Identifying False Teachers

There is a tendency these days to reject preaching that gets too specific, that calls the names of false teachers, that exposes the errors of men. While the Bible continues to command us to "preach the word...reprove, rebuke...," there are those who will not endure sound doctrine nor the opposition of false doctrine (2 Tim. 4:2-4).
A personal test should be taken. How do you react when a person and what he teaches is publicly identified and response is given? Do such personal identifica­tions upset you? Would you prefer only hearing about the principles of truth while avoiding specific doctrinal applications? If so, you are danger­ously close to the crowd described in 2 Timothy 4:3-4.
This is not to say that under every circumstance the false teacher must be publicly named for his teaching to be effectively exposed and opposed. Such is not the case (cf. 1 Cor. 15:12). But at times it is necessary for several reasons. These reasons include:
(1) Clearly identifying error and who is teaching it. An example of this is Paul's naming of Hymenaeus and Philetus in 2 Timothy 2:16-18. By naming these men Paul made it clear that their doctrine was over­throwing people's faith and such had to be opposed. Therefore, we are given scriptural prerogative to do the same thing today. At times, we must.
(2) Giving a warning against sin. This is done in 1 Corinthi­ans 5:1. Paul did not call the man by name (they all knew who he was talking about), but identification was made, nonetheless. Such personal identification was needed to warn the brethren not to have fellowship with sin through any conduct which would indi­cate support (i.e., social contact, 1 Cor. 5:2, 9-11). To avoid fellowship with sin we must know what the sin is and who is commit­ting it (2 Jn. 10-11). This is a matter of protecting the body of Christ from the influences of error. At times this re­quires personally identify­ing the teacher or practitioner of error (1 Cor. 5:6-7).
(3) Trying to save the false teacher and those he influences. Unless we are willing to identify and approach the one who teaches error, how shall we persuade him with the truth? Perhaps he simply has not been taught the truth. Peter's public conduct occasioned Paul's public confrontation because he "walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel" (Gal. 2:14). Paul was very specific. At times, so must we (cf. Phil. 4:9).
A number of reasons are offered by those who oppose this approach to contend­ing for the faith (Jude 3). Some prominent offerings are:
(1) It is not edifying. Those who are uncomfortable with naming the names of false teachers tell us that to do so "tears down rather than builds up." Those who have specifically identi­fied false teachers and their false doctrine have been labeled "trou­ble-makers" and are accused of "running people away." That is nothing new (cf. Elijah and Ahab in 1 Kgs. 18:17-18). If it is really true that by its very nature such an approach is not edify­ing, then we must include Jesus, Paul and John to Ahab’s list of "trouble-­makers" (Matt. 23:2-3; 2 Tim. 2:16-18; 3 Jn. 9-10). In Acts 20:28-32, after warning of future false teach­ers, Paul commended them to the "word of His grace" which would edify and save them. Edification is compatible with warnings against false teachers.
(2) It is not showing love toward others. This is heard from those who confuse Biblical love with an emotional feeling. They believe that if someone's feelings are hurt, then they have not been treated lovingly. (Do you suppose the scribes and Pharisee's feelings were hurt after hearing what Jesus said about them in Matthew 23?) However, true love seeks the best interests of its object. True love for one another is walking after the Lord's commandments (2 Jn. 5-6). Love does not overlook sin, it helps to overcome it through expo­sure and repentance (Gal. 6:1; Jas. 5:19-20). Who truly loved Peter in Galatians 2:11-14, the Judaizers who supported his conduct toward the Gentiles, or Paul, who confronted him about his error? Obviously, Paul did. Do not be afraid to "speak the truth in love" (Eph. 4:15).
(3) Since nobody is 100 % doctrinally correct, we should not make an issue out of doctrinal differences. This person fails to appreciate two things about truth: first, that it can be under­stood correctly, and secondly, that God expects us to know it and to abide in it (Eph. 3:3-4; 5:17; Jn. 8:31-32; 1 Tim. 2:3-4; 2 Jn. 9). This approach to unity in spite of doctrinal diversity will eventually eliminate the Bible as the final standard on matters of revealed faith (doctrine). Even now, those who dare to expose and oppose the false teacher and his teaching is viewed as "legalistic," "credalis­tic," and as having a "party spirit." Nothing has changed since Galatians 1:6-10 was written. We can under­stand the gospel and when we do, we will understand it alike. Other­wise, the curse given in Galatians 1 against false teachers and what they teach becomes meaning­less.
We must not be afraid to confront false teachers and their doctrin­al errors. Such shows love for truth, for lost souls and for those who teach error. Do not be deceived into thinking otherwise (Rev. 2:2-3).
-Joe Price

THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

(Matt. 16:18). "...and the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved" (Acts 2:4 7).
From these Scriptures it is evident that Jesus, during the days of His earthly ministry, intended to build His church. In plain language, He said, "I will build My church." And it is equally evident from the latter reference that Jesus honored His promise, for the record reveals that "the Lord added" the "saved" to "the church." Moreover, from Ephesians 3:10, 11, we discover that the church's very existence was in keeping with "the eternal purpose" of God, and from Acts 20:28 we learn that the church was "purchased" with the "blood" of Jesus. In view of these fundamental facts, it is evident that the church one reads about in the New Testament is very important in the eyes of God, and therefore it should be very important to us.But we are living in a religiously divided world. Churches of every description abound, as well as the diverse doctrines they preach. Confusion reigns supreme. In brief, what is the church? How my it be identified? What must one do in order to become a member of the Lord's church -the one about which we read in the New Testament?
"Church" Defined:
EKKLESIA is the Greek word from which "church" is translated. EKKLESIA is a combination of two words, "ek" (out of), and "kaleo" (to call). "Church" therefore denotes the called out. Indeed, Christians (members of the church) have been "called... out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Pet. 2:9), and the medium God uses to call people is the gospel. Hence, to "the church" (the called out) at Thessalonica, the apostle Paul said "God.. called you by our gospel..." (2 Thess. 2:14). In view of these facts, it becomes evident that whatever is involved in one's obedience to the gospel is the same as that which is involved in his becoming a member of the Lord's church. Incidentally, the very definition of "church" proves that the New Testament church consists of saved people; "church," in its biblical sense, never referred to a material structure!
"Church" Used in Two Senses
1. The Universal Sense. When we read of "the church" in "the eternal purpose of God" (Eph. 3:10, 11), it is evident that no specific earthly location is under consideration. The church in its universal sense consists of "the saved" (Acts 2:47), or of those whose names are "registered in heaven" (Heb. 12:23). With regards to the church in its universal sense, there is only one church (Eph. 1:22, 23) and in it "both" Jews and Gentiles may be reconciled "to God" (Eph. 2:16). Briefly put, the church universal has no earthly organization; the Lord keeps the record of its membership (Heb. 12:23; 2 Tim. 2:19); it began on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), and its membership is not affected by death (Phil. 1:20-24).2. The Local Sense. Whereas there is "one" universal church (Eph. 1:22, 23; 4:4), there are many local churches. Hence, we read of "the church of God ..at Corinth" (1 Cor. 1:2), "the churches of Galatia" (1 Cor. 16:1), "the churches of Judea...in Christ" (Gal. 1:21), "the seven churches in Asia" (Rev. 1:1), etc. The church in the local sense consists of Christians who have banded together to work and worship in keeping with the Lord's directions. The local church has "earthly" organization (Phil. 1:1), and it may consist of both the saved and the lost (cf. Rev. 2:14-16)! Of course, death necessarily affects the membership in the local church.
How To Become A Member
With regards to this issue, we are referring to membership in the universal church. Inasmuch as the universal church constitutes "the saved" (Acts 2:47), then whatever is involved in becoming a part of "the saved" is what one does to become a member of the church.In New Testament days, in order to be saved, sinners had to: (1) Hear the word, for faith comes by "hearing.., the word of God," Rom. 10:17. (2) They had to believe in God (Heb. 11:6), in Jesus Christ (Jn. 8:24), and they had to believe the gospel, Mk. 16:15, 16. (3) They were commanded to "repent" (Acts 2:3 8), an act brought on by "godly sorrow" (2 Cor. 7:10), and which resulted in a change of life, Matt. 3:7, 8. (4) They were required to confess their faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, Acts 8:37; Rom. 10:9, 10. (5) And they were to be "buried" in baptism (Rom. 6:3, 4) "in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins," Acts 2:38. Upon complying with these terms of pardon, people in the first century thereby became a part of "the saved" whom God "added to the church" (Acts 2:41, 47). Inasmuch as we yet live under the same "testament," a testament which became "of force" by reason of Christ's death (Heb. 9:15-17), then if we also become a part of "the saved, "we have to do what they did. And, upon becoming a part of the universal church, we, like Paul, should "join" a local church, and worship and serve God in keeping with His revealed will (cf. Acts 9:26-28).
The Local Church Identified
We may identify a sound local church in the same way we identify anything else; by its marks of identity. (1) It should have a scriptural name. Viewed from its relationship to God, it may be called "the church of God" (1 Cor. 1:2). Viewed from its relationship to Christ, a plurality of such churches may be called "the churches of Christ" (Rom. 16:16). In so doing, a desire to follow the Scriptures and honor God and Christ is reflected. However, the "name" alone is not a sure guide. (2) Its organization should solely consist of bishops, deacons and saints (Phil. 1:1), with the bishops (or elders) limiting their oversight to the local church (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2). In Bible days there existed no earthly church "headquarters," consisting of an ecclesiastical hierarchy exercising control over local churches. (3) Its worship on the first day of the week included teaching the word of God, prayer, acappella music or the singing of praises to God, partaking of the Lord's supper, and contributing of their means as God had prospered them, Acts 2:24; 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1, 2; Eph. 5:19, etc. (4) Its work consisted simply of preaching the gospel, building up the saints through teaching the Scriptures, and benevolence to indigent saints, 1 Thess. 1:9; 1 Tim. 3:15; Eph. 4:11-16; Acts 11:27-30; 2 Cor. 8, 9, etc. The Lord's church did not try to become a social club, providing for all the secular, social, emotional, and recreational needs and/or desires of its members in particular, or for society in general. Faithful local churches today, abiding in the "apostles doctrine" (Acts 2:42), will reflect the pattern of the worship, work, and organization which characterized the Lord's church in the first century.
Conclusion
Admittedly, in an "anything goes" society wherein multitudes have embraced a "do your own thing" religion, the return-to-the-Bible approach advocated in this article will be ridiculed by some and ignored by most. However, when all is said and done, Jesus Christ is the head of His church (Col. 1:18); He has "all authority" (Matt. 28:18), and the Scriptures instruct us to submit to His authority in whatever we do, whether in "word or deed" (Col. 3:17). Moreover, we are warned of the dire consequences which befall those who "pervert the gospel of Christ" (Gal. 1:7, 8). In fact, the Bible virtually closes with a warning not to "add to" or "take from" that which God has revealed (Rev. 22:18, 19).In view of the fact that God is the Creator and we are the created (Gen. 1:1-17), in view of the fact that "all have sinned" (Rom. 3:23), and "the wages of sin is death" (Rom. 6:23), then it behooves every accountable person to submit to God's will as it is revealed in the Bible, which is "the word of God" (Heb. 4:12). This becomes especially evident when we consider the facts that each one of us "shall give account for himself to God" (Rom. 14:12), and that Jesus will "judge" us by His word (John 12:48). Life is too short, eternity is too long, your soul is too valuable, hell is too horrible, and heaven is too wonderful for any person to disregard the plain teachings of the Bible. Consider ye well!
May the Lord Bless us all!

Our Deepest

It would be very good and appropiate at this time to meditate on all the things that had happened on the year that just left us.

2009 is now in the book of history, and all we can do is to remember the things that happened in that year.

Nothing can be changed, nothing can be moved nothing can be touched. All is done.

2010 is brand new, 2010 is with us and will remain with us for another 364 days, can we accomplish good things in this 2010? It is up to you and I and the attitude that you present to this new year.

God is always expecting - from us, his children - the best. Resolutions are important only when we want them to work: Resolutions with real commitment are very important.

Are you ready to make any for this 2010?

As christians we must look at the things for God and his church, we must look at the things that edify the members and our own selves, to gain knowledge in the will of God should be the priority of every christians always. John 5:39.

Well, this day January 1 2010 we can start our christians life with the right foot and be loyal to the Lord always.

Christ is coming and we must be prepared to receive our Lord and to be with Him in heaven. Are we ready, are we committed, are we resolved to do the best of this year?

May the Lord bless us to make our Lord and Father proud of who we are.

In Christ.

Eric Castillo

A Rainbow Remembered.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father…” James 1:17...
Memories are a gift from God. For instance, remembering the summer that had been a scorcher, the air extra dry. Plants drooped and farmers feared for their crops. Then finally one night the rain came—not as a storm or with beating fury, but gently and tenderly. It continued most of the next day, soaking the ground and saturating thirsty roots. Then, as quickly as it started, it ceased, and the late afternoon sun came out. Memories of holding grandma’s hand that day walking out of the house and into the field fill the mind. “Smell the air,” she said, drawing in a deep breath. “See how tall the daylilies stand, as if they feel stronger.”
“Oh, look,” grandma cried rounding the corner of the barn, “a rainbow!” She spoke about God’s love as she explained the arch of color stretching from horizon to horizon, soaring almost to the zenith.
“Isn’t it wonderful?” she said, kneeling down. “The rain we needed so badly, then the sun, and now this beautiful rainbow.”
When asked, “Do you know what makes a rainbow?” Grandma began tracing the rainbow from end to end, then she suddenly stopped and turning her face and shinning eyes to the child she loved, said: “Of course I do, darling. God made it for us because He loves us so much.”
Take Care.

IGNORANCE IS NOT BLISS

The days in which the prophet Hosea worked were characterized by a low level of godliness. Consider the very outset of the writing:

The word of the LORD that came unto Hosea, the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel. The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea. And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, departing from the LORD.
I suggest that you take the time to read “Hosea” in its entirety, as it contains many valuable lessons. However, let’s just quickly note three (3) lessons that come from one specific chapter; chapter 4. Please read that now.
Lesson #1: Ignorance of God is Common (v. 1)
God’s children had enjoyed many manifestations of God’s power in the past. They had profited from His wisdom many times. They were the recipients of many messages from the lips and lives of the prophets. Yet, during the days of Hosea, there was little knowledge of God among His chosen people. Although we are not privy to prophets today, and although we do not live in the age of the miraculous, God has spoken to all men through his Word. He has made Himself and His will known. Yet just as it was then, still today ignorance of God is common.
Lesson #2: Ignorance of God is Often Willful (v. 6, 10)
Note carefully that the people in Hosea’s day had rejected knowledge. Yes, they had left off from heeding God’s counsel. The New King James Version states that they had “ceased obeying the LORD.” You see, these folks were guilty of willful blindness. All those who worship with apostate “churches of Christ” are guilty of the same willful blindness. The truth about the authorized work of the church is not hard to discern… if one is looking with an honest eye. Many who worship with “sound congregations” are also often willfully ignorant about many points of doctrine.
Lesson #3: Ignorance of God is Fatal (v. 6, 7, 9, 10)
Note the penalty the people would incur for their ignorance: God would reject them (6), their glory would be turned into shame (7), they would be punished (9), and their efforts to find satisfaction apart from God would fail (10). The same things await all those who are ignorant of God’s Word today (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:25).
Do not be duped by the wisdom of men! The wisdom of men will profit you nothing (1 Corinthians 1:19). Hear the wisdom of God and learn the lesson well: Ignorance of God’s Word IS NOT bliss.

Contentment

“...be content with such things as ye have...” (Hebrews 13:5)

If you are not content with what you have then you will never be content with what you might want.

It was Haman who had riches and honor beyond our ability to measure, but he could not be content with Mordecai sitting at the king’s gate. Then there was king Ahab, who wanted Naboth’s vineyard but when it seemed beyond his reach he made himself sick.

Or who can forget that Adam and Eve with a whole new world to themselves were not satisfied because they wanted a little more indulgence, a little more knowledge.

There is no end in discontent.With all his wealth and knowledge, Solomon repeatedly said, “all is vanity and vexation of spirit.” Those that have achieved wealth and recognition find themselves no nearer the longed for contentment.It is for that reason that the Bible says, “Seek the things which are above” (Colossians 3:1). This is the source of contentment.

Jesus said, “He that cometh unto me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).

Paul wrote, “I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11). Contentment is a kind of self sufficiency—desiring no more than the bounty God has provided.

God’s grace was sufficient for him, for after all he was a stranger and a pilgrim on this earth, moving rapidly toward a more permanent abode.

To the Christian this is contentment.

Are you content?

Embracing The Truth.

Eph 1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

After stating salvation from God’s perspective in verse 12, Paul here states it from man’s perspective. Obedience to Christ is your response to God’s elective purpose in your life. Those two truths—God’s initiative and man’s obedient response—coexist throughout God’s Holy Word.Paul rightly called the Gospel “the message of truth” because truth is its predominant characteristic. Salvation was conceived by the God of truth (Psalm 31:5) and purchased by the Son, Who is the Truth (John 14:6) and is applied by the Spirit of truth (John 16:13). To know it is to know the truth that sets men free (John 8:32). Christians are people of the truth (John 18:37), worshipping God in spirit and in truth (John 4:2) and obeying the Word of truth (John 17:17).Yet, as profound and powerful as God’s truth is, people have rejected, neglected, redefined and opposed it for centuries. Some, like Pilate, cynically deny that truth even exists or that it can be known by men (John 18:38). Others foolishly think that denying truth will somehow make it go away.Perhaps you have heard someone say, “Jesus may be true for you, but that doesn’t mean He has to be true for me.” That view assumes that belief somehow determines truth. But just the opposite is the case. Truth determines the validity of one’s belief. Believing a lie does not make it true. Conversely, failing to believe the truth does not make it a lie.The Gospel is true because Jesus is true, not simply because Christians believe in Him and obey Him. His resurrection proved the truth of His claims and constitutes the objective basis of your faith (Romans 1:4; 1 Peter 1:3).You will face today, armed with the message of truth and empowered by the Spirit of truth. Truth is your protection and strength (Ephesians 6:14).
Lost souls desperately need to hear that truth.

Represent it well, and proclaim it with boldness.

May the Lord help us...