I thought I would share another letter I have recently sent to a Christian couple we love and seek to serve. It highlights a problem which is becoming more and more evident.

Interestingly, during the great historic periods of revival, the same issue, which I’m attempting to address in the letter, became very evident amongst those who claimed orthodoxy. Thankfully God takes no notice of those who seem very adept at casting stones at those who have been moved by Him to shake up the status quo. As a result, we can now read of the amazing works of God during those days.

We ought always to keep Gamaliel’s advice in mind, “Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

Dear Brother and Sister ABCD,

There was a criminal man named Jack, who bore the same name as yourself, ABDC, who spent most of his life in a constant battle with the law. It also happened that I attended school with fellow named Bruce, who also shared your name, ABCD, but who was a spiteful little twerp and seemed to enjoy causing trouble, even if it meant creating a falsehood to achieve his ends.

For me, as a Christian, to judge all, who share the name ABCD, by these two, would be completely unjust and out of character for anyone who was a true disciple of Christ.

Think how offensive it would be to my friend, and brother in Christ, Charley ABCD, if, not knowing him I had formed the opinion from the evidence of the two ABCDs mentioned above that , “All ABCDs are simply no good. They are crooks and trouble-makers.”

That’s exactly how offensive it is to our Lord when we judge any group of people, of whom we have no intimate knowledge, and paint them ALL, some who are our genuine brethren, as well as His brethren, with the same broad brush. Mostly this is done on the basis of what someone else said about them.

If my wife and I had taken notice of what was said about Charley and his wife, who happen to have the name ABCD, they would not be invited into our home, and we would not want to be seen in their company. Also, if we had not accepted them, taking no notice of the prejudice of what others were saying, we would be deprived of their friendship and fellowship.

No matter where information comes from, it is simply NOT a true statement to say that ABCDs are no good. The same applies with the different groups who claim to be Christian, for instance, a relatively new expression of Christianity. “The Newies”, who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ, and believe the orthodox evangelical understanding of salvation. It is simply NOT correct to say that, "all Newies are not what they claim" (that’s also certainly true of many orthodox evangelicals and denominationalists, etc.), nor is it correct to say that “Newies” are leading people into an heretical religion (that’s also certainly true of many orthodox evangelicals and denominationalists, etc.), or to make similar blanket, criticism or derogatory statements.

Do you personally KNOW any so-called “Newies”? I do! I think they are mistaken in some things, but the ones I know, ARE my brethren in Christ, trusting in the same finished work of the same Jesus Christ, as you and I are, AND disagreeing vehemently with the works oriented doctrines of the heretical religion. Have you read their writings, widely enough to personally know, what they are teaching, and that the label you have given them fits of them ALL? I have, and I know that, in general, it doesn’t.

If I was really looking for things to criticize, I could find one or two things which I would question, or say differently, but there is no heresy there, and they certainly disagree with the heretical religion you have concerns about.

It’s very enlightening to discover that some of the “Newies” are, doctrinally, very orthodox evangelical Christians; some even holding to one or another of the famous orthodox evangelical statements of faith. A few have leadership which has relinquished the dubious trappings of ordination to simply be part of the Body of Christ, and who preach a Christ honoring, God glorifying Gospel message and show no fear in speaking up against the perversions of the faith.

If I wanted to give myself a label other than a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ (and I don’t), I wouldn’t be ashamed to wear the tag, “Newie”, as an honorable one, and I would preach and teach the very same Christ centered message as I always have.

I will not allow another person, no matter how judgmental, or clerical, or religiously acceptable, to cloud my discernment according to the Scriptures, or my spiritual integrity, no matter how well thought of they are
( Brother and Sister ABCD! Some of your critics were well placed in “spiritual” circles).

As with any teaching from Scripture I hear or read, so too with my assessment of people, I intend to be a Berean, and search out the truth for myself.

During the 2nd World War there was a slogan which simply said, “Loose Lips, Sinks Ships”. It was a warning that unwise conversation and ignorant gossip could give the enemy an edge against the allies, and cause the death of many.

Amongst Christians, Loose Lips Ruin Lives, and often wound those for whom Christ died, causing them to fear any more contact with Christians! My wife and I have felt the uninformed dagger of gossip and know the consequences.

The enemy rejoices as he sees the wounds and separation caused by such uncaring, unloving, un-Christ-like behavior.

I'm sure you would agree with James when he said,"If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless", "The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."

We wouldn't trust the words of a blasphemer, or those who consistently spout obscenities. How then can we act the part of one who would attack the good name and reputation of another, often with the malicious intent of turning others from them. Slander has a way of rebounding on the slanderer, no matter how we try to religiously legitimize it.

Your Brother in Christ,
Aussiejohn.

When will we learn!

The following words were written to a dear brother regarding a magazine from a "ministry" which sees its role as a spiritual policeman. The Gospel message and the centrality of Christ is missing:

I am disappointed by consistent fear mongering and generalizations, but more
so comments which equate the visible churches, which are spoken about, with
the ekklesia (the Church of Jesus Christ). To say that "the church" is
becoming apostate is to fail to discern the difference between those who are
effectually called to be God's children, the ekklesia, the assembly of God's
people, and the man made institution which we have habitually called "the
church". This is an indication of what I've often spoken, and written
about and the mistake many make when they accept the whole of a theological
position without question (Acts 17:11).

I have not changed my stance at all. I believe the Doctrines of Grace, the soteriology
declared by the Reformers, but I do not accept their ecclesiology (doctrine
of the church), which remains, essentially, Roman Catholic.

We have to seriously ask ourselves whether our Lord Jesus was given to
telling lies! I think not!!

Jesus said to Peter,".... I will build My church; and the gates of Hades
will not overpower it. " We have two choices, we either believe Him or we
believe something else. It is not only my choice, but my conviction that
His words are true.

The congregation, or assembly, of believers in the finished work of Jesus
Christ is alive and well, it is small, as Jesus Himself indicated in Matthew
7:14, and Luke 6:46.

If the idea that the visible church is the entity which Jesus said He would
build was even partially true, then the the Lord Jesus, the One in whom I
have trusted my eternal destiny, is a failure. Can that be true?

Absolutely NOT!!

The institution we call "church" IS falling apart, like all man-made
institutions will, because they are imperfect .

Jesus is not only the builder of His congregation; He is the foundational Chief Corner stone (Eph.2:20; 1 Peter 2:6-7). The entity He is building is "A CHOSEN RACE, A royal
PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you
may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into
His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE
PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY."
(1 Pet.2: 9-10)

Jesus is building a "spiritual house" (1 Pet.2:5). He IS NOT building with
flesh and blood!

The mess of the institution we have traditionally called "church" will
continue to be a mess whilst is is controlled by imperfect people. It was
the same in Biblical times, the New Testament is clear proof of that. Most of which
was written to deal with similar mess. It will remain that way until the Lord's
return.

Let's get on with the task to which all genuine Christians have been called,
to "make disciples (not converts) baptizing them in the name of the Father
and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I
commanded you" (Matt. 28:19). After all, those "whom He predestined, He
also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He
justified, He also glorified" (Rom.8:30). They are the "living stones" (I
Pet.2:5) which are the substance of His congregation.

Let those who want to play "church" promote their power struggles, tell
their lies, massage their monstrous egos, and build their edifices, whether
organizations or self proclaimed ministries.

Our task is to share the Gospel with all who will listen, "for WHOEVER WILL
CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED. How then will they call on Him
in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have
not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach
unless they are sent? Just as it is written, HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF
THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!

I know this is almost a sermon, but the tendency to see what we perceive as
the sins of others without gracious, and gentle attempts to deal with them
according to Galatians 6:1ff , is very wrong. We forget, at our peril the
warning Paul gave to the Galatians in 6:3-4, "For if anyone thinks he is
something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But each one must examine
his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself
alone, and not in regard to another." Of course Paul realizes that no
spiritual person cannot elevate themselves by their assessment of others.

We are never exhorted to use a sledge hammer approach. Paul warns against in Gal. 6:12-13 .

I prefer to take for myself Paul's testimony in v.14, " But may it never be
that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through
which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." .

THE CONGREGATION OF GOD…..

Is human beings, people who have been called by the Holy Spirit into a family relationship with God the Father; a relationship created by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and embraced through the unearned gift of saving faith in His finished work.

Is recognized only by that initial relationship with God the Father and the common relationship which result with others who are called, all having only one recognized Head, the Lord, Jesus Christ. .

Can never be initially recognized by common institutional, organizational membership.

Is led by those who have, over a period of years, gradually been recognized by the others in whom they are in relationship, by virtue of their exhibiting the Scriptural gifts and qualifications of leadership.

Is where each individual, whether male or female, is understood to have personal and spiritual worth as a brother or sister in family under the headship of the one Father, and able to contribute according to the gifts and qualifications, which each one called inevitably has, of membership in that family;

Is where each member of the family is understood to be traveling a road of many twists and turns, which is common to all, with difficult obstacles, some of which, depending on the individual needs, all will need help to traverse, no matter how long since the journey began.

Is, because they are family, able to worship God by the way they live, work, play, study their common faith, share, sing and pray in Christ centered, Spirit endowed unity, regardless of differences.

Is a family who is more concerned about making disciples of others who are encouraged to form new families, rather than the original family getting larger and enriching themselves with real estate, buildings and comforts.

Is a spiritual family where it is normal for conversations to center on family matters which are for the mutual building up of each other towards spiritual maturity.

Is a family which continually devotes themselves to the teaching of the apostles, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to times of prayer, expecting God to work amongst them and those for whom they pray.

Is a family which shows the wider community that they are disciples, by their love for one another, and proves for all to witness, the Scriptural truth that because God loves them, they cannot help but love, reaching out in humility, mercy and grace, and without favor, to the non-family people around them, reflecting the Christ to whom they belong.

My Family, God's People

I make no apologies for linking to Alan Knox again! I believe that God has given this young man a desire to understand God's people from a Biblical perspective, rather than a man oriented traditional one, which has been given a Biblical label. It seems that he not only writes and speaks about it, but is committed to live what he discovers in the Scriptures. For one in leadership, that IS different!

There a many good messages to download, and from which we may learn. Many are loaded with proof texts to prove a preconceived premise. Not many are truly Biblical; expressing the truths expressed in Scripture in a manner which demonstrates the speakers love for the truth and how it affects God's people.

I am greatly encouraged, by a talk Alan was asked to give at the seminary where he works and studies. I am encouraged that, in the time I have left in this world, we will see a true Biblical expression of the family of God.

Do yourself and your brethren a great service, listen to it and share it.

In the same context Alan has written a short blog entry, which you ought to read.

The following words, which I was constrained to place here, are my response to that blog:

Hear! Hear! How very true!

As I've written elsewhere, I became convinced from Scripture, of the ecclesiastical issues you write about, some thirty years ago. There were books being written by people who were beginning to be given a glimpse of that of which we now speak, which encouraged me to follow my convictions.

But, I,like the majority of us,allowed my convictions to be prejudiced, even though claiming to be followers of Christ alone, constrained by the Scriptures alone,we were really followers of Wesley, Calvin, etc., etc; and that mainly through the pressures of institutional mores established by conventions,synods,confessions,seminaries and colleges, etc.

According to John's Epistles, the congregation of God is comprised of people who have a vertical relationship with God, through the new birth, from which is established a horizontal relationship with all other members of His family.

My concern is that my brethren don't allow themselves to be prejudiced, as I was, by persuasive arguments made by those, who because of fame, command of rhetoric, charisma, or the security of being in league with well known leaders, or the financial security of their paid leadership positions.

There are far too many of us who have idols we want to emulate; men whom God used in their own historical time slots, and current leaders who have fine oratorical skills, great "presence", large congregations, which, by the way, have nothing to do with being a disciple maker.

Most leaders I have been closely acquainted with would fit the "prejudiced" description, and teach the congregations they are entrusted with, to be the same acquiescent clones.

Wheat or Tares?

I am concerned that when I write with my heart touched by the sinful ways in which supposed Christians deal with their fellow believers, as I do now, that I do not create the impression that I believe I am above such things. I know that I am a sinner, who in times of carelessness, will sin, and can only cry with Paul, "Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" I am very conscious that when I point my finger at someone, I have three times as many fingers pointing at myself!

As we approach this weekend in which we are reminded of both the cost and the joy of the freedom Paul mentions, I am finding myself thinking about the picture of Christ and His people being painted by those who claim the name "Christian", especially those in leadership (??).

I read about the battles going on in conservative churches in the USA, and in Australia, as well as other parts of the world, and I'm forced to ask myself whether I would want to bring a new child of God into such situations, especially when the battles being fought are not about doctrinal purity, or Biblical practice, but rather about power and control. Often one is forced to wonder how many who claim to be "Christians" in leadership are really Diotrephes reincarnate.

However little we know about Diotrephes, we at least know that "he loves to be first among them" (3 John 1:9). As Mr. Strong puts it, "he was ambitious for distinction". Quite the contrary of the One who such people would claim to be Master and Lord.

I cannot help but wonder about, what appears to be many, who have often been "converted" under a system of Easy Believism, and in the light of their behaviour, drawn to ask questions and consider what Thomas Shepard wrote in the Introduction to his book, "The Sincere Convert".

"The knowledge of divinity is necessary for all sorts of men- both to settle and establish the good, and to convert and fetch in the bad. God’s principles pull down Satan’s false principles set up in man’s head, loved and believed with men’s hearts, and defended by their tongues. Whilst strongholds remain unshaken, the Lord Jesus is kept off from conquering the soul.
Now, spiritual truths are either such as tend to enlarge the understanding, or such as may work chiefly upon the affections. I pass by (in this knowing age) the first of these, and, being among a people whose hearts are hard enough, I begin with the latter sort; for the understanding, although it may literally, yet it never savingly, entertains any truth, until the affections be herewith smitten and wrought upon.

I shall, therefore, here prosecute the unfolding of these divine principles:-

First, that there is one most glorious God.

Secondly, that this God made all mankind at first in Adam in a most glorious estate.

Fourthly, that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only means of redemption of this estate.

Fifthly, that those that are saved out of this woeful estate by Christ are very few, and that these few are saved with much difficulty.

Sixthly, that the greatest cause why so many die and perish in this estate is from themselves: either,-

1. By reason of their bloody ignorance, they know not their misery; or,-

2. By reason of their carnal security, they feel not, they groan not under their sin and misery.

3. By reason of their carnal confidence, they seek to help themselves out of their misery by their own duties, when they see or feel it; or,-

4. By reason of their false faith, whereby they catch hold upon, and trust unto, the merits of Christ too soon, when they see and feel they cannot help themselves. "

Shepard's subtitle was "Discovering the Small Number of True Believers".

Parasites or Mimics?

One of the reasons I read Alan Knox's blog site

In a response to his very pertinent contribution prompted by noticing mistletoe growing on oak trees, I was reminded of Jesus comments regarding the tares in the parable of the Wheat and the Tares.

One of the important lessons of this parable is often missed: The tares are confidently identified as being a common weed grass (darnel, of the genus Lolium), which, to a casual observer looks like wheat.

It is not until the weed actually bears fruit that the wheat and the weed are easily distinguished. The weed seed is very different from the wheat and is actually very poisonous. The amazing thing about this is that the tare's poisonous capacity is caused by a parasitic fungus on the seed.

I just know you are going to tell me that the tares isn't a parasite living off the actual wheat plant, as does the mistletoe which draws its nutrients out of the tree. You are right! Even though not doing it in exactly the same way, the tares competes with the wheat for everything the wheat needs for life and reproduction, as does the mistletoe.

That is exactly why Alan's comments are pertinent to many of the problems found in todays "church". During my many years in "church" life numbers has been the major thrust of "church" leaders, numbers of "converts", numbers of "baptisms", numbers of dollars (especially dollars in some groups), numbers attending meetings, all of which were the commonly predominant matters of discussion at gatherings of leaders etc.

When "numbers" is the focus, especially in "churches" which are literally ruled by numbers conscious leaders, what should we expect?

It is my contention that it is this "numbers" emphasis, has weakened the institutional "church" and not only encouraged the proliferation of "tares", "church members" who look exactly like genuine Christians, who have responded to a numbers oriented gospel, which allows them to attach themselves to a "church", which gives them a ticket to "heaven" and all the perks of being a "Christian". Having said "The Sinner's Prayer" does not qualify people for baptism and membership in the congregation of God's redeemed people!

What is the answer? The tares cannot be removed from the "church" because we cannot positively know which they are, although maybe, having some idea. Only a genuine sovereign move of God in Holy Spirit revival will fill the bill, awakening the genuine Christians, and hopefully converting the predominant "pseudo-Christians".

Otherwise, a new start, a new reformation, if you like, with new expressions of Christ's Body assembled, who look to the Scriptures taught by the Holy Spirit, who have ONE SHEPHERD, the Lord Jesus Christ, amongst whom leaders are raised up, who are recognized by their ministry and life amongst the Body, not the recommendations of academic qualification (not that these cannot be used to God's glory), nor external leaders who may, or may not, be amongst the tares.

All of this raises a lot of questions. Let's look to the one source we have for the answers, the Scriptures!

A Bit of Everything

I guess that a belated "Happy New Year" greeting is better than none, so, "Happy New Year"!

Contributing anything of value has escaped me since my last entry, as I haven't felt well enough to concentrate on writing, but I have been grateful to be able to read some great blogs, and occasionally drop, what I hope is a reasonable comment.

My precious best friend, my wife Valerie, is, uncomplaining as always, right there beside me. God certainly knew the partner I needed when He drew us together in quite amazing circumstances (I might tell you about that one day).

Not quite three score years and ten, I'm still amazed, and saddened, at the perceptions which many have as to what constitutes being a Christian.

We have been blessed to have our youngest daughter, our youngest son and his wife, and our oldest daughter, her husband and two lovely sons visiting with us. I love them dearly, but find it so distressing when our son-in-law, who is a deacon in a Baptist church, cannot discuss what, or why he believes what he does. When I get to be with my other son-in-law we have great conversations about our common faith, even though we disagree on some things. The same with my sons. Unity in the Spirit is very tangible!

It seems that across this planet of ours, which seems to be getting smaller and smaller, Biblical understanding is becoming less and less of a matter of importance, and growing like the proverbial bean-stalk is what I call a smorgasbord attitude that says, "I will choose what I think needs to be believed for me to be a Christian". As I've discovered, this usually means that philosophies are often accumulated from religions such as Humanism, Hinduism and Buddhism and syncretized with Christian teaching.

The theology of many is being rationalized to the extent that a supposed "gospel of grace" rejects the idea of God's wrath because rationalism cannot understand God being loving and wrathful at the same time. Wrath, in relationship to God is simply defined as "anger", rather than being the unchangeable, permanent attitude of God towards sin.

God's grace is not an emotional response from a benign smiling deity. God's grace is a necessary consequence of His wrath, if any are to be saved, and is as permanent a part of His character as is His wrath.

I am so thankful that it was because God is wrathful AND graciously loving that He, because of His grace, became incarnate, to live the perfect life, which I cannot live, to satisfy His own laws, which I cannot do, and to die as the ultimate blood sacrifice, as a propitiation (appeasement, satisfaction of what His wrath requires) for me and all who He calls to Himself. Grace that moves in the face of wrath is real grace.

That's what Christmas is about, and Easter and every other day of the year, God's gracious act towards sinners, like me, who were under His lawful, just wrath. That's why Christmas is every day for me!

If you haven't read it, read this.

May this new year mean that the wrath of God becomes so real to you all, that you will be caused to see how amazing His grace really is!