Stand Firm abounding in the Work of the Lord

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.  1 Corinthians 15:58 (NASB)

Here are some key words for standing firm in the faith: unmovable - unchangeable - solid - firm - anchored - sure - settled - confident in the truth - not turned aside by others - doing the work of the Lord.  This should be our attitude as we walk out our life in Christ.

Biblical commentaries are an excellent tool in order to take a deeper look at the passage, in helping us to understand how we can best apply the principles and teaching that comes forth from the scripture.

Steadfast:

"Be steadfast".  Adam Clark said this about the word "steadfast" used in this verse: "Be settled";  confide in the truth of the doctrine of the resurrection, and everything that pertains to it,  as confidently as a man sits down on a seat that he knows to be solid, firm, safe, and on which he has often sat.

Always abounding in the work of the Lord.  "The work of the Lord is obedience to His holy Word; every believer in Christ is a workman of God.  He that works not to bring glory to God and good to man is not acknowledge as a servant of Christ;  And if he is not a servant then he is not a son. And if not a son, then not an heir."  He must not only work, but abound in that work, ever exceeding his former self; and this not for a time, but always beginning, continuing, and ending  every act of life to God's glory and the good of his fellows."  (Adam Clark 1762-1832 - Commentary 1982 Bethany House Publishers)

Stand Firm in the Faith on: The Resurrection:

Though others had been raised from the dead before Christ, He was the first to rise from the grave with a body that was no longer subject to death:

"knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him."   Romans 6:9

"and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades."   Rev. 1:18

Jesus predicted his own resurrection on the third day:

Matthew 16:21  From the time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day."  (also see: Matt. 17:23, 20:19)

Christ taught the truth of Resurrection:

Matthew 22:31,32  But regarding the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God: 'I AM THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, AND THE GOD OF ISAAC, AND THE GOD OF JACOB'? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.

John 2:19-22   Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."  The Jews then said,  "It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?"  But He was speaking of the temple of His body.  So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken.

The Apostle Paul called Him the First born from the dead:

He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.  Col. 1:18

The  resurrection of Christ was the first of many to come:

But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ's at His coming, then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power.  1 Cor. 15:58  (NASB)

We can stand firm on the truths found in Scripture. The doctrine of the resurrection is a motivator and our hope in Christ and in our work and serving the Lord.  These truths are unchangeable, firm, and anchored and settled.  With our faith strengthened by these great truths you can as 1 Cor. 15:58 says: be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.  Stand Firm in the Faith.

Encourage and comfort one another

1 Thess. 3:6-8

"But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; for now we really live if you stand firm in the Lord."

For a biblical Christian believer of Jesus Christ, standing firm and holding firmly to the scriptures, holding to the sound doctrine of the faith, sharing the gospel to people in your life and to strangers, and yet you find over time, many of them either reject what good news you've given them, or they have aligned themselves with heretical teachings or teachers.  How discouraging and heartbreaking this can be.  If this sounds familiar read 1 Thess. 3:6-8, where Paul had become discouraged to continue preaching in his distress. When churches had been unfaithful and given in to sin and yielded to false teachers, the Apostle Paul was distressed by it, and had become depressed, like what happened in the Corinthian church  (2 Cor. 7:5,6)

"For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within. But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus;"

The good news to Paul came by way of Timothy about the Thessalonians, the true saving faith of them, encouragement was given that strengthen Paul, that they were standing firm in their faith.  They were standing firm on the Apostles teachings. Paul was encouraged by their love and remembrance of him, and it strengthened him to continue in the labor of the Lord.

The Thessalonians steadfastness consisted of 3 important points: (These things worked to Paul's encouragement:

1. There faith continued steadfast in the gospel, they stood firm in their faith.

2. Their charity, they loved and helped each other, lived in peace.

3. They were affectionately attached to the Apostle Paul, and had good memories of him and desired to see him.

All these things worked to encourage the Apostle Paul in his work that he did not view his labor as being in vain.  1 Thess. 3:8 ...for now we really live"

"Your steadfastness in the faith gives me new life and comfort; I now feel that I live to some purpose, as my labor in the Lord is not in vain."

To proclaim the gospel and to defend sound teaching is no easy task. Paul's method was to begin by commending what was praiseworthy in the believers, and then to correct what was amiss.  A good pattern to all who admonish others.

What is a Cult?

In order to stand firm in the faith, it is important to have a good working knowledge of Christian terms and definitions so that we may discern counterfeit religious beliefs wherever we might encounter it. Scripture repeatedly warns us about spiritual deception, and Jesus’ own words ring loudly for those who have ears to hear, what the spirit says.

In Matt. 7:15-23  Jesus says: “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they ? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits. Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles? And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.”

 It is essential that we stay faithful to Christ and His word in these days where doctrinal delusion, apostasy from the Truths found in Scripture, and false teachings abound. When a group claims to be Christian and the beliefs deviate because of aberrant teachings in doctrine or theology, then they are referred to as being “pseudo-Christian or a form of Counterfeit of Christianity. We must Stand Firm in the Faith, and contend for the Faith that was once for all delivered to the Saints. Jude 3

Sometimes the word “Cult” is used to describe a group and it’s teaching indiscriminately or wrongly, so we will be focusing on ‘what is a cult.' It is our responsibility individually to equip our minds with accurate and clear biblical facts and definitions of our Faith so we can best determine and discern the true from the false. There are many good Apologetic resources available these days on the internet that deal primarily with cults and apologetics to help equip believers. There are also good solid evangelical discernment ministries that exclusively minister to believers in discernment and apologetics, and help with information in these fields of study of cults and new religious movements, using their gifts, time, resources, and services to assist and edify the body of Christ.

The best way to avoid any involvement in a cult or cultic group’s teaching is to be so familiar with the truth (found in the Bible) that when a counterfeit comes along you will be able to discern it because of time spent studying your Bible and gain knowledge of the Scripture. For Christians, the ‘truth’ we adhere to is the doctrines and teachings found in the Scriptures. It is our source of teachings and doctrines that come from all 66 books of the Bible including old and New testament. In determining ‘what is a cult’ below is two short definitions. One term most Christians use or hear is the term: Orthodoxy or Orthodox Christian beliefs, in defining these terms we site 2 examples:

Orthodoxy: “From the Greek orthodoxos, from orthos, “right,” “straight,” and doxa, “opinion,” “belief.” Belief in or acceptance of the truth of doctrines taught in Scripture; the preexistence of Christ, the virgin birth, His sinless life, the bodily resurrection and the Second Coming. Today the word is used synonymously with historical biblical Christianity and is opposed to liberalism or neo-orthodoxy.” Pg. 150-151 of Compact Dictionary of Doctrinal Words - Terry L. Miethe, Bethany House Publishers 1988. (bolding added for emphasis)

“Orthodoxy” is derived from two Greek words meaning “right” and “honor.” Orthodox faith and orthodox doctrines are those that honor God rightly, something that ought to be desirable and good. In Christian usage, the term “heresy” refers to a false doctrine, i.e. one that is simply not true and that is, in addition, so important that those who believe it, whom the church calls heretics, must be considered to have abandoned the faith. “ Pg.1 - Heresies And Orthodoxy In the History of The Church - Harold O.J. Brown - 1998 (bolding added for emphasis)

Sometimes when people use the word “Cult” the only thing that seems to come to mind is Jonestown or Jim Jones of the Peoples Temple, who was a charismatic healer and leader of a cult group who moved his followers to Guyana, and in 1978 during an investigation of the group because of complaints of abuse, Jones incited and forced his followers to commit suicide by drinking a poison -laced Kool-aid and shooting those who did not comply, causing the deaths of 914 people including a California Congressman. or Marshall Applewhite of the Heaven’s gate cult, which was a new age group that focused their beliefs on UFO‘s. 38 members of heaven’s gate died including the leaders. Cults can have many different traits and ideologies, that may not appear strange or look odd, so a good knowledge of terms is helpful and wise to know.

One good book we recently read though that gives an excellent definition of a “Cult”, is from: Today’s Religions and Spirituality by James K. Walker. James Walker is the President of Watchman Fellowship. Please contact their website and email for more information. Visit their website at: http://www.watchman.org/ for more information. We are citing from the book pg. 9-10 to give a good solid definition for uses of Cult:

“The term cult is based on the Latin word cultus, which is found in English in agrarian terms such as cultivation and in the word culture. The root is also used in a religious context to refer simply to any system of belief and worship. In a Christian context, the word is used to denote an inauthentic alternative to the Christian faith.”

“The term cult has also evolved in the work of psychologists, sociologists, and anthropologists, who frequently use the word to describe religious structure or belief patterns with meanings (usually non-pejorative) unique to their disciplines.

Another usage of the word cult is found in the secular cult-awareness movement ----sometimes referred to by critics as the anti-cult movement. The international Cultic studies association (ICSA.-----Formerly the American Family Foundation) of Bonita Springs, Florida, is an interdisciplinary network of academicians, professionals, former group members, families who study and educate the public about religious groups and cults. Specifically they provide information about social-psychological influences and control, authoritarianism and zealotry found in cultic groups, alternative movements, and other environments. They use the word cult within the context of the following 10 traits:

1. Submission to Leadership---Leaders tend to exert absolute control, frequently portraying themselves as prophets of God (or even God Himself). Such individuals demand submission even if changes or conflicts occur in ideology or behavior.

2. Polarized Worldview---Cults usually view the outside world through a paradigm of existential conflict, in which the group must be isolated from the hostile and contaminated world outside.

3. Emphasizing Emotion over Thought---Emotions, intuitions, and mystical insights are typically given priority over rational conclusions.

4. Emotional Manipulation---Cult leaders frequently manipulate group and interpersonal dynamics to influence responses. (This type of manipulation may be very subtle and take the form of questions or suggestions that evoke emotional responses such as fear, guilt, or a false sense of obligation designed to trigger compliance with the leadrs’ desires.)

5. Denigration of Critical Thinking---Some cults characterize any independent thought as selfish and rational use of intellect as evil.

6. Restrictive Soteriology---Salvation, enlightenment, or fulfillment can only be realized in the group.

7. Situational Ethics---Any action or behavior is justifiable as long as it furthers the group’s goal. The group (or leader) determines absolute truth, which then supersedes all outside juridical laws.

8. Preeminence of the Group---The group’s concerns typically supersede an individual’s goals, needs, aspirations, and concerns. Tremendous pressure is exerted upon individual members to conform to the norms of the group.

9. Condemnation of Apostates and Critics---Members are frequently allowed no contact with former members or critics of the group. This prohibition is often even levied against members who make critical comments of the group or its leader.

10. Isolation from Nonmembers---Contact with nonmembers, even family, is frequently restricted to proselytic encounters.

Some Christian Definitions

Cult: In addition to the usages mentioned above, mainstream Christians often define a cult as a group who presents an inauthentic form of Christianity that seriously deviates from the essential doctrines of classical Christianity. In most cases, the group in question claims to be Christian or compatible with Christianity but the organization’s aberrant beliefs concerning central doctrines of the faith result in the group being classified as unorthodox, or cultic. In this sense, the term cult primarily has a doctrinal or theological meaning and could be used to describe pseudo-Christian groups or forms of counterfeit Christianity. Most often, Watchman Fellowship uses this theological meaning when using the word cult.

For over 20 years at Watchman Fellowship, we have used the following “mathematical formula” to identify four patterns often evident in the cults in terms of theological deviation:

1. Addition---Pseudo-Christian groups often add to Scripture, either by introducing additional works to the canon of Scripture (e.g. the Book of Mormon), receiving additional “revelations” from God (e.g. the apocalyptic revelations of David Koresh), or declaring that the Bible cannot be understood apart from the indispensable literature or teachings of their group (e.g. the reliance of Jehovah’s Witness upon literature from the Watchtower Society). See Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18

2. Subtraction---Pseudo-Christian groups subtract from the humanity of Christ (e.g. the gnostic HERESY) or the deity of Christ, either through an Arian denial of his deity (e.g. the Jehovah’s Witnesses) or by claiming that all humans are either gods or united with God (e.g., New Age devotees who attempt to achieve a Christ-consciousness). See 2 Corinthians 11:3-4.

3. Multiplication---Pseudo-Christian groups multiply the requirements for salvation, teaching that Christ’s atoning work on the cross and resurrection is not sufficient. Good works, law keeping and earning favor are also required for one to receive eternal life--rather then salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone (e.g. the substation groups who require observance of the Jewish Sabbaths, dietary laws, tithing, etc, as preconditions for receiving eternal life). See Galatians 1:6-8; 2:16

4. Division---Pseudo-Christian groups often divide their followers loyalties by teaching that one cannot be loyal to God without being loyal to their leader, group, or organization. The characteristics, sometimes called the “only true church syndrome,” leads followers to believe that there is no salvation, outside of that organization or leader. This creates another “mediator between God and men” besides Jesus. This condition often results in the worst kind of spiritual abuse, as followers feel they must stay and endure whatever the group demands because there is no salvation elsewhere.)  See 1 Timothy 2:5. “ Pg. 11-12.

Please contact Watchman Fellowship by visiting their website for more information: http://www.watchman.org

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly - Stand Firm

Colossians 3:12-17

"As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.  Bear with one another and, if anyone has a compaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.  Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.  And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body.  And be thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing paslms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.  And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. "

Ephesians 5:1,2  "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;  and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma."

Book Review - O God - Oprah Spirituality

Due to our amazon Stand Firm in the Faith book reviews website has mysteriously been found missing from under the listings for Stand Firm in the Faith, (which has been there for years)  we are posting our review here until the problem can be resolved.
Posted: 11/6/09 in our book reviews -

A book that has a unique apologetic approach to addressing the Spirituality that is promoted by Oprah Winfrey and her many guests she's had over the years. The book is a dialogue of two women that are huge fans of Oprah and their journey to find the truth.

Pantheism and Eastern Spirituality has been steadily rising in the West, thanks in part to Oprah, and many of her guests, friends and book club books she promotes through her TV shows. New Age spiritualists keep coming with every New Season, promoting a new age spirituality and pluralism that many may not truly know what is being served up theologically and why these teachings are not consistent and contradict Christianity. If you are unfamiliar with how Oprah and her guests beliefs differ from orthodox Christian beliefs this book will give you some basics on the theology and doctrines being taught and how to Stand Firm in the Faith and discern the differences.

Books and Authors such as "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne's, James Ray, Elizabeth Gilbert author of "Eat,Pray,Love, Echhart Tolle author of "A New Earth", and Marianne Williamson, and others, literally were skyrocketed to fame with appearances on the Oprah Show, and their book sales are in the millions.

Oprah draws millions of followers due to her likeable personality, her generosity and down-to-earth charm. With it being reported in the news today of Oprah's possible consideration of a move of her program to Los Angeles, she may have more influence then ever. This is a good book to give to a friend that may be dabbling with New Age spirituality. There are also discussion questions in the back of the book which makes it great for study groups. After reading the book, there could not be enough said about discerning what Oprah Winfrey and her guests are promoting, and it is consistent with what the teaching found in Scripture says to do: 1 John 4:1 "Beloved do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."

Competition and the Sin of Pride

Competition and the Sin of Pride

As Christians, we are not to be competing against each other, and belittling another Christian, (but we are to be supportive and help each other as we live out our lives by Faith in Christ in living the Christian life. The Apostle Paul gives this instruction as to how we can stand firm in the Faith with the same mind and purpose:

Phil 1:27 “Only conduct yourselves in a manner worth of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;”

Believers are to build each other up, encouraging each other to grow in the faith and flourish in our spiritual gifts as we serve the Lord, supporting one another, and having a sincere love for one another, not only in words but in actions. (Phil 2:1-5, “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the spirit, if any affection and compassion make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important then yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Having this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.”)

But, when a Christian become competitive, challenging, and seeks to discredit another Christian’s witness, and work in ministry, this is due to selfish ambition and wrong motives that are driven by fleshly desires wanting to be seen as more important then others. These characteristics can be the fruit of Envy and Pride, they are called “the deeds of the flesh” in Gal. 5:19-21.

“Now the deeds of the flesh are evident which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outburst of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.”

This behavior is not the fruit of the Spirit and can causes great harm, not only to the cause of Christ, but can also damage and destroy precious relationships. Why would someone who professes to be a Christian, filled with the Holy Spirit, and the love of God, want to do that?

Competition that has wrong-hearted motives can be common in the body of Christ, and is a painful reality that can be a menace to fellow believers and can cause faithful Christians to stumble, if it is not discerned and properly dealt with. Those who take this too lightly should not. What fate did Jesus warn about--to those who deliberately and knowingly, and cause a fellow Christian (male or female) to stumble:

Matthew 18:6 “but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.”

Christ gave us the example of what our attitude should be (one of humility) and how we should treat one another. It is obvious that from the content of the Scriptures, our Lord is not talking about little children (physically or by age of a person) but He is talking about “Spiritual children” Christians. Jesus is speaking about moral and spiritual stumbling, that is sinning. The word “stumble” means “to cause to fall”. The Lord is speaking about “enticing, trapping, or influencing a believer in anyway that leads him into sin, or in anyway that makes it easier for him to sin.” When a person (believer or unbeliever) mistreats a Christian he mistreats Christ.

Competition becomes corrupt when a person holds an attitude of superiority over others and becomes contentious. This in turn can lead to actions of pride, jealousy, anger, and bitterness, when someone’s focus is on ‘out-doing’ another person, to defeat a brother or sister in Christ, the one they are competing against, rather then keeping their intention with right motives -- which is Christ-centered for God’s glory.

Competition can often lead to comparing yourself with others. There is a failure in the person competing to see that everyone has the same worth in God’s eyes. We are to help each other in our walk in Christ, look out for each other, not to be stumbling blocks, but to build each other up.

The Bible has many passages warning of how destructive pride can be because it has so much power to damage our relationships with others and if left unchecked eventually with God. Competing in the wrong way can create a foothold for envy, pride and jealousy. Pride can lead to a harden heart towards others, blinding the person to their own faults, and causing a person to become insensitive and completely disregard another persons feelings. Eventually, pride can harden your heart towards God.

Daniel 5:20  “But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit became so proud that he behaved arrogantly, he was deposed from his royal throne, and his glory was taken away from him.”

Although doing our best is what we all should strive for, but being competitive to the point when it turns demeaning, bloodthirsty, and aggressive, and using that to passing judgment on a person’s salvation or worth in the body of Christ, clearly is sinning and does not align with what the Bible says about Christian conduct or the moral character that is expected of a Christian. That kind of Competing - to prove your superiority is wrong, and will disrupt and damage your relationships resulting in a loss of trust, and will if not corrected, cause a person to become envious and think they are entitled to something that someone else has. They may resort to acting in manipulative ways to get whatever it is they want. If this is happening, then our motives are wrong, and we are at risk of becoming proud. (Phil 1:15-17). It can also lead to self-deception. (Jeremiah 49:16). If you are practicing these behaviors, repent, pray, ask God to change your heart, and turn away from them, correct what is wrong, be reconciled with those you‘ve hurt, give trust time to build, instead of expecting it, and put on the fruits of the Spirit:

Galatians 5:22-23  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. “

Discernment Ministry A Biblical Defense

Stand Firm in the Faith has been given permission by Pastor Gary E. Gilley to reproduce his recent Article: “Discernment Ministry A Biblical Defense”, from the October 2009 “Think on these things” newsletter.  It is important that each Christian knows, not only what they believe and why they believe it, but also to Stand Firm on the teachings found in Scripture and be ready and equipped for the defense of the gospel. Jude 3 Pastor Gary Gilley has not only written an article that explains what discernment is and how to properly do it, but also why it is biblical to do so.

Discernment Ministry 

A Biblical Defense

By Gary Gilley

We live in an environment in which it is most difficult to stand for the faith. Not only will those who attempt to be on the front lines of discernment face the guns of those in opposition, but they may be hit by “friendly fire” as well. For example: I recently wrote what I thought was a rather innocuous article expressing a high view of Scripture including a belief in its sufficiency. I was nevertheless surprised to receive a quick e-mail rebuke by a pastor who also claimed to believe in the inerrancy, authority and sufficiency of the Bible and who ultimately accused me of taking what he called a “biblical charismatic” view. When I inquired as to how that could be since I believe God speaks to us today only through Scripture and charismatics believe God speaks through means beyond the written Word, he did not reply. I did not mean to imply to this pastor that I reject general revelation in which “the heavens are telling of the glory of God…” (Ps 19:1-6), but that specific, authoritative revelation for this church age is confined to the Old and New Testaments. God is not adding new revelation or inspired texts to supplement the canon of Scripture. I believe that such revelations are unnecessary today because God has promised that the Scriptures are adequate [to] equip [us] for every good work” (2 Tim 3:17). Our task is not to seek “fresh communication” from God, either in the form of prophecies or tongues (as most charismatics do) or through our inner feelings and hunches (as many non-charismatic evangelicals do), but to rely on the “sure word of prophecy” (2 Pet 1:19), the Holy Scriptures. This understanding leads us to be followers of Christ who are “diligent to present [our] selves approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:14). Our assignment is not to search for secret communication from God but to observe and live out the inspired text, and that text can be trusted to reveal God’s will in all matters “pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Pet 1:3).

But even at the risk of being misunderstood by those in our own camp, one of our privileges in light of this understanding of revelation is to examine all ideas, teachings, and thoughts through the lens of Scripture. The apostle Paul modeled this approach for us when he wrote, “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor 10:5). Since much, if not most, of the ideas, worldviews, and philosophies that we encounter in a fallen world would be in competition with truth, we are obligated to take all of these things and run them through the grid of Scripture. Those ideas which make it through this biblical grid intact can be embraced, for by God’s grace mankind is enabled to end up on the right side of truth. But those ideas that lack biblical foundation must be disposed of as “lofty thing[s] raised up against the knowledge of God” (2 Cor 10:5).

For these reasons, one of the qualifications for an elder is that he understand the Scriptures well so that he can both “exhort in sound doctrine” and “refute those who contradict” sound doctrine (Titus 1:9). A pastor or elder is not equipped to lead the church of Christ because he makes an excellent CEO, has a MBA, knows how to win and influence people or has a sunny personality - although none of these things rule him out either. But the Holy Spirit did not mention any of these criteria when laying out the requirements for church leaders, although an intimidating list of personal and spiritual qualifications is given (Titus 1:5-8; 1 Tim 3:1-7). Instead the Spirit focused on the need for elders to know biblical truth and be able to communicate and defend it against false doctrines and teachers.

Unfortunately for the Christian leader in the twenty-first century, what God considers essential many consider optional at best and often a real detriment to what is considered “ministry.” Rare is the church today that attracts large crowds because of the careful, systematic teaching of the Word. People will flock to churches with great professional level music (of almost any genre), but sound doctrine holds little attraction for most Christians. Yet, it is sound doctrine that God mandates. Lives are not changed by programs and entertainment; they are transformed by the renewing of our minds which can only come about through exposure to the truth of God’s Word (Rom 12:2).

If the teaching of sound doctrine is unappetizing to many, to expose false doctrine is utterly repulsive. Discernment is considered unnecessary, unwanted, and down-right mean-spirited in a relativistic age. To spend even a small fraction of time critiquing false teachings (as our Lord directs us to do ) is to invite charges of negativism, division and worse. Yet we must decide whether we want to please the Lord or men and, since the Lord commands us to “refute those who contradict” sound doctrine, we have no choice. This is not to say that we spend the bulk of our teaching time on issues that don’t measure up to Scripture; for to do so would throw us out of balance very quickly. I believe that the vast majority of teaching from the pulpit and other forums within the church should be “exhortation in sound doctrine.” But we must be willing to handle issues that threaten the spiritual health of the body of Christ, and we must not shy away from teaching on such subjects as we work through the Scriptures.

Sadly, in our pluralistic, postmodern age, even gracious critique is often viewed as negative and critical. Why not tolerate the theological and philosophical views of others, even if those views are seriously flawed and unbiblical? After all, since we are brothers and sisters in Christ, aren’t we just airing our dirty laundry in public? This short paper is for the purpose of showing the necessity of biblical discernment and critique and to respond to those who disapprove.

The Necessity

As we survey the Word of God it is impossible to miss the prominent place that God places on truth and the deep concern that our Lord has when His people err in doctrine or in living. The Old Testament is permeated with calls to live on the basis of God’s truth and warnings about those who stray and teach anything else. For example the heartbeat of God is evident in Jeremiah 23,

“Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” declares the    Lord… “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who are prophesying to you. They are leading you into futility; they speak a vision of their own imagination, not from the mouth of the Lord…The prophet who has a dream may relate his dream, but let him who has My word speak My word in truth…Behold I am against those who have prophesied false dreams…I did not send them or command them, nor do they furnish this people the slightest benefit…” (vv.1,16,28,32).

Earlier God revealed the double-edged problem facing Judah when He had Jeremiah prophesy, “An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land: the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule on their own authority; and My people love it so! But what will you do at the end of it” (5:30,31). Not only were the prophets, priests and Kings leading the sheep astray, but the people loved it. Rather than being appalled by the falsehoods pouring out of the mouths of their leaders, the people of Israel gravitated toward their teachings, no doubt because it was already in line with what they wanted to hear and how they wanted to live. But the Lord cautions, “What will you do at the end of it?” That is, after these false teachings have robbed you of true life found in God, after they have brought you into bondage instead of freedom, after they have lead to counterfeit living rather than authenticity - what will you do then? Such is the true consequence of counterfeit theology.

When we come to the Gospels we find that Jesus continued this theme, being very clear about the danger of false teaching. In Matthew 16:6 Jesus warns His disciples, “Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Later the disciples “understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (16:12). And just in case anyone thought that Jesus always preached a meek and mild, positive and upbeat message, I would invite them to read Matthew 23:13-36. There the Lord pronounced eight “woes” on the Pharisees, repeatedly calling them things like hypocrites, blind guides, fools, sons of hell, whitewashed tombs, serpents and brood of vipers. It is hard to miss Jesus’ righteous anger toward those who taught lies in the name of His Father.

The book of Acts, chapter twenty, verses twenty-seven through thirty-two speaks of wolves, often coming from within the church, who will do great harm to the flock. Paul could not have been more passionate when he wrote, “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (v. 28). But caution was not enough; the true safeguard is found in verse32, “And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” Exhortation and warning are both vital parts of proper care for the sheep.

Even a superficial reading of the New Testament epistles reveals that large portions were written to combat false teachings of various kinds. Some of the more direct passages include:

• Jude 3-4 and 2 Peter 2 both exhort us to contend earnestly for the faith against those who would distort it.

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  Galatians 1:6-9 pronounces a curse on those who pervert the gospel. One of the strongest admonishments in all of Scripture is reserved for those who offer a different gospel from the one Paul had given the Galatians. Paul wishes these false teachers to be accursed --that is, damned for propagating their false gospel. Perhaps only the final warning found in Scripture rivals this one. In Revelation 22:18-19

John warns anyone who dares add to or subtract from the prophecy of the book of Revelation will have added to him the plagues written in the book.

But in addition to these direct statements, the epistles devote much attention to areas of false teaching and living. The Corinthians misunderstood the sign gifts and tolerated numerous sins in the congregation; the Galatians twisted the gospel; the Colossians were replacing godly wisdom with human philosophy; the Thessalonians had been discouraged with bogus claims about the end times. Timothy had to battle “strange doctrines” and “myths” the letter to the Hebrews was written to combat a movement back to the old Covenant, and on we go. To ignore thee cautionary themes is to ignore much of the New Testament, which is perhaps why topical preaching has virtually replaced expositional preaching in most pulpits today.

The goal of exhorting in sound doctrine and refuting false teaching (Titus 1:9) is not to develop critical and negative people who are looking under every rock for someone who has slipped up. Rather it is to “equip the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ” (Eph 4:12) and thus leading God’s saints to maturity (Heb 5:11-14). I believe the apostle John reflects the heart of God when he tells us that he has no greater joy than to hear of his spiritual children walking in the truth ( 3 John 4).


Objections to Discernment

Despite the clear mandate given throughout the Scriptures concerning the necessity for biblical discernment and critique, most continue to be critical of the whole concept. Ironically, those who preach most tenaciously the need for tolerance and themselves intolerant of those who seek to faithfully follow God’s directives in this matter. Let’s briefly identify and analyze some of the most common objections often heard protesting the need for discernment:

1. What right do we have to judge others?

Answer: Some claim that the best known verse of Scripture in America is Mathew 7:1, “Do not judge so that you will not be judged,” Most who recite this command do so without the advantage of having ever read it in context. If they were to do so they would see that the Lord is not calling a moratorium on examining the lives and teachings of others; He simply wants us to do it the correct way. The Lord tells us to first judge ourselves. When that has been done properly we are in a position to help others with their sins and false beliefs (Matt. 7:1-5). In verse five Jesus is recorded as saying, “First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Far from telling us not to be concerned about the life of our brother, Jesus demands that we get involved -- not as self-righteous hypocrites but as those who recognize their own sins and weaknesses and have honestly confessed and dealt with them first. Later, in the same context, Jesus continues by telling us to beware of false teachers and examine their fruit (7:15-16)--which would be a reference to both their lives and their teachings. Rather than ignoring “false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (v. 15), we are to watch out for them and examine the product of their doctrine and lives (vv. 16-23). We are to do so in order to avoid being deceived by them and living false lives ourselves.

2. Aren’t you following in the footsteps of the Pharisees?

Those who recognize the importance of discernment are accused of being Pharisees by clinging to the letter of the Law but missing its spirit. The idea behind this accusation is that any who dare critique the beliefs of others are following in the footsteps of the Pharisees. The Pharisees of Jesus’ day, we are told, loved the Word of God, were serious students of the Old Testament and sought to wrap their lives around God’s truth. The problem was that they became legalists who followed the letter but missed the real point of spiritual transformation. They kept all the rules by concentrating on outward appearance and show, while having no true relationship with God. The modern disciples of the Pharisees are inevitably slated to be those who cling most robustly to the Scriptures. The more one seeks to be a “biblical” Christian (a person of “the Book”), living out his life according to the teachings of the Word, the more that one is likely to be accursed of being a Pharisee.

Answer: While many believe that Jesus condemned the Pharisees for their literalness and their strict adherence to the Old Testament Law, a careful examination of the Gospels reveals that Jesus never spoke against these things as such. He certainly condemned them for their hypocrisy as we see in Matthew 23. But hypocrisy has nothing to do with love and devotion to the Scriptures and everything to do with sham. These men were reprimanded by Jesus because they knew the Word but did not live what they knew. They were men of pretense. They were posers.

But Jesus reserved his strongest rebuke for the Pharisees because they added to the Scriptures. In Matthew 15 Jesus asks them, “Why do yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?” After giving them a concrete example Jesus then goes on to state, “By this you invalidate the word of God for the sake of your tradition.” He then calls them hypocrites and accuses them of “teaching as doctrines the precepts of men” (vv. 3-9). Based upon Jesus’ words I would contend that the real Pharisees today are not the those who insist on following Scripture but those who add to the Scriptures. It is those who dismiss the commandments of God and replace or supplement them with their own precepts who are living out the legacy of the Pharisees.

By this definition, based on the words of Jesus Himself, it is not those who believe in the sufficiency of Scripture and seek to live their lives within its boundaries who are Pharisees, but those who believe the Bible is inadequate and must be enhanced with men’s traditions, philosophies, and ideas who are the real Pharisees.

3. Aren’t you simply trying to prove yourself superior?

To challenge the teachings of others implies that one thinks he has all the answers, or that his view is the only correct one. His attitude appears arrogant.

Answer: A common criticism cast at those who “dare” to publicly discuss the teachings of others goes to the issue of motive. Surely, some think, the only reason anyone would take such action is to try to prove himself superior. But when some tried to attack Paul’s motives he made it clear that none of them was in a position to know the motives of others. He tells the Corinthians to stop “passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts” (1 Cor. 4:5). It is wrong to judge the hearts of others; we must leave such work to God. Therefore those who insist on trying to expose others’ motives end up doing nothing more than disobeying God.

4. Aren’t you assuming everyone else is wrong and you have the only correct answer?

Answer: First, we all must humbly admit that none of us has an inside track to the thoughts of God. There is no esoteric knowledge for a special class of elites. Everything that God has communicated is there to read and analyze by every child of God. Next, we must understand that our views (what we think) are unimportant ; what matters is God’s view. We are not to spout our opinion but to carefully study the Scriptures and then shine its light on the teachings of ourselves and others. Therefore, it is our obligation to scrutinize God’s Word and “cut it straight” (2 Tim 2:15) so that we are able to teach the Lord’s truth (2 Tim 2:2) which is able to equip for every good work (2 Tim 3:16-17). This is to be done not to appear superior but to humbly aid in the spiritual life and growth of one another.

5. The flip side to the above objection is that by challenging the teachings of others we are judging their motives.

Answer: As was mentioned in regard to the last objection, it is not within our ability to judge motives since we cannot read men’s hearts (1 Cor 4:4-5). We are, however, called to examine their lives (Matt 7:15-16) and their teachings (Matt 16:6, 12); we leave their motives to God.


6. Critique of the beliefs of others simply is unacceptable in our postmodern era. Even benign assessment is viewed as intolerant and mean-spirited.

Answer: God’s truth has never been accepted by unbelievers in any age; this age is no different. In 1 Corinthians 1:18 we learn that the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but it is the power of God for those being saved. Nor should Christians capitulate to the whims of secular worldview. When the Corinthian believers seemed to hunger for some meaty Greek wisdom to be mixed with New Testament theology Paul refused to accommodate them; he preached the simplicity of Jesus Christ in order that their faith would rest in the power of God, not in the wisdom of men (1 Cor 2:1-5). We make a fatal mistake when we begin to adjust our teachings and methods to appease the sensitivities of the spiritually dead and spiritually compromised. It should be the Scriptures that determine our methods and message, not those who do not know Christ or His ways.

7. A discernment ministry will turn people into critical cynics.

Answer: While this is a danger, the focus of our lives and ministries should be on the greatness of God and His wonderful truth. We must be careful that we do not deteriorate into people who are looking for error under every rock or for something about which to complain. Even in our discernment we are “to do all things without grumbling or disputing” (Phil 2:14). And we must take seriously Paul’s admonition to Timothy to not get tangled up in useless arguments and speculations (e.g. 1 Tim 1:4). At the same time it is impossible to really love something (God’s truth) and not want to defend it (Jude 3). And we must not allow the criticism of those who refuse to obey God to pressure us into living unbiblical.

Conclusion:

Past generations of Christian leaders have seen the importance of defending the faith. For example, J. Gresham Machen made a great observation at the height of the Modernist-Fundamentalist battle in the early 1900’s: “What is today a matter of academic speculation begins tomorrow to move armies and pull down empires.” (1) Early Church Father Irenaeus wrote in Against Heresies,

Error, indeed, is never set forth in its naked deformity, lest being thus exposed, it should at once be detected. But it is craftily decked out in an attractive dress, so as, by its outward form, to make it appear to the inexperienced (ridiculous as the expression may seem) more true than the truth itself. (2)

Princetonian theologian B.B. Warfield commented,

The chief dangers to Christianity do not come from the anti-Christian systems. Mohammedanism has never made inroads upon Christianity save by the sword. Nobody fears that Christianity will be swallowed up by Buddhism. It is corrupt forms of Christianity itself which menace from time to time the life of Christianity. Why make much of minor points of difference between those who serve the one Christ? Because a pure gospel is worth preserving; and it is not only worth preserving, but is logically (and logic will always work itself out into history) the only saving gospel. (3)

And Thomas Oden offers this word of wisdom:

Although I concede that there are other tasks more important than the exposure of heresy, I warn: if there is no immune system to resist heresy, there will soon be nothing but the teeming infestation of heresy. (4)

These men understood as we must today, that the “faith once for all delivered to the saints” is worth defending. We must not allow the objections of those who lack the courage or the insight to fight for truth to cause us to cower from this important God-given obligation.

1. George M. Marsden, Fundamentalism and American Culture, (New York, Oxford University Press: 1980) p. 137.

2. As quoted in Richard Mayhue, “A Biblical Call to Pastoral Vigilance”, The Master’s Seminary Journal Volume 7, No 1, p. 49.

3. As quoted in Iain H. Murray, Evangelicalism Divided (Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust 2000), p. X.

4. As quoted in Larry Pettegrew, “Evangelicalism, Paradigms, and the Emerging Church”, The Master’s Seminary Journal Volume 17, No 2, p. 175.

Your Questions & Comments

If you have questions or comments that you would like to submit, you may do so by e-mailing us at:

GGilley@svchapel.org

Quotes

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The love of Christ has no border; it has no shore; it has no bottom. The love of Christ is boundless; it is bottomless; it is infinite; it is divine. That it passeth knowledge is the greatest thing that ever was said, or could be said, about it…We shall come to the shore, we shall strike the bottom of every other love; but never of the love of Christ!

Alexander Whyte

If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies. If they perish, let them perish with our arms around their knees. Let no one go there unwarned and unprayed for.

Charles H. Spurgeon


One of the most terrible indices of how far a people have strayed from righteousness is the degree to which they can no longer perceive their own guilt.
D.A. Carson

You can visit Gary Gilley’s website at: http://www.svchapel.org/  There you will find helpful articles, book reviews, and also books written by Pastor Gilley that you can order.

Watchman Fellowship Profile on "The Occult"

Did you know? Occult "Paganism is now the 7th largest organized religion in the US ? Why is the occult now poised to have an impact on every family in America? Will someone you love be influenced by Wicca, Psychics, or Magick? The possibility might be more likely then you think.

1 Peter 3:15

but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;

As the influences of the Occult has become more pervasive in our culture, it is imperative for the Christian to be well equipped, not only spiritually, as we are instructed from Ephanians 6:10-17, but also intellectually, to be able to stand firmly in the faith. Always remembering that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, and we must put on the full armor of God so that we will be able to Stand Firm in the faith.

** (Stand Firm in the Faith has been given permission to reproduce the letter by James Walker of Watchman Fellowship.) Also, there is No relation to this blog's writers and Allison DuBois who is mentioned in the letter.)

August 29, 2008

Dear Friends,
The math does not look good. Odds are, someone very close to you-your daughter, your brother, your best friend, or a coworker will become deeply involved with the occult. And if your family member or friend is younger (ages 18-35), the danger is much higher. I want to encourage you to make copies of the Profile and give them to every Christian you know. Why?

Occult practices such as psychics, communication with the dead, astrology, and Wicca (witchcraft) are no longer seen as "kooky." Boosted by an incredible public relations makeover, the occult has now become part of our cultural mainstream. The occult is now attracting a growing number of well-educated and affluent devotees, including many coming from traditional Christian homes. Most of us never saw this coming.

Thirty years ago, most experts predicted that America was becoming a secular nation. They thought that by now--- the early 21st Century, most Americans would either be Christians, believing in Jesus, or they would be atheists, believing in nothing at all. Well...the experts were wrong! It seems that as our country slowly drifts away from traditional Christian faith, we are not seeing the huge "revival" in secular humanism and atheism that was predicted. When people stop believing the Bible, they don't believe nothing -they believe everything!

In my recent book, The Concise Guide to Today's Religions and Spirituality, (1) I discussed the amazing resurgence of contemporary occultism:

There is also widespread interest in the occult as reflected by popular TV programs such as NBC's Medium. The drama is reportedly based on the true-life psychic, Allison DuBois, who allegedly makes contact with the dead. In 2006, John Edward Cross Country was launched on the WE network as a sequel to Edward's earlier show, Crossing Over, and best-selling book by the same title featuring alleged psychic communication with the dead. CBS has also joined the party with the hit series Ghost Whisperer, which stars, Jennifer Love Hewitt.

The country's fascination with the occult and witchcraft goes far beyond television programming, reaching into the core beliefs of millions of Americans. A 2003 Harris poll reveals that almost one in three Americans (31 percent) now believe in Astrology, an ancient, occult divination practice going back to biblical times (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). More telling in the Harris survey is the age demographic. When polling younger Americans (ages 25-29) belief in Astrology jumps to an unprecedented 43 percent. (2)

The growing impact of the occult can also be measured by comparing its sheer number with those of other religions. Based on research conducted at the Graduate School of the City University of New York by sociologists Barry A. Kosmin and Seymour P. Lauchman, Paganism (as represented by Wiccans, Pagans, and Druids) now ranks as the seventh largest organized religion in America with an estimated 433,267 adherents as of 2004. (3)

Jesus said, "Beware of false Prophets..Every Christian in America needs to be brief on the roots of occultism and its current impact on our culture. More importantly, every generation of believers needs to be reminded of what the scriptures teach about the occult. Jesus said "Beware of false prophets..." (Matt. 7:15). We can't "beware" unless we are first "aware." That's why I've written the profile.I want to encourage you to pass out copies to everyone in your Sunday School clsss, Bible study, or home fellowship group. This issue will touch every Christian you know-either directly or indirectly. ( You can receive the profile by contacting Watchman Fellowship - http://www.watchman.org/ or P.O. Box 13340, Arlington, TX. 76094

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Prayer Requests!

I want to thank each of you who prayed for us and/or supported us financially through the summer. We have survived the summer but we still have a significant budget deficit we need to make up quickly. We really need the Lord to touch the hearts of more partners who believe in our mission and are willing to stand with us. I want to encourage you to make a fiancial donation. Please consider becoming a monthly support partner in our work. Finally, I am teaching a course this semester, New Age Spirituality and the Occult, at Criswell College in Dallas. I am having an unusual guest come in the class to speak to our students and take questions. He is a Wiccan high priest and the author of a popular book on witchcraft. I have had several interesting and productive conversations with him in the past. Please pray that the Lord would guide my students and me in our questions and use our dialogue to touch him with the truth of the gospel of grace.

Yours in Christ,

James K. Walker, President

1. James K. Walker, The Concise Guide to Today's Religions and Spirituality, (Eugene, Or. Harvest House Publishers, 2007) pp. 7-8

2. "The Religious and Other Beliefs of Americans 2003," [Online] URL http://www.harrisinteractive.com/harris_poll/index.asp?PID=359.

3. Top Ten ORGANIZED Religions in the United States 2001" (with updated 2004 estimates) [Online] URL http://www.adherents.com/rel_USA.htm#Pew_branches.

CARM STANDS FIRM with the Author of 'The Shack'

When our Faith is resting on the whole Word of God, and we trust and have confidence in God's Word, we will be prepared for the battle, and will stand firm in the faith till the end. When our commitment to Christ is strong, and we seek after righteousness, we can stand firm in the knowledge of God's Word, for it is our armor, our shield, our helmet and sword, our belt, and our breastplate, and the shoes, in the battle, no matter what the circumstances may be. Ephesians 6:14-17.

Last night we heard an excellent interview with the Author Paul Young about his runaway best selling book 'The Shack', with radio host Matt Slick - from Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry. This interview is available to hear, that is, as long as it stays available on the CARM website -radio interviews. This is an excellent opportunity to hear the Author himself (Paul Young) explain his book in the context of it's theological meaning, as the radio host - Matt Slick presents a biblical and apologetic response to the concerns that have been raised about the book's influence, meaning and content. It is a 58 minute interview that is well worth listening to in it's entirety.

Visit CARM and hear the radio interview here:

http://www.carm.org/apologetics/carm-radio

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.

By Prayer and the Holy Spirit - Stand Firm

The Apostle Paul wrote: "So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us." 2 Thessalonians 2:15

This was an exhortation from Paul to the Thessalonians to not be weak in their faith. He urges them to Stand Firm, and to keep a tight grip on the 'Truth' they had been taught. Paul's mention of 'Tradition' was not talking about extra-biblical traditions that were ecclesiastical (priestly or religious). But, they were to stand firm and hold fast to what God had said, and to the written Scriptures, and stand firm in what Paul had said and taught by his teachings and writings. The Greek word translation for 'Traditions' literally means 'things handed down' and refers to divine revelation.

Remember also what Jesus said in John 15:7,8 "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples." God's Word and prayer working together does produces fruitful lives for Christ and proves we belong to Him.

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 11:2 "Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you."

He warns believers in 2 Thess 3:6 "Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us."

More instruction from the bible that tell us to hold fast and stand firm in the faith:

1 Timothy 6:20-21 "O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoid worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called "knowledge" which some have professed and thus gone astray from the faith."

2 Timothy 1:13,14 "Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you."

So, to Stand Firm in the Faith, is not something done of yourself. We are empowered to stand firm by the Holy Spirit by holding fast to sound words, (those found in Scripture) standing firm on the revealed truths in God's Word. We are also 'warned' to guard, through the Holy Spirit this treasure which has been entrusted to us.

Further on in the passages in 2 Thessalonians we are instructed to pray, because we can not obey what Paul is saying in our own strength. We need to be dependent on God's power to stand firm. It is only by God's mighty power that we are able to stand firm in the faith. It is by the Holy Spirit that we are empowered to stand strong. So hold firmly your spiritual ground. Know God's truth from His word. And pray always.

Colossians 1:29 "For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me."

As we wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to return, we must stay strong and Stand Firm, not be weak. Do not be weakened by this world. We must draw our strength from Him. We must Stand Firm and guard the truths He has entrusted to us by the power of the Holy Spirit and in prayer. We must be alert and watchful in our walk (our lives) and stand firm in the faith (what we believe) so we are not distracted and deceived by false teachings.

Be watchful that we do not become unbelieving, unfaithful, and insecure about our faith. Pray always. God is true to His promises. Our salvation is in Him. God loves us and has redeemed us. We must continue to stand firm and be courageous in our troubles and in our lack, and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus in anticipation of His return. Be strong,.... Stand firm in the faith.

Remember daily Titus 2:11-14 "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds."

Titus 2:15 "These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you."

Be Strong, Stand Firm in the Faith.