actually, when compared, it appears that the word love shouldn't even be employed in describing his liking for sweet-tea. We understand the difference in meaning simply by the context in which the word was used. So it is with faith and the faith.

The exclusiveness of “The”: THE - that little article makes a world or difference. Let me illustrate again. Jesus Christ said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the father but by Me.” He did not say that He was a way, a truth, and a life. The article “the” is exclusive. It means there is only, and unmistakably one. There cannot be two opposing truths. One of them is a lie. So it is with the faith. There is only one faith that was delivered to the saints. There was only one set of teaching, or doctrine, that was delivered by God to the saints; and it is this doctrine for which we are to contend. We use the word faith in the same context as Jude when we say, that one is of the Christian faith, or another is of the Muslim faith, or another of the Catholic faith. What we mean by this is that one holds the same doctrinal beliefs of the group which he is affiliated with.

What faith? Which faith?: If Jude were submitting to us that we should contend solely for our belief that God is real then who would be contending against whom? This would only pit atheists against deists. How would we know which belief in God was correct? There would be no way of telling. There are some who believe in the God of the Old Testament, but they reject that Jesus Christ is God in the flesh. Are these people right? Should we contend that belief? The only way to know is doctrine. (The Bible clearly teaches that the God of the Old Testament is the Jesus Christ of the New Testament. They are One in the same.)

Doctrine is defined as

A principle or body of principles presented for acceptance or belief, as by a religious, political, scientific, or philosophic group; dogma.
A rule or principle of law, especially when established by precedent.
A statement of official government policy, especially in foreign affairs and military strategy.

Archaic Something taught; a teaching. *

Apart from doctrine, we have nothing to believe. If nothing is taught, then there can be nothing believed. The faith, of which Jude is speaking, is the doctrine of The Holy Scripture. It is for this that believers in Christ are to earnestly contend!

The power of doctrine: In the philosophy many hold today, doctrine is of no use save for the splintering of an organization. More emphasis is place on feeling, or even faith than doctrine. This is a slippery slope! I read one article written by one advocating that Jude is meaning for us to contend for faith in God as opposed to doctrine, where he stated, emphatically, that he was not negating the importance of doctrine, and then a few paragraphs down stated, “I’m talking about faith that is alive, not doctrine that is true and affecting nothing!!!” By not placing the emphasis where God's Word places the emphasis we negate what God thinks is important. For one to say doctrine affects nothing is sadly mistaken. Doctrine is powerful! In I Timothy 1:3-4 Paul tells Timothy, “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.” Paul recognized to importance of doctrine; so much that he left Timothy at Ephesus for the sole purpose of ensure that biblical doctrine be all that was taught. False doctrine has the power to destroy a man, and biblical doctrine has the power to lift him up in The Lord. Belief, of itself is vain. What gives belief substance is what, or who that belief is placed in. Faith misplaced is no more affective than no faith at all, when it comes to the salvation of one's soul and pleasing God. Faith is not an ends in itself. Christian, if the biblical doctrine you profess to hold doesn't affect your life then you do not believe it! (James 1) If we do not fight to keep the faith (or doctrinal teaching) that was once delivered to the saints pure, then we will be leading men to believe in a system that will lead them straight to hell with the wrath of God bearing down on their souls! We must earnestly contend for the faith!!

Conclusion: From the time biblical doctrine was set forth for believers, Satan has been working to negate it. He has many ways to seduce and deceive. He has propounded doctrine that is so outrageously un-biblical that anyone who knew anything about the Bible would not be fooled by it. And he also has doctrine that is so close to the truth that it actually sounds believable. The outrageous, is just a decoy for the subtle. We must not allow the lines to blur. There is a doctrine that was once delivered to the saints. This doctrine separates the true believer from the professing believer, and unifies those who hold to it. It is a fight and struggle. We must fight! We must contend! We must earnestly contend. We must keep rank so tight that no enemy can penetrate the line! Brethren, we must EARNESTLY CONTEND FOR THE FAITH!!!

* doctrine. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved January 13, 2007, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/doctrine

Statement of Purpose:

2007-01-04T22:47:00.000-05:00

In Jude verse 3 we are told to “Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” This blog is by no means an extensive exposition on the Scriptures. Nor is it believed that this blog is the main arena for the fight. Contending for the faith is carried out on a daily basis and is fought in many battles by many soldiers. This site is simply to state biblical truth in order to accomplish 4 goals:

To glorify The Lord in exalting Him and His Word.
To stir up believers to study God’s Word for themselves.
To be an opposing force toward so much of the falsehood that is being propounded in today’s society.
To be a light to the lost in pointing them to Christ.

To glorify The Lord in exalting Him and His Word.

God has given us His Word so that we might know Him. He has revealed Himself through the inspired, inerrant, infallible, preserved, and complete Word of God. God is not “discovered” as one might examine a flower or a dissected animal in order to learn how it functions and fits into the whole. This is an approach that is being taken today by many and is leading to false conjectures as to Who God is and how He operates. When people exalt experiences and emotions above God’s Word they develop a skewed view of The LORD. By keeping His Word preeminent then we exalt God.

To stir up believers to study God’s Word for themselves.

Truth, when truly gotten hold of, has a way of igniting the heart of the possessor. The flame kindled by it does two things: 1. burns the dross away (Isaiah 6:5-7), and 2. consumes the thing it uses for fuel (Jeremiah 20:9). This purifying affect it has not only takes precedence in the list, but also in reality. I Peter 2:1-2 tells us “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” There must first be a purifying affect. (This order can also be seen in James 1:21). When God’s truth is given, The Holy Spirit guides that into the heart of the hearer and we have the opportunity to take hold of it. The second effect of fire is a consuming one. As it purifies us we can begin to desire more of it just as a newborn baby craves milk. Every ounce of energy that little child can muster is spent on obtaining food. It cries until given milk, and everything that comes close to it’s mouth is assumed to be a source of sustenance. It is bent on one thing. This is an intention of this blog. To stir up the children of God to live more holy and pure lives, and to develop a consuming desire to know more of God’s Word.

To be an opposing force toward so much of the falsehood that is being propounded in today’s society.

Falsehood is not new, not the things that fall within it’s classification. From the beginning in Eden, Satan posed the question, “Hath God said?” Every lie being pressed and published today in the name of some false religion is a variation of this core proposal of doubt. It may be given a different label, but the label doesn’t change the contents. It is a lie. There must be something done to oppose these falsehoods. This blog is not the sole opposition, nor do I expect it to become the most powerful opponent in the battle, but I believe it to be an asset none the less. A battle is not won by one soldier but many, all doing their part. Think of this blog as nothing more than a soldier. It is one means of contending. Our message (the gospel), and our methods (preaching) never change, but our means (the way we broadcast our methods) can, and do, change.

To be a light to the lost in pointing them to Christ.

The first and last stated goals are the two themes unmistakably found throughout the entire Word of God. To contend for the sake of contending would be admirable, but there is a reason the faith was once delivered to the saints. Jude 22-23 gives a purpose to this fighting. “And of some have compassion, making a difference: and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garments spotted by the flesh.” It is to free those who are bound by the enemy. This freedom is only obtained through truth. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32

Constrained by the love of Christ,