CRY ALOUD AND SPARE NOT!

  

Cry aloud, spare not,

Lift up thy voice like a trumpet,

And shew my people their transgression,

And the house of Jacob their sins. (Isaiah 58:1)

Our modern brand of pretentious Christianity needs honest voices revealing our hypocrisy, faithlessness, sin, traditionalism, fruitlessness and materialism. Occasionally God commissions His faithful preachers to sound the alarm to awaken His people to their intimacy with sin. He is not moved by hatred, but loving concern for the welfare of His people. Let each of us be extremely honest with ourselves, we desperately need a heavenly Father who will correct us! One way the God of the Scriptures evidences real love for us is by correcting and chastening His genuine children (Heb. 12). He desires that we partake of the "peaceable fruit of righteousness" (Heb. 12:11). His grand love moves Him to pursue what is best for us, and sin is never something He is willing to tolerate. 

Transgressions…sins…and iniquities pervade, though many people are 'religious' and appear interested in the Lord. Actually the modern brand of Christianity is weak and shallow. I am not certain the Spirit of God even recognizes it as Christian. Carnality predominates and sin is unchallenged... routinely overlooked... dismissed...and even justified! Our selfishness is extreme and our narcissism is consuming! So many believe God is their servant instead of vice versa. People believe themselves to be the center of the universe while God simply orbits around them to reflect their glory! God exists to make them happy seems to be the prevailing sentiment.... 

We are guilty of trying to use God to get what we want out of life, and we cling to this world as if it is all we have and want. The Lord God does not have our hearts; there is little or no real passion for Him. Instead we seem crazy for more and yet more stuff, things...more money, more material possessions. A second home, a new car, another big screen TV for the theater room, and on the list goes.... The pervasive form of idolatry in our country is MONEY! Too many bow down at this altar and worship at the 'temples of commerce' with radical faithfulness! People will easily miss church with a small case of the sniffles, but they will be at work the day after a serious surgical procedure! Few Christians are concerned about hundreds of churches closing each year, but EVERYBODY is nervously interested in a failing and fragile economy! If you say "No one was saved all year in the average church." a few souls would register slight disappointment. In contrast, if I say, "The stock market crashed!" you would be hard pressed to find anyone who is not intensely interested. Everybody wants to be happy and satisfied, but there is precious little interest in being holy and sanctified! While there is incredible zeal pursuant of what we want from God, there is precious little desire for Him. Why isn't God more central to our deepest longings and desires? Why isn't there a powerful hunger and thirst for God and righteousness? Beloved, we have transgressed; our churches have crossed the line…we have gone too far…and have forgotten why we exist. By our own iniquities we have been lead astray! We desperately need a prophet of God….   

We need fearless prophets throughout this land confronting us with the imperative of REVIVAL. This should not be regarded as a luxury or nice extra...revival is extremely vital to our time. Without a modern "Awakening," Christianity will continue to die in our country. Actually this 'death' seems to have accelerated in alarming ways in recent years.... We need courageous lionhearted prophet-like preachers now! Prophets in the Scriptures are God's spokesmen...Jehovah's mouthpieces. They faithfully delivered God's messages without alteration or dilution. Whether the message was popular great news or ominous announcements of judgment because of sin, they delivered God's messages to His people and the nations. When the message was grievous to the people the prophets were sometimes mocked, attached, imprisoned and even killed. Some of them suffered greatly for sounding the truth...proclaiming "thus saith the Lord." Never-the-less, they consistently sounded the alarm to alert the people of God to God's displeasure with their sinfulness and disregard for His Law. They did not merely mention specific sins occasionally; they righteously thundered against it repeatedly like the Lord Jesus did (Matt. 23). They had to be men of courageous faith and dynamic holy power! Bold, audacious, indomitable, and fearless describes them quite accurately.... Such preachers burned white-hot with passion for God and spiritual concerns. They understood deeply that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a terrible reproach to people. Resultantly, they lifted their voices like trumpets to painstakingly reveal the sins of God's people... to unveil the flawed justification for their high tolerance for sin, and to unmask gross transgressions (Isa. 58:1). They called people to repentance, godly renewal, and yes...REVIVAL!

Our wretched times require Soldiers of the Cross who love God supremely and trust the Word of God entirely. We must have Preachers with a white-hot passion for God and His glory above all else. The present spiritual climate demands blazing prophets like Elijah, men zealous for God's worship like Elisha, and Holy Spirit embolden servants like John the Baptist. Our times require men who understand the power of the pen like Isaiah, and servants propelled by holy vision as Ezekiel and Daniel were! Nothing less than flaming evangelists craving the salvation of the lost will suffice! Certainly our prayer is that God in great mercy and grace would raise up among us men of God passionate for the glory and honor of the Lord Jesus Christ. Such men should not be considered a luxury that would be nice to have, but essential to our spiritual revival and invigoration. While there are many faithful pastors, missionaries, evangelists, and preachers, our nation needs an army of fearless prophets lifting their voices and wielding their pens to show God's people their transgressions and sins. Revival is the aim! Deep spiritual cleansing is the goal! Glorifying God again is the chief point of interest! O' dear God give us men who love you supremely and love their neighbors as them self! We need such servants of the Most High more than we need food and water.

Countless modern preachers are far too soft on sin...they are distracted by concerns for themselves instead of the things that are of Christ. I am afraid...yes, I know deep inside that those modern spineless placebos will never lead our nation to experience real revival. They are NOT willing to get right with God and such points of interest seem irrelevant to them. They refuse to humble themselves acknowledging their failures to God. They even believe REVIVAL is impossible and unnecessary for this generation of Christians! Actually those modern day Pharisees and Sadducees could not care less about what is on the heart of Christ Jesus. They care about themselves and not the things of Christ.

Dear Father, please raise up real men of God with the courage of thunder and voices like lightening! Men of tenacious faith and abiding love. May they storm all over this land until the rains of revival fall with redeeming, purging, transforming, and correcting power! O’ Lord send a torrential downpour of righteousness! Graciously cascade your spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus upon us that we may be mobilized to battle and to build. A deluge of chastening grace is needed my Father…a deluge! Father God, I pray the mountains of sin and iniquity will melt like wax before your brilliant glory. I plead for wickedness, injustice, and idolatry to flee before Thy exalted presence. I cry out to You against apathy, indulgence, theological poison, and gross avarice. I beg for all fortifications and strongholds of sin to fall like dominoes before Thy awesome Spirit of revival all across this country. Turn hearts to Your holy Word again as the foundation and rule of all reality and truth. Turn Believers to seek your face again…. Almighty God, move among us like wildfires across the prairies of the Mid-West. Not to our destruction, but to the end that every Bible-preaching church may be spiritually renewed. Breathe holy life into all Bible-Believing churches. May Your churches become living centers of worship, ministry, preaching, teaching, evangelism, and missions to the world. Thank You for our high regard for sound teaching, but inundate us with holy power from on high! Start a royal mighty heaven-sent fire in our souls! The hour is late.... We need You more than we know…. 

Erect, O' God, a palpable fear of the LORD in each heart. Forgive us, dear Father, for our unfaithfulness, worldliness, fruitlessness, and tolerance of wickedness. Forgive us for entertaining ourselves with the most violent and brazen forms of transgression. Forgive us for embracing worldly godless values and ambitions while abandoning Your truth and plan for our lives. We have permitted the wrong people and wrong ideas to influence us far too deeply. We have been careless with spiritual advancement, growth, and holy service. Forgive us... forgive us...O' dear God, forgive us. Please establish an adamant hatred for sin in our hearts; erect such a standard throughout this country also. Afford us precise discernment to discriminate between truth and lies. May we, O’ Father, not only recognize the best, but faithfully choose it seeking your honor as our highest priority. Restore every facet of this land unto yourself, and seize new territories for Thy kingdom's sake. We claim homes, neighborhoods, schools, governments, and civil authorities for Thy glory sake. May You always and forever be greatly honored in this land! Revive us O' God! Pour out your power upon us anew! Revive us again…in mercy O’ God, revive us again. May we always treasure You supremely, and humbly walk with Thee in the beauty of holiness. This is my revival prayer in the Awesome Name of our Mighty Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Standing Firmly Against Homosexuality, Part 2

This article is a continuation of the first and previous one bearing this same title. After looking at the medical and scientific reasons for rejecting homosexual behavior, let us now consider some national and biblical reasons.

The National Reasons

Secondly, Evangelical Christians should reject homosexual behavior for national reasons. Homosexual behavior places children at risk.  The protection of our youth and young men from this aberrant lifestyle, sexual abuses, and violent rape by homosexuals is the mandate (http://www.frc.org). Legally and socially sanctioning homosexual practices can only result in our children becoming more vulnerable to those who prey on them. Homosexual literature already promotes preying on young boys! “Approximately one in twelve adults seen by sexual assault services are men” (http://laurelhouse.org.au).

Homosexual practices will drive up medical costs nationally. One way to reduce medical insurance cost is to reduce medical risks. Conversely increase risk drives up medical cost. Homosexual behavior is high risk for AIDS and other STDs; thus driving the cost of medical premiums upward for the average American. 

Homosexual activity transmits HIV and STDs throughout the country. With the increase of homosexual practices there will be an increase in the vulnerability of the American population to HIV/AIDS and STDs. This could lead to a national AIDS crisis (http://www.cdc.gov /hiv/statistics /basics /ataglance.html). The prevalence of HIV and the vulnerability to contracting HIV is a grave problem on the continent of Africa because of homosexual behavior. An AIDS infected population can dramatically slow economic and social progress. Potentially it will negatively impact the growth, development, education, and employment opportunities in every facet of the country.

Biblical Reasons

Thirdly, Evangelical Christians should reject homosexual behavior for biblical reasons. God’s Word irrefutably condemns this behavior in the Old  Testament. This is part of the reason the ancient cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed directly by God (Genesis 19:4-5-12-13). The Law of God prohibited and condemned homosexual behavior for the nation of Israel (Lev.18:22-30; 20:13).

God’s Word explicitly and consistently condemns this behavior in the New Testament (1 Cor. 6:9-11; 1Tim. 1:10; 2 Peter 2:6-9; Jude 1:7)

God’s Word clearly condemns this behavior whether practiced by men or women (Romans 1:24, 26-27; McDonald & Farstad, 1995). Homosexual behavior is an unnatural rebellion against the Creator! The rejection of homosexual practices is not merely Christian intolerance. The standard is divine and not social, political, or personal. God’s standard promotes human welfare and wellbeing, but homosexual practices are destructive on multiple levels. Homosexual practices are wrong because they are violations of the design and purpose of God for human relationships.

“God values monogamous, heterosexual marriage (Gen. 2:22-24),” reproduction within that marriage covenant (Gen. 1:22-28), and heterosexual family life (Psalm 127) (Alban (2012), p. 562, 563).

Applying Our Reasons to Objections

Forthly, Evangelical Christians must wisely respond to objections, and articulate this position with truth and compassion.

Objection #1: The Bible does not condemn loving monogamous homosexual and lesbian relationships (Wood & Marshall, 1995). The Bible consistently characterizes homosexual and lesbian behavior as immoral and sternly forbids them. Research demonstrates that homosexuals generally do not maintain monogamy beyond five years—65% are promiscuous. In addition, monogamous homosexuals engage in sexual acts of greater risk for HIV and STDs (Frank Truek).

Objection #2: The field of psychology does not condemn homosexual conduct nor view it as deviant behavior. This is because they were bullied by homosexual activists, lobbyists, and political correctness. The APA’s change was not based on a preponderance of evidence, or groundbraking clinical research. The new notion of sexual identity, later sexual preference, and now sexual orientation, has pervasively shaped the current cultural debate. Indeed this was the ideological wedge used to force the American Psychiatric Association to remove homosexuality from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatric Disorders in 1973. It is still the most effective tactical concept employed in the debate (Hindson & Caner, 2008, p. 270). Dr. Stan Jones, Provost, and Professor of Psychology at Wheaton College has conducted extensive study into the scientific basis for homosexuality and he found the evidence weak and inconclusive.

Objection #3: Homosexual Americans, as a “third sex” have a right to conduct themselves accordingly, and the freedom to intimately engage others. “Homosexual activists groups are pressing for homosexual men and lesbians to be identified as a special class with special protections under civil rights legislation” (Hindson & Caner, 2008, p. 268-272). But sexual orientation does not qualify as a civil rights issue; it is a ‘special rights’ issue that actually undermines the US Constitution.

Objections #4: Bible references to homosexual behavior are related to idolatry (religious sex slaves), male prostitution, and false worship and are limited to these alone. The Bible says nothing specifically about the homosexual condition …, but its condemnations of homosexual conduct are explicit (Wood & Marshall, 1995). Homosexual behavior is prohibited in Scripture (Lev. 20:13) and was a major cause of the divine judgment against Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:4–5, 12–13). The apostle Paul listed homosexuals among “the unrighteous” who would not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9), and declared that God’s wrath stands against such behavior, whether practiced by men or women (Rom. 1:26–27) (Youngblood, Bruce, & Harrison, 1995).

Beloved, the course of action we must take is transparently clear. For medical, national, and biblical reasons Evangelical Christians should not embrace, remain ambivalent, justify, or continue silently about homosexual behavior and its accompanying consequences.  

Evangelical Christians should unitedly and uniformly reject homosexual behavior for medical, national, and biblical reasons. I am calling on Evangelical Christians to adopt this position, to actively oppose homosexual behavior with wisdom and compassion, and to share the hope of Christ with homosexuals and lesbians that they may be forgiven, cleansed, and freed by the grace of God. First Corinthians 6:9-11 teaches that God will save repentant homosexuals and lesbians. Share this message with them that they may be saved. Also get informed on this subject as a defense against the fallacious propaganda passed off in many of the mainstream media outlets. Read Dr. Stanton L. Jones’ books Homosexuality: The Use of Scientific Research in the Church’s Moral Debate and God’s Design for Sex book series. Visit reliable websites like America for Truth about Homosexuality (AFTAH), and Gay Christian Movement Watch, and D. L. Foster who are upholding biblical standards of sexuality (gcmwatch.com). If your children are in the public education system, inquire into what they are taught about homosexual practices. Follow through by having a biblical conversation with your young people about how God views homosexual practices.  

The sexual revolutions, the liberal media, and hyper-political correctness are influencing Americans to view homosexual behavior in a positive light. This cannot be true of Evangelical Christians; we must be guided by the truth. It is only with the truth that we can reach out to the homosexual with love to lead them to Christ and out of the homosexual lifestyle. 

The Proof of Christ's Resurrection!

    “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:3)

    “To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3)

The important place of this doctrine in the Christian system cannot be overstated!  These two verses clearly declare how Christ literally died and arose again. All Christian teaching rest upon the fact of Christ’s resurrection:

• In that wonderful chapter on the resurrection (1 Cor. 15) Paul makes Christianity answer with its life for the literal truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. That the body of the founder of the Christian religion did not lie in the grave after the third day is fundamental to the existence of the religion of Christ: “And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain” (v. 14). “If Christ be not raised … ye are yet in your sins” (v. 17). …Remove the resurrection from Paul’s Gospel, and his message is gone. –Evans, W. 1998, c1974. The Great Doctrines Of The Bible

The gospel shows how completely the resurrection of Christ had been demonstrated (1Cor. 15:1-11). It is the foundation and hope of Christianity—everything soundly rests on the resurrection of Christ.  Let us explore four areas of Christ’s resurrection and its significance to our Christian faith:

1. The nature of the resurrection of Jesus Christ
2. The proof of the resurrection of Jesus Christ
3. The necessity for the resurrection of Jesus Christ
4. The results of the resurrection of Jesus Christ

I.  THE NATURE OF THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST

Answering the question, What?

A. The meaning of credibility

1. Credibility is the quality or power of inspiring belief.  –Merriam-Webster
2. When we say something is credible, we mean it offers reasonable grounds for being believed.
3. Credibility refers to the acceptance of a fact in a manner that deserves belief; it is belief based upon good authority, reliable facts, and competent witnesses…. The resurrection of Christ is a fact proven by competent evidence, and is deserving of intelligent acceptance and belief. It is a doctrine buttressed by “many infallible proofs.”  --Evans, W. 1998, c1974. The Great Doctrines Of The Bible
4. 1 Cor. 15:3-4, For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; [4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

B. The meaning of Christ’s resurrection

Negatively:

1. Not a swoon.
1. Some believe Jesus merely swooned on the cross, and in the cool air of the tomb He revived and came forth from the tomb as though He had really risen from the dead. But, the disciples believed that He had really died and risen again (John 19:33–37; Matt. 27:57, 58).
2. Jesus definitely died on the cross. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people witnessed it. The Romans were not careless executioners; they knew when a person was dead. They had ways of making sure. They broke the legs of the person so he could not support himself to breath any more, and he asphyxiated. But Jesus needed no bones broken. He was already dead. To be sure, the Roman speared his side. No reaction. Blood and water came out, a sign of legal death. The executioner had to verify the death to Pilate. If he had gotten it wrong, it would have meant his death. 
3. In fact, when Jesus Christ appeared to the disciples after the third day, he was not a weak, suffering, half-dead man, but a conquering, triumphant victor over death and the grave. He never could have made this impression upon the disciples if He was Himself a half-dead man.
2. Not a resuscitation.
1. Jesus had suffered much even before He was nailed to the cross. He had undergone the horrible ordeal of a Roman scourging which shredded His back by a whip with pieces of glass and metal at the end of the leather strands. The pilot’s soldiers had struck Him on the head repeatedly. He had been forced to carry the cross from pilot’s headquarters toward His place of execution until, due to Jesus’ weakened state, another man was compelled to carry the cross the remainder of the way.
2. But suppose for a minute that the Roman executioners were wrong and Jesus had somehow survived and was buried alive. How likely would He have endured another seventy-two hours in a cold, damp tomb without food, water, or medical attention? Would He have survived being wound in heavy, spice-laden grave clothes weighing an estimated seventy pounds? Would He have had the strength to free Himself from the grave clothes, roll away the heavy stone sealing the mouth of the tomb, overpower the Roman guards, and then walk several miles on feet that had been mutilated with nails?

3. Not continued existence of only the soul of Jesus.
1. According to this theory, belief in Christ’s resurrection only means faith in the survival of the soul of Jesus.  That is Jesus was spiritually alive, and lived with God, while His body decayed in the grave.
2. But, all the facts in the Gospels sharply contradict this theory.  Jesus could be touched and examined by His disciples and He even ate with them to prove He literally physically and bodily rose from the dead (Luke 24:37-44;John 20:26-31; Acts 1:3).
3. Jesus’ resurrection, which was a divine act involving all three Persons of the Godhead (John 10:17-18; Acts 13:30-35; Rom. 1:4), was not just a resuscitation of the ruined physical frame that was taken down from the cross for burial. It was, rather, a transformation of Jesus’ humanity that enabled him to appear, vanish, and move unseen from one location to another (Luke 24:31, 36). It was the creative renewing of his original body, the body that is now fully glorified and deathless (Phil. 3:21; Heb. 7:16, 24). The Son of God in heaven still lives in and through that body, and will do so forever.  –Packer, J. I. 1995, c1993. Concise Theology

Positively:

A literal resurrection of the physical body of Jesus Christ from the tomb in Joseph’s garden

1. The resurrection of our Lord is portrayed in the NT as the miraculous restoration of His physical life, and the reunion of His spirit with His body! Christ Resurrection in the deepest sense was not unnatural but entirely natural; He had to be raised from the dead.
1. Acts 2:24, Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
2. Acts 1:3, To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
3. Romans 1:4, And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

2. In addition, the risen Lord’s body was real; the same the disciples had seen Him with before His crucifixion, and that which had died (Luke 24:39; John 20:24-29). But, Christ lived in such a way that the natural limitations that previously confined Him were set aside.  Christ’s resurrection was wrought by the miraculous power of God (Acts 13:30; Rom 1:4; 1 Cor 15:15); therefore it presents no difficulty for faith to one who really believes in God.
1. Christianity is the only religion that bases its claim to acceptance upon the resurrection of its founder. For any other religion to base its claim on such a doctrine would be to court failure. Test all other religions by this claim and see. –Evans, W. 1998, c1974. The Great Doctrines Of The Bible
2. The Living One

A Muslim and a Christian were discussing their religions and had agreed that both Mohammed and Christ were prophets. Where, then, lay the difference? The Christian illustrated it this way: “I came to a crossroads and I saw a dead man and a living man. Which one did I ask for directions?” The response came quickly, “The living one, of course.” “Why, then,” asked his friend, “do you send me to Mohammed who is dead, instead of Christ who is alive?” This is the basic difference between Christ and every other religious leader. All the others came into the world, lived, and died—but none of them lived again. The resurrection of Christ was the one event that persuaded His disciples once for all that He was the Christ, God’s Son.

II. THE PROOF OF THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST

Answering the question, Why?

A. Cause and effect:

Here are certain effects, the cause for which can be traced only to the fact of Christ’s resurrection.

1. The empty tomb.
1. The Jews demanded and received from Pilate a Roman guard outside the tomb for the period of three days. In addition, a Roman seal was placed on the tomb, which meant a death sentence to anyone breaking the seal. Nevertheless, on Sunday morning after the crucifixion, Jesus’ followers went to the tomb and found it open. Jesus was gone, though His grave clothes lay as though Jesus’ body had evaporated from them.
2. The fact of the empty tomb was confirmed to by solid witnesses—from friends and foes (Matt. 28:6; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:3, 12; John 20:1, 2).
3. The condition in which the linen cloths were found lying by those who entered the tomb excludes the possibility of the body being stolen.
4. Then the testimony of angels to the fact that Jesus really arose as He predicted is totally trustworthy (Matt. 28:6; Mark 16:6; Heb. 2:2).
5. It is not surprising that critics of Christianity have zeroed in on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. If they can cast doubt upon it, they can destroy Christianity entirely. But, as best-selling author Paul Little once said before he died, “After 2000 years, no one is going to ask a question that will bring Christianity crashing.”
6. If you apply the same tests to the resurrection as you would to any other historical event, you come away concluding that Jesus actually rose from the dead. Only those who do not want to believe it come to another conclusion, and must wrench the arm of historical research to do it.

2. The Lord’s Day.
1. The Lord’s Day is Sunday, the first day of the week; the day especially associated with the Lord Jesus Christ to celebrate His resurrection from the dead. Clearly the early churches assembled on Sunday, the Lord’s Day (1 Cor. 16:2).
2. The divinely-inspired apostles, by their practice and by their precepts, preserved the Lord’s Day for meeting together for meals, for worship and spiritual instruction, for giving offerings for the ministry, for concentration on spiritual disciplines.
3. The Lord’s Day is not the original Sabbath. Why was it changed?  In the New Testament the converted Jews changed their time-honored seventh day to the first day of the week—the Lord’s Day.
4. What is the cause of this tremendous effect? The resurrection of Christ Jesus was the cause for this great change in the day of worship.

3. The Christian Church
1. The Christian Church is a glorious effect; what is its cause?
2. Once again, the resurrection of Christ is the obvious answer. If the resurrection did not occur, how can one account for the transformation of Jesus’ discouraged and defeated disciples into dynamic, joyful people willing to suffer and die to preach a risen Savior? Why didn’t they save themselves by recanting the story, or salve their conscience by a death-bed confession of the deception? How did this message gain so many adherents among people who had contact with the events spoken of and would have detected falsehood? (For example, in 1 Corinthians 15:6, Paul refers to more than five hundred people who saw the risen Jesus and were still living more than twenty years later).
3. When the risen Christ appeared unto the discouraged disciples and revived their faith and hope, they went forth, under the all—conquering faith in a risen and ascended Lord preaching His gospel. All over the world people believed on Christ, assembled to study the Scriptures, to pray, to worship Christ, and to extend His kingdom in the souls of men. It is the resurrection of Christ that inspired and empowered these endeavors.

4. The New Testament.
1. If Jesus Christ had remained buried in the grave, the story of His life and death would have remained buried with Him.
2. The 27 books of the New Testament describes the birth of Jesus Christ, His life, death, resurrection, and ascension to Heaven. It also contains the teachings Christ has given His Apostles for the churches, as well as prophecies of the end of this age. The New Testament embodies the new covenant of which Jesus was Mediator sealing it with His atoning death (Jer. 31:31–34; Heb. 9:15). The second half of the Bible has been use by spiritually sensitive Christians for nearly two thousand years.
3. The New Testament is an effect of Christ’s resurrection. It was the resurrection that put heart into the disciples to go forth and tell its story. The New Testament is the book of the resurrection.

B. Testimony:

1. The number of witnesses (1 Cor. 15:3–9).
1. The resurrection of Christ is a historical fact clearly verified by over five hundred witnesses.

1.      Surely this is sufficient to establish a fact of evidence in any court of law.

2.      The sheer number of eyewitnesses, more than five hundred, should cause doubters to stop and think before dismissing the Resurrection accounts of a few followers. All these people saw him at one time, and at the time of Paul’s writing, most of them were still alive.

3.      The resurrection story was undisputed, so far as we know, twenty-five years later!

2. Paul could invite his readers to check his facts if they doubt his words.

2. The credibility of the witnesses.
1. The value of the testimony of a witness depends much upon his character; if that is discredited, then the testimony is rejected. Scrutinize carefully the character of the men who bore witness to the fact of Christ’s resurrection. They are unassailable on ethical grounds.
2. “No honorable opponent of the Gospel has ever denied this fact. Their moral greatness awakened an Augustine, a Francis of Assisi, and a Luther. They have been the unrivalled pattern of all mature and moral manhood for nearly two thousand years.” --Evans, W. 1998, c1974. The Great Doctrines Of The Bible
3. The nature of the fact witnessed (Luke 24:36-48).
1. Christ’s resurrection is fully stated in each Gospel record.
2. The apparent differences in the testimony of the witnesses to the resurrection may be clarified with a correct knowledge of the manner and order of the appearances of Christ after His resurrection.

4. The lack of motive for perjury.
1. Every one of them (except one) died a martyr’s death for his loyalty to the story of Christ’s resurrection. What had they to gain by fraud? Would they have sacrificed their lives for what they themselves believed to be a lie?

b.      The first disciples had scattered like quail before hunters when Jesus was crucified. Some had gone back home to Galilee. But now, they could not be silenced. What made the difference?

c.       If the resurrection could have been refuted, would thousands of Jews have risked being cut off from family and regular Jewish society?

C. Experience: (1Cor. 15:17)

1. Paul’s (15:8-11).
1. Some have debunked this Resurrection appearance as simply the pious vision of believers seeing with the eyes of faith. But Paul could have cited the testimony of two for whom that was not true, James, the half brother of Jesus, and himself. Like Paul, James probably came to faith (cf. John 7:5 with Acts 1:14) because of an appearance of the resurrected Christ (Acts 9:3-6; 22:6-11).  –Walvoord, J. F. 1983-c1985. The Bible Knowledge Commentary
2. But one of the greatest witnesses of the Resurrection was Paul himself, for as an unbeliever he was soundly convinced that Jesus was dead. The radical change in his life—a change which brought him persecution and suffering—is certainly evidence that the Lord had indeed been raised from the dead.  –Wiersbe, W. W. 1996, c1989. The Bible Exposition Commentary
2. Corinthians’ (15:1-4, 12-20)
1. 1 Cor. 15:17, And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
2. If there is no resurrection, then Christ was not raised. If He was not raised, there is no Gospel to preach. If there is no Gospel, then you have believed in vain and you are still in your sins! If there is no resurrection, then believers who have died have no hope. We shall never see them again!
3. The conclusion is obvious: Why be a Christian if we have only suffering in this life and no future glory to anticipate? (In 1 Cor. 15:29–34, Paul expanded this idea.) The Resurrection is not just important; it is “of first importance,” because all that we believe hinges on it. –Wiersbe, W. W. 1996, c1989. The Bible Exposition Commentary   
3. Ours
1. Christ has saved us, our sins are forgiven, and He is changing our lives daily!
2. How Do I Know He Lives?

How do I know that Christ has risen?

What proof have I to give?

He touched my life one blessed day,

And I began to live.

How do I know he left the tomb

That morning long ago?

I met Him just this morning,

And my heart is still aglow.

How do I know that endless life

He gained for me that day?

His life within is proof enough

Of immortality.

How do I know that Christ still lives,

Rich blessings to impart?

He walks with me along the way

And lives within my heart. –A Treasury of Bible Illustrations

Biblical Christianity Versus Secular Humanism

Biblical Christianity Vs Secular Humanism

The worldview under critical consideration is Secular Humanism. Josh McDowell described this philosophy as, “One of the most organized, most challenging and most clearly non-Christian philosophies of today” (McDowell & Stewart, 1983, p. 259). The ensuing article discloses the fundamental tenants of this religion and worldview.

Regarding the origins of the universe, “some have concluded matter has always existed and given enough time and chance, the end result is what you see around you today (Naturalism)” (Weider & Gutierrez, 2011, pp. 55-56). Humanist insist the existence of the universe is sufficiently explained through Darwinian evolution and naturalistic processes (Halverson, 2005, p. 2)

When it comes to identity, Scientific Naturalism rejects the supernatural and views human beings as “products of evolutionary forces” and “simply a more sophisticated animal” (Weider & Gutierrez, 2011, p. 57). Essentially, human beings are accorded no inherent distinction or superiority to other animals.

A consideration of the meaning and purpose of life points to naturalistic principles as well. As products of evolutionary processes humans have no vital significance if the Secularist remains consistent with his worldview. However, many Humanists reason that highly evolved humans have the right and responsibility to give meaning to their own life by making a positive impact on the world (Weider & Gutierrez, 2011, p. 59).

Now regarding morality, many secular humanists subscribe to Relativism rejecting any idea of absolute truth, but there is no common consensus among them. Many believe “truth is dependent upon society and is subject to change” (Weider & Gutierrez, 2011, p. 60, 61). They see no need for an absolute moral standard beyond humans themselves (Halverson, 2005, p. 3).  

Finally concerning destiny, life after death is not a point of anxiety or interest for the Secular Humanist. They reason that death is a cessation of life and the body simply decomposes (Weider & Gutierrez, 2011, p. 63, 64). 

Critical scrutiny of Secular Humanism involving a contrast with the Biblical Christian Worldview reveals how extraordinarily incompatible the two worldviews are.

To begin with Biblical Christians regard the origins of the universe as the specific creation of a God who transcends space, time, and matter. This is the polar opposite of Darwinian naturalistic principles. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” asserts Genesis 1:1 (KJV). The mighty Creator is the First Cause. He brought the universe into existence out of absolutely nothing; thus the universe is not eternal.

Then any consideration of humanity’s biblical identity involves the specific creation of people in the “image of God” (Gen. 1:26, 27) distinct from the animal kingdom. Contrary to Humanists evolutionary concept, people are distinct designees of God placed over the earth as stewards. Baring the image of God enables humans to commune and relate to the Creator as they manage the world God made (Gen. 1:26-31; 2:15).

Naturally out of unique creation arises meaning and purpose. Inherent in any consideration of the “image of God” is relationship, personality, likeness to God and representation of God in the earth. The highest purpose then of humanity is to know God and glorify Him in all aspects of life (John 17:3; Eph. 1:6, 12, 14). In contrast, Secular Humanists essentially view life as having no meaning or as meaningful because of what they contributed to society. Accordingly, there is no trans-mundane significance to life. Biblical Christians; however, have meaning and purpose in this life and for all eternity (Eph. 1:18; 1 Pet. 2:9; 4:11).

Morality and ethics are matters that Secular Humanist struggle with, but biblical Christianity centers matters of morality and ethics on the Bible (Ex. 20:1-17; 2Tim. 3:15-17; Deut. 32:4) and the scriptural nature of God (McDowell & Hostetler, 1994). While Secularists have no ontic point of reference for ethics, objective Christian morality is rooted in the person of God as the absolute standard of goodness (Hindson & Caner, 2011, p.199). Thus, Christian ethics are intensely anchored in the wisdoms and activities of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. 5-7).

Then finally regarding destiny, Christians believe in the resurrection and the continuance of the human soul beyond physical death. Accordingly, the redeemed will live with God for ever in Heaven and on the new earth (Rev. 21:1-7), and non-believers will live forever separated from God in Hell (Rev. 20:11-15; 21:8). The only thing Secular Humanism has to offer here is death and decomposition; in contrast, biblical Christians have a wonderful eternal destiny.

References

Halverson, D. (1992, 2005). Secularism. Colorado Springs, CO: International Students Inc.

Hindson, E. & Caner, E. (2008). The popular encyclopedia of apologetics. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers.

McDowell, J. & Hostetler, B. (1994). Right and wrong: What you need to know to help youth make right choices. Dallas, TX: Word Publishing.

McDowell, J. & Stewart, D. (1983). Handbook of today’s religions. San Bernardino, CA: Here’s Life Publishers

Weider, L. & Gutierrez, B. (2011). Consider. Virginia Beach, VA: Academx Publishing Services, Inc.

Run the Race with Patience

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, ² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

One way to guard against quitting a race is to familiarize ourselves with the race course. By doing so, we can prevent the kind of shock that leads to discouragement while simultaneously stimulating adequate preparation and determination to complete it. Such knowledge also helps us as runners to pace ourselves along the course to ensure we endure and finish well. This article is a continuation of a previous post entitled, “My Soul, It is Another Exodus!” In that article we explored the astounding tendency of youths and young adults to leave churches and the practice of Christianity in general. Among several solutions, we mentioned the need to familiarize our young people with the real nature of Christian living. This article seeks to disclose some of the challenging realities of Christianity in the Twenty-first Century while prescribing just one biblical answer. In order to continue and not quit our faith, we must understand the nature of our Christian race. This should motivate us to adequately prepare and determine to reach the finish line.   

Demanding Discipleship 

Before I explore our race course with you, I believe it would be helpful to remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ to potential disciples. Three times in Luke 14:25-35, the Lord Jesus stipulates that discipleship is predicated upon complete and entire devotion to Him. He literally stated that without such commitment, a person could not be His disciple. No matter how enthusiastic, talented, well-trained, broadly experienced, or highly accredited they may be; without whole-life commitment to Jesus Christ, one “cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26, 27, 33). The truth is it costs greatly to be an authentic disciple of Jesus Christ. It may cost us family, friends, employment opportunities, a certain standard of living, and the respect of our peers. At times and through the course of life, we all will have opportunities to examine and reexamine our loyalty to Christ and resolve to finish the course He has set before us as His followers. I can personally testify to this unavoidable reality along with thousands of other runners (2 Tim. 3:12). While this article heavily emphasizes Believers' obligations and responsibilities, it in no way disregards the grace and power of God at work deep within each believer (Phil. 2:12, 13). Attempting to live up to God's high expectations in the wisdom and energy of our carnal and fallen nature is utter futility (Rom.7:14-25). Therefore, with the demands of discipleship in mind, “let us run with patience the race that is set before us…” (Heb. 12:1).

Discarding Impediments 

As we run our specific Christian race, we must remove everything that would impede our progress. God specified that we “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us” (Heb. 12:1). Among these impediments are gross misconceptions about practicing our Christian faith and life as a member of a church. While we are quick to identify what offends us about church and Christianity, it would prove more prudent to recognize what is required of each Christian runner. Newell (1995, p. 400) in Hebrews: Verse by Verse said, “runners strip themselves of every weight possible, wearing the lightest clothing, the lightest shoes! Many a weight carrier who eventually get to Heaven, will be passed on the way by those who have laid weights aside.” “Weights” may be harmless in themselves and yet hinder spiritual progress says MacDonald and Farstad (1995, p. 2202). Accordingly, they further observed, a Christian’s weights could include a yearning for even more material belongings, unreasonable loyalty to family, an apparently unquenchable thirst for luxurious living, an unequivocal deference to conveniences, and a defiant unwillingness to listen to God’s call to a more transient or itinerant lifestyle for the sake of advancing the cause of Christ. Unfortunately, our society elevates materialistic values for all Americans, and not for humanitarian reasons, but for business and sales—the bottom line. There are even elements in our national government who view gross materialism as “rights;” therefore, they demand them for everyone at the expense of the tax payer. Our young people are hearing these messages through every media form known to humanity in this technologically driven age. As a result, some of the things they should “lay aside” because they hinder their spiritual progress, they are clinging to reasoning that “God does not care about this.” They capitulate to immediate gratification, most convenient methods, whatever affords any emotion exhilaration, and they prefer quick fixes without even thinking through their options. Few possess the discipline of a competitive runner anticipating a day in the winners’ circle. God cannot advance such runners in the Christian race; if it hinders our spiritual progress, then it is a weight to us. Evaluate yourself in the light of Bible-truth, be honest about your experience, ask the Spirit of grace for the courage to lay some things aside, and follow through on that decision with accountability.  

Furthermore, in the Olympics, triathlons, Ironman competitions, and Pan American races, there are no rules against wearing over coats, packing extra changes of clothing, snow boots, several pieces of luggage, and a backpack with a variety of energy bars and drinks, but such runners can never traverse these challenging race courses to the finish in this manner. As Hebrews 12:1 prescribes, we must “lay aside every weight.” Start by evaluating and off-loading those endeavors, activities, plans, aspirations, associations, and dreams that interfere with the completion of the course Christ has set before us. Again it is not whether these considerations are bad, wrong, or sinful in themselves; they are however, hindrances to completing the course. Take courage and make the tough decisions; be decisive in this all important matter. Christians desiring to continue with the greatest loyalty to Christ must run their race light with the fewest distractions or impediments. We need all of our faculties and energies concentrated on the race that is set before us in order to endure to the finish line.

Dealing with Doubts

Christians must also take off and cast away sin (Heb. 12:1) because it readily ensnares and trips us in our faith marathon. Certainly this could refer to any form of sin, but the emphasis in this context is faith; therefore, this sin must specifically be a form of unbelief. Our sinful nature works in us through “unbelief.” Unbelief, doubts, and skepticism aggravate and obstruct our race of faith (Heb. 11) resulting in our failure to persevere. It is near impossible to persist in an arduous enduring task with zero confidence our efforts are of any value. In contrast, we can succeed in the most difficult tasks if we believe it is worthwhile in the end. At times we all are sorely tempted to forsake the Living God in some degree or particular (Heb. 3:12). As the hymnist Robert Robinson transparently quipped, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love” expresses well what we all sense deep within the precincts of our own souls on occasions. But like him we too must present our heart of hearts to God, “Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above.” 
Beloved, we continue because we trust God’s wise prescriptions for life and eternity even when they contradict every other source of information available to us. It does not matter if the tempting lie that engenders Bible doubts is highly attested by the most distinguished scholars in that field; it remains unacceptable if it diminish God, the Bible, and Jesus Christ. While scholars can be helpful, they tend to exalt their intellectual prowess above inspired truth from God. This is the nature of the Christian race of faith! Christians are called upon to believe God regardless; to follow Christ no longer toying around with the ideas of compromise, doubting His Word, quitting, or walking away from Christianity in frustration. We must have unwavering belief in the promises of God, total confidence that the race of faith is worth running, and certainty that living by faith (Heb. 11:6) is the way to please God (MacDonald & Farstad, 1995, p. 2202). This is an absolute imperative.

Discarding Misconceptions

Along with weights, and sins, we must lay aside misconceptions about Christianity. Believers must strenuously resist the misconception that the Christian marathon race-obstacle course is easily navigated. It is helpful to have a working grasp of the nature of the race Christ has set before us. Our race is not a quick sprint to the finish line. The idea that enduring to the finish line will be easy, nice, always cordial, uncomplicated, and free of failures, hurt, or opposition must evaporate in the sunlight of this often painful reality. Genuine Christian living is no plush experience—such notions are akin to fairy tales. This is the nature of the faith race; it is a marathon with multiple obstacle courses along the way! It demands faith-toughness and perseverance! Christ would have genuine believers make necessary adjustments, and prepare well to press on with resolute and unwavering commitment through whatever challenges we must face. If living the Christian life was easy, everyone would presume to do so. 

Yes, there are difficult elements in churches, and Christian people do let you down. There is no excuse for this, but God does prescribe what course of action should be taken to correct this. Yes, one may be hurt badly in a Christian context—in relationships among the brethren. God answers this situation repeatedly throughout the Bible. Yes, there are problems of shallowness, pettiness, hypocrisy, and gross failures among Christian leaders. Genuine Spirit-filled discipleship ministry is a desperate need on most levels of the average ministry. In addition, discipleship should be focused more on developing Christian skills like Bible study, walking in the Spirit's power, obedience, grace living, prayer, witnessing, 360 degree stewardship, and service. Unfortunately many churches focus on information, lessons, and creeds; some do not even have a viable character shaping and spiritual skills developing ministry at all. Yes, the entire emphasis is corrupted in some movements. While all this may be true and inexcusable, God never prescribed in the Bible quitting on Christ, Christianity, or a relatively good church. Not one Bible passage even slightly or remotely endorses such a notion. Certainly, the answer for some Believers may be transferring to a solid church home. If this is the course of action one must take, then look for a church that exalts Jesus Christ as Savior, proclaims the Bible as the final authority, nurtures authentic spiritual discipleship for the glory of God, and sends out missionaries to reach the entire human race with the Gospel of Christ. Spiritual revival and refocusing are viable options for Christian individuals and institution while quitting is not. Also keep this uppermost in mind, no church is even slightly perfect and no Christian has arrived. This statement is not intended as an excuse for lazy Christianity; however, it is incumbent upon each of us not to expect either!

Though sinful problems among churches and Christian leaders have exacerbated the frustrations of young people, the New Testament documents and address these evils among First Century churches (1 Corinthians, Galatians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians). God sternly warns, admonishes, challenges, and counsels churches to make the necessary corrections throughout the New Testament epistles. These ugly challenges can be corrected and worked through; they are not legitimate reasons for abandoning Christianity. Just as believers were historically exhorted to continue in Christian fellowship in spite of difficulties, we must be faithful today (Rev. 2 & 3). Christians in the Western world seem to give up far too easily and for the pettiest reasons imaginable. Beloved, God cannot possibly be pleased with this trend. Walking away from commitment to Christ and the Christian Faith entirely is a thorny path of terrible consequences. It is far better to search out a better church home; one that is alive with the truth and Spirit of grace. Quitting is not a legitimate option. Additionally, let us not fool ourselves. Those who quit good churches anticipating continuing for the Lord Jesus on their own will likely become great spiritual tragedies in the end. Christ gave Christians the institution of the New Testament Church for crucial reasons and not as a bonus.

Defying the Odds

 Finally, about 30% of the youth in American Protestant churches defy the trend and continue to attend church (Grossman, 2007). Grossman (2007) also reported that sixty-five percent of these young folks view church attendance as “vital” to their “relationship with God” and fifty-eight percent felt their church helps them with daily decisions. Fifty percent believes involvement with church helps them, “become a better person” (Grossman, 2007). It is important to also recognize this trend among youths and young adults in America. If these young people are continuing to be true to Christ and the Christian Faith in some measure, then others can do so as well. They are solid evidence that young people can be deeply committed to Jesus Christ today! With good churches and solid Christian leaders running the Christian race, more young people can be retained instead of lost. This is especially my desire for Independent Baptist Churches. Since we all are running a strenuous race while hurdling violent obstacles, we will need fresh energy, power, and strength to continue for a lifetime. Revival is the greatest need among Christians today. We desperately need a Heaven-sent, white-hot Spirit-filled, Christ-exalting, Bible-based, soul-cleansing, and cross-saturated revival in the United States of America. This is the hope of our youths and the future of Christianity in our country. Trust God to do a cleansing, renewing, and reviving work beginning with me and you.

Once again the developments surrounding young people and youths forsaking churches, Christ, and Christianity can be impeded, stopped, and even reversed. Nothing at all is too hard for God! We must trust Him with the smallest and greatest issues for His glory and our national welfare. I hope for a day when the trend is reversed and our churches are filling up with young people. I long for the day when our youth will be more like Daniel and Samuel, the both of which served God their entire lives and glorified Him in all their ways. American youths and young adults must come to grips with the reality that the Christian race is a marathon riddled with multi-layered complex obstacle courses along the way! There will be many opportunities to stubble, fall, and even refuse to get back up to continue the race. I say unto you in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the Son of the Most High God: Do not give up! Get back up and continue your race! Rise above the mediocrity of others, the apathy of some leaders, the distractions of too many, and the liturgy of the rest. Reach for higher plains in the Lord God Almighty and go beyond what anyone every anticipated for you in Christ. Break the cycle of quitters in your generation and determine to be a finisher! You can do this in Christ Jesus your Lord. You can indeed do anything He calls upon you to do if you trust Him for power and do it for His glory (Phil. 4:13).

What is needful in America may be needful in other places on the planet as well. The answer in all instances is Jesus Christ and revival by The Spirit of Grace. Churches can avoid these same developments if they communicate the challenging nature of the life of faith (Heb. 11), and help young people remain focused on Christ, the Author and Finisher (Heb. 12:2). By running our race, we help our youth remain focused on Him and in the race until they complete theirs to the glory of God.

Experiencing and Responding to Christ

The wonderful news is that every Believer can experience the ministry of Christ our High Priest. Comprehending this truth, like so many others, is extremely compelling though. We must now respond to Him accordingly, faithfully, and deeply. When we do so by faith, peace, help, grace, and mercy are communicated into our spiritual experiences. With Christ we can venture on to explore all His designs for us to the glory of God. Are you ready?

Experiencing Christ’s Priestly Ministry

Now that the spiritual needs of Believers have been explored, and the greatness of our High Priest is better understood, our ability to access Christ’s aid must now be considered. First there is the realization and secondly, the appropriation of the realities of Christ’s Priesthood. Just as we can know intellectually that drinking water is refreshing and quenches our thirst, we can only experience that refreshment by actually drinking the water. Understanding this truth regarding Christ’s priesthood is good, but living in the sunlight of this reality is far better! The longing, anxious, peace-deprived, and besieged soul needs “rest” (Heb. 4:8-16). This “rest” is internal tranquility and calm repose based on Christ’s finished work at Calvary and His fully effective work as High Priest. By faith (Heb. 4:3) believers experience the inner peace that comes with a conscious trust in Christ as our fully capable high priest. Regardless of our inadequacies, the magnitude of our challenges, or the lure of temptations, He is able to help and aid as the needs arise. Faith in Him is essential; when we trust our Priest for aid, He in return floods the soul with a calm repose deep within freeing us from anxiety and cutting the sharpness of our stress significantly. While God exercises sovereignty regarding the alteration of our outward circumstances, the trusting soul is certain to realize this inner peace and assurance.

It is a fact that we are scarcely aware of the magnitude of our spiritual need even as Christians. In addition, we are somewhat ignorant of the satisfaction our Priest Jesus can provide. As a result, we take Him for granted and leave His priesthood virtually unexplored. Furthermore Christ is robbed of the honor, adoration, praise, love and appreciation from His people because of His direct contributions to our spiritual welfare.

As previously mentioned, Jesus’ priesthood is scarcely understood by many of us. We seem predisposed to adopt other things to help us cope with sinful failures, deficiencies, inadequacies, fears, and doubts related to life. We do not doubt Christ’s ability to meet our spiritual needs outright…we subconsciously compartmentalize our interests and categorically rule Christ out. We simply supplement our faith with ‘Christian add-ons’ thereby categorically ignoring Him by default. We prop ourselves up with sensationalism, rituals, political causes, formalism, strict adherence to lists, philosophy, creeds, psychology and the list seems endless. The truth is we have been doing this for so long that the supplements are a normal part of the ‘Christian culture.’ Meanwhile the realities and provisions of Christ remain unknown, unexplored, and tragically most are unproven. Only with an intellectual accent do we approve these truths about Christ’s priesthood as fundamental and orthodox theology, but we have little or zero experience of their significance to daily Christian living. The result is a faithless, anxious, anemic, impoverished, particularly ignorant, unfaithful, self-centered, insecure, and weakened brand of Christianity that only remotely resembles the real thing in only a few particulars. I know this sounds harsh, but it is an honest analysis. Praise the Lord there are wonderful exceptions, but far too precious few. My interest here is to be accurate and not sensational or polemic. This does painfully and accurately describe our modern brand of Christianity in some measure.

Because of this weakened state, Christian worship has been reduced to “programs,” “special meetings,” “fellowships,” “a song service,” “sound doctrine,” “a lesson,” “a sermon,” and a few “decisions.” All of these are good, but God intended far more! Christianity has been stripped down to a list of dos and don’ts limping along quite devoid of it essence and potency. Having strong morality is good, but it is not full robust spirituality! The Gospel is still powerful and life changing. Precious few actually expect anything from God and even fewer witness the Presence and power of God in any of their church meetings. Dead (formal, orthodox, or sophisticated) describes far too many ‘worship services.’ The idea of actually entering into the very Presence of God to worship in “spirit and in truth” (John 4:24) has almost been lost. The thought of genuine passionate intimacy with God has become rather foreign and even regarded as a relic of revival meetings. Even then this privilege is supposedly reserved for certain ‘ultra-spiritual’ (actually soulish or sensational) persons who are afforded unique audience with God. Therefore, these are regarded as being ‘on fire for God.’ But, emotional heat is not synonymous with white-hot Spirit filled-passion for the Most High God!

The truth is God invites every believer to worship ‘within the veil’ in the holy of holies—at the throne of His Majesty in Heaven. Christ affords us access to God! Allow yourself to think about the magnitude of such gracious privilege granted to every child of God. You and I can be with God at any time! We are also encouraged to come into the very Presence of God to secure the help and assistance we need as we need it. Access is by faith, enjoyment is through faith, and spiritual peace is perceived and obtained through faith. There remains a rest for God’s people! It is amazing that believers can go through an entire “worship service” and never worship God at all! There is little or no endeavor to approach God in an unrestrained manner because of soaring confidence in our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. There are precious few that draw near to God with full assurance of hope. Not enough of us experience God’s grace (unmerited favor, strength, help, blessing, and wherewithal) as it is needed and as God promised. How impoverished we are when we live in general ignorance of our Great High Priest Jesus. Again my aim is not to infuriate, but to encourage you to live in the light of Christ’s priesthood. I want the very best God offers for you, not some humanly engineered facsimile.

Responding to Christ as High Priest

With regards to experiencing Christ’s priesthood, we must act on what we believe about Christ as High Priest. Since He is superior to any other priests, two important responsibilities compel believers to act upon them.

The first directive involves holding firmly to our profession of faith in Christ (Heb. 4:14). The word “profession” basically means “confession.” Dr. Wiersbe observed that these Hebrew Christians were tempted to give up their confession of faith in Christ and their confidence in Him (see Heb. 3:6, 14). It was not a matter of giving up their salvation, since salvation through Christ is eternal (Heb. 5:9). It was a matter of their public confession of faith. If Christ is the superior priest, and He abides in the presence of God poised to aid His people, then it makes no sense at all to give up and quit. He can afford every spiritual enablement available to fit us for our challenges and to live in genuine Christian realities. Press on. Do not quit. Do not give up! You can live higher, holier, and more Spirit-filled because of Christ! Hold on to Him because he is holding on to you. Certainly the testing and trials are vicious at times, but our high priest is more than able to provide help. The Lord Jesus can work in your life—no matter how useless it may seem to you—it is not too late for Him. Look to Christ Jesus; place your confidence in Him. The Old Testament system had nothing so comprehensive to offer them, but Christ is offering everything necessary to us under the New Testament. Go on and believe God with every fiber of your being. Difficulties are not ‘good excuses’ to quit on Christ, but opportunities to demonstrate and define the strength of our faith and confidence in Him as the “true and living way.” Do not be ashamed of Christ; confess Him to family, friends, co-workers, constituents, and church family.

The second obligation is to tirelessly come boldly to the “throne of grace” for the help we need. We do not have to quit because we can come confidently into the Presence of God for the required assistance (Heb. 4:16).  We are impressed to come directly into the throne room of God, the real holy of holies, freely and unreservedly expressing ourselves to Him like someone who belongs in His Presence. This is because we actually do belong there! Not because we feels we deserves an audience with God based on personal merit or performance, but because we believe the greatness of our High Priest secures this privilege to us. Even when we have failed miserably, and our hearts condemn us thoroughly, God still insists that we “come.” When our soul is aggravated and flooded with piercing shame because of multiple failures to behave in a godly manner, still the invitation stands. God in affect is saying, “Come on in, you are welcome here in my Presence, because of your High Priest Jesus Christ!” It is always about the credentials of our High Priest, not our performance or failures.

Finally, each of us Believers must decidedly regard the Lord Jesus as our Great High Priest and rely on Him to provide grace, understanding, empathy, and assistance as needed. We must turn to Christ when failing, sinning, and straying. Go to the throne of grace for mercy when we feel guilty and ashamed because of failures. Though He has been gravely disrespected and offended, our holy God still restores believers who have wandered away from Him. Yes, the promise is still true that when we confess our sins, our rottenness and omissions, God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and He will even cleanse us from all manner of unrighteousness (see 1 John 1:9). When we feel inadequate for the challenges before us, know that it is time to approach the “throne for grace” to secure the help we all need. Remember, it is the greatness of our Great High Priest that makes all this possible! Therefore, love Christ, cherish Him as our Great High Priest, and trust Him to minister to you at every point of spiritual need.