Be Ye Separate

The apostle’s orders to retreat—to exit the world and remain aloof from it, if taken physically, is the very opposite of the Lord’s prayer in which Jesus asks the Father not to take His disciples “from the world” (John 17:15). This is what creates the struggle that Paul describes in this text and that he himself battled daily (2 Cor.6:14-7:1; 1 Cor.9:24-27).

As a “holy nation” saints have a mission to live in the world while keeping themselves from its evil. Their goal is to shine as lights and hold forth the word of life in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation (Phil.2:15-16). Paul’s command to the Corinthians to “come out” and “be separate” follows a comprehensive appeal to the brethren to live in an ungodly world without compromise.

The apostle practically exhausts his vocabulary stressing that Christians must not be unequally yoked with unbelievers in lawless behavior. Righteousness, he says, may not “share” (metocha) with iniquity, light may not have “fellowship” or “communion” (koinonia) with darkness, Christ and Belial may not play together in the same symphony (sumphonasis), believers may have no “part” or “accord” (meris) with unbelievers, and God’s temple may strike no “agreement” or “alliance” (sunkatathesis) with idols.

A Holy Sanctuary

This last image leads the apostle’s to call for holiness. “Ye,” he says, “are a temple of the living God” in fulfillment of God’s promise to dwell in His people, walk with them, be their God, and receive them as His children (vv.16, 18). He had made this point to the Corinthians in a previous epistle when admonishing them that the body may not be joined to a harlot in sexual immorality (1 Cor.6:15-20)—“Know ye not,” he wrote, “that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, which is in you, which have from God.”

Paul’s word for temple (in the first epistle and here) is not hieron, the grounds around the temple building where ordinary Jews could congregate. Their bodies are the naos, the “holy place” where only the priest, set apart for sacred services, could enter to approach God. Their bodies are sanctuaries, hallowed temples, where God dwells through the Spirit and only sacred and holy conduct may enter.

Cleanse Yourselves

What this demands, the apostle concludes, is that Christians must “cleanse” themselves “from all the defilements of the flesh and spirit.” In this way they bring to perfection through lives of purity the holiness that proceeds from a heart that fears God (7:1). And this, brethren, is the key to all that Paul calls on the Corinthians to do. Fear God! When disciples fear God, they sanctify their hearts in reverence and awe before Him and deny “ungodliness and worldly lusts” to “live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world” (Titus 2:12).

At no time in history is man more exposed to the world of sin. He no longer has to look for evil in hidden brothels. Lascivious behavior is available on a TV screen that hangs on the wall of man’s living room or bedroom, it can be seen with the click of a button on a pornographic Internet site, and it can be purchased and viewed in lewd magazines at open newsstands. Immodest clothing that once was reserved for places of ill-repute, ballrooms and beaches now appears on the streets and in the malls of every city. Regrettably, some of it has been seen at the weddings of Christians and in the assemblies of saints.

This world may not be our home, but it is our present dwelling place and we cannot escape that. We have a mission here as “strangers” and “pilgrims” to show forth the excellencies of God. When we separate ourselves from the culture of an evil world, fill our hearts with the fruit of the Spirit, and manifest in our lives the holiness of God—then will the light of the gospel shine through us into a world darkened by the unholy and irreverent behavior of men who have no fear of God and regard for their own souls (1 Pet. 2:9-12; 2 Cor. 4:3-4).

For the benefit of a corrupt and benighted world and the salvation of our own souls, brethren, “come ye out from among them, and be ye separate.”

One of Satan’s most subtle and effective tactics for saints in the 21st century, however, is the almost imperceptible transformation from being lovers of God to being lovers of pleasure (2 Tim.3:4). Borrowing from Neil Postman’s 1985 book title, we can become so enamored with the “fun facet” of the world that we “amuse ourselves to death.”

Legitimate Diversion

Let me state from the start that I believe there is a legitimate place for the enjoyment of life. Christians are not to be sour and dour, behaving as though they’ve been baptized in lemon juice. It is not sin to find pleasure in the good gifts God has bestowed (1 Tim.4:4). It is not wrong to relax and have some fun. God does not prohibit entertainment, but He does expect balance and moderation.

Our culture has changed dramatically in 100 years. Today, most have more disposable income and discretionary time than their grandparents or great-grandparents could have ever imagined. Though these changes have brought numerous benefits, they have also introduced a variety of perils. With an abundant supply of time and money, the aim of a growing number is to discover how they can expend both in the pursuit of a “good time.” The world is no longer seen as a workplace (Gen.2:15) or a battlefield (John 15:19), but merely a playground where the rule is, “the one with the most toys, wins.” Jesus warned that the “worries and riches and pleasures of this life” possess the ability to choke out the word of God, and render it unfruitful (Luke 8:14). Sadly, many have turned a deaf ear to that important counsel.

Television

Television has changed the world forever. What had predominantly been a word-based culture rapidly shifted to one that is image-based. Today, the preferred means of communication is not intellectual discourse (whether verbal or written), but the emotional excitement and sensual stimulation of TV. Nothing has done more to promote our obsession with entertainment than the invention of what older folks once called, “the squawk box.”

According to A.C. Nielson, the average American watches four hours of television a day. That’s two months every year! The addition of cable and satellite programming, VCR’s and DVR’s, DVD rentals and video games has only increased the number of hours sacrificed to the “god of entertainment.” Is it any wonder that in a world inundated with 3.5 second-long flashes of movement (the average duration of a shot on network TV), that the ordinary reading and study of the Bible has lost its luster? I fear that many 21st century saints know more about Hollywood stars than they do the real heroes of Scripture. I’m not telling you to toss out your TV. What I am advocating is regular implementation of the “off” button on the remote to allow for an involvement in things of greater import.

The Internet

Like television, the Internet has also brought significant cultural changes. And not all of them are good. The “information super-highway” not only provides rapid travel through an abundance of information, but numerous spiritual potholes, such as electronic gambling and pornography, also mar it. But even if one should work to avoid these glaring evils, the Internet can still devour precious hours of family time and distract us from the things of God. It can be a powerful tool for good or an effective weapon of the evil one. Again we find a vital need for discipline and discernment (Phil.1:9-10).

Obsession with Organized Sports

And wouldn’t we have to admit that we are a culture addicted to sports? And not only televised sporting events, but school athletics and organized leagues. Today, most kids aren’t content playing pick-up games in an empty neighborhood lot—and neither are their parents. Instead, we want to participate in associations where sports can be played year round and where practices can absorb several days on the calendar. How much stronger would local churches be if there was the same zeal demonstrated inside their buildings that is displayed in our nations stadiums and arenas? Winning the Lombardi trophy or an Olympic gold medal is a remarkable achievement, but they are still only “perishable wreaths” (1 Cor.9:25).

Music, Hobbies, and Fun Focus

What about our fascination with music? We loathe silence—and music has become an effective way of breaking it. Wouldn’t we be well served to periodically turn off our radios and ipods, and devote that time to prayer?

Hobbies and recreation also require expenditures of time and money. Things like golf, hunting, woodworking, gardening, etc., can all be profitable things that help make life enjoyable. But they also possess the ability to become idols that rob God of the time and honor He is due.

Even religion has been influenced by the “fun focus” of our time as churches have seemingly adopted the philosophy, if you can’t beat the “god of entertainment,” then you might as well join him! The result? Dramas and bands, gymnasiums and laser light shows, Super Bowl parties and self-help seminars. And each conducted under the guise of “worship.”

We must dwell in a world where, for many, entertainment has become the idol of choice. Today, people would rather than “have fun” than think. They would rather be amused than be spiritually challenged. They would rather witness a performance than personally participate in genuine worship. And should that describe us, wouldn’t it make any claim to being a true disciple of Jesus an illegitimate one?

Sadly, some people see their service to God in the same way. It’s a matter of “have to” instead of “want to.” There is no joy or happiness involved in it, just a mere going through the motions. To them, discipleship itself has become a tax or a burden rather than a blessing.

That’s not what God wants. It certainly is not the spirit behind His favor toward us. All that He provides is a demonstration of His love toward man, not something He was forced or goaded to do. What does He want from His people in return?

God Wants Workers Who Want To

Not everyone loves their job. To some, getting up every morning is a chore. Going to the office is a seemingly unending cycle of monotony. Even coming home only signals the end of a process that will repeat itself in a matter of hours. But God’s work must be viewed in a different way.

The Lord’s desire is for a people who follow His will with a “pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1 Tim.1:5). He wants disciples who choose to serve Him because they trust that His commandments are not burdensome. He wants children who are faithful to their Father out of love, not just for fear of the penalty of disobedience. He wants workers who can rejoice even in suffering instead of constantly complaining or bragging about it. God’s will for us is that we never want to be off duty.

God Wants Worshipers Who Want To

The worship service is not a box to be checked off the list so that we can get it out of the way and move on to something “important.” It ought to be considered the focal point of our entire week, what we plan to do first before everything else on our schedule. Why? Because our parents make us go or so the elders won’t keep calling us if we don’t show up? No, because we want to.

Forsaking the assembly was already a problem in the First Century as the writer of Hebrews identified that as “the habit of some” (Heb.10:25). But perfect attendance doesn’t solve the problem either. True worship must flow from a thankful heart, from one who is glad to go up to the house of the Lord (Ps.122:1). If our life’s goal is to “grow with a growth which is from God” (Col.2:19), where else would we want to be when the door of opportunity is opened?

God Wants Husbands and Wives Who Want To

We know that God hates divorce (Mal.2:16). Recent proponents of gay marriage have used the climbing divorce rates to prove that heterosexuals are in no position to act as an authority on who has the right to marry (as if one sin sanctions another). But it was the Lord, not man, who long ago legislated the matter. Woman was created a “helper suitable” for the man (Gen.2:18). God Himself joins a husband and his wife together and makes them one flesh (Gen.2:24; Matt. 19:6). That gives Him the right to rule on what He wants in the marriage relationship.

Just as simply showing up to the building does not qualify as worship, merely living in the same house does not constitute a union. Husbands who are selfish with their time and only think about their own needs do not love their wives as Christ loved the church. Wives who abandon their God-given role are not pleasing to the Lord. No one has to get married. But everyone who is married should want to follow God’s desire and design for a happy home. In so doing, we not only show our reverence to Him who made us one flesh, we graciously serve our fellow heir of the grace of life.

God knows and wants what is best for us. Whether we’re at home or work or worship, His desire should be our pleasure.

So neither gender is excused.

“A woman can be dressed in a Muslim burqa and some men will lust…” Oh come on. In fact, let’s dispense with the absurd. Fact is, males are stimulated sexually by the visual and when a woman dresses in a revealing way (visual stimulation)—that’s the problem. Can a man discipline himself and turn away? Yes! Job 31:1—“I have made a covenant with my eyes; how could I gaze [look of lust] at a young woman?” “Let your eyes look directly ahead, and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you” (Prov.4:25). And he must turn away because “everyone who looks upon a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matt.5:28). Lust gives birth to sin and sin brings consequences that you don’t want (James 1:14-16).

By the way, the James passage concludes with, “Do not be deceived…” There is a lot of deception going on in the area of immodesty—and it’s evenly spread between the sexes. Both the men who look to “look” and the women who make it easy are at fault. It’s time for Christians to take a stronger stand on this subject—for moms and dads to “engage” parenting disciplines for dress with (1) themselves and with (2) their kids, and for elders and gospel preachers to challenge people with straight talk. Apparently some are not “connecting the dots” (or don’t want to).

Temptation is a Call to Battle

Today, men treat women like prostitutes.
Why not? Look at the way we dress!

Wendy Shalt, Return to Modesty

First, the Bible issues a plain call when it comes to sexual purity (Eph.5:3—there is to be no hint of sexual impurity; 1 Cor.6:18—“Flee!”; 1 Thess.4:3-5—“Control your body!”) God sets a standard for Christian purity and it’s a high standard.

Second, some women have little understanding of the intensity of the male sex drive—because they don’t have it. That’s why women fail to understand how the mere visual (often in passing) can trigger a male response. A walk past Victoria Secret’s in the Mall, the lingerie ads in the newspaper circular, female joggers, billboards, receptionists with low-cut blouses, beach volleyball, figure skating, Sports Illustrated (they illustrate more than Sports), etc. can place an image in the male mind that will be there for a long time. That’s the seductive world in which we live and it’s problematic for men who seek to keep themselves pure.

Third, we keep tripping over our maleness. Men tend to be (1) natural aggressors (90% of all crimes are committed by men), (2) are easily bored and seek sexual excitement, (3) have a strong sex drive (see Every Man’s Battle, pp.63-64 for physiology 101), and (4) receive sexual gratification through the eyes. In other words, it doesn’t take much of the visual for the male chemicals to kick in. Frankly, this is how God made us and He did so for a reason. God had procreation in mind (Gen.1:28) which requires one gender to be more of the aggressor-pursuer. With much given, however, much is required. God requires the male to be highly disciplined in the control of his sexual response. And God didn’t give us something we cannot control.

Winning the Battle (Males)

So, how do we win? Like the brave soldiers who landed on the beaches of Normandy, each day we storm the beach of sexual purity (2 Sam.23:9-10). Hence, the battle strategy—

• You have to decide to win. Holiness of thought is not a nebulous thing, but involves a series of choices. It is God who will give you the power to make good ones (2 Pet.1:3).
• Bounce your eyes. It’s not the first look that gets us into trouble, but the lingered look. Like “junk food” we find ourselves feasting on “junk sex.” Force your eyes to look elsewhere. It’s called “discipline.”
• Flee! Do whatever it takes to retreat. Joseph ran. “Flee!” is a strong word of action (1 Cor.6:18).
• Turn off sources you can control. That means the TV, computer, or anything that causes you trouble. Be proactive. You know your weak spots (Satan does, too). The consequences of sin call for extreme measures.
• Fight daily. Just because you win today is no guarantee that you will win tomorrow (or even this afternoon).

Men, God made us who we are and calls upon us to become men of discipline and wisdom. “Guard your hearts…” Why? Because what the mind feeds on, the body acts on.

Words to the Wise (Females)

Stop making it too easy for us to sin! While men have a role in this deal, so do you. The Bible says, “Rejoice in the wife of your youth…let her breasts fill you at all times…” (Prov.5:18-19). Want a clear commentary? It means you stop showing your cleavage to men who aren’t your husband. This is not about dressing attractively and fashionably. This is about dressing modestly and in a way that doesn’t call undue attention to self. Here it is: if you wear sexually stimulating clothing, it will create a sexually stimulated response. Low-cut blouses, short skirts, shorts that start rising above the knee, tight jeans, etc., -are specific areas of dress (or undress) that need to be ad-dressed! Come on, ladies! We see enough of that from people in the world. Give us an oasis at the assembly, a potluck, or wherever God’s people are found, where we can catch a break.

Women, save yourself for your husband. And, while so doing, save yourself for the Lord. Men—teach your sons to be respectful of women by setting the example of discipline yourself. If you gawk at women, so will he. Women—teach your daughters to dress in a way that will earn respect and then set the standard yourself.

God has called us out of the world and instructed us to be distinct. We need some Joseph-men. We need some “befitting women making claims of godliness” in their dress. Neither gender is exempt from responsibility, but both are challenged. All of which means, the next time you’re in your prayer-closet, you may want to first look around at some changes you need to make in your wardrobe. Hey men and women: Let’s dress like Christians are supposed to dress and work hard to keep our minds pure.

Brother, why do you preach? Is it a profession for you, simply a way of making a living? Is it a career that you wish to enhance by building up a large congregation? Is it an opportunity to exercise your artistic talents by producing a masterpiece of words each week? Is it the pride of having people praise your preaching for years without tiring of it? Preaching for these reasons may build reputations or even larger congregations but it will not produce godly, well-informed, and indoctrinated Christians. Preaching that is God approved is not for the advancement of the preacher but for the salvation and edification of the hearers.

Note three examples of dangerous preaching.

Preaching What is False

The Old Testament is filled with warnings. Remember the “man of God” who died because he believed a false prophet’s lie (1 Kings 13). Jesus warned, “Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matt.7:15). Peter echoed these words, predicting, “…there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies…” (2 Pet.2:1).

The danger of false teaching is recognized by most of us. But teaching does not have to be false to be dangerous. We have seen how the media can distort the news by reporting only selected facts. Those facts may be true but if they do not give the whole picture, false impressions are left. A mother may not feed her child poison, but if she does not give it the balanced diet it needs she may contribute to its sickness or even death.

Preaching Only in Generalities

We may be pleased when someone says, “You have made me eager to obey God in everything.” Such words are encouraging, but we should not suppose that our job is done when this is said. Jeremiah’s countrymen said, “Whether it is pleasing or displeasing, we will obey the voice of the Lord our God….” (Jer.42:6). But when Jeremiah told them what God wanted them to do, they totally rejected it and called him a liar. It is our job, as it was Jeremiah’s, to show our hearers what God says they should do and not do. We need to be teaching what is wrong with profanity, dancing, drinking, immodesty, and other worldliness; as well as with the social gospel, instrumental music, Calvinism, denominationalism, institutionalism and other doctrinal errors.

Preachers, how long has it been since you have preached on these important subjects? Elders, how long has it been since the flock for which you are responsible have been taught on such subjects as these? We may think that the congregation knows about these things, but how do they know? Even if the older members know, what about young people who did not hear the old sermons of thirty years ago? It is a failure to continue preaching on such things that leaves a church open to worldliness and unscriptural innovations.

My brother, Bill, has observed that churches vary in their feeling about sound doctrinal preaching. The first church does not want sound teaching and will avoid preachers they fear might produce it. The second church will accept sound teaching and appreciate it, but they do not demand it. The third church not only accepts sound teaching but will accept nothing short of it. However, those churches that will accept it but do not get it for a period of ten years will cease to want it.

Preaching that is Limited to Attacks on Worldliness and Error

It can kill a church. Recently, someone reported to me their periodic visits to a very small congregation of older Christians, and observed that every time they visited the preacher was warning about some kind of apostasy that really does not threaten those faithful veterans. All Christians, young and old, need encouragement. The gospel is good news; the promises it makes and the hope it gives should be often stressed.

The same passage (2 Tim.4:2) that calls upon evangelists to convince and rebuke also instructs them to exhort. Exhortation involves appeal, entreaty, encouragement, consolation and comfort (Vines). “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all” (1 Thess.5:14).

On the Other Hand…

Great preaching has always come from the heart of one who was passionate about the needs of his hearers and confident that God’s word is the solution to their needs. One of the temptations involved in preaching to the same congregation each Sunday is the feeling that one must come up with something that is either new, or a novel presentation of what is old. The needs of the hearers may be forgotten. One may use scripture—even limit himself to expository preaching—yet not deal with the current needs of his audience.

Jeremiah rebuked the sins of his generation and warned them of future consequences until he was tempted to keep silent. “But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones. And I was weary of holding it back, and I could not” (Jer.20:9). “Someone has said that there are three kinds of preachers. The first has to say something—he is a paid talker who has to fill a certain amount of time each week. The second has something to say, and that is a whole lot better. But best of all is the third—the man who has something to say and has to say it. That is the kind of preacher Jeremiah was” (L.A. Mott in Thinking Through Jeremiah).

Each of us who preach should ask, “What is the burning fire in my bones that I cannot hold back?” If we do not have such a burning fire, or if it is something other than “what is good for edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Eph.4:29), then we had best quit preaching.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

I have played nine seasons in the National Football League. In the world of football we train constantly. The NFL season starts in late July (they like to wait till it gets as hot as possible) with a Training Camp that consists of around fifty practices before we ever play a real game—this lasts for five to six weeks. Then you enter a professional season that lasts seventeen weeks. It is grueling.

Wednesday and Thursday are our most physical practices, and you slowly taper down the workload until the game on Sunday. Monday you come in to watch film and workout, and on Tuesday you get a day off. Rinse and repeat that process for seventeen weeks. Next comes the time that EVERY player plays for—the off-season—when you finally have some free time. We are off until mid-March, and then it is back to lifting, running, and more practices (without pads). This takes you back to late July and the whole process begins again.

As a professional athlete you are constantly training your body to deal with the rigors of getting beat on for four months and seventeen games. The games are the reason why you run, lift, and practice. And every athlete competes in order to win. The entire year revolves around the one day each week when you actually line up against an opponent, do your job, and the results count.

I give this background to get us (including myself!) to think about what kind of time we (including myself!) dedicate to studying the word of the God. Just like an athlete must train their body, as children of God we must train our minds. We should dedicate our time to study and application of His word.

Everyday as Christians is like game day. While athletes are given a schedule weeks in advance of games coming up, Christians never know when our tests of training may come. The tests could come in a lunch line, a car ride, at home, or in a locker room. This is when our time spent in God’s word must be applied. When Jesus was tested by the devil he went back to God’s word again and again saying, “It is written.” Each time He did he defeated the wiles of the devil. Peter admonishes us to, “Be sober minded; be watchful.” When an athlete is unaware the result is always bad—a sack, fumble, error, or turnover. Being watchful is not a reactionary state, but a proactive state. You must be aware. Aware of your surroundings, companions, and situations you put yourself in (1 Cor.15:33).

Our spiritual training is much more important than anything else we do in this life. That is why we must approach our study and application of God’s word just like an athlete approaches his training.

Editor’s Note: Seth McKinney is a faithful Christian and worships with his wife and children with the Twin Cities congregation in College Station. After graduating high school in Houston where Seth played alongside Drew Brees—a team that won the 5-A Texas title, he became an

All-American four-year starter for Texas A&M. Drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2002, Seth has enjoyed a successful career with the Dolphins, Browns and Bills. He suffered a season-ending ACL tear in a start last year against Jacksonville and hopes to rehab in the off-season and return to play professionally for another year or two.

In an era when there is so much negative news about athletes, Seth is refreshing. He is committed to Christ, a quiet and loving husband and father, and a great example for young people. This is a great short article that needs to get into the hands of young people. Use it.

Two of the gospel writers include the account of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness: Matthew (4:1-11) and Luke (4:1-13). Matthew’s primary mission seemed to have been to convince the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah, the fulfillment of the promise of God for a Deliverer. Luke, on the other hand, uses the phrase “Son of Man” more than any other. In so doing, he connects Jesus with all of humanity as the Savior miraculously born of a woman.

These two purposes come together in their narratives of the temptations of Christ. Jesus endured suffering and trials just like the rest of His people. But He did so without sin. That means He can show us the way through temptation and deliver us from its power when we do sin. For “He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted” (Heb.2:17-18).

Temptation is something that is certain. That means we had best prepare for it. How can this historical record of the Son of God be a source of help for all sons of men?

Be Sure That the Devil Will Find You

Though he is certainly not omniscient, he knew where Jesus was. In the beginning, the enemy had no trouble tracking down the first man and woman in the Garden. If this same serpent of old was not afraid to slither up to Jesus, what makes you think he is scared of you? Peter describes him as one who “prowls around…seeking someone to devour” (1 Pet.5:8).

In so doing, he seeks an opportunity. Jesus was hungry from His forty-day fast. The devil didn’t tempt Him first with illicit pleasure or covetousness. “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread” (Luke 4:3). He wants you to satisfy whatever need or craving you have at the time. But when we look to Jesus, He reminds us that “man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matt.4:4).

You Can Withstand With What Is Written

If Jesus used His deity or supernatural powers to thwart the attempts of the evil one, that wouldn’t aid us very much in temptation. Remember, He is a high priest who can “sympathize with our weaknesses,” who was “tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin” (Heb.4:15). The Son of Man relied on what is available to all when He said, “It is written” (Matt. 4:4, 7, 10). He is, after all, the Word.

Whatever your plans or resolutions are for the New Year, I hope they include some form of regular, even daily, Bible reading. With all of the tools that are available in this age, we certainly are without excuse. The Scriptures are what furnish us with “everything pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Pet.1:3). When we look to Jesus, we see that He readily called them to mind and made them applicable to His situation. A sword that stays in its sheath is sure to bring about defeat.

Never Neglect to Keep Your Guard Up

After the final temptation, Jesus commanded the devil, “Begone, Satan” (Matt.4:10). He had answered him on every front and called on him to flee. According to Luke, the devil did leave, but only “until an opportune time” (4:13).

What a powerful assurance to know that if we resist the devil, he will flee from us (James 4:7). But even when he runs away, it is only so he can regroup for a second attack. He was not finished with Jesus; he just waited for his next opportunity. And such a time may come for you when you’re not looking for him. When we look to Jesus, we see that He was ever careful to keep the devil behind Him (Matt.16:23).

We fight a formidable foe. He is sure to make his presence known in our lives again. But take comfort; “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). The next time you are tempted to yield to temptation, “look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through.”

Welcome to the New Age of eastern-style mystical religion gone mainstream!

The hallmark of the 21st century “happening” church is comprised of various shades of Christian yoga and transcendental-style meditation. Gymnastics for Jesus and money under the pew is out, flickering candles and mantra prayers are in. Disguised under the lingo: contemplative prayer—which sounds innocent enough, but actually is a revision of ancient Buddhist monks who taught that prayer should involve concentrated breathing, visualization, and repetition of words. Transcendental Meditation has snuck in the back door.

And some of the biggest names in the evangelical world are signing on including Max Lucado, Beth Moore, and best-selling author and Focus on the Family guest, Dr. Henry Cloud. In the recently released Fox film, Be Still, all three lend approval to contemplative prayer.

Contemplative prayer (CP) is the act of going into the “Silence” (the term is often capitalized). It requires shutting down your mind by the use of words or phrases that are repeated over and over. It is into this silence that God supposedly speaks in a new and more profound way. Unlike biblical meditation (Ps.119:15) where we are taught to give our mind to Scripture, CP focuses on having a mystical experience with God separate from Scripture. Mysticism, however, has always been subjective and encourages followers to rely more on experience than biblical revelation in order to know God in a new way.

As more and more mainstream evangelical leaders jump on the CP bandwagon, look for more churches that claim Christ to do the same. On the march brethren are, after all, always a yoga step behind while seeking to imitate the more prominent mega-churches. I foresee yoga classes, youth groups prayer-chants, and more Be Still misinterpretations of Ps.46:10.

Ps.46:10—Be still and know that I am God—is a great verse. A study of the verse, however, shows it to be a rebuke from God to those who refuse to recognize His power while continuing to strive against His will. In fact some translations render it, “Cease striving” (NASB, ESV). In other words, don’t run ahead of God. Wait for Him and surrender to His will.

Is meditation (thinking about Scripture and spiritual things) important? Absolutely. Is finding one’s “prayer-closet” essential to a healthy Christian walk? Yes. Do we need to carve out more time for reading, reflection, and prayer? You know it. But is this something mystical and a way to a higher spiritual ream than man has known before? No.

The way to know God is simple—read His word, embrace it, pray without ceasing (you can do that in the quiet of your closet and in the craziness of your car), and be involved with a local community of others (God’s local church) who, likewise, have respect for His Son and the written message delivered and preserved by His Spirit.

It is obvious that the Scriptures are no longer viewed as sufficient when some go running after ancient practices of Buddhist monks in order to find a more exciting experience. Goodbye truth; hello feelings. Today, more than ever, we need to be on guard (2 Pet.3:16-17).

Josephine was the child’s given name at birth, but her little brother Ben could not pronounce the name correctly, so “Ociee” stuck. This precocious, nine-year-old tomboy from Mississippi made quite a positive impact on others, especially on her long train-journey to Asheville, NC. Ociee’s mother had recently passed away and her widowed father thought it would be best for her to spend some time with her Aunt Mamie to gain a little lady-like refinement.

Progress was gradual at best and several of the women-folk of Asheville gossiped about the not-so-proper niece within earshot of Mamie & Ociee. Later that evening, Ociee was concerned about the overheard conversation. Mamie comforted her, “Pay no mind to a single thing those ladies said today…sometimes, people will judge a person just because they’re different; without taking the time to find out who that person truly is. They don’t know what they’ve been through or what a joy they truly are. More importantly, they don’t know how lucky they’d be to know them if they had just given that person a chance.”

My Observation

Of all the things I have observed among the Lord’s people in a quarter of a century of preaching, I am profoundly and greatly distressed by the amount of judging that goes on. Don’t misunderstand because all judging is not wrong (I think you know that I know that). Righteous judgment is commended in John 7:24. But don’t miss the point Jesus makes in Matthew 7:1-5 and on more than one occasion in the gospel narratives. Judging should be done carefully.

Do we become content with Christianity because we worship regularly with the people of God? Do we feel good about ourselves because we refrain from error in regard to worship and because we do not misuse the contributed funds on the first day of the week? Do we become complacent about spiritual growth because we “know our Bibles” as a result of sitting in thousands of Bible classes?

The Observation of Paul and James

While all of these should not be left undone, I wonder if we settle for less than our calling to be “conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom.8:29), particularly in the matter of how we regard others. Equally important to the aforementioned matters are such admonitions as “but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself…” (Phil.2:3), and this sparingly-quoted, oft-overlooked warning: “Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother, or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge of it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor” (James 4:11-12).

Notice James does not feel the need to qualify (as I did), that righteous judging is not prohibited (again, we should know that). Let what he said sink in! If I am guilty of this behavior without penitence, will it really matter in the end that I attended all the assemblies? The instruction here is similar to 1 John 4:20-21 about loving your brother. We can claim we love God and that it is evidenced in our “faithfulness,” but what is faithful about harboring hatred in our hearts for others?

So again, all judging should be carefully done. Ociee had a fine heart but the snobbish and unkind women only looked down upon her. Much like the Pharisees who could not begin to imagine that tax-gatherers and sinners would get into the kingdom before them or even why Jesus would waste His time on such filth. How could that be? Because they “viewed others with contempt” (Luke 18:9). They prayed and assembled many times, but their religious service did not rise any higher than the ceiling. They had self-exalting, self-elevating, and self-loving hearts.

We’re All Sinner-Sorts!

“Better than” thinking is dangerous! As Simon the Pharisee learned, we must not deal in sorts of people, “If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner” (Luke 7:39). We are all sinner-sorts! Christians are simply those who have been forgiven and who should give great effort to help others find the same, and do so even if they are different. The gospel erases differences and brings all of us into one body (Gal.3:27-28). And anyone willing to be cleansed of their past by the blood of Jesus and work to perfect holiness in the fear of God, deserves my help, admiration, support and service (2 Cor.7:1).

Restoration of the sinner doesn’t mean second-class citizenship in the kingdom—even if he/she should have “known better.” While few sins become public knowledge, how many of us are exempt from living error-free since our conversion? All sins are shameful and all of us ride in the same boat—together. None of us are “better than,” we’re just forgiven.

I appeal to every Christian—be less judging of your brethren! Instead, be more merciful, tender, more helping, caring, and more prayerful than ever. With whatever standard you use to judge others, the Lord will judge you with the same (Matt.7:2; Luke 6:36-38).

By teaching that baptism is essential for salvation we are often ridiculed and accused of discounting grace or of trying to earn our salvation. Many will argue that one only needs to believe to be saved.

What Does the Bible Say?

What do the Scriptures reveal about baptism and the role it plays in our salvation? I believe they show that baptism is not only essential in our transition from sinner to disciple, but that it is the very point at which God’s grace is applied and we are saved by faith.

It is important to point out that baptism alone cannot save us. In Mark 16:16, Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Baptism only saves when it is coupled with faith. The question is what must one believe? It’s not enough to just believe in God. James says even the demons believe this (2:19)—even acknowledging that Jesus is the Son of God (Mark 1:24). To be saved one must believe the gospel taught by Jesus. We must believe that His death, burial, and resurrection paved the way for our salvation. In addition, we must believe that His teachings are the words of eternal life (John 6:68), and those words demand our obedience, including the action of baptism.

Baptism Brings About the Forgiveness of Sins

There is no shortage of passages in the New Testament discussing baptism and helping us to see what it accomplishes. First we learn that baptism washes away sins. After Saul of Tarsus met Jesus on the road to Damascus and had prayed and fasted for three days, Ananias came to him and said, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord”(Acts 22:16). In spite of all that he had experienced, Ananias speaks of Saul’s urgent need to be baptized. None of the things Saul had endured were able to take away his sins. Only baptism was capable of doing so. The same was true for those who heard Peter preach on Pentecost. He commanded them to repent and be baptized “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38).

Baptism Brings Life

We also see that baptism makes one alive after being dead. Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3 that he needed to be born again to see the kingdom, explaining in verse five that this was a spiritual rebirth. Paul further explains this passage from death to life in Colossians 2:11-13. He says that we are buried with Christ in baptism, raised with Him through faith, and made alive together with Him. Paul uses very similar language in Romans 6:3-8.

• We cannot be born again unless we die.
• We cannot be raised unless we are buried.

Baptism, thus, marks the point where the old man of sin is buried, and we rise up as the new man of faith. There is no way a person can call themselves “born again” unless they have been baptized for the remission of their sins.

Baptism Makes One a Disciple of Christ

We further note that baptism makes one a disciple of Christ. Jesus commanded the apostles saying, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt.28:19-20). The very construction of this passage shows that one does not become a disciple until after he/she is baptized. It is cause and effect. Baptism is the cause and becoming a disciple is the effect. In Galatians 3:26-27 Paul says that we are “baptized into Christ” and that in baptism we “put on Christ.” There is no other way found in the Scriptures to get into Christ.

Baptism Brings Salvation

“There is also an antitype which now saves us–baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet.3:21). In the previous verse, Peter speaks of the eight souls on Noah’s ark that were saved through water. He then connects their salvation through water to our salvation through water (baptism). Clearly, Peter connects salvation to baptism and shows its necessity. The words of Paul agree. Paul says, “according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:4-7). The “washing” is baptism, and the “renewing” is the new life we have in Jesus through His word.

To say that we are saved any time prior to, or outside of, baptism, is to ignore the simplicity of the Scriptures.

Diminished Faith and/or Grace?

Some might scoff that such emphasis on baptism diminishes the role of grace and faith, yet nothing could be further from the truth. Baptism is the point at which both grace and faith come together to achieve our salvation (Eph.2:8). God demonstrated His grace by the sending of His Son, and without that gift we cannot be saved (Luke 24:46; Titus 2:11). Salvation through faith requires the demonstration of our faith (Matt.7:21; Rom.1:5; James 2:18), and that begins with baptism. Paul makes this connection in Romans 6:3-4 when he said we are buried with Christ (grace) and raised to walk in newness of life (faith). The power of the gospel to save comes from God’s gift at the cross, but that power only affects change in those who respond to God’s grace with obedient faith. Emphasizing baptism does not weaken salvation by grace through faith. It highlights and magnifies the wonderful saving power of our Heavenly Father.

Often, people will try to ask unanswerable questions to dismiss clear teachings of the Bible. For example, “What about the man who wants to be baptized but is killed on the way?” I will not pretend to know what God will do in these cases. I trust Him to be just and merciful. I do, however, know what He has commanded for those who wish to be saved, and clearly, God

commands baptism for the remission of sins. Like I heard another preacher once say, “I’d rather be the man who wanted to be baptized but died before he was able, than the person who could be baptized, but refused!”

“He that believes and is baptized shall be saved.” That’s plain.