Theological Discussions :: Pastor Josh Buice

Father Abraham's Faith - Works Vs. Grace

2007-06-11T22:20:00.000-04:00

Romans 4:9-17

Paul cuts to the heart of Judaism and works theology in Romans chapter four. Paul, like a masterful attorney, examines the evidence for a works based justification and then proceeds to disprove it by smashing the very foundation of works based theology. Many Jews believed that specific types of works would get them into heaven. Paul takes two of those works and one very famous man and unleashes a severe attack upon the works based righteousness belief system of his day. Paul examines the faith of the great Patriarch – Abraham. In his examination, Paul evaluated whether or not Abraham was justified by his works or through the Grace of God. In the end of the passage, Paul provides the answer with clear and pointed precision.

Was Abraham Justified By Circumcision? (Vs. 9-12)

The Jewish Apocryphal Book of Jubilees says,

“The law is for all generations for ever, and there is no circumcision of the time, and no passing over one day out of the eight days; for it is an eternal ordinance, ordained and written on the heavenly tables. And every one that is born, the flesh of whose foreskin is not circumcised on the eighth day, belongs not to the children of the covenant which the Lord made with Abraham, for he belongs to the children of destruction; nor is there moreover any sign on him that he is the Lord’s but (he is destined) to be destroyed and slain from the earth (15:25ff).”

In his first step to disproving a works based justification, Paul asks if Abraham was justified by Circumcision. For many Jews, Abraham was the one to mask their lives and faith after – and whatever Abraham did – that is what they would want to do as well. Therefore, with this understanding of Abraham’s influence, Paul uses him as an object lesson for justification. Paul then answers his own question by claiming that Abraham was justified while in uncircumcision. For the strict follower of the Jewish law – this must have been very troubling!

Abraham’s History:

Warren Wiersbe says,

“Abraham was declared righteous when he was in the state of uncircumcision. From the Jewish point of view, Abraham was a Gentile. Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised (Gen. 17:23-27). This was more than fourteen years after the events in Genesis 15. The conclusion is obvious: circumcision had nothing to do with his justification (The Bible Exposition Commentary Vol. 1, 525).”

John MacArthur says,

“Abraham was called in Ur of the Chaldeans, he was an idolatrous pagan. Before God’s covenant with Abraham, there were no Jews and therefore no Gentiles, strictly speaking. But Paul’s point here is that God reckoned Abraham’s faith as righteousness before any such distinctions were made (The MacArthur New Testament Commentary – Romans 1-8, 258).”

Therefore, it is abundantly clear why Paul used Abraham as an example to disprove works righteousness. Abraham was not justified by his works, his goodness, or any other fleshly factor. It is abundantly clear that God chose Abraham based upon His will and nothing more! Since Abraham was justified fourteen years before his circumcision, Paul proves that circumcision is not the basis of justification.

Was Abraham Justified By Keeping The Law? (Vs. 13-15)

It is clear that Abraham believed (had faith in God) and God counted it as righteousness. For Paul, that was not an issue. However, for some Jews it was a very big issue. Many believed that Abraham kept the law and that his keeping of the law was one of the deciding factors in his justification. Paul rightly points out the weakness of the “law” theory as he successfully disproves it in his argument.

Faith Is Void If Justification Is Through The Law

As the account of Abraham’s justification is unfolded in Old Testament literature (Genesis) – it is very clear that Abraham believed God. Nowhere in the Old Testament do we find a passage that claims that Abraham was made right before God due to his circumcision or keeping of the law. Paul rightly demonstrates that if the law saves – it nullifies faith.

Promises Of God Are Void If Justification Is Through The Law

Abraham’s covenant with God involved four distinct promises. God promised Abraham a land, a people, a blessing, and a Redeemer. Paul points back to that promise from God and claims that it is null and void if the law saves. What need is there for a Redeemer if the law has power to save? Paul makes his case crystal clear!

The Law Provides Wrath Not Justification

Paul brings to light that the law brings the wrath of God upon the sinfulness of man rather than justification. Paul understood that the law was the school master which points to the inability and weakness of the flesh to live up to the perfect law of God! Therefore, the law points to Christ – the need for the Redeemer that God promised Abraham. Again, Paul continues to make his case very clear.

Was Abraham Justified By God’s Grace? (Vs. 16-17)

Yes! Paul points to the fact that Abraham’s justification was of the Grace of God. Abraham received it through faith in God and His promises. This completely destroys the system of religion for many Jews in Paul’s day.

If Salvation is by GRACE – It is Received By Faith. (16a)

GRACE is a gift! It is not earned through the works of the flesh. It is merely accepted by faith. In order to make his point loud and clear – he starts off with circumcision and moves to the law. Then at the end of this section he deals with the fact that GRACE is given through faith – as a gift. Paul was making it clear that God gives GRACE as a gift apart from works.

If Salvation is by GRACE – It is Available to All People Groups. (16b-17)

When Abraham was called of God in Ur of the Chaldeans – Abraham was like us all prior to salvation – pagans! Abraham was declared righteous through his faith in God prior to Jews and Gentiles – therefore – no distinctions existed according to the flesh. It would be through Abraham that God’s covenant would encompass both Jew and Gentile in the ages to come. This truth provided at the end of this passage should excite us Gentiles – and it should also strengthen the fact that Jewish law and circumcision are not the means of justification!

Conclusion:

Today, we have many people who have based their justification upon works – much like the people that Paul was dealing with in his day. The Catholic Church and many other protestant denominations hold to a baptismal regeneration heresy. Baptismal regeneration beliefs are much like the circumcision beliefs of Paul’s day. It is important that we examine our faith to make sure we are trusting in the blood of Jesus Christ alone for the remission of our sin.

Jonathan Edwards said,

“I do not now pretend to define justifying faith, or to determine precisely how much is contained in it, but only to determine thus much concerning it, viz. That it is that by which the soul, which before was separate and alienated from Christ, unites itself to him, or ceases to be any longer in that state of alienation, and comes into that forementioned union or relation to him, or, to use the scripture phrase, it is that by which the soul comes to Christ, and receives him. This is evident by the Scriptures using these very expressions to signify faith. John 6:35-39, “He that cometh to me, shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me, shall never thirst. But I said unto you, that ye also have seen me and believe not. All that the Father giveth me, shall come to me; and him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” Verse 40, “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up the last day.” — John 5:38-40, “Whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. Search the Scriptures, for — they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come unto me, that ye might have life.” Verse 43, 44, “I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another?” — John 1:12, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” If it be said that these are obscure figures of speech, which however they might be well understood of old among those who commonly used such metaphors, are with difficulty understood now. I allow, that the expressions of receiving Christ and coming to Christ, are metaphorical expressions. If I should allow them to be obscure metaphors, yet this much at least is certainly plain in them, viz. that faith is that by which those who before were separated, and at a distance from Christ (that is to say, were not so related and united to him as his people are), cease to be any longer at such a distance, and come into that relation and nearness, unless they are so unintelligible, that nothing at all can be understood by them (http://biblebb.com/files/edwards/justification.htm).”

All for the glory of God!

Rev. Josh Buice

Revelation 22:18-21 – Testimony of Preservation

2007-04-16T12:02:00.000-04:00

In Revelation 22:18-21 - John comes to the close of his revelation – and thereby the close of the New Testament and biblical canon. Often we find controversies surrounding these last words of Holy Writ rather than an echo of the Apostle – “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” The two most common controversial subjects that surround this passage of scripture manifest themselves in the form of two independent questions. They are as follows:

1. Is this warning speaking about Revelation only or the entire Bible?

2. Does this warning in verses 18-19 prove that it is possible to lose your salvation?

Revelation 22:18-19 – Whole Bible or Revelation Only?

In our present day, many people claim that God speaks directly to them fresh prophecies in order for them to deliver them to the church. This is common in the Charismatic movement. Is this possible? Is it biblical? Certainly it is possible for God to speak – He is the God who speaks! However, as we look at the subject more closely, we can see that the Word of God is the completed revelation of God – and therefore, nothing else is needed! God did not forget anything. He has included all that is needful and necessary for us to see our sinful plunge and to hear our Savior’s call to salvation.

If a person is to subtract from the prophecy of Revelation – would he likewise subtract from the epistle to the Romans? If a person would add to the prophecy of the Revelation – would he likewise add to the Gospel of Mark? The answer to both questions is rhetorical in nature – of course the person would do both! If one takes a narrow view of the warning holding it to Revelation only, it seems that the implications extend outside Revelation to the entire inspired Word.

John MacArthur comments:

Question (Asked by a member of Grace Community Church)

Revelation 22:18-19: “For I testify unto every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. If any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life and out of the holy city and from the things written in this book.” Does this refer to just the book of Revelation or the whole Bible?

Answer (John MacArthur)

(Now what that verse simply says is you can’t add anything to Revelation, right? If you do, it shall be added unto you the plagues. You can’t take away anything—if you take away anything, it shall be taken away from you the right to the tree of life, the holy city, and so forth.)

The question is, "Does this refer to just the book of Revelation or the whole Bible?" That’s an important question. Let me answer it this way: let’s say that it refers only to the book of Revelation. That would be the closest possible interpretation, right? This book—“I testify unto every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book.” Let’s say he’s talking about Revelation. Now, listen to me, friends: if you can’t add anything to Revelation, you can’t add anything to the Bible either, right? Because it’s the end! I don’t know why people get so confused about that. They say, “Does this just mean you can’t add to Revelation?” Yes, it just means that, but if you can’t add to Revelation, you can’t add because that’s the end of the Bible! It seems fairly clear to me.

Then the person asked a second question, “Does this warning apply to David Wilkerson’s vision?” Have you seen the book or have you heard about the book called The Vision? Well, you don’t need to worry about it, but David Wilkerson had a vision, supposedly God-given. Does this apply to that? Well, I believe this is one of the great errors of the Charismatic movement, and I call it an error in the area of understanding biblical inspiration and revelation: they are still getting revelation from God when the Bible says you can’t have any more! I think it applies in a very real sense.

People are saying, “Well, these people are inspired. When you speak in tongues, that’s God speaking his revelation. When these guys have visions, that’s God speaking. Oh, we agree, they’re not as inspired as Paul and they’re not as inspired as David and they’re not as inspired as John and so forth and so on; there are different degrees of inspiration.” Baloney. There aren’t any degrees of inspiration. Either God said it or somebody else said it. God isn’t saying, “I’ll say three words, then you say three.” Or, “I’ll give you a general idea and you carry it yourself.” God either breathed it out or He didn’t. The words are either God’s words or they aren’t God’s words.

You say, “But a guy like Wilkerson… Man, sometimes it’s biblical.” Well, when it’s biblical, you know, it’s biblical. And when it doesn’t say what the Bible says, it isn’t God because you can’t add anything. There is no more inspiration and one of the great heresies today is that there are people getting more revelation from God! All the revelation in the New Testament is completed, the canon is closed, the biblical writers are already identified. There aren’t any more, there aren’t any more apostles—that settles the issue.

But, listen to me, people: every time somebody allows more revelation, all they do is confuse the issue. You want some illustrations? Joseph Smith. Mary Baker Eddie. Judge Rutherford. Annie Besant. Madame Blavatsky. On and on and on and on it goes! Ellen G. White. Whoever you are, whenever people start getting more revelation from God, you have the makings of a cult. It just doesn’t work that way. The same thing happened in the Roman Catholic church when they started saying tradition was equal to revelation: it just destroyed the truth.

No, there is no more revelation.
http://www.biblebb.com/files/macqa/1301-B-15.htm - 4/16/07

Does Revelation 22:18-19 prove you can lose your salvation?

As we approach this subject, it is important to read the Scripture rather than our present ideas and theology into the Word. What does the text say? It says:

Rev. 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
Rev. 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Rev. 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
Rev. 22:21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Notice that the text does not indicate that the person's name is erased from the Book of life. It simply says, God will take the person's part out of the book of life. We must be careful here not to misinterpret the text. In the study of Scripture, an important rule for biblical interpretation exists in hermeneutics. It implies that we should always interpret the obscure passages in light of the more clear passages of Holy Scripture. A good student of the Word of God understands that the Bible does not contradict itself, therefore, the unclear passages (very few exist) must be interpreted in light of the more clear passages.

In this text, we have a controversial subject. Is it possible to lose your salvation? Some denominations insist that it is possible to fall from grace. However, their arguments are usually built upon small unclear passages rather than the entire testimony of the Bible. Here we have a warning about adding and subtracting from the Word of God. Some have argued that this one passage indicates that a person can have their name in the Lamb’s book of life and then erased out when they seek to harm the inspired text. In order to cover this subject, it is important that we view this possibility in light of Holy Scripture.

Ephesians 1:4-5
Eph. 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Eph. 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

If God did what Ephesians 1:4-5 claims – why would He later erase their name from the book of life and take away their inheritance from the Holy City? Does it make sense at all?

Ephesians 1:11
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

Notice what this text says. It says we have obtained. The point Paul is making is very clear. Those to whom God has elected before the foundation of the world, have already obtained an inheritance in Christ Jesus. The inheritance will not be possessed until later – but the point is clear – what Christ accomplished on the cross for those to whom the Father elected – it is waiting on them in eternity!

The verb used here – we have obtained an inheritance – is in the aorist passive indicative form. The Greeks would often use this form to indicate something of the future that would occur with the certainty that it had already occurred. That is a wonderful way for God to inspire this text! What does that indicate about our salvation? What does that indicate about our inheritance? What does that indicate about our security?

Does this inheritance of verse eleven speak of eternal inheritance? How do we know? We can be sure due to the context of the text. Context is always key! If we read further in the passage we see verses 12-14 unpack the details about our inheritance. It is described as sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise. How much more secure could our salvation become?

Conclusion

As we go back to the passage in Revelation we must understand that the warning here does not include the true Christian. How could a person who has been elected by God before time, sealed by the Spirit of God, purchased by the Son of God ever fall from grace or lose his or her salvation? A Christian will never seek to harm the Holy Scripture by addition or subtraction. The people that have been guilty of this throughout history and even in our present day are heretics who have professed the name of Christ but they have denied Him with their actions, speech, and sinful practices. Therefore, the people who add to and subtract from the prophecy prove themselves to be heretics or apostates – they have not persevered until the end – thereby proving they are not genuine Christians.

God has always preserved His Word. This warning serves as a testimony of God’s preservation of His Word rather than a passage about losing one’s salvation. The implications are clear – those who would do such a thing are not the children of God – they are enemies that will never take part in the marvelous blessings revealed and recorded in Holy Writ.

For the glory of God!

Rev. Josh Buice
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The Fight and Fate of False Prophets

2007-02-03T17:16:00.000-05:00

2 Peter 2:1-10
Throughout history many monsters have attacked, mutilated, and tortured innocent people. From biblical history we remember Pharaoh and Nero. From modern history we remember Hitler, Saddam, Bin Laden, and others who have caused the streets to run red with the blood of innocent people. Although we mourn and weep as we remember such vile monsters of history, it seems that the most deadly and destructive monsters of history have come to attack people with the Bible in their hands rather than swords, guns, gas, or bombs. These monsters have done more than take innocent lives through violence, they have confused and convinced people to believe a lie – a false gospel – which in turn has damned their victims to eternal hell. These heretics are the most horrific monsters of history.

Peter writes to his readers (a group of Christians who were scattered throughout Asia) regarding external persecution in his first epistle, but he writes concerning internal persecution in his second epistle. In 2nd Peter chapter 2, Peter writes a very sobering warning regarding the false prophets of his day. Peter wanted his readers to be forewarned of these vile monsters who were coming to attack – with a message of damnation!

False Prophets Former Assault (Vs. 1a)

The first verse begins with a reminder of the false prophets that had formerly attacked and assaulted the people of God. The phrase “among the people” refers to the nation of Israel in the Old Testament days. Peter was reminding his readers that false teachers / prophets have always existed and have been plaguing the people of God in every generation.

False Prophets Future Attack (Vs. 1b)

Peter moves ahead to the current situation – the false teachers were plaguing the people of God – and Peter wanted the people to be warned. He said, “even as there shall be false teachers among you.” Peter wanted the Christians to understand that just as the former people of God were assaulted by these false prophets – they would be under a similar attack in their day.

The false teachers of Peter’s day would bring in damnable heresies which would lead to swift destruction for them and all of their followers. The damnable heresies actually means – destructive heresies. Heresy is a message that alters the gospel of Jesus Christ in some way. These teachers would be attacking the church – and they would bring upon them and their followers eternal damnation in a place called hell!

Theological Issue:

Some have used this verse (vs. 1) to disprove limited atonement by saying that the phrase “denying the Lord that bought them” actually means that Christ died for and purchased the heretics of history who have spread damnable heresies throughout the world.

John MacArthur comments,

Many take this statement the Master who bought them to mean that Christ actually has purchased redemption in full for all people, even for false teachers. It is commonly through that Christ died to pay in full the penalty for everyone’s sins, whether they ever believe or not. The popular notion is that God loves everyone, wants everyone saved, so Christ died for everyone.

This means His death was a potential sacrifice or atonement that becomes an actual atonement when a sinner repents and believes the gospel. Evangelism, according to this view, is convincing sinners to be saved if they will, since no one is excluded in the atonement.

This viewpoint, if taken to its logical conclusion, has hell full of people who se salvation was purchased by Christ on the cross. Therefore, the lake of fire is filled with those damned people whose sin Christ fully atoned for by bearing their punishment under God’s wrath.

Heaven will be populated by people who had the same atonement provided for them, but they are there because they received it. Christ, in this view, died on the cross for the damned in hell the same as He did for the redeemed in heaven. The only difference between the redeemed’s fate and that of the damned is the sinner’s choice.

This perspective says that the Lord Jesus Christ died to make salvation possible, not actual. He did not absolutely purchase salvation for anyone. He only removed a barrier for everyone, which merely makes salvation potential. The sinner ultimately determines the nature of the atonement and its application by what he does. Accordingly to this perspective, when Jesus cried, ‘It is finished,’ it really should be rendered, ‘It is stated (2 Peter & Jude New Testament Commentary - p. 73).’

When a person makes statements such as – “Christ died for all people – past – present – and future – without exception” – a question must be asked – what did the atonement of Christ actually accomplish on the cross? Furthermore, what is atonement? When those two questions are answered biblically – could the atonement of Christ be applied to anyone and they go to hell? In my personal view – absolutely not! Therefore, it seems that this text is not suggesting that Christ actually died and atoned for the sins of these heretics – otherwise – it stretches and changes the meaning of atonement.

A great way to interpret Scripture is by Scripture. That is one key to basic hermeneutics (the science of Bible interpretation). Therefore, obscure verses should always be viewed through the lens of the many clear verses. In this case – it seems clear in a survey of atonement passages that Christ died for the church, for His sheep, and for the elect! Therefore, the belief that Christ died in the same manner for these heretics as He did for His sheep seems to twist the meaning of atonement! This is not an emotional debate - it comes down to definitions! What does the Word mean when the word atonement is used? Furthermore, it should be noted that the word "Lord" or "Master" in this text is not the typical word used to refer to Jesus (Kurios). It should also be noted that the word used for "bought" here is not the word used for atonement. Therefore, we are not bound to believe that Christ died for and paid for these heretic's sins in the same manner as He died for the saint's sins.

False Prophets Forceful Affliction (Vs. 2-3)

In these verses we see that the false prophets cause many to follow them through their sensuality and pernicious ways. Furthermore, they cause the truth to be tarnished due to their misconduct.

Not only do these false prophets use lewd conduct, but they also attract and forcefully afflict people through feigned words. Peter was making a clear point – these people cannot be trusted! Peter stated that through their false words they were making merchandise of the people. Does that sound familiar?

As Peter comes to the end of verse three, we see that he warns the people by speaking about the judgment of God that will soon bring to judgment these heretics!

False Prophets Final Appointment (Vs. 4-10)

Peter goes forward to speak about the final appointment of these false prophets. Peter is writing to a discouraged group of persecuted and afflicted people. He wanted to encourage them! Therefore, in order to encourage these people, he told them the end of the story. The story ends well for the saved – but tragically for the sinner! For Peter’s audience, these words spoke a great deal of encouragement and relief – because they needed to know that they win in the end!

In Peter’s description, he reminded the people that God did not spare the angels that sinned with Satan, the old world that was full of vile sin, nor the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. He then finished up by reinforcing the truth of God’s final judgment upon the wicked by saying, “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.” These words would have brought relief and security to the hearts of the saints in Peter’s day.

Application and Conclusion:

In our day, we have the problem of false teachers as well. Today, multitudes of people are being led astray by false doctrine through the means of television, radio, XM radio, internet, and printed material. A new breed of false teachers are storming into the living rooms of millions of viewers – and we must warn the people!

Although these new false teachers may comb their hair differently, speak in a different language, or live in a modern society – they have the same message of damnation – which will deliver many multitudes to a place called hell!

False teachers of our day to be aware of:

LIST: (not complete list)

1. Joel Osteen
2. Joyce Meyer
3. Paula White
4. Benny Hinn
5. Kenneth Copeland
6. Kenneth Hagin
7. Rod Parsley
8. Pastor Murray

These people come with a message of money, doctrines of demons, and they cause much confusion in the hearts of people. The modern health, wealth, and prosperity gospel movement preaches a doctrine of money. With false words - they (the false teachers) are making merchandise of people by the thousands. How can we be spared from these evil monsters of history as well as these modern heretics? As always – context is the key! The previous chapter of 2 Peter (chapter one) deals with the Holy Scriptures. Therefore, it becomes clear that Peter was building his arguments on the foundation of Scripture. Peter wanted his readers / audience to find refuge in the Scriptures.

In conclusion – it would be wise for us to heed to the same message of Peter in our day. If we want to be aware of these false teachers and their doctrines – we must know our Bible. The best way to spot a fake is to know the real thing so well that the fake sticks out like a sore thumb. May God grant us wisdom and knowledge according to His Word – in order that we may be spared from the destructive doctrines these men and women are spreading horrific heresies in our day!

Although the false prophets of old as well as the modern heretics have put up a good fight - their fate will end in destruction. This was encouragement for the Christians of Peter's day - may it be encouragement for us as well.

All for the glory of our God!

Rev. Josh Buice

Graduating from the Kindergarten as a Child of God

2006-12-12T23:49:00.000-05:00

For children, graduating from kindergarten can be a real big deal. The child has a little ceremony, and their parents, like proud peacocks, surround them with cameras and take a multitude of pictures in order to document the entire milestone event! The most difficult time for the child is when they realize that there is more to this “school” thing than coloring books and playgrounds. When the child realizes that real books will replace the coloring books, and test time will replace playground time – it can be a real shock!

The Christian goes through a similar experience following salvation. For instance, the Christian goes through a transformation process at the moment of salvation. Often times, the Christian is presented before the church as a candidate for membership until they are baptized and fulfill any membership requirements. Following this announcement, people file down the aisles and begin to shake the new convert’s hand welcoming him or her into the family of God, and even telling the new Christian how much they have been praying for him or her through the years. Then all at once, the swarm of people are gone, the lights are being turned off, the sanctuary is empty, and the Christian walks out the door of the church building into a world that hates God, hates the Church, and hates the Word of God. What now? Will the Christian be able to survive in that type of environment of hostility and temptation on the mere experience of salvation itself? In the words of the King James version – “God Forbid!” There is more to the Christian life than the initial faith experience of salvation.

In 2 Peter 1, Peter addresses the same group of people he addressed in his first epistle. However, in this epistle, the Apostle warns of the attack that will come from within the church rather than from outside of the church as it did in the previous letter. The attack Peter warns about is the attack of damnable heresies and false teachers who spread their heresies. Therefore, Peter starts off by describing the salvation of the true believer and their initial faith experience, then he turns to a seven part listing of sanctification that must take place in the believer’s life in order to be a mature Christian who is ready for the coming attacks. In other words – it is time to grow up Christian – it is time to graduate from the “kindergarten-Christianity” and move on to a more mature Christian faith!

Today’s Tragedy: Immaturity

One of the greatest tragedies today is the fact that many older saints in the church claim to have been saved 30 or even 40 years ago, but they have never graduated from the “kindergarten” level of Christianity. Many of these saints are supposed to be the backbone of the church. We would expect them to be leaders and examples in their Christian lives, but all too often they are lacking in the basic building blocks of the Christian life and are among the most immature saints in the church! What a tragedy!

Peter’s Advice: Grow-Up Christian!

Peter instructs his readers to “add to” their faith supply seven important virtues of the Christian faith. These seven things are essentials to becoming a mature Christian who possesses assurance and victory in their Christian life.

1. Virtue = Moral excellence. This can be known as Christian strength or vitality. According to MacArthur, “It was such a lofty term that it was used for moral heroism, viewed as the divinely endowed ability to excel in heroic, courageous deeds. It came to encompass the most outstanding quality in someone’s life, or the proper and excellent fulfillment of a task or duty (MacArthur - 2 Peter & Jude p.40).”

2. Knowledge = Basic knowledge of doctrine and duty. Many times Christians lack knowledge because of a lazy attitude toward studies of Holy Scripture. When the preacher uses a word like “election” or “hypostatic union of Christ” the Christian may not understand, but rather than searching out the subject, they quit and never discover the meanings of such words and phrases. This attitude leaves the Christian in a state of anemic Christianity. Peter says – “add to” your initial faith experience – knowledge!

3. Temperance = Self control. How often do Christians lack self-control? Peter says, “add to” your faith – self control.

4. Patience = Patience / endurance. The Christian must be willing to endure through trails, temptations, and the learning curve that comes with Christianity. Peter says, “add to” your initial faith experience – patience.

5. Godliness = Reverence for God. If anyone should have a true reverence for God it is the child of God! However, the lack of reverence has spilled over from society into the Church. The heart of the matter centers on Godliness. Without Godliness – none of these other attributes will fall into place. Therefore, for the Christian to grow properly – a proper reverence for God must be in place. Peter says, “add to” your faith – Godliness.

6. Brotherly Kindness = Kindness toward your fellow brother and sister in Christ. Unfortunately, many churches are full of people who are mad at one another and these individuals treat each other with a serious lack of respect. This attitude is not becoming of a Christian. Therefore, Peter says, “add to” your faith – brotherly kindness.

7. Charity = Love. Peter says that the Christian should possess love toward others. The Christian should show love toward fellow Christians and the others within the world who are outside of the family of God. Love is essential! Peter says, “add to” your faith – love.

It is time the Christians of our day take to heart the message of 2 Peter 1:5-11. A closer look at these verses will reveal that the mature Christian will possess assurance of salvation. However, the one who does not “add to” their faith – will be as one who is blind and cannot see far off – and has forgotten they were purged from their old sins.

Fellow Christian – it is time to graduate from the entry level of Christianity. It is time to move past the “kindergarten” level into a more mature faith. Will it be easy? No! Peter uses the word "diligence" two times in this passage. Therefore, press on Christian - be diligent - never give up. May we seek to obey these words from Peter in order to become better Christians for our Lord!

For the glory of our God!

Rev. Josh Buice

Church Search - A Biblical Check-List

2006-11-20T18:13:00.000-05:00

Suppose you were forced to start looking for another church home, where would you start? What factors would weigh upon the decision of where you and your family joined? Do you have a check-list available to evaluate the ministries of churches in your area? With the ever increasingly disorientation of the religious community, many different styles and methods exist. Some major on things such as entertainment while others major on recreation. What are some things that should be considered when searching for a church home? This question hit home for me as my wife and I moved to Louisville in January of 2004 to attend the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. My wife and I searched many churches before finding one small church to be most biblical in their doctrine and approach to ministry. As we prayed about joining the church, God called us to serve at Van Buren Baptist Church, where I continue to serve as Pastor today. Although that frustrating experience of church searching occurred nearly three years ago, it recently hit home again when my family back home in Georgia felt God moving them out of their current church and they started the infamous church search for themselves. As I sought to provide biblical counsel to my family, I found myself evaluating essentials for a truly biblical church. Therefore, it is with this background that I have decided to put together a check-list of essentials for anyone who finds themself searching for a church home in the days to come.

Essential Number One: Sound Doctrine
If a church does not preach what is true biblical doctrine, it should not be considered a true church of Jesus Christ. Titus 2:1 says, “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:” Sound doctrine should begin with a true presentation of the gospel of Christ and should move forward to true teachings regarding salvation, the church, the Scriptures, and various other doctrines contained in the Scriptures. While some things may be open for debate due to obscure passages or lack of passages, the essential doctrines of the faith are never open for debate!

Essential Number Two: Expository Preaching
Can a preacher effectively teach sound doctrine from Scripture in any other manner outside of expository preaching? I do not believe it is possible. While I do think that some studies or overviews of doctrines may not be truly expository – the overall aim of the pulpit ministry should be centered on expositional preaching. Topical preaching provides open doors for the preacher to evade important issues and doctrines that would not be so easily missed in an expository study. Expository preaching is a method of preaching and teaching that simply starts in the first chapter and verse of a book and moves verse by verse and line upon line through the entire book. During an expository study, the membership will be exposed to biblical doctrine, the history of the happenings in the specific book, and this will be more likely to leave lasting impressions upon the hearts of the church members.

Essential Number Three: Biblical Evangelism
Evangelism is not an option for Christians. Therefore, all churches should have effective goals for reaching the lost in their community and around the world. Matthew 28:18-20 says, “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” This passage is often called the Great Commission. It is where Christ commanded the disciples to go out into the world and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

As Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:5, he said, “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” Therefore, all pastors and all Christians should be active in evangelism – all for the glory of God. Biblical evangelism is not where we seek to make our name great or grow our churches to earthly empires. Biblical evangelism is where we take the good news of Jesus Christ to spiritually dead people in order that they may live!

Essential Number Four: Church Discipline
The majority of modern church fellowships cannot tell you the last time their church experienced an instance of church discipline. This should not be a shocking statistic as we evaluate the many different health problems with our present churches. In Matthew 18 and other various passages, we see commands to discipline as well as explanations on how to carry out the important task.

Dr. Albert Mohler said,

“Without a recovery of functional church discipline – firmly established upon the principles revealed in the Bible – the church will continue its slide into moral dissolution and relativism. Evangelicals have long recognized discipline as the “third mark” of the authentic church (Polity, Mark Dever, ed. pg. 43).”

Albert Mohler is quoting the 1561 Belgic Confession. Church discipline has been around since the days of the early church. We are commanded to carry out church discipline. Therefore, when a "Church" refuses to do so for (1) Numbers or (2) Money - they should be looked upon as a social club rather than a true Church.

While most would consider church discipline a heart breaking event, it should always be done for the glory of God, for the purity of the church, and ultimately – for the restoration of the disciplined member. Therefore, it is possible to perform unbiblical discipline, and this should be avoided as much as no discipline at all!

Essential Number Five: High View of Church Membership
Church membership matters! Churches that do not respect the membership of the church become something other than what a true church is over time. The question should be asked, “What is a church?” The “Church” is a called out assembly of born-again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. In Acts 2:47, we see that the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Therefore, no person should be a member of a church unless they are a genuine Christian.

Churches that have a high view of church membership will perform proper counseling before accepting someone into the membership of the church. Furthermore, churches that hold to a high view of church membership will most likely expect members to become active in service to the Lord through the use of their own giftedness. All Christians are gifted with specific spiritual gifts, and they must utilize their giftedness within the local church for the glory of God.

A church that holds a high view of church membership will not be involved in a large “church growth” program that seeks to gain numbers rather than true converts. Often church “growth” tactics water down the purity of the church rather than uplifting the standards of church membership. Therefore, a high view of church membership should be an essential aspect of a church body before joining!

Conclusion:
In conclusion, I will admit that this listing is not a full exhaustive listing of essentials of a biblical church. Many other factors regarding the leadership of the church, church polity, and other areas should be considered when looking to join a church. I would like to suggest three important steps prior to joining a local church.

1. Pray. Prayer is essential in looking for a new church home. Therefore, I would suggest gathering the entire family together each evening and making this a point of prayer for your family as you request God to lead your family to a God honoring and worshipping church.

2. Request a copy of the church’s constitution and by-laws. Read these official documents of the church and determine where the church stands on these important areas mentioned above and others that I may not have covered.

3. Visit www.9marks.com to review a more exhaustive study on the “9 marks” of a healthy church according to Dr. Mark Dever and others in the 9 Marks organization.

Additional Church Search Resources
-------------------------------------------

Southern Baptist Church Search

www.9marks.com
The below information was taken from: http://www.9marks.org/CC_Content_Page/0,,PTID314526|CHID616736|CIID,00.html [Accessed on 11-19-06 at 4:47 pm.]

The Mission of 9Marks
We believe the local church is the focal point of God's plan for displaying his glory to the nations. Our vision is simple: Churches that reflect the character of God. Our mission is to cultivate and encourage churches characterized by these nine marks:

1. Expositional Preaching
This is preaching which expounds what Scripture says in a particular passage, carefully explaining its meaning and applying it to the congregation. It is a commitment to hearing God’s Word and to recovering the centrality of it in our worship.

2. Biblical Theology
Paul charges Titus to "teach what is in accord with sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). Our concern should be not only with how we are taught, but with what we are taught. Biblical theology is a commitment to know the God of the Bible as He has revealed Himself in Scripture.

3. Biblical Understanding of the Good News
The gospel is the heart of Christianity. But the good news is not that God wants to meet people's felt needs or help them develop a healthier self-image. We have sinfully rebelled against our Creator and Judge. Yet He has graciously sent His Son to die the death we deserved for our sin, and He has credited Christ's acquittal to those who repent of their sins and believe in Jesus' death and resurrection. That is the good news.

4. Biblical Understanding of Conversion
The spiritual change each person needs is so radical, so near the root of us, that only God can do it. We need God to convert us. Conversion need not be an emotionally heated experience, but it must evidence itself in godly fruit if it is to be what the Bible regards as a true conversion.

5. Biblical Understanding of Evangelism
How someone shares the gospel is closely related to how he understands the gospel. To present it as an additive that gives non-Christians something they naturally want (i.e. joy or peace) is to present a half-truth, which elicits false conversions. The whole truth is that our deepest need is spiritual life, and that new life only comes by repenting of our sins and believing in Jesus. We present the gospel openly, and leave the converting to God.

6. Biblical Understanding of Membership
Membership should reflect a living commitment to a local church in attendance, giving, prayer and service; otherwise it is meaningless, worthless, and even dangerous. We should not allow people to keep their membership in our churches for sentimental reasons or lack of attention. To be a member is knowingly to be traveling together as aliens and strangers in this world as we head to our heavenly home.

7. Biblical Church Discipline
Church discipline gives parameters to church membership. The idea seems negative to people today – “didn’t our Lord forbid judging?” But if we cannot say how a Christian should not live, how can we say how he or she should live? Each local church actually has a biblical responsibility to judge the life and teaching of its leaders, and even of its members, particularly insofar as either could compromise the church’s witness to the gospel.

8. Promotion of Christian Discipleship and Growth
A pervasive concern with church growth exists today – not simply with growing numbers, but with growing members. Though many Christians measure other things, the only certain observable sign of growth is a life of increasing holiness, rooted in Christian self-denial. These concepts are nearly extinct in the modern church. Recovering true discipleship for today would build the church and promote a clearer witness to the world.

9. Biblical Understanding of Leadership
What eighteenth-century Baptists and Presbyterians often agreed upon was that there should be a plurality of elders in each local church. This plurality of elders is not only biblical, but practical — it has the immense benefit of rounding out the pastor’s gifts to ensure the proper shepherding of God’s church.

David Sings to the God who Provides when Howling Dogs and Hungry Enemies Attack.

2006-11-06T09:04:00.000-05:00

A Sermon By:
Rev. Josh Buice
Preached 10/29/06

Psalm 59

Within 6 months after becoming the pastor of Van Buren Baptist Church, a man to whom I will not name, became one of my bitter enemies. He opposed me on every turn and caused great instability within the Church. We had agreed to meet and try to put our differences behind us, so we met in Lawrenceburg at the place of his choosing. I took a deacon with me, and we arrived a few minutes early. After a few minutes passed, this gentleman arrived. It did not take long in our discussion before he began to request for me to send a letter to his house claiming that he and his wife left our church in good standing. I would not sign the letter, and I told him why. I explained that he had not left our church in good standing, because he had made accusations against the deacons and myself – publicly in the church. He became furious. He stood up and started railing on me hurling accusations toward me and then he pointed his finger in my face and made a heart pounding threat! He said, “You have not heard the last of me. I will see you in court! And I will be writing the SBC and coming to the Seminary to make these complaints known formally.” As you can imagine – as a young pastor, inexperienced, and far away from all of my personal network and family – I became very fearful! It was a long drive home! During that drive down I-64 – I met with God and I worshipped Him. Trial had produced worship and prayer in my personal life.

Psalm 59 is called a Miktam. While we may not know fully or precisely what is the meaning of Miktam – John Phillips says of this word Miktam, “One to be engraven in the mind and memory, in the heart and life.” The caption at the beginning says, “To the chief musician.” The point is clear – David had evidently handed this Psalm over to be used in song by the choir! Why would this psalm be remembered? It is due to the back drop or history leading up to this occasion and what God did for David in the midst of trial.

BACKGROUND:
David had risen in popularity in the land. He had slain the Giant Goliath as a lad and then became friends of the King and his family. Jonathan, King Saul’s son became best friends with David. In 1 Samuel 16:21, David became the armor bearer of Saul. As David went victorious from the battlefield, a song was sung in the land – 1 Samuel 18:7-9, “Saul has slain his thousands and David his tens of thousands.” David became suspect in the eyes of King Saul, and it was after an attempt to kill David with a javelin that Saul sent men to David’s house to kill him (1 Samuel 19:11). As 1 Samuel 19:11 points out – David went home and King Saul sent men to surround the house that by morning he may be killed.

John Piper says,

So it has been all through redemptive history. The more the people of God have suffered—the more they have been forced to live on the brink of eternity where things are real and all sham and shallowness is blown away—the deeper and more beautiful has been the music and hymnody of the church.

I. God Provides Deliverance When We Pray (Vs. 1-7)

A. Plea for Deliverance from his Enemies (1)
Note: “Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.”

David may have killed a lion, bear, and a large Giant with his bare hands, but he was in distress here in this Psalm! He was crying out to his LORD for deliverance. It should be noted here that David was on the run from the most powerful man in the land! He had no defense system or 9-11 system at has beck and call! It was David and his LORD. David knew that he must depend on his LORD for deliverance.

B. Plea for Deliverance from Bloodthirsty Men (2-4)
Note (vs. 2): “Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men.”

As David continues his prayer and plea to God for deliverance, he calls these evil men – those who work evil and bloodthirsty men.

Note (vs. 3): “…they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD.”

David continues his plea for deliverance by describing these evil men as those who plot and wait, and those who are fierce. He goes further to claim that it was not any sin he had committed! David repeats this fact in verse 4 – “For no fault of mine . . .” David wanted to make his case clear – he was an innocent man.

C. Plea for Divine Judgment upon the Wicked (5-7)
Note (vs. 5): “Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah.”

David knew that God was in control. He started off in verse five by saying, “Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel …” The point David was making was that He is the maker of Heaven and Earth – and He can punish the wicked! David was calling for God to bring swift judgment upon all of the heathen nations and all of those who persecute God’s children for no cause!

In verses 6-7, we see a description of the wicked enemy. David describes them as making a noise like a dog and belching out of their mouths and having swords in their lips. David is facing howling dogs, hungry enemies, and he calls out to His LORD in the midst of trial!

It is important to realize that although David is in the form of a panic, he recognizes his limitations, he recognizes his enemy’s plan, and he recognizes his God’s power and control. Therefore, David prays to God in the midst of trial and adversity.

When we are in times of distress and problem, do we run to our God or do we run to other avenues of help?

I have heard people in times of distress cry out. “Well, preacher, all we can do now is pray.” I think I understand what they mean, but it sounds as if they have already exhausted all other avenues of help, but now they can only pray as last resort.

Our first act of defense must be to seek defense from God as David did when he was in distress from his enemies.

II. God Provides Deliverance Through His Power (Vs. 8-15)

David found comfort in three things:

A. God is able to Defend (8-9)
Note (vs. 8): “But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision.”

David was making the point that God is so powerful that he laughs at the might and strength of David’s enemies. Although David knew their power and was in fear due to their wicked plan – God was not afraid and God was even laughing at their plan!

Note (vs. 9): “Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defense.”

David was not resting in his own physical strength! He was placing his faith and assurance in the strength of God! Although David was a mighty warrior and a successful soldier, he was not placing his confidence in his own ability.

B. God is able to Preserve (10)
Note (vs. 10): “The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies.”

Rather than shaking in fear and giving up when it seemed that all was lost since his house was surrounded by evil and wicked men, David rested in his God’s power to preserve his life in the midst of an evil attack.

C. God is able to Destroy
Note (vs. 11): “Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield.”

As David prays and asks God to destroy these evil men, he did not ask for a swift judgment as it seemed he did before, but more of a scattering and slower punishment that would send a direct message to the enemies!

Note (vs. 12): “For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak”

David goes on to describe their cursing and lying methods of attack against him in previous days.

Note (vs. 13): “Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah.”

David is asking for God to consume them in his wrath! David finds assurance and strength in the midst of peril due to the power of God to utterly destroy the enemy!

Note: In verses 14-15, David describes the perpetual attacks and hunger of his enemies. He labels them as “howling dogs” and says that they “wander about for food and growl if they do not get their fill.” In other words, they are never satisfied in their evil actions! They are Howling Dogs and Hungry Enemies.

Where will you find your strength in times of peril? Will you discover strength and assurance from the attributes of God? What will you do when the phone rings and you discover that a secret meeting has been called because a group of power players in the church do not like your ministry style? What will you do when the phone rings and trial and tribulation and enemies are on the other end?

David found comfort in the protection and power of God because:

1. God is able to defend
2. God is able to preserve
3. God is able to destroy

May that be our same attitude in the middle of our trials.

III. God Provides Deliverance & He Deserves Our Praise (Vs. 16-17)

As David concludes his psalm, he spoke of the refuge and fortress of God! Rather than being dead in the morning, David claims that he will be singing a song of victory!

A. David Sings of God’s Might (16a)
Note (vs. 16a): “But I will sing of thy power;”

David sings of the might – the strength – the power of his God!

B. David Sings of God’s Mercy (16b)
Note (vs. 16b): “yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning:”

David sings of the mercy – the love of our God!

C. David Sings of God’s Defense (16c-17)
Note (vs. 16c): “For thou hast been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble.”

David sings of the defense of God at the end of vs. 16 by calling Him a fortress!

Note (vs. 17): “Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defense, and the God of my mercy.”

David calls God his STRENGTH! – He calls God his FORTRESS! – He thanks God for His mercy!

Out of peril and distress have come some of the greatest hymns of the faith! I must admit – I have a love affair with the older hymns! Many were penned by preachers and evangelists and serve great reminders of the love and mercy and power of our God!

It Is Well With My Soul – By: Horatio G. Spafford
This hymn was penned after the death of his four children at sea. In the midst of tragedy came a marvelous hymn of the faith.

Abide With Me - By: Henry Francis Lyte
This hymn was penned after Henry Francis became ill and his church wanted nothing more to do with him. After preaching his final sermon, he went home and sat as the sun went down on his ministry and his life – he penned the words:

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide;
Then other helpers fail and comforts flee;
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

John Piper says,

If no shepherd-kings were ever surrounded by fierce and bloodthirsty mobs, if no young missionaries were ever beheaded, if no pastors were ever hated and driven from their churches, if no nations ever tottered on the brink of oppression, if no daughters ever drowned at sea, the Song Book of the Bible and the Hymnody of the church would be very thin and the singing of the church would not reach the bottom of our heart.

Charles Spurgeon said, "The music of the sanctuary is in no small degree indebted to the trials of the saints."

CONCLUSION:
As I continued driving down I-64 shaking at the wheel after facing the most powerful man in our church, the most wealthy man in our church, and I was convinced the most evil man in our church – I did not know what to do! I did not know if I would find myself in court spending money that I did not have, if I would find myself out of a job as the church sided with him – it was a fearful time for a young inexperienced pastor. But as I came closer to my home as my prayers had ceased, I began to sing –

My Jesus, My Savior
Lord there is none like You
All of my days, I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love
My Comfort, My Shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You

(Chorus)

Shout to the Lord, all the earth
Let us sing. Power and majesty, praise to the King.
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands
Forever I'll love you, forever I'll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in
Nothing Compares to the promise I have In
YOU!

In the midst of trial and tribulations – we can find our refuge and strength in Christ Jesus. He is our Savior and He is our Sustainer! To God be the glory!

As the story unfolds, this was not the last time David would find himself on the run from the wicked attacks of King Saul. But in the end, David found the protection of God sure and the promises of God to be true.

In my story – God was faithful to protect me. The church sided with me as the evidence was presented to the church. We disciplined this man and his wife, and dismissed them from our fellowship. To God be the glory – our giving went up and we have been preserved – even from the wicked attacks from an evil man.

God is faithful! God is our fortress!

The "Multi" Mindset

2006-10-18T11:21:00.000-04:00

In our fast paced society based upon corporate growth models and expansion plans, the church is starting to follow in the footsteps of many successful businesses. Many Seminary Students today are reading leadership and grow strategies from successful businessmen rather than successful pastors of years gone by. It seems that the local church today is being forced toward a model of growth in order to survive. It has been said that “the rich get richer and the poor get poorer,” but in the case of the local church it seems that the big get bigger and the small get smaller.

Definition of Multi-Site Church

"A multi-site church is one church meeting in multiple locations – different rooms on the same campus, different locations in the same region, or in some instances, different cities, states, or nations. A multi-site church shares a common vision, budget, leadership, and board" (The Multi-Site Church Revolution, 18).

Most church leaders would agree that growth is needful in order to survive in the long run, but how much growth should one church seek to gain? In years past, once a congregation went through one successful building project and maximized their land capacity, they had reached their maximum growth potential. The multi-site model allows congregations to maximize several facilities and land lots without stopping the growth model. Rather than slowing down, the church growth mindset can actually pick up pace with the multi-site model.

The following stats were taken from: http://www.namb.net/site/apps/nl/content3.asp?c=9qKILUOzEpH&b=1594385&ct=2845389

Leadership Network has identified some 1,500 North American churches that have already developed multiple venues on a single campus or on multiple campuses.
• No particular model is taking "center stage."

Among Protestant Churches in the U.S.:
• Nearly one out of four megachurches is holding services at multiple locations. (Hartford Institute)
• One out of three churches says it has "moved or probably would move," toward developing a multi-site campus model. (Thom Rainer)
• Seven out of the country's 10 fastest-growing churches offer worship in multiple locations, as do nine of the 10 largest churches. (Leadership Network)

Although the multi-site model seems attractive to many due to an expanded growth model and because popular people like John Piper are moving in that direction, the model should be examined according to teachings of the Word of God.

Problems with the Multi-Campus Model

I see two major problems with the multi-campus church model.

1. The model is not found in Scripture. If the model is not found in Scripture, does the multi-campus model deny the Sufficiency of the model in Scripture?
2. The model is contradicted in Scripture rather than promoted in Scripture.

Key Problems of the Multi-Campus Model

1. Scripture reveals that the church assembles “together” as a whole.

a. Acts 2:37-47 – Key verse = vs. 44 “and all that believed were together…”
b. Acts 20:28 – Overseers – feed the flock
c. 1 Corinthians 14:23 – “whole church together”
d. Acts 5:12 – “all in one accord in Solomon’s Porch”
e. Acts 15:22 – “whole church and Apostles and elders”

2. Scripture reveals specific leadership requirements for bishop / elder / pastor. If the multi-campus church model majors on “taped” and “beamed in” sermons, these requirements become null and void due to zero or minimal interaction.

a. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 – Requirements for Bishop (e˙piskophvß)
b. Titus 1:5-9 – Requirements for Elders (presbute÷rouß)

NOTE: In order to feed the flock you must properly lead the flock.
John 21:15-17 – “Feed my sheep”

3. Scripture teaches church discipline. How can a bishop / elder / pastor properly discipline one of the flock effectively if they are disconnected from the flock?

Matthew 18:15-20
1 Corinthians 5:1-13
Romans 16:17-18
1 Timothy 1:19-20
Titus 3:10
….and more

NOTE: Who is given oversight? The shepherd is to discipline people before the entire congregation if necessary in order to bring about restoration. How can the discipline be effective if administered through a disconnected leader? Should discipline be administered in the same way the sermon is delivered – through a video screen?

4. Scripture teaches unity of the believers. How can unity be possible when the body is split up into multiple campuses?

a. Ephesians 4:3-13 – “unity of the spirit and bond of peace”
b. Acts 8:6
c. Acts 15:25
d. Phil. 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

5. If Scripture pictures individual churches assembled together as autonomous bodies, the multi-campus model breaks the Scriptural model.

J. L. Reynolds – “Church Polity or The Kingdom of Christ, In Its Internal and External Development” – 1849 (Taken from Polity which is Edited by Mark Dever)

In Chapter XVIII – Reynolds says,

II. Another cause of the corruption of the apostolic church polity is found in the ascendancy of the churches in the cities over those in the country. The gospel was first preached in large cities such as Jerusalem, Corinth, and Rome; churches were founded in them, and thence, as from centers of influence, Christianity was extended in the surrounding regions. Visitants to the city were converted, and connected with the metropolitan church; and, in process of time, when their number became sufficiently large, they were constituted into churches in the country. Theses churches naturally looked to the mother church for aid and counsel, received their first pastors from it, and were in constant intercourse with it. They were regarded as branches of the metropolitan church. “In this connection and coalition, between the original church and the smaller ones that sprang up around it, began that change in the original organization of the apostolical churches which gave rise to the Episcopal system, and which in the end totally subverted the primitive simplicity and freedom in which the churches were at first founded (400-401).

Possible Solutions

1. Church Planting
When a church reaches maximum capacity in one location, they should pray about training up able ministers and servants in order to plant a church in another location. The church body could send people and resources to fund the new ministry until the church is self sustaining. Once the church is self sustaining, they can cut ties with the new plant.

One of the problems with multi-site / campus model is that you are unwilling to train up able leaders and send them to oversee / preach / teach. The central focus seems to be on one man or one church.

2. Church Revitalization
When a healthy church discovers a “declining” church in the area, they can sponsor the church for a period of time by sending people and resources. The goal should be to see the “declining” church revitalized and on the road to becoming a healthy church once again. When the church is satisfied that the revitalization process has completed, they should cut ties and move on to another project.

When a mega-church seeks to send another group of people into another city, town, or region for the purpose of starting another “site” or “campus” it can actually lead to the further decline of older smaller churches. However, if the church focused on small declining churches and helped them up for a period of 2-5 years, the results would be tremendous!

Conclusion

The church plant and church revitalization options provide a way to keep the church as a whole assembled together and it allows new and existing churches in the area to become healthy and vibrant. The key to success should never be “one church in multiple locations” for the goal of numbers and money. The goal should always be centered upon reaching people for Christ and training them in the doctrines of Scripture once they have been saved – all for the glory of God.

When it comes to making decisions regarding the operation of the local church, the key to the overall decision should not be whether John Piper or any other famous preacher is doing it. The key should be - "What saith the Scriptures?"

For the glory and honor of our great God!

Rev. Josh Buice

Does Discipline Work?

2006-09-15T12:51:00.000-04:00

Dr. R. Albert Mohler, in his article titled, Church Discipline: The Missing Mark writes,

Without a recovery of functional church discipline – firmly established upon the principles revealed in the Bible – the church will continue its slide into moral dissolution and relativism. Evangelicals have long recognized discipline as the “third mark” of the authentic church (Polity, Mark Dever, ed. pg. 43).

In his article, Dr. Mohler is quoting the Belgic Confession of 1561. It is the goal of Dr. Mohler to show that the early church practiced discipline, and the historic accounts of the church prove that discipline was not only practiced, but was an essential mark of a true church. In the premiere text given to church discipline, Matthew 18:15-20, our Lord discusses the exact plan a church should follow in the matter of discipline. The question we must ask today is, does discipline work?

The Early Church

First, it should be noted why discipline worked for the early church. In the early church setting, the body of believers were closely bonded together in love having been saved out of a vile world of sin. As a result, these believers bonded together as a family. The church in a particular city would often meet together as a full group of believers, and they did not have First Baptist, Second Baptist, Calvary Baptist, and Lighthouse Baptist Churches on each block as an individual rode through the city on his mule. The local church in each city was generally small (especially in comparison to our cities) and as a result the body of Christ became very close. The body often cared for one another and showed love to one another. Therefore, if you had a sinning brother, and he refused to repent after two meetings (private and with other witnesses), he would be brought before the church as a whole. If the brother did not repent on the third opportunity (once in private, once with witnesses, and once before the church), he would be put out of the church and treated as a publican and tax collector. The individual would not be able to ride his mule down the road to Second Baptist and join their assembly after being put out of his former church. Therefore, being excommunicated from the body of believers and repelled by the membership was a grave thing to consider. Due to the great benefits of love, care, and protection that was available under the membership of the local church, a person who was in danger of being put out of the church had to consider the lasting consequences. Excommunication would be detrimental to the sinning individual, and therefore, it was feared by the body.

The Modern Church

Today, many different factors are present in the equation of church discipline. First, we must note the amount of local churches in our day. We have many different Baptist churches, as well as other denominations that have bodies of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, if a person is bought before his church in a matter of sin, and he refuses to repent, excommunication (as the final step) is not as frightful as it was for the believers of the early church. For instance, when a person is excommunicated from one fellowship, he can ride in his B.M.W. down the road to the next Baptist church and obtain membership very easily. Therefore, the scare factor is not as prevalent in our culture as it was for the early church.

The Modern Discipline Dilemma

There are several factors that create what I call the “modern discipline dilemma.” Unfortunately, when a person is excommunicated from one fellowship, often he or she is welcomed into another local body of believers. Thus, the individual is able to completely evade biblical church discipline. There are three factors that fuel this modern dilemma, and we as church leaders, pastors, and laypersons must work to avoid such dilemmas in our day in order to guard the purity of the local churches and force disciplined individuals to face their discipline and repent! The three factors of our modern discipline dilemma are listed below:

1. The Amount of Churches
2. Greedy Church Leaders
3. Unbiblical Churches

Modern Dilemma (Factor #1 – The Amount of Churches)

The amount of churches in a typical city is unbelievable! For instance, according to the website of the Southern Baptist Convention (www.sbc.net), there are more than 100 churches in a 16.25 mile radius of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. See the stats by visiting this page [Click Here]. These stats only record the SBC affiliations, so there are actually more than 100 churches in the 16.25 mile radius of the SBTS campus.

This presents a large dilemma. What happens when someone desires to avoid discipline? Could they possibly join another one of these churches undetected? Yes, it is very probable. Therefore, this presents a very serious dilemma in our day. We must work to create some network that prevents disciplined members from avoiding proper and biblical discipline.

Modern Dilemma (Factor #2 – Greedy Church Leaders)

Unfortunately, many church leaders do not check out prospective members before accepting them into their churches. Often people walk an aisle and are voted upon immediately following the invitation and accepted into the local church without any discussion of their salvation, the belief system of the local church (expectations of members and church constitution), or previous membership status in other churches. This dilemma is faced due to greedy church leaders who are more interested in numbers and money than they are about preserving the purity of the local assembly.

Modern Dilemma (Factor #3 – Unbiblical Churches)

It goes without saying that many churches today are far less biblical than they should be. Certainly no church will be perfect until Christ returns, but specific essentials are necessary before a local assembly can be called a true church. One of the qualifications and essential marks is a regenerate membership. A true church is made up of believers who have been called out of a world of darkness and sin and adopted into the family of God through the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Greek word, (ekklesia) which is translated “church” in our New Testament, means a called out assembly. Therefore, if an assembly is willing to accept members into their body without a valid testimony or examination to ensure that the individual is a true Christian, the assembly would be better suited under the name of “social club” than church.

With assemblies that welcome unregenerate members into their assembly, it becomes very easy to avoid, escape, and allude proper discipline which is being carried out upon a sinning member.

What are some possible solutions?

There are several possible solutions to this problem. First, with our technology today, a database could be established under the SBC website that would enable church leaders (pastors and elders) to provide information (name of individual, city, and church name) about all excommunicated individuals who never sought reconciliation and repentance. This data would only be available to the leadership of the church and not accessible by the general public. The data could be protected by a secure connection and available only through passwords given to SBC churches. When a person seeks membership status in a local SBC church, their name could be searched through the database of the system in a matter of seconds and it would provide information on them if they had been disciplined in another church and excommunicated from their fellowship. The major set back to this possible solution is the fact that other churches outside of the SBC would not have access to the database, and therefore, individuals who were disciplined in a church in another denomination would be able to bypass the database check.

Another solution to this problem would be to dismember any church from the SBC that does not make church discipline a priority in their church. If church discipline is an essential mark of a true church (as history verifies), the SBC should only accept churches into membership who meet the qualifications of a genuine church (discipline being one of the qualifications). Money should not be the driving force behind membership! It is not recognized as a qualification for membership into the local church, and it should not be the determining factor for membership in the Southern Baptist Convention.

While I do not claim to have all of the answers, I do see a need for change and reform that will make a difference for Christ Jesus. It is my prayer that we as church leaders will take a step in the right direction and exalt Christ as we head in the right direction. The answer to all of our problems is not more people and more money. The way to a solution will be discovered when local assemblies return to a biblical foundation based upon the essentials of a true church!

Conclusion:

I conclude that discipline does work! Although much reform is needed to ensure that all disciplined members are forced to face their discipline, nevertheless, discipline works! The Lord Himself stated in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” This verse is speaking in regard to church discipline! Therefore, it should be noted that when biblical church discipline is carried out, our Lord Christ is present! Furthermore, discipline is successful in all cases, even when members evade and join other fellowships. Discipline is not successful only when disciplined members repent, it is successful in all cases because it protects the purity of the church of Jesus Christ.

For God’s Glory!

Rev. Josh Buice

Preach The Word!

2006-09-04T13:04:00.000-04:00

John Bunyan went to prison for preaching the Word of God only one year after marrying his second wife. His first wife had died after ten years of marriage, but in those ten years she and John Bunyan had four children. John Bunyan, only being married for one year to his new wife, was separated in a prison cell for preaching the gospel. Bunyan remained there for 12 years before being released. During those 12 years, Bunyan could have walked away free if he promised not to preach, but Bunyan could not do that – he must preach the Word. In response to the authorities, Bunyan said,

"If nothing will do unless I make of my conscience a continual butchery and slaughter-shop, unless, putting out my own eyes, I commit me to the blind to lead me, as I doubt not is desired by some, I have determined, the Almighty God being my help and shield, yet to suffer, if frail life might continue so long, even till the moss shall grow on mine eye-brows, rather than thus to violate my faith and principles."

Paul wrote to Timothy his son in the faith in 2 Timothy 4:1-5. Paul was at the finish line of his life and ministry. As he had stated in the verses following this passage, he had “fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith.” Now, he wanted Timothy to finish his course with the same type of righteous dedication to God. As he wrote to Timothy, he gave a very strict and heavy command – “Preach the Word.”

Paul Revealed the Way to Preach the Word

In verses 1-2, Paul instructs Timothy to preach the Word, and he provides the way that Timothy should preach. In verse one, Paul issues a charge. This was a heavy command that required much attention by Timothy. Paul goes further and instructs Timothy in the presence of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. It seems that Paul was making Timothy realize that one day he would stand before the Lord at the Judgment Seat of Christ and give account for his calling and his ministry. Therefore, Paul is telling Timothy to preach the Word with a realization of a coming judgment.

In verse two, Paul moves to the more hands on approach of ministry, and he instructs Timothy regarding some things that are required in preaching the Word. First, Paul tells Timothy to be ready at all times. Paul knew that Timothy would have times where it would be easy to preach the Word, but there would likewise be times where preaching was much more difficult. There would be times when opposition was facing him, but he must stand and preach the Word faithfully.

Next, Paul also instructs Timothy to reprove and rebuke the people. This is not something that pastors look forward to doing, but it is necessary. Evidently, Paul did not buy into the same type of mindset of modern preachers such as Joel Osteen. Preaching is not where you simply stand and encourage people. Often times, people should be corrected for their sins through faithful preaching or even church discipline if necessary.

Dr. Albert Mohler writes on the subject of Church discipline in an article titled, “Church Discipline – The Missing Mark.” In his article, he states,

“Without a recovery of functional church discipline – firmly established upon the principles revealed in the Bible – the church will continue its slide into moral dissolution and relativism. Evangelicals have long recognized discipline as the “third mark” of the authentic church (Polity, Mark Dever, ed. pg. 43).”

Paul also understood that this process of revealing sin and then rebuking people for sin would be heavy at times. Therefore, he instructs his son in the faith to exhort the people as well. This word exhort means to encourage the people. John MacArthur states that the word exhort in this verse carries a meaning of restoration. Since the context preceding this verse speaks about rebuking those in sin, the next action by the pastor should involve restoration. It is one thing to rebuke someone for sin, but it is needful that they be restored in the body of Christian believers upon their repentance.

In this process of preaching the Word, the preacher can often become discouraged or even impatient with those believers who are slow in adapting the principles set forth in the Word of God. Therefore, Paul instructs Timothy to do his preaching with patience. It is most effective to be patient with people as you lead them forward in the pathway of righteousness.

Finally, verse two ends with Paul instructing Timothy to preach with instruction. This is a reference to sound doctrine! Timothy was given a command to teach, preach, and lead the people with proper instruction before the Lord. Preaching the Word is a high calling and a great duty before the Lord, but it must be carried out in the proper way.

Paul Relayed a Warning to the Preacher of the Word

In verse three, Paul warns Timothy that the time will come when those to whom he pastors will not endure sound doctrine. This may have seemed a bit confusing to Timothy. Paul had just instructed Timothy to preach sound doctrine (instruction), but now he was telling him that the people would not endure that type of teaching and preaching.

Paul goes further to warn Timothy that many of these people would be drawn toward false teachers with messages that satisfied the fleshly desires of their own hearts. Today, we are witnessing a multiplicity of false teachers in our land. We have the internet, the radio (FM, AM, and XM), and television (Cable and Satellite). We have false teachers on the air all hours of the day and through the night. Certainly preachers in our day need to be aware of this same warning that Paul was issuing to Timothy.

Paul goes on to warn Timothy that these people would not endure sound doctrine, they would be drawn to false teachers, and as a byproduct they would accept a false message. One of the most discouraging aspects of the gospel ministry is watching those to whom you have labored and ministered to fall away into false teaching! Paul wanted Timothy to beware of this coming problem in his own ministry. Although Paul wanted Timothy to preach the Word, he warned him of his coming problems that would follow.

Paul Reinforced the Work of Preaching the Word

In verse five, Paul completed his instruction to Timothy regarding the preaching of the Word by reinforcing the work involved in preaching the Word. Paul said, “Watch” or “be sober” in all things. What Paul was speaking about was stability. Paul knew that problems would come, doctrinal issues would present themselves, and discouragement could attack, therefore, he instructed Timothy to be a stable man in the pulpit as he preached the Word. Personal distractions, problems with people in the church, and doctrinal issues can make a pastors head swim with confusion. It is important that those issues are laid aside and that the man of God is stable when he stands to preach and teach the people.

Furthermore, Paul goes on to speak about afflictions. Paul understood that afflictions would follow the man of God who faithfully preached the Word. Therefore, he instructs Timothy to endure afflictions. Today, many preachers seem to run from problems in the ministry. Rather than enduring afflictions, many preachers seek other churches in efforts to avoid all problems in the ministry. Paul wanted Timothy to realize that afflictions were coming, but he must endure them! These words must have brought Timothy discouragement and encouragement at the same time. Timothy was probably discouraged to hear of coming afflictions, but encouraged to hear Paul speak of endurance. Paul could speak on this subject because he had endured through all of his personal afflictions due to preaching the Word!

Conclusion:

This passage was sent forth to Timothy as a matter of command and encouragement for the service of preaching God’s Word. This passage serves as a matter of encouragement, instruction, and warning for the present day preacher as well. In a day of false teachers and shallow learners, true gospel preachers must be ready for the struggles of ministry. Those to whom God has separated for the duty of preaching the Word must beware of these trials, however, they must be encouraged to continue in the calling of preaching – all for the glory of God!

John Piper writes about John Bunyan and says,

“Bunyan reverenced the Word of God and trembled at the prospect of dishonoring it. "Let me die . . . with the Philistines (Judg. 16:30) rather than deal corruptly with the blessed word of God." This, in the end, is why Bunyan is still with us today rather than disappearing into the mist of history (http://desiringgod.org/library/biographies/99bunyan.html).”

Therefore, men of God who labor in the Word and doctrine, preach the Word! Don’t give up, don’t back up, and don’t shut up --- preach the Word! One day we will stand and give account of our ministries before God, and may we hear those words, “well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Rev. Josh Buice

The Meticulous Providence of God

2006-08-18T10:28:00.000-04:00

I picked up my wife and daughter from the airport on Wednesday, and we had a rather lengthy theological discussion regarding the Providence of God. After the typical greetings and small talk passed, we came about a theological discussion regarding the Providence of God because of something my wife picked up on in one of my sermons. She has been thinking about it quite often, and she wanted to see if I could provide her with Scripture to back up my belief system. She asked, “Suppose Kim and Jeff are happily married. Both are professing believers and both are involved in their local church. Jeff starts looking at other women at work, and before long, the opportunity presents itself, and Jeff commits adultery. Suppose the marriage falls apart, and Kim and Jeff end up getting a divorce. Several years later, Kim remarries another man. Jeff eventually marries another woman. Did God ordain the adultery, divorce, and eventual remarriage of Kim and Jeff?”

At first, I thought this was a question regarding the “permissive” will of God, but after further consideration, it seems to be a question of God’s Providence. While most Christians would attest to God’s Providence – even in the events of their own lives, the question remains, how much of our lives has God Providentially planned out? Has God planned out the large sweeping events such as salvation? Does God plan out all events and all situations of life? That question alone brings much baggage to the table! If one claims that God has Sovereignly and Providentially planned out all things, what do we say about divorce, adultery, and even the Holocaust? Did God plan out the Holocaust?

In order to answer this question, we must leave the realm of logic and enter into the reliability of God’s Holy Word. In Ephesians 1:11 – Paul writes under Holy Spirit inspiration and says, “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:” The word, “all” in this text is the Greek word, “Panta” which means, “everything (anything) whatsoever." Therefore, the point in Ephesians 1:11 is that God ordains the plans of redemptive history as well as ALL other things of history. This is the foundation for God’s Meticulous Providence.

John Piper says,

God "works all things after the counsel of his will" (Ephesians 1:11).This "all things" includes the fall of sparrows (Matthew 10:29), the rolling of dice (Proverbs 16:33), the slaughter of his people (Psalm 44:11), the decisions of kings (Proverbs 21:1), the failing of sight (Exodus 4:11), the sickness of children (2 Samuel 12:15), the loss and gain of money (1 Samuel 2:7), the suffering of saints (1 Peter 4:19), the completion of travel plans (James 4:15), the persecution of Christians (Hebrews 12:4-7), the repentance of souls (2 Timothy 2:25), the gift of faith (Philippians 1:29), the pursuit of holiness (Philippians 3:12-13), the growth of believers (Hebrews 6:3), the giving of life and the taking in death (1 Samuel 2:6), and the crucifixion of his Son (Acts 4:27-28).

From the smallest thing to the greatest thing, good and evil, happy and sad, pagan and Christian, pain and pleasure - God governs them all for his wise and just and good purposes (Isaiah 46:10). Lest we miss the point, the Bible speaks most clearly to this in the most painful situations. Amos asks, in time of disaster, "If a calamity occurs in a city has not the LORD done it?" (Amos 3:6). After losing all ten of his children in the collapse of his son's house, Job says, "The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD" (Job 1:21). After being covered with boils he says, "Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" (Job 2:10).

Oh, yes, Satan is real and active and involved in this world of woe! In fact Job 2:7 says, "Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head." Satan struck him. But Job did not get comfort from looking at secondary causes. He got comfort from looking at the ultimate cause. "Shall we not accept adversity from God?" And the author of the book agrees with Job when he says that Job's brothers and sisters "consoled him and comforted him for all the adversities that the LORD had brought on him" (Job 42:11). Then James underlines God's purposeful goodness in Job's misery: "You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful" (James 5:11). Job himself concludes in prayer: "I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted" (Job 42:2). Yes, Satan is real, and he is terrible - and he is on a leash
[http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/topic/providence.html].

Therefore, in the case of Kim and Jeff, we must conclude that our Sovereign God Providentially planned out the events of Jeff and Kim’s lives. If God was not in complete control of Jeff and Kim, who was? If God ceases to be in complete control of all people and all things at all times – even for one second – God ceases to be sovereign.

Furthermore, we must conclude that God Providentially planned out the Holocaust. This is not a pleasant thought, but it is a necessary thought to consider. God governs all things and all people at all times.

The Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 11:

[http://www.bpc.org/resources/wsc/wsc_011.html]

Q: What are God's works of providence?
A: God's works of providence are, his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures and all their actions.
. . . . . . . . . . .
Psalm 145:17. The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.
Psalm 104:24. O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.
Hebrews 1:3. Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.
Psalm 103:19. The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
Matthew 10:29-30. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Job 38-41.
. . . . . . . . . . .

The Baptist Faith and Message – June 2000

[http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfm2000.asp#ii]

God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all powerful, all knowing, all loving, and all wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in His attitude toward all men.
. . . . . . . . . . .
Genesis 1:1; 2:7; Exodus 3:14; 6:2-3; 15:11ff.; 20:1ff.; Leviticus 22:2; Deuteronomy 6:4; 32:6; 1 Chronicles 29:10; Psalm 19:1-3; Isaiah 43:3,15; 64:8; Jeremiah 10:10; 17:13; Matthew 6:9ff.; 7:11; 23:9; 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26; 14:6-13; 17:1-8; Acts 1:7; Romans 8:14-15; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 4:6; Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 11:6; 12:9; 1 Peter 1:17; 1 John 5:7.
. . . . . . . . . . .

In Conclusion:
Just as Job found comfort in looking to the source of his trials, we must receive comfort and satisfaction through the realization that our God was not caught by surprise nor was He beat out by Satan in a chess match which caused these horrific events. What we must understand is that our eternally Sovereign God planned out all events of history in order to bring about His perfect will for His glory. Imagine the fear that would come to pass if we thought that Satan somehow over powered God and caused cancer or the death of a loved one. There is much mystery surrounding the idea of God’s Meticulous Providence, but we must nevertheless realize that God is 100% Sovereign and His Providential will governs all of the events of mankind! Consider the children’s song, He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands in relation to the Providence of God.

1. He´s got the whole world in His hands,
|: He´s got the whole world in His hands, :|
He´s got the whole world in His hands.

2. He´s got the wind and the rain in His hands,
|: He´s got the wind and the rain in His hands, :|
He´s got the whole world in His hands.

3. He´s got the the tiny little baby in His hands,
|: He´s got the the tiny little baby in His hands, :|
He´s got the whole world in His hands.

4. He´s got you and me, brother, in His hands,
|: He´s got you and me, brother, in His hands, :|
He´s got the whole world in His hands.

5. He's got ev'rybody here in His hands.
|: He's got ev'rybody here in His hands. :|
He's got the whole world in His hands.

. . . . . . . . .

Rev. Josh Buice

When a Hero Falls

2006-08-09T08:55:00.000-04:00

In 2 Chronicles 26, we have an overview of King Uzziah’s life. Uzziah took the throne at only 16 years of age and reigned for 52 years. During those years, the Bible says that he did “right in the sight of the LORD.” King Uzziah had put together a wonderful kingship and had made wise and proper decisions.

In the latter part of Uzziah’s reign as King, he made a very costly mistake. King Uzziah went into the Temple to burn incense before the alter of Incense unto the LORD. This may not seem like a very bad thing to do, but it was well known in Uzziah’s day that only the sons of Aaron were consecrated to perform such acts of worship. Therefore, the High Priest and other Priests confronted Uzziah for his sin, but he did not repent. The King was smitten with Leprosy and died in a miserable state of a leper rather than the privileged class of King. When the people buried Uzziah, they said these words, “He is a leper.” Rather than being remembered for a kingship that was right in the sight of the LORD, Uzziah was remembered as a leper!

The lesson to learn from such a mistake is to finish strong! Don’t give up in the latter years of life as you become tired and well worn. The Christian life can be tiresome, it can be difficult, but we must press on toward the finish line for the glory of God.

In an interview with Newsweek magazine [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14204483/page/6/] which will hit the stands on August 16th 2006, Billy Graham [a personal hero for years] makes some very troubling statements. Rather than finishing strong, it seems that Billy Graham is drifting off course completely! I imagine that many people’s hearts were broken when Uzziah [a good King] fell right before their eyes. My heart breaks for one of my all time heroes as he seems confused and removed from true Christian standards.

The following quotations are taken from: Newsweek Magazine's article Pilgrim's Progress which is scheduled to appear on stands August 16th 2006.

Billy Graham Reconsiders The Accuracy of Holy Scripture

Graham spends hours now with his Bible, at once savoring and reconsidering old stories and old lessons. While he believes Scripture is the inspired, authoritative word of God, he does not read the Bible as though it were a collection of Associated Press bulletins straightforwardly reporting on events in the ancient Middle East. "I'm not a literalist in the sense that every single jot and tittle is from the Lord," Graham says. "This is a little difference in my thinking through the years." He has, then, moved from seeing every word of Scripture as literally accurate to believing that parts of the Bible are figurative-a journey that began in 1949, when a friend challenged his belief in inerrancy during a conference in southern California's San Bernardino Mountains. Troubled, Graham wandered into the woods one night, put his Bible on a stump and said, "Lord, I don't understand all that is in this book, I can't explain it all, but I accept it by faith as your divine word Now, more than half a century later, he is far from questioning the fundamentals of the faith. He is not saying Jesus is just another lifestyle choice, nor is he backtracking on essentials such as the Incarnation or the Atonement. But he is arguing that the Bible is open to interpretation, and fair-minded Christians may disagree or come to different conclusions about specific points.."

How can Billy Graham question the Scriptures that he has held so high for so many years? 2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God [God Breathed]….” The error of this reconsideration is that it removes Billy Graham's theology far from conservative theology, and in fact, far from true theology! Is the Bible open for "interpretation" or is it sealed with a true and genuine meaning? By claiming that the Bible is simply open for interpretation, we run the risk of denying the sufficiency of Scripture along with making the Bible say anything we desire it to say. This is what the liberal gay agenda seeks to do with the Bible. The gay priests take the Bible and preach that their lifestyle is completely acceptable before God.

Billy Graham Reconsiders The Exclusivity of Jesus Christ

A unifying theme of Graham's new thinking is humility. He is sure and certain of his faith in Jesus as the way to salvation. When asked whether he believes heaven will be closed to good Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus or secular people, though, Graham says: "Those are decisions only the Lord will make. It would be foolish for me to speculate on who will be there and who won't ... I don't want to speculate about all that. I believe the love of God is absolute. He said he gave his son for the whole world, and I think he loves everybody regardless of what label they have." Such an ecumenical spirit may upset some Christian hard-liners, but in Graham's view, only God knows who is going to be saved: "As an evangelist for more than six decades, Mr. Graham has faithfully proclaimed the Bible's Gospel message that Jesus is the only way to Heaven," says Graham spokesman A. Larry Ross. "However, salvation is the work of Almighty God, and only he knows what is in each human heart."

This sounds very similar to the Joel Osteen interview on Larry King Live in June of 2005. Billy Graham seems to leave a door open to other ways of salvation outside of Christ Jesus. Graham says, “I think he loves everybody regardless of what label they have.” How could Billy Graham make such a statement? Doesn’t John 14:6 clearly teach that Christ is the only way to salvation? Doesn’t Romans 1:18 clearly teach that the wrath of God is settled against all ungodliness and upon those who suppress the truth? That would include “good Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and secular people” who reject Christ Jesus!

In Conclusion:

As Billy Graham awakes in the lonely night hours, he often recites the 23 Psalm. It is my prayer that Billy Graham returns to genuine Christian standards in his theology before he steps off into eternity. With all of Billy Graham’s rethinking and reconsidering, I pray that he rethinks his stance on the exclusivity of Christ Jesus. It is my prayer that Billy Graham is remembered for preaching Christ Jesus and for his wonderful legacy of gospel ministry, but if things continue on this present course, Billy Graham will suffer the same plague as King Uzziah. Uzziah’s plague was not Leprosy. It was the denigration of his legacy through one sinful action. God spare Billy Graham!

Rev. Josh Buice

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
See Also -- Billy Graham: What Means This? by: Chip Thornton

The Doctrine of Immutability God Never Changes His Mind

2006-08-06T15:49:00.000-04:00

Jonah Chapter 3:1-10
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The doctrine of immutability is often misunderstood and occasionally rejected due to the language of specific passages like Jonah 3:10. The doctrine of immutability suggests that God has a perfect plan or will that was orchestrated before time and will never be altered or modified during time. Very simply, the doctrine of immutability suggests that God never changes His mind.

I. God’s Irresistible Word [Vs.1-3a]

God’s Word is an irresistible Word. No man can resist the plan and will of God which has been ordained before the beginning of time. God’s Word is irresistible in the area of salvation and service.

For Jonah, it was the area of service to which he discovered God’s immutability. When Jonah was first given the Word of the LORD, he rebelled and fled in a boat in order to disobey God. Jonah disliked the people of Nineveh, but God had already planned for Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach to the people. Therefore, when trouble arose on the sea, Jonah recognized that God had orchestrated the great wind and he admitted his sin to the others on board the ship. He instructed the men to throw him overboard and the sea would be calm again. They finally realized they would not be able to get the boat to dry land, so they did as Jonah asked and they threw him over the side of the ship into the sea. After Jonah entered the sea, the wind and waves became calm.

The Bible goes on to say that “God had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah (Chapter 1:17).” Again, this points to the irresistible Word of God. God had a plan for Jonah, and he was not going to over power the will of God.

Jonah spent the next three days and three nights in the belly of a great fish. During this time, Jonah came to his realizations and he repented of his sin. When Jonah repented and God was pleased, He instructed the fish to vomit Jonah onto dry land.

Chapter three begins with the words, “And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time saying, Arise go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.” By now, the plan of God had become very clear to Jonah – he was going to Nineveh to preach the message of God unto them. God’s Word is irresistible.

II. God’s Immeasurable Mercy [Vs. 3b-10]

In verses three to ten, we see the mercy of God revealed. God sent Jonah with a message to proclaim, and Jonah proclaimed the message to the people. The message was not a very encouraging message. God did not see fit to send Jonah with a “Joel Osteen” sermon to encourage the people. Rather, God sent Jonah with an old fashioned hell fire message to proclaim to the people. Jonah proclaimed, “Yet forty days and Nineveh shall be overthrown.” Jonah told the people that God was going to destroy the city in only 40 days.

I would imagine that the real estate market was not booming during the days following Jonah’s sermon. I can picture the scene of panic and fear upon the hearts of the people. The Bible provides us with a wonderful description of what was taking place following the sermon of Jonah. The Bible records the following actions of the people.

1. They Believed God (5).
2. They Proclaimed a Fast (5).
3. They repented – through sackcloth and ashes. This was an outward sign of inward sorrow(5).
4. The King ordered a fast from human to beast (6-9).
5. God spared Nineveh by giving them mercy rather than judgment (10).

God’s mercy was not deserved. If there was ever a people who deserved the judgment of God, it was the people of Nineveh. These people were immoral and savages who disgraced God. However, it pleased God to provide mercy to these people. God’s mercy is immeasurable.

III. God’s Immutable Character [Vs. 10; The book of Jonah]

The entire book of Jonah from first until last is laced with the immutable character of God. It is obvious that God never intended to destroy the city. When the prophet disobeyed, He made sure that Jonah arrived in Nineveh to preach the message of judgment to their ears.

God is a never changing God. Some people go to verse ten of chapter three to claim that God changes and alters His plan according to the actions of man. That does seem like the right answer since it says, “God repented” of the evil He would do unto Nineveh. However, upon a closer look, the overarching plan was for Jonah to arrive in Nineveh and preach to the people. The people would respond in a manner of repentance upon hearing the message of God. This would all transpire prior to God issuing mercy to the people of Nineveh. Is God sovereign? Yes, God is sovereign. Therefore, we must conclude that it had always been the plan of God to spare Nineveh! The language of “God repenting” or “changing” in passages such as Jonah 3:10 is what we call an anthropomorphism. Anytime we give nonhuman objects human characteristics to describe or characterize them it is what we call an anthropomorphism. Therefore, when biblical writers gave God human characteristics such as in Jonah 3:10 – it was for our human minds to grasp what God had done – but it does not mean God altered His perfect will.

What was the difference between Nineveh and Sodom? Surely God could have spared Sodom just as He spared Nineveh! It was not in the plan of God to spare Sodom, but it was in God’s plan to spare Nineveh. Our God is a never changing God.

If one aspect of God’s character could change, it would render Him less than God! God is Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Immutable. If God changed His mind, it would mean that God did not know all things, He did not have control over all things, and that He had to change based on the effect of human decisions. That is not the God of the Universe! God has a perfect plan and a perfect will that will come to pass and that will be carried out according to His divine desires. If God could change His mind, heaven would not be certain for Christians nor would hell be certain for reprobates. God is immutable – He never changes His mind.

Conclusion:

After reading the book of Jonah and understanding the doctrine of Immutability, it is amazing that God would choose to save anyone. When we consider the fact that God could have left us in our sins and could have justly condemned us through His wrath, it makes us cherish our salvation even more!

Glory be to God for our salvation – He is a wonderful God!

Rev. Josh Buice

P.T.D. Community Announcement

2006-08-04T09:25:00.000-04:00

Dear P.T.D. Member,

I am writing to inform you of a major change to the P.T.D. site. The address has changed from ----- http://www.joshbuice.blogspot.com ----- to ----- http://www.ptdc.blogspot.com.

This change comes after much reflection of what I originally intended for the P.T.D. site. The site was never intended to be a site about me [Josh Buice] - it was intended to grow to a theology community. Over the past 6 months, I have been removing my personal name from the site piece by piece. Today marks the final change whereby I removed my name from the URL. Therefore, from this day forward the site will consist of selected contributors including myself who will write on different theological issues where we can discuss the details. Please pray that our community will make a difference for the cause of Christ. With thousands of hits per month, we have an opportunity to reach many people with true and sound theology. Therefore, please make this a priority in your prayer life and involve yourself with our community for the furtherance of sound biblical theology.

I will continue to write my own personal blog on this URL --- www.joshbuice.blogspot.com --- but it will not be related to the P.T.D. community.

NOTE: Change any shortcut menus you have set to the new address ------- www.ptdc.blogspot.com

PTDC = Practical Theology Discussions Community

God Bless,

Rev. Josh Buice

Paul's Theology -- Total Depravity or Partial Deficiency

2006-04-28T15:59:00.000-04:00

We are living in a day and hour where man has an elevated opinion of himself. The typical person in our society knows nothing of sin or the consequences thereof. This type of behavior is understandable outside the church, but when it spills over into the church – it poses a large problem. Sin is more than just a little bad behavior that needs to be dealt with, it is what damned all of humanity to hell, and it is precisely what Christ died upon the cross to eliminate, extinguish, wash away, and destroy through the atonement of the elect.

In order to discuss the doctrine of soteriology (salvation), a person must first come to a proper understanding of depravity. How far down did man fall through sin? What were the overarching consequences of man’s sin? Those are issues which must be understood prior to a study of salvation. The depravity of man is the foundation for the study of soteriology.

John Calvin

John Calvin taught a doctrine called Total Depravity. Calvin defended and refined the Augustinian approach to salvation which involved Total Depravity, Predestination, and Irresistible Grace. Augustine had developed much of his theological position in response to a British Monk named Pelagius. Pelagius rejected the doctrine of original sin and Predestination. Pelagius’ teachings were known as Pelagianism. In the end, Augustine won the long debate and Pelagius’ teachings were condemned as heresy. Calvin came along later and refined the theology of Augustine into a more systematic approach which was often referred to as Systematic Augustinianism.

Total Depravity

The depravity of humanity is due to our sinful condition which came forth from our Father Adam. Romans 5:12 alludes to original sin which was inherited by all of humanity following the sin of Adam and Eve. Therefore, it goes without saying, all of humanity is guilty before God (Romans 3:10; 3:23). Calvin and Augustine taught that man was completely unable to repent, turn to God, come out of the world of iniquity, or choose God without man’s heart being regenerated by God. Calvin had a view of depravity which placed man in a position of total inability and God in the position of total ability in the salvation process. The doctrine of Total Depravity claims that man is completely dead spiritually (Ephesians 2:1) and has no ability to turn from sin to Christ apart from a supernatural working of God.

Jacobus Arminius

Jacobus Arminius taught a distinctively different doctrine than Calvin. Jacobus Arminius was born only 5 years before the death of John Calvin. At age 17, Arminius traveled to Geneva to attend Calvin’s school. Arminius studied under Theodore Beza – the successor of Calvin. It was not until over a decade later when Arminius received his position of professorship at Leiden in 1603 that he rose to the forefront in the Calvinism debate. Arminius rejected the teachings of Calvin and Theodore Beza openly. Arminius taught that man was totally depraved, but he openly rejected the idea of Predestination and Unconditional Election. Arminius said that such views made God the author of evil.

Prevenient Grace

The doctrine of Prevenient Grace claims that all men have been given the ability to turn to God if they choose. The doctrine of Prevenient Grace is directly linked to Arminius. Arminius was accused of Semi-Pelagianism through this teaching, but he denied Pelagianism as well as Semi-Pelagianism. Years later a man named John Wesley came along and extensively defended Arminius’ teaching including the doctrine of Prevenient Grace. Through his acceptance, defense, and rise to popularity throughout his ministry, John Wesley took the doctrine of Prevenient Grace and made it largely a Methodist doctrine.

Calvinism vs. Arminianism

Although neither Calvin nor Arminius were responsible for their complete doctrinal approach, their names became the defining points of the doctrines. Therefore, today we still have the debate of Calvin vs. Arminius in many circles of ministry and Christianity.

The Aposlte Paul's Theology

In Romans 3:10-18 Paul writes:

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat [is] an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps [is] under their lips: Whose mouth [is] full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet [are] swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery [are] in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

Paul does not seem to indicate in this section of verses that man is able to turn to God. In fact, he says “there is none that seeketh after God.” Furthermore, Paul writes in Ephesians 2:1 “And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins;” Paul said that “we” were dead in trespasses and sins. This seems to indicate an inability to turn to God. Did Paul believe the doctrine of Prevenient Grace? Did Paul hold to a partial deficiency of man or a total depravity of man?
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The Issue for our discussion:

1. Can a person defend the doctrine of Prevenient Grace from Holy Scripture?
2. Is Prevenient Grace just part of the Semi-Pelagianism heresy warmed over?
3. Does Prevenient Grace disregard Ephesians 2:1?
4. Does Paul teach against such doctrines as Prevenient Grace in Romans 3?
5. Can a person hold to both Prevenient Grace and Total Depravity?

Please respond to this discussion based upon the Holy Scriptures. May God bless us as we study and learn the true doctrines of Scripture. May our discussions bring honor and glory to God!

For the glory of God and the God of glory!

Josh Buice

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Contact Rev. Josh Buice

2005-01-04T18:59:00.000-05:00

Below is my contact information. I am very approachable and I almost always return e-mails within the day. If your message is urgent, please contact me via telephone.

Telephone - 502.641.7024

E-Mail - pastor [@] vanburenbaptist.com

Note: In order to use the e-mail address above you must remove the spaces and the brackets. The spaces and brackets are there in order to protect me from spammers.

Rev. Josh Buice

Web Design

2005-01-04T18:54:00.000-05:00

Before God saved me by His marvelous GRACE and called me to preach, I was involved with web design as a trade. I had went to school and graduated with a BBA in Business Information Systems, and I was currently working for a company in Atlanta Georgia. After God called me to The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, I remained a web designer by way of freelance work.

Today, I am the pastor of Van Buren Baptist Church [45 miles SE of Louisville, KY] and a student at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I continue to work freelance projects, and I am always available for a free quote if you have a project that you need completed. I specialize in graphic design and website development. You can visit my site by clicking here ---- The ID Hut

God Bless,

Rev. Josh Buice

Gospel

2005-01-04T18:49:00.000-05:00

If you are reading this article, it is possible that you are unsure of your salvation, or you may already know for sure that you are lost and on your way to eternal damnation. I would like to point you to Jesus Christ who will save your soul if you will call upon Him for salvation!

Why does every person deserve eternal damnation in a place called Hell?

The Bible tells us that we are all sinners. Romans 3:10 tells us, "There is none righteous, no not one." Because all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, we must accept responsibility for our sin (Romans 6:23). In Romans 6:23, the Bible says, "The wages of sin is death." Death for the person who has no relationship with Christ is twofold. The lost person will die physically and spiritually. Physical death is when life ceases to be in the physical body, but spiritual death is when a person dies and goes to Hell for eternity. In Luke 16:19-31, the story of two individuals is recorded. Both men died, and their eternal destiny is also recorded for our viewing. The saved man (Lazarus) went to be with the Lord, but the lost man (His name is kept private. The Bible calls him the rich man) died and went to Hell. The reason the unsaved man went to Hell was because he was a sinner and had never repented of his sin.

How can my sin be forgiven?

Your sin can be forgiven if you are willing to call on the Lord and ask for forgiveness (Romans 10:13). Sin has to be paid for, and Jesus Christ came and died for sinners on the Cross (Luke 19:10, 1 Timothy 1:15). Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life on earth, and was killed on a Roman Cross in the same way criminals were put to death. On that day, Christ had two criminals next to Him as He hung there and died. Following His death, He was placed in a tomb. Three days later, Christ rose from the dead, exited the tomb and appeared to many witnesses (Matthew 28:6, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). If you are willing to accept this as fact, place your faith in Jesus Christ, and ask for forgiveness, you will be saved (Romans 10:9-10; 13).

What is repentance?

Repentance is necessary in order to be saved. Acts 3:19 tells us, "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out..." Repentance is the act of admitting that you are a sinner who deserves the condemnation of Holy God. When you admit this before God and turn from your sin and turn to Christ in faith for the forgiveness of sin, that is true repentance. Repentance is turning away from the old ways and turning to Jesus Christ by faith in His death, resurrection from the dead, and ability to forgive your sin.

Is Jesus Christ the only way?

Yes! Jesus Christ is the only way to receive Salvation. Jesus Christ Himself said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Jesus Christ is the only One to ever die for the sin of the World (John 3:16; 1 John 2:1-2). Buddha, Muhammad, and all of the other religious leaders of world history never paid the debt of sin. These individuals were all sinners themselves, but Jesus Christ was not a sinner, and He died to pay the sin debt that you owed (Romans 5:8). Some people believe that mere sincerity in some religion will be good enough to get to Heaven, but based on John 14:6, there is no other way outside of Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12 tells us, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

How do I call on the Lord for Salvation?

In order to call on the Lord for Salvation, you must believe that He truly died for your sin, rose from the dead, and is willing to forgive your sinful condition. By praying to the Lord in some personal way, you can call on Him and admit you are a sinner who needs to be saved, and ask for forgiveness. There is no special or magical prayer that must be spoken, God hears and answers the prayer of a repentant sinner.

What should be done following Salvation?

1. Baptism. Baptism is not Salvation. Baptism is obedience following Salvation which is a picture of what took place in your heart when you accepted Christ. You died to your old life, and you were raised to walk in a new life in Christ (Romans 6:4; 2 Corinthians 5:17).

2. Join a local Church. Growth is very important to new Christians. God has ordained a special way for that to take place, and it occurs through a local assembly of Christians (Hebrews 10:25). Two things are essential for all Christians. These two things are, spiritual growth and genuine worship. Spiritual growth comes by listening to sound Bible teaching and preaching, and true worship occurs with fellow believers through song, service, prayer, and the proclaimed Word of God.

3. Evangelism. As a Christian you are commanded to tell others about the wonderfully good news of Jesus Christ. This takes place by sharing the gospel of Christ with people who are not saved. Evangelism is sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, and new Christians can start immediately. In John chapter 4, a wicked woman was saved, and she went back to town and immediately began telling people about Jesus Christ. How do you start? The easiest place to begin is with your own personal testimony. People like to hear about how a person was once lost and how they were saved out of that condition. Below is a listing of verses to help you with your new commitment of evangelism:

Romans 3:10 - none righteous
Romans 3:23 - all are sinners
Romans 6:23 - all people deserve death (Hell)
Romans 5:8 - Christ died for sinners
Luke 19:10 - Christ came to save sinners
Acts 3:19 - repentance is necessary for salvation
Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief (faith) in Christ
Romans 10:13 - call on the Lord for Salvation

If you need further counsel or prayer, please contact us by clicking here: Click Here

God Bless,

Rev. Josh Buice

Links

2005-01-04T18:47:00.000-05:00

This page will contian links to churches, ministries, and other profitable organizations. Please check back soon.

Rev. Josh Buice

Papers

2005-01-04T18:46:00.000-05:00

This page will contain papers from different authors on many different theological subjects. Please check back soon.

Rev. Josh Buice

Sermons

2005-01-04T18:42:00.000-05:00

Please download any sermon below for your personal use. If you use any of the material in the sermon, please make sure you document the source. Sermons will be added frequently to this page, so please check back often.

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Preach The Word!