JURONG OUTREACH - Mar 10

He Is The Rewarder Of Those Who Diligently Seek Him (Heb 11:6)
7th March 2010

Last semester, I attended a talk in my university given by a Mathematics professor on the arrow of time. At a certain point during the talk he showed us a few balls arranged nicely at the top corner of a box. At the click of his mouse, the balls started moving randomly around the boxes. He then asked us why the balls moved where they moved and not somewhere else. At this point, several people gave their thoughts and opinions on the matter. Some talked about the forces between atoms and such, but he made himself clear that those were not the answers he was looking for. I then responded and said that the balls move where they move because someone programmed it to move there. In response to that answer, he said that that would be going into a theological argument and he did not want to go there. 

Perhaps the reason for him doing so is because he wanted to go on and finish his talk, but his attitude is no different than some out there in the world today. Whenever we try to talk to our friends and loved ones about religion and God and the Bible, they try to brush the topic aside with excuses such as, “I’m not interested,” or “There’s no point talking about things which have no solid proof,” or “Let’s talk about this another time.” The Bible records of such people who gave excuses like these. In Acts 17, after Paul proclaimed the living God to  the people there, some responded by saying, “We will hear you again on this matter (Acts 17:32).” In Acts 24:25, when Felix heard the gospel, he was afraid, and told Paul, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.”

These two groups of people procrastinated when they heard the good news. Yes, there are people who reject the gospel and are just not interested in hearing about it. But we also have to realize that on the flip side of the coin, there are indeed many people who are sincerely seeking the truth. In Acts 10, we read of a certain centurion by the name of Cornelius who, the Bible records, “feared God with all his household” (Acts 10:2). In Acts 8, we read of an Ethiopian eunuch who was reading the book of Isaiah on his way back. Both Cornelius and the Ethiopian eunuch were seeking the truth, and in both cases, they found it, and praise be to God for it.

We are sometimes asked by our friends, “If only those in the church will be saved, what about others who do not have the privilege of listening to God’s word? I don’t think it’s fair that God sends them to hell just because they have never even heard of the Bible and of Christianity!” Our response may be to show them Heb 11:6, where it says that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, and explain that if they are sincerely seeking for God, we believe that God, through His providence will work things out for them. 

Here in Singapore, however, there are sincere truth-seekers, and they have a great opportunity because there is a church of God here! There are Christians living in Singapore, and we bear the responsibility of reaching out to them and bringing the truth to them. We have this responsibility because we are the ones with the truth, and we’ve been told to spread it to others so that it can save them from their sins (Mk 16:15-16; John 8:32). 

The gospel meeting with John Grubb is fast approaching. As the song “Swiftly We’re Turning” suggests, “Millions are groping without the gospel, quickly they’ll reach eternity’s night. Shall we sit idly as they rush onward? Haste let us hold up Christ the true light.”  

Yes, there are sincere truth seekers out there who are still groping in the dark. Let us, the ones with the truth, lead them in the right path in seeking salvation. 

Let us continue to encourage one another as we labour for the Lord. God bless. 

Church of Christ presents

GOSPEL MEETING

12TH * 14TH MARCH 2010

Theme: "THE WORD OF GOD" 

(12/3/10- Fri 7.30pm) - God's word is relevant

(13/3/10-Sat 7.30pm)  - Why the Bible is

(14/3/10-Sun 9.00am) - The power of God's word 

(14/3/10-Sun 10.30am)-Extending and Defending the faith

Speaker: John Grubb

Book, Chapter, Verse
14th Mar 10

In recent years, an increasingly popular sentiment has arisen which maintains that the explicit citation of Bible book, chapter, and verse in pulpit proclamation is somehow unsophisticated, ineffective, or inappropriate. With this emerging mentality has come a dramatic reduction in both the amount of scripture incorporated into the sermon and the extent to which the sermon’s subject matter is derived directly from biblical texts. Many preachers now pad their sermons with appeals to modern "experts" in theology, psychology, and sociology. They pride themselves on staying abreast of the "latest thought" available from the academic community and draw freely from this body of information as source material. We have "set ourselves up" for an extremely dangerous and spiritually destructive circumstance which historically has heralded the decline of God’s spiritual nation (e.g., Deut. 6:6—9; Jos. 1:18; Psa. 1:2; Hos. 4:6).

 
Please consider why Gospel preachers ought to provide their listeners with direct Scriptural citations:  

1. Such a practice helps hearers learn the Bible. Countless are the times that one’s grasp of the content and structure of the Bible is facilitated by knowing precisely where a particular doctrine, principle, or truth is taught in Scripture. One learns and memorizes passages by reading and meditating for oneself (Acts 17:11; Luke 16:29; 1 Tim 4:13). If the preacher does not use and identify Scripture in his sermon, he is at the very least failing to contribute to his hearers’ acquisition of Bible knowledge. Perhaps he is even hampering this extremely vital process.

2. Quoting Scripture and requiring direct citation minimizes the tendency to make vague allusion to Scripture and, in so doing, to fail to take context into consideration. Error is often undetectable when disguised in the garb of a few familiar-sounding words or phrases severed from their original context. Even when inspired writers refrained from giving a specific Old Testament source, they were careful to quote the passage verbatim (cf. Heb. 2:6ff; 4:4-7; 5:6). Doctrinal deceptions are constantly being foisted upon the simple and innocent (Rom. 16:18) by the denominations and false brethren as they evade decisive and definitive contextual support for their erroneous religious views. Many disagreements and misconceptions would be settled and clarified if individuals did not justify their religious views by saying, "Somewhere in the Bible it says…"

3. Direct Scripture citation impresses upon the hearer that the preacher is not speaking "of himself" (cf., John 7:16; 8:28; 14:10), or asserting his own ideas (1 Pet. 4:11; 2 Pet. 1:20-21), but rather permitting God to speak for Himself. Explicitly telling the audience where the words are found in Scripture emphasizes to them that they are accountable to God – not the preacher. It is His words (not the preacher’s) that are "powerful" (Rom. 1:16; Heb. 4:12) and able to save them (Jam. 1:21). Additionally, even academia holds that it is only fair and ethical to give full documentation when alluding to the work of someone else. 

4. Finally, giving hearers sufficient information for them to locate a passage is appropriate because Jesus and others did essentially the same thing. Of course, chapter and verse divisions were unavailable in apostolic times; but faithful speakers gave sufficient indication by which their claims could be verified. Though occasionally a speaker would preface his Biblical quotation with a simple formula such as "It is written" (Matt. 4:4,7), he usually included more details which enabled the listener to "zero in" on the specific text. Study carefully the following passages and notice how the inspired speaker provided clues to the specific source by identifying the Old Testament book, author, or canonical division (e.g., law, Psalms, or prophets-Matt. 3:3; 12:39; 13:14; 15:7; 24:15; Mark 7:6; Luke 20:42; 24:44; John 1:23; Acts 1:20; 2:16,25; 2:22;13:33,35,40; 15:15; 28:25). 

Christians living today are not addressing Jews who were so familiar with the Old Testament that they needed to be reminded of a passage. We are addressing the denominations and the irreligious – both of whom are woefully ignorant of Scripture – all the more reason to specify our Scriptural source. Why do some seem so reluctant to give book, chapter, and verse in their preaching? Perhaps some are threatened by the practice because their own knowledge of Scripture is inferior to that of those who are able to do so. Perhaps some have embrace false doctrines which cannot survive the straightforward scrutiny of scripture. Avoiding explicit scriptural citation facilitates religious seduction. Maybe to them, constantly quoting Scripture does not fit well with the modern, "sophisticated," "Educated," "smooth" approach. Such "education" is akin to what Paul called "false knowledge" (1 Tim. 6:20). Such "smoothness" sounds like the "smooth things" which Isaiah denounced (Isa. 30:10).

Brethren, there will never come a time when culture or historical circumstances will warrant an abandonment of straightforward, Scripture-quoting proclamation of God’s word. Let us not be ashamed (Rom. 1:16) of the Bible. Let us present it faithfully to lost humanity and do all we can to encourage them to "check it out" (Acts 17:11; 1 Thess. 5:21) as did the noble Bereans!

Cornelius' Interest In Hearing The Word
21st March 2010

In Acts chapters 10 and 11 we read the memorable conversion of Cornelius and other Gentiles that were with him. When Peter arrived on the scene at the house of Cornelius, he already had an audience that was ready to listen to the gospel. Peter asked a question, however, that made it clear that he was uncertain as to why Cornelius had sent for him: "I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?" (Acts 10:29). Cornelius told him about a vision that he had seen, then went on to tell Peter, "Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou has well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God" (Acts 10:33). What a great statement! Look at what Cornelius' words showed about him: 

(1) He had great interest. How did he show that interest? First, without delay he sent for the gospel preacher  he sent for him "immediately" (10:33). Cornelius had a sense of urgency about his salvation. Second, when it came time for the preaching to begin, he, along with others, was "present." If people do not hear the word, it cannot help them. Third, he made the necessary arrangements to get others there to hear the saving gospel. Do you and I also make efforts to get lost people to be present when the Bible is proclaimed? We should.

(2) His interest was in what GOD had to say. He was not in the market for the philosophies or traditions of men. He was focused on one thing  "things that are commanded . . . of God" (10:33). We, too, must make certain that we always come to the right source for religious instruction the Bible. What was so special about what Cornelius would hear from the Lord's words? Those would be the words whereby he and those with him "shall be saved" (11:15). 

(3) His interest was in ALL that God had commanded. That is exactly what he said himself: "to hear all things that are commanded thee of God" (10:33). Jesus wants all people of all nations to observe all that He commands (Matthew 28:19,20). 

(4) His interest was shared by others. Cornelius said that they "all" were present (he had "called together his kinsmen and near friends," 10:24). How wonderful when entire families and close friends have the same keen interest in hearing God's word proclaimed. How great it is in our time to see two, three, or four generations of one family sitting on the same pew during the services of the church! While we are encouraged when those that are close to us share our sincere interest and zeal to hear the gospel and worship the Lord, we must understand that our obligation to the Lord always exists, regardless of what our friends and relatives do. Our commitment to Him and His word should not be based on the course of action that others take. 

Cornelius showed a great interest in what God had to say through His preacher. The greatest evidence of his attitude toward the word, though, is not simply that he longed to hear it proclaimed. No, the number one testimony to his real attitude was his response when he heard it. What was the reaction of Cornelius and those that were assembled with him? They "received the word of God" (Acts 11:1), meaning that they became Christians (cf. Acts 2:41; 8:12,14).

Boundaries 

Some years ago, I spray-painted a white stripe across the lower end of my driveway. I was prompted to such action out of concern for my two daughters — Bethany and Katie. I did not want the girls to ride their bicycles too close to the street, (where traffic often rushed by) and be injured — thus the boundary.  

At first, the girls were a bit confused as to its purpose. I assured them that the stripe was there because of my love for them, in addition to my concern for their physical welfare. In the intervening years, they never crossed over the stripe.
It is interesting to note that when we go to the Bible today, we often find God's white stripes (i.e. commandments). The purpose of these commandments is not because God wants to rob us of our liberty, pleasure and our enjoyment, or that he — for some selfish reason — wants to restrict our behavior. Rather, they are in the Bible because God loves and cares for us. "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome" (1 John 3:5).

Are you staying within God's white lines? Are you living inside his divine boundaries? He put them there for our benefit! 

Baptism Doesn't Do Any Good
28th March 2010

You’ve heard it. And discussed it. Perhaps even argued about it until you ran out of words and patience. But, you know, they may be on to something. Baptism does not do any good—in some cases. 

For centuries, unbelievers and denominationalists have argued against the necessity and efficacy of baptism. Many see it as a useless ritual or a superstitious relic from a dark past. Others divorce it from any saving power. 

Of course, baptism is a part of the Great Commission. It is explicitly stated in the accounts of Matthew (28:19) and Mark (16:16), and implicit in Luke’s account (24:46-37; cf. Acts 2:38). One cannot read the Great Commission or the conversion accounts in Acts and come to any other conclusion. 

When Peter preached the first Gospel sermon in Acts 2, he preached the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (2:22-35). In response to the preaching of the Gospel, the audience asked, “What shall we do?” (2:37). What was Peter’s response?  

Let’s first note what it wasn’t. Peter did not say to them:

Accept Jesus as your personal savior” . . .

“Ask Jesus to come into your heart” . . .

“Pray the sinner’s prayer” . . .

“You can’t do anything because that would be earning   salvation”...

“You obviously believe what I have preached, and thus you are now saved based solely upon faith alone.” 

On the other hand, some seem to see baptism as a “cure all.” To them, baptism is a magic action through which one passes which immunizes him against any danger of future spiritual disease. The truth lies somewhere in between. 

BAPTISM DOES NOT DO ANY GOOD IF IT IS NOT PRECEDED BY CORRECT UNDERSTANDING. “And many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized” (Acts 18:8b). Scriptural baptism requires that one hear and understand that Jesus, the Son of God, died for all (John 3:16; 8:24) and that all sinners must obey Him in order to be saved (Hebrews 5:8-9). It is possible to be immersed without understanding the reasons for it. For instance, many babies are “baptized,” but do not have a correct understanding, so their “baptism” does no good. 

BAPTISM DOES NOT DO ANY GOOD IF IT IS NOT PRECEDED BY PROPER FAITH. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). One must believe that Jesus is Divine before his baptism is scriptural. Further, one must believe that he is lost without baptism for it to be scriptural (cf. 1 Peter 3:21). If a person does not believe he needs to be baptized and will be lost if he is not baptized, then his faith in God’s plan is lacking. In the Bible, only sinners are told to be baptized (Acts 2:36-38; 22:16), and one who is baptized just to please parents, spouses, in-laws, or friends has not been scripturally baptized.

BAPTISM DOES NOT DO ANY GOOD IF IT IS NOT PRECEDED BY TRUE REPENTANCE.  “Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). A person who is unwilling to change his lifestyle (repent) might as well not be baptized, because it would not do him any good. If one does not intend to quit drinking,  

BAPTISM DOES NOT DO ANY GOOD IF IT IS NOT AN IMMERSION. “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death . . .” (Romans 6:4). Many advocate that one can be baptized by sprinkling, pouring, OR immersion. The Bible does not give such options, but calls baptism a “burial” (Colossians 2:12) and shows that it requires going down into the water (Acts 8:38). The word baptism literally means “to dip, plunge, or submerge.” If one was not immersed, then his “baptism” did not do any good. 

BAPTISM DOES NOT DO ANY GOOD IF IT IS NOT FOLLOWED BY FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN LIVING. “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:41-42). Occasionally, a person is baptized and never darkens the building’s door again. Some come for a time but then fall away. Others may continue to attend services, but their lives mirror the world instead of the image of Christ (cf. Romans 12:1-2). In each of these cases, baptism did not really do any good because ultimately (without repentance) they will be lost. There is a record of some who were baptized incorrectly in God’s book (Acts 19:1-6). 

They were told to be baptized again—correctly. Why not do so if you need to? Eternity awaits your decision. Baptism will do you good!