This month we explore the most powerful force in the universe, the pure essence of love.
After all, it was the Almighty’s desire for a love relationship with you and I that led to creation. Likewise, God so loved the world that He became flesh to redeem us from our fallen nature. And as we approach the consummation of history, true love will again rule and reign upon the earth at the King’s return. From eternity past to future, we invite you to know greater love like never before.
For example, while the romantic notions celebrated on Valentine's Day clamor for our attention, there are other attachments of the heart, which are an order of magnitude more powerful. Aside from just physical attraction, sentimentality or a kindred spirit, there's a graceful form of love the ancients labeled "agape"…a love (from God) that gives without measure, unconditionally.
Next, because love is the only gift designed to be returned, we help the Church reciprocate by preparing for the Spirit’s harvest of souls, in what many expect to be a prophetically significant year. As such, A.D. 2018 provides recommended reading to help equip you for outreach, including:
- Behold the Man – an essay that fosters discovery of Jesus, the eternal God-Man…
- Becoming a Contagious Christian – a relational approach to sharing your faith…
- Answering Objections – providing seekers with reasons for the beliefs we share…
- The Solution – a simple outreach Valentine that can transform a loved-one’s heart…
Last, we end with the Book of Revelation, where Christ is pictured as moving among seven lamp-stands, or seven churches. This month, Dr. John MacArthur provides insight on the Church in a prophetic perspective – as their meaning in time, history, and prophecy is unfolded for us. And given our commission, the implications for Christians today have never been more compelling.
Share the Love,
Share the Love,
Roy J. Tanner
No Greater Love
"Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave." (Song of Songs 8:6)
"May I help you find what you're looking for?" asked the retailer, gesturing toward the gifts? "No, thanks" I responded, "I'll know it when I see it." When you think about it, many of our needs are validated in like manner--when we "see it." And paradoxically, when it comes to our deepest need (for love), it's often recognized...only after it's been given away.
While the romantic notions celebrated on Valentine's Day clamor for our attention, there are other attachments of the heart, which are an order of magnitude more powerful. Aside from just sentimentality, physical attraction or a kindred spirit, there's a graceful form of love the ancients labeled "agape"…a love that gives without measure, unconditionally.
More than a presence of mind, agape spurs action from a deep and abiding commitment that's characterized by a willingness to meet someone's needs in a manner that can't otherwise be satisfied. Wide and deep, "you know it when you see it." It's a greater love that's willing to sacrifice by way of:
Provision...
Seen in eyes weary yet warm, the broad affection, like that of parent for child, provides "life equipping" sacrifice in…unflagging encouragement, patient instruction, tireless supervision, logistical demands, 2nd jobs and the prayer "without ceasing" necessary to secure "better" lives for our children. When one of my daughters was a toddler, I remember the delight we shared by repeating a question and answer, time and again..."How much does Daddy love Jackie?" With arms spread apart, we would assure each other..."this much!" The width of two hands extended across the horizon imparted...my love for you will always know no bounds.Protection...
Seen with bayonet affixed and driven to ground, the vertical image of an upright M-16 rises from empty boots to meet a solitary helmet, poised in mid-air...to display a depth of devotion that only a soldier's "life defending" sacrifice could make. Too often this symbolic configuration includes the "band of brothers" that mourn their fallen comrade's defense of liberty. It was the Lord who said, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." And while our words of remorse may fail to console the military and law enforcement families, each day that dawns on freedom, heralds tribute anew to liberty's brave sentries…in that they loved their country "this much."Propitiation...
Could there be any love greater than these? Before you answer, consider what was pictured on that hill just outside of Jerusalem. Jutting from rock, a rough-hewn timber beam acted as the "lighting rod" of God's perfect justice. With "I love you" written in red, the penalty that was to be our own, instead was born by the One who called us into existence. So great was His love for humanity that "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." The vertical reach of "Jacob's ladder" now reconnects heaven and earth with a sacrificial love that only God could offer. And with hands extended across the horizon, you and I are invited to know a peace that passes all understanding.In the face of such a deep and "redeeming love"-- if God be for us, who can stand against us? And in the Spirit of such a broad and "reconciling love," what offense can we hold that shouldn't be forgiven? Because "God is love" though, the best that we can muster is a mere reflection of this power. Yet in Him, barriers between God and man are removed (Eph 2:14). Released from the debt of our own sin, then gone too is the need to elevate self. For in Him, reconciliation with God lays the foundation of reconciliation with man...And in Him, this present "valley of tears" will one day give way to an eternity that knows no want, and holds no fear, for all who would be saved...by grace through faith in Christ.
The Greatest Love...
Juxtaposed at the cross of Calvary are the breadth and depth of the greatest love, put on display for all the ages...For at that cross, we find protection from the penalty of certain judgment that our sinfulness demands...At that cross, we gain access to the power that overcomes a waywardness that would otherwise infect our souls and damage our relationships...And at that cross, we're humbled by the promise that we too can experience immortality, in redemptive harmony with the One who suffered death to grant us life. Patterned now in the risen Christ, we're extended His seal on our hearts, securing the redeemed perfection of the world to come.May I help you find what you're looking for? Surely you've seen it...in the wide and welcoming arms of mothers and fathers. Certainly it hasn't been missed...in our nation's salute to the flag-draped coffin. And definitely it's in store...for any who attempt to fathom the boundless dimensions of our Savior's sacrificial love at Calvary. Especially during the Easter season, I cordially invite you to discover a love that's wider and deeper than anything you can imagine.
"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38,39)
"How much do you love me?" we ask. With arms open wide the Father says "this much." "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [as] the propitiation for our sins." (1Jn 4:10)
Know greater love,
Roy J. Tanner
In keeping with the Great Commission, may I suggest we simply tell somebody about the Savior? Over 40-times Scripture associates love for God with our obedience (1Jn. 5:3). And by sharing the transformational message of the Gospel, we can demonstrate both our love for God and the people within our sphere of influence. With this in mind, to help the Church prepare for the harvest of souls, in what many expect to be a prophetically significant year, A.D. 2018 recommends the following articles to equip you for outreach:
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:5-6
Pontius Pilot posed his challenge to the belligerent mob with the words “Ecce homo!” Demanding they take notice of the high-cost already exacted upon Jesus during his brutal scourging, this trial set in motion Christ’s torturous assent to eventual crucifixion, where Jesus fulfilled the vicarious role prophesied, as God’s suffering Servant.
Although two millennia have since transpired, the Christ event was so significant that virtually the entire world restarted its calendar because of it. But just who is Jesus of Nazareth, and why is his life, death and resurrection still so vital to you and me now in the 21st century? Stay with me, as we highlight three dimensions of the most notable person in history.
Read or download PDF...
“If we are not teaching people how to be saved, it is perhaps because we have forgotten the tragedy of being lost! If we’re not teaching the message of forgiveness, it may be because we don’t remember what it was like to be guilty. And if we’re not preaching the cross, it could be that we’ve subconsciously decided that—God forbid—somehow we don’t need it.”(Max Lucado, Six Hours One Friday)
Do we sincerely believe that knowing Christ is the best way to live and the only way to die? Are we convinced that everyone we know, without exception, needs to find the forgiveness, friendship, life, and leadership Jesus offers? Do we truly believe in hell, and that our friends and family members will end up there if they don’t trust in Christ before they die? If so, are we willing to invest our time and energy in becoming people that will attract, challenge, and teach them to step across the line of faith?
Christianity is an evidential faith. In other words, God doesn't expect us to detach our rational minds from our hearts when sharing our faith.
More than circular arguments that can be dismissed as too subjective, seekers expect Christians to be genuine, and to appeal to the intellect of their listener with a reasoned defense of the hope that we share.
As such, this presentation will help to equip you in addressing seven of the most common questions posed when sharing your faith:
1) Don’t all religions basically teach the same things, and use different names for the same God?
2) As long as each person is genuinely sincere, whatdifference does it make what they believe?
3) Isn’t it narrow-minded for Christians to think that they’re right and everyone else is wrong?
4) What credentials back-up the claims of Christianity, and is there any good evidence to support it?
5) What makes you so confident the Bible is true? It has so many authors, so many translations, and waswritten over so many years – there must be mistakes!
6) How do you know that God even exists?
7) If God is all-powerful and loving, why is there so much evil and suffering in the world?
Read or download PDF...
Last but not least, we'd like to recommend a simple outreach Valentine that can be used to transform a loved-one’s heart.
Designed to allow the supernatural power of God's Word to change lives, this brief tract introduces the ultimate solution to our deepest need. Because the heart of the matter, is a matter of the heart, don't miss this opportunity to for outreach with the gift of God's love...
Read or download PDF...
The Book of Revelation
THE PROPHECY OF THE CHURCHES
How do these churches fit into a prophetic book? John is writing to the ministers of those churches with instructions. (The term "Angels" in the text literally means "messengers.") What does that have to do with prophecy? He is not foretelling the future. But that instruction does have prophetic importance in three ways. First, those churches have prophetic importance because they can be seen as ...
A. Representing All Churches
You say, "What do you mean by that?" Seven is God's sacred number. It symbolizes completion, perfection, totality. By choosing seven churches, He is saying in effect, "This is My message to the total church." Although the churches were actual churches existing in Asia Minor, they represent the complete picture of the total church. So when Christ speaks to those churches, He is speaking to all the churches of all time.
Although the messages in Revelation 2--3 are often overlooked by Christians, they have a tremendous meaning for the church today. That is why John concludes every one of the seven letters with the same words: "He that hath an ear, let him hear ..." (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22). In other words, whatever age you are alive, these messages are for you. There is tremendous prophetic importance in those churches because their messages represent the total message to the total church.
Second, the churches have prophetic importance because they can be seen as ...
B. Representing Different Churches
Throughout the history of the church, there have been different types of churches. The Ephesian church is one type of church and so is the Smyrnaean church, the Laodicean church, and the Pergamene church. They represent the seven different types of churches. Basically, all churches fall into one of seven different categories, with some combination of characteristics. Each of those seven types existed in John's day.
1. DETERMINING THE DIFFERENCES
You say, "Why did He select those seven when there were other churches in that world that he could have selected?" Those seven churches exactly represent the seven different types. The same seven types exist today. Although every individual in a church is different, churches still fall into categories that make them different from other churches. You can go to one church that is totally different than another church. It is the mixture of people who make them different, but they still seem to fit into one of those seven categories. For example, if a majority of the members running the church are Ephesian-type people, then the church will be an Ephesian-type church. If most of the people are Laodicean-type people, then the church will be a Laodicean-type church. Whoever rules the church will determine what type it will be.
2. DESCRIBING THE DIFFERENCES
John portrays the different types of churches in Revelation 2-- 3. He begins with ...
a. The Church at Ephesus
Revelation 2:4 says, "Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love." The church at Ephesus had fallen out of love with Jesus. The warmth was gone. The fire and flame had waned. Here was a church that was doctrinally correct, but was cold. You can be right theologically, but if you have lost your first love for Jesus Christ, then your theology is nothing but cold academics. It is the beautiful combination of sound doctrine and love for Christ that makes a church what it should be. The Ephesian church represents the church that is doctrinally pure, yet cold. It had lost its first love because the people willingly walked away from it.
b. The Church at Smyrna
The church at Smyrna represents the suffering, persecuted church. Revelation 2:10 says, "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer. Behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried, and ye shall have tribulation ten days; be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Christ says that the church at Smyrna will suffer.
You say, "I don't know of any suffering churches." What about the church in China? They are suffering. No one knows how many tens of thousands of Christians have been martyred in Communist China. Even closer to home, missionaries suffer abuse in South America. Some of the Christians who really love Jesus Christ even suffer abuse in the United States.
Christ can't even find anything wrong with the church at Smyrna because the dross is burned up when a church suffers for Jesus Christ.
c. The Church at Pergamum
This is the church that married the world. Revelation 2:13 says, "I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's throne is ...." Where is Satan's throne? He is the prince of the world. The church that marries the world is characterized by a country club atmosphere with no standards. It is socially oriented--doing anything for the sake of social preservation. It is compromising--never taking a true stand. It lowers its standards to cater to compromising people. It is more concerned with the fashions of the world than with the things of God. There are many of those kind of churches existing today.
d. The Church at Thyatira
Revelation 2:20 says, "Notwithstanding, I have a few things against thee, because thou allowest that woman, Jezebel, who calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce My servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols." That is the sinful church that teaches false doctrine.
1) Tolerating False Doctrine
Sin and false doctrine always appear together. Whenever false doctrine enters into a church, sin follows. For example, the church at Corinth was subject to false teachers. As a result, sin became widespread throughout the church. The church at Thyatira represents the church characterized by sin and false doctrine. Where there is a tolerance for false doctrine, theological liberalism begins to creep in and the gospel is watered down. That is how Satan brings about sin.
2) Teaching the Social Gospel
When the social gospel replaces the true gospel, sin becomes widespread. It happens because false doctrine removes the doctrine of Christ as taught in the Word of God. It teaches different doctrine about the inspiration of Scripture, the deity of Jesus Christ, His blood atonement, and His second coming. When the true gospel is watered down by false doctrine and the social gospel, sin is the natural result. The dances at a Methodist church in Glendale had to be patrolled by the police department after the sponsors at a previous dance participated in nude dancing! What a mockery! The name of Jesus Christ was blasphemed by a church that displays a cross on the outside. False doctrine opens the door to sin. There is nothing to hold it back.
e. The Church at Sardis
Revelation 3:1 says, "... I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and [but] art dead." The word kai in the Greek text can be translated "and" or "but." I think the better translation in this verse is "but." At a Sardian-type church, someone cuts the grass, paints the walls, prints the bulletin, and stands in the pulpit. But that church isn't alive; it's dead. The church at Sardis is the dead church.
I remember a particular church that was experiencing much growth, and the pastor was excited about it. But one day the board came to him and said, "We have had enough of this growth. Those of us who have been here for a long time are getting pushed out. We liked it when it was our own little church." The church had just purchased some property on a very busy corner where it could have had a tremendous testimony. However, the pastor packed his bags and left that church. Today it still exists on that corner. People walk in and out of it, but it's not alive; it's dead. A dead church is worthless to God.
f. The Church at Philadelphia
This is a beautiful church. Revelation 3:8 says, "I know thy works; behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it; for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My word, and hast not denied My name." God has opened a door to the world in this church. People can go through it to reach the world with the gospel. This is also a church where Jesus Christ is not denied. Its strength is in God, who said, "... My strength is made perfect in weakness...." (2 Cor. 12:9). This is a faithful, Christ- honoring, zealous, missionary-minded church that is alive with the flame of evangelism and in love with Jesus Christ. This is the kind of church that brings glory to God.
You say, "Is it the perfect church?" No. According to verse 9, they had their problems, too. But if ever there was a church that close to perfection, it was the church at Philadelphia. It shunned sin, false doctrine, and compromise, and it kept its love alive.
g. The Church at Laodicea
This is the apostate church where Satan dwells. It isn't a church; it's a counterfeit. Revelation 3:15-16 says, "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot; I would thou wert cold or hot. So, then, because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of My mouth." This is the church that sickens God. It is on its way to hell. It is a liberal church run by a cult that denies the true gospel. It is accursed and damned, but will thrive during the Tribulation.
With the exception of Smyrna and Philadelphia, the churches progressed from bad to worse. Ephesus was cold, but the last two were dead and apostate.
C. Representing Different Church Members
Not only are there seven types of churches, but there are seven types of church members.
1. THE MAKEUP OF THE MEMBERS
a. In Ephesus
I know that there are some Ephesian-type members in this church. Just as there is an Ephesian church, there is an Ephesian-type church member. If the second generation Christian church could grow cold, imagine what could happen to us? They were much closer to the enthusiasm of the first generation than we are. I know there are Ephesian members whose love is cooling. They used to burn with love for Christ, but not any more. They have left their first love.
b. In Smyrna
There are also Smyrna-type members in the church. They pay for their boldness for Christ by suffering. They give testimony to Jesus Christ and suffer abuse from people for doing that. I know of people who are willing to open their mouth to share Jesus Christ no matter how people criticize them or what it might cost them. I thank God for Smyrna-type members!
c. In Pergamum
The church at Pergamum was married to the world. There are members in the church today who are married to the world. They are preoccupied with their money, car, job, fashion, and themselves. They are concerned about how they relate to the world, but they are making compromises to Satan. They are unwilling to pay the price of a true disciple, so they lower their standards to court the world and discredit the name of Jesus Christ. They weaken the church and are useless to God.
d. In Thyatira
The church at Thyatira was full of false doctrine and sin. I know there are church members who are living in sin. You say, "How do you know that?" Because the Bible says that no church will be without it. Wherever God sows good seed, Satan is going to sow bad seed. The people who are living in sin usually justify it with false doctrine. Some are courting secret sin--it's hidden from the church, but visible to God. You say, "If I'm courting secret sin, and nobody knows it, then it doesn't hurt anyone." But it does. The Bible says, "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump" (Gal. 5:9). We have got to keep sin out of the church.
e. In Sardis
I think there are Sardis members in the church. They are spiritually dead. They couldn't get excited about Jesus Christ no matter what happened. They are in a spiritual stupor--nothing happens in their lives.
f. In Philadelphia
Praise the Lord that there are Philadelphia-type members in the church! The church at Philadelphia had an open door to the world--it was missionary-minded. It kept sound doctrine and never denied Christ's name. I believe that there is a majority of fruitful and faithful members in the church. They are in love with Christ and eager to share Him with others. They are missionary-minded and zealous.
g. In Laodicea
God forbid, but I imagine that there are Laodiceans in the church. They don't even know Jesus Christ; yet they come to church. They go through spiritual motions. But they are false believers. In the end they will say, "Lord, Lord. It's us." But He is going to say, "... I never knew you; depart from Me ..." (Mt. 7:23).
2. THE MOTIVATION FOR THE MEMBERS
What kind of member are you? You say, "Can I change what I am?" Sure you can. Would you like some motivation to change what you are?
a. For the Ephesian
You say, "I'm an Ephesian-type church member because my love has grown cold." Revelation 2:7 says, "... To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God."
b. For the Smyrnaean
You say, "I'm suffering and I might not be able to handle the pressure anymore." Revelation 2:11 says, "... He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death." If you are in Christ, the second death has no power over you.
c. For the Pergamene
Revelation 2:17 says, "... To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth except he that receiveth it."
d. For the Thyatiran
Revelation 2:26 says, "And he that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations."
e. For the Sardian
Revelation 3:5 says, "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels."
f. For the Philadelphian
Revelation 3:12 says, "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more out; and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from My God; and I will write upon him My new name."
g. For the Laodicean
Revelation 3:21 says, "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne."
Christ says again and again, "If you will be what I want you to be, I will reward you." That is tremendous motivation!
The messages to the seven churches were prophetic because they describe seven types of churches and seven types of believers who make up those churches. Those members determine what their church will be. If the control of the church is in the hands of a particular type of member, then it will be that type of church. Thus the messages are not merely historical; they are prophetic. They are living messages from the living Lord as He walks among the lampstands--trimming the lamps and ministering to the churches.
Read more...
What We Believe...
Regarding Last Things (Eschatology)
The Rapture of the Church
We affirm the personal, bodily return of our Lord Jesus Christ before the seven-year tribulation (1 Thess. 4:16; Titus 2:13) to translate His church from this earth (John 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:51-53; 1 Thess. 4:15-5:11) and, between this event and His glorious return with His saints, to reward believers according to their works (1 Cor. 3:11-15; 2 Cor. 5:10).
The Tribulation Period
We affirm that immediately following the removal of the church from the earth (John 14:1-3; 1 Thess. 4:13-18) the righteous judgments of God will be poured out upon an unbelieving world (Jer. 30:7; Dan. 9:27; 12:1; 2 Thess. 2:7-12; Rev. 16), and that these judgments will be climaxed by the return of Christ in glory to the earth (Matt. 24:27-31; 25:31-46; 2 Thess. 2:7-12). At that time the Old Testament and tribulation saints will be raised and the living will be judged (Dan. 12:2,3; Rev. 20:4-6). This period includes the seventieth week of Daniel's prophecy (Dan. 9:24-27; Matt. 24:15-31; 25:31-46).
The Second Coming and the Millennial Reign
1. After the tribulation period, Christ will come to earth to occupy the throne of David (Matt. 25:31; Luke 1:32,33; Acts 1:10,11; 2:29,30) and establish His messianic kingdom for a thousand years on the earth (Rev. 20:1-7). During this time the resurrected saints will reign with Him over Israel and all the nations of the earth (Ezek. 37:21-28; Dan. 7:17-22; Rev. 19:11-16). This reign will be preceded by the overthrow of the Antichrist and the False Prophet, and by the removal of Satan from the world (Dan. 7:17-27; Rev. 20:1-6).
2. The kingdom itself will be the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel (Is. 65:17-25; Ezek. 37:21-28; Zech. 8:1-17) to restore them to the land which they forfeited through their disobedience (Deut. 28:15-68). The result of their disobedience was that Israel was temporarily set aside (Matt. 21:43; Rom. 11: 1-26) but will again be awakened through repentance to enter into the land of blessing (Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:22-32; Rom. 11:25-29).
3. This time of our Lord's reign will be characterized by harmony, justice, peace, righteousness, and long life (Is. 11; 65:17-25; Ezek. 36:33-38), and will be brought to an end with the release of Satan (Rev. 20:7).
The Judgment of the Lost
We affirm that following the release of Satan after the thousand year reign of Christ (Rev. 20:7), Satan will deceive the nations of the earth andgather them to battle against the saints and the beloved city, at which time Satan and his army will be devoured by fire from heaven (Rev. 20:9).
1. Following this, Satan will be thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone (Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10) whereupon Christ, who is the judge of all men (John 5:22), will resurrect and judge the great and small at the Great White Throne judgment.
2. This resurrection of the unsaved dead to judgment will be a physical resurrection, whereupon receiving their judgment (John 5:28,29), they will be committed to an eternal conscious punishment in the lake of fire (Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:11-15).
Eternity
We affirm that after the closing of the Millennium, the temporary release of Satan, and the judgment of unbelievers (2 Thess. 1:9; Rev. 20:7-15), the saved will enter the eternal state of glory with God, after which the elements of this earth are to be dissolved (2 Pet. 3:10) and replaced with a new earth wherein only righteousness dwells (Eph. 5:5; Rev. 20:15,21,22). Following this, the heavenly city will come down out of heaven (Rev. 21:2) and will be the dwelling place of the saints, where they will enjoy forever fellowship with God and one another (John 17:3; Rev. 21,22). Our Lord Jesus Christ, having fulfilled His redemptive mission, will then deliver up the kingdom to God the Father (1 Cor. 15:23-28) that in all spheres the triune God may reign forever and ever (1 Cor. 15:28).
Posts
