You can find the article in its entiretly at Ligonier Ministries (it’s short, to-the-point). Here is what I found interesting (and I included my own comments in brackets for explanation purposes only… he uses some “religious” language that I do not, so I thought I’d include some definitions, etc. It is not my intention to deviate from the original content, only to explain.):

During the Reformation era, debates raged over what things must be considered crucial to Christian faith and practice, and what could be considered adiaphora (Latin for “things indifferent” [things neither morally mandated nor morally forbidden]). All sides agreed that the doctrines of the Trinity, the atonement, and justification were central. But what about worship issues? What about the elements of worship…?

We regard as axiomatic [self-evident] the principle that worship cannot be entertainment. Worship as entertainment is idolatry. By definition worship must be about God, not my amusement. Here is where disagreement exists: stages, theater-lighting, bands, dancers, dramatists, hand-held microphones, all up front, the service performed on behalf of an audience relaxing in theater-style seating. Is this adiaphora? Normally, issues of seating, lighting, placement of musicians, style of platform might have qualified as things indifferent… but a line has been crossed in our generation. Much of what passes for worship today is nothing more than lightly baptized entertainment, and therefore is idolatrous. It is idolatry from which serious churches must distance themselves. Our principle must be (with apologies to Luther): “Let us, therefore, repudiate everything that smacks of entertainment.”

Has the time come when the sanctuaries of evangelical Protestantism must be cleansed of everything that reflects the world of entertainment? Our Reformed forefathers took axes to the altars, and they whitewashed the walls of medieval churches. If our analysis of worship that entertains is correct, similar iconoclastic fury must be shown, and soon, in our houses of worship lest they become houses of mirth: theater seats pulled out; stages broken up; dancers and actors banished; musicians’ and choirs’ roles redefined as that of simply supporting and enhancing congregational singing; pulpit, table, and font ["table" and "font" used in reference to the two biblical ordinances of the Lord's Supper and Baptism] restored to their proper places; pastors moved back behind pulpits; and simple services of the Word read, preached, sung, prayed, and seen (in the sacraments [ordinances]) reestablished. What was once indifferent can be considered indifferent no more, not if Reformed Protestantism is to continue to practice purity in its worship and avoid idolatry. “Little children,” says the apostle John, “keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21).

I don’t know if I’d throw out the “baby with the bathwater” on how we “do” our Sunday services. I mean, we have a “stage” (an elevated platform) in our services and three people that “lead” singing with microphones. Is that “entertainment” vs. “worship.” I don’t think so… but, pastor Johnson certainly has a point that we should seriously consider, and I most certainly appreciate his zeal on the issue.

Where is our focus during our Sunday “worship” services? Is is solely upon God and His Word? Or is it on entertaining the folks so they’ll come back… making them feel good… “pumping them up” emotionally and giving them a good “Christian experience”? Worship is about God and church is about glorifying God and edifying God’s people. Therefore, the Word (both Living and Written) must be central. The moment we deviate from that norm, we have strayed from “worship” into “entertainment.” And, frankly… I’ve had enough of that road… I’ve made too many of those kinds of mistakes before… and I don’t want to go there again. Let’s remember Josiah and what God thought of him (2Kings 23.25 cf. 22.8-23.14).

• (Acts 11.26) The Bible says that a “Christian” is a “disciple” of Jesus Christ — he is a “student, apprentice, follower” of the Lord Jesus Christ.
• But, today many who say they are Christians live in sin… gross, open, flagrant sin. They go to church on Sunday morning and practice illicit sex during the week (sleeping with their girlfriend / boyfriend, etc.), they get drunk, they “use” pornography, they (women) dress like hookers, they lie, they cheat, they steal, they use foul language… They go to church on Sunday, but they never read their Bibles… they never pray… they have no interest whatsoever in reaching the lost (and much less in foreign missions — reaching the unreached).

A Christian is a sinner who has “converted” to Christ (1Thes 1.9) — he has repented of his sins (repenance toward God) and placed his faith (his complete confidence for salvation) in the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20.20-21). He is no longer a follower of self but rather a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ (Gal 2.20). He has been regenerated (“born again”) and the Holy Spirit of God lives in him (Titus 3.5; John 3.3-6). He is a completely “new creature” (2Cor 5.17) even though is “old man” is still present in his flesh tempting him to indulge in sin that he used to love but now he hates (Rom 7.14-24).

If a “believer” (someone who says he is a Christian) gives no outward, visible evidence of the new birth and the presence of God in his life, why would we accept his “profession of faith” as valid? Think of it this way: If you walked up to a tree that had apples on it, what kind of tree would you think it to be? Obviously: It’s a pear tree! Now I know that sounds ridiculous to you because, frankly, it’s not that hard to figure out what kind of tree it is if it has apples growing on it. It’s an apple tree! Why, then, do we complicate the matter of why professing Christians don’t act like Christians; Jesus said it was as easy as discerning apples on an apple tree!

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. [Mat 7.16-20]

I recently posted a quote by Charles Spurgeon that stated the case quite clearly: “If the professed convert distinctly and deliberately declares that he knows the Lord’s will, but does not mean to attend to it, you are not to pamper his presumptions, but it is your duty to assure him that he is not saved.”

All of this deals with the issue of repentance in salvation. A sinner converts to Christ when he repents of his sins and places his faith in the Saviour. By his repentance he is recognizing the lordship of Christ (he is submitting to Christ as Lord) and by his faith he is trusting in Christ as Saviour. Repentance and faith are the two sides of the “coin” of salvation. You cannot turn to Christ without turning from sin. Therefore if the “believer” has not turned from his sin (if he has not repented), he most certainly has not turned to Christ for salvation. He has merely placed a vain hope in the “fire insurance” of “easy-believism” or (worse!) “quick prayerism.” Paul says that those who believe without repentance have believed in vain (1Cor 15.2).

This is not to preach “Lordship salvation” (that if Jesus is not “Lord of all” then He is not “Lord at all”). Lordship salvation teaches that the sinner must make Jesus Christ absolute Lord of every area of his life before he can be saved. That is impossible! That is works righteousness — placing works as a condition of salvation. No! Salvation is by grace through faith, not of works (Eph 2.8-9; Titus 3.5). Biblical repentance, though, is NOT a work. It will result in works, but it in and of itself is not a work.

If you would like to study this issue further, I would like to recommend some material. As always, be like the Bereans and search the Scriptures to see if these things are true (Acts 17.11; 1Th 5.21). Like Spurgeon once said: “Brethren, we shall not adjust our Bible to the age, but the age to the Bible.”

Two books that speak volumes about this issue (the first I would highly recommend; the second is good also, but there is a lot of hypercalvinism to weed out):

1. Today’s Gospel: Authentic or Synthetic by Walter Chantry (it’s only 93 pages; easy to read and powerful).
2. Today’s Evangelism: Its Message and Methods by Ernest C. Reisinger

A very good (eye-opening) video can be found on the following web site. It’s a sermon Paul Washer preached at a youth conference and he clearly exposes the existance of false converts in the modern church (hit the first link, scroll down a bit; it’s the sermon labeled “Shocking Message”):

• Paul Washer Youth Conference Sermon on True and False Conversions
• You can also find this sermon out on SermonAudio.com.

Here are some other links to messages, videos, audios, etc. that deal with the issue of conversion and the role of repentance in the salvation of a sinner:

• Biblical Repentance by David Cloud
• Repentance and Lordship Salvation by David Cloud (I tried to direct-link to this article on David Cloud’s web site, but could not.)
• True & False Conversions by Ray Comfort
• Hell’s Best Kept Secret by Ray Comfort
• Are You Really a Christian? by Todd Friel (this message and many other very good ones like it can be found on the What If I’m Pretending web site’s resource page). Also, Friel is continually addressing this issue during his radio and TV shows: Wretched.

Paul Washer consitently brings out this issue in many of his sermons. Some of my favorites can be found here:

• God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life!
• Paul Washer on “Personal Discipleship”
• The Ten Indictment of the American Church (good stuff!).

Last (and certainly least) is a message I preached on the subject of the need to call men to repentance.

• Calling Men to Repentance
• That sermon is one of two. If you’d like the other one… it’s here.

Let me finish this “short” little post with a quote from David Cloud’s article on Biblical Repentace (see link above):

Pastor Dave Sorenson says: “Saving faith includes repentance. Repentance is not doing anything. It is not a deed, act, work, or rite. Rather, it is a change of the direction of one’s heart. It basically means an attitude of the heart in turning from sin and self and turning to God. That’s what Paul was referring to in Acts 20:21 when he referred to ‘repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.’ Saving faith is the human heart turning to God and then trusting in Jesus Christ. … Even as there is the part of trusting Christ, there is also the part of turning to Him. That may seem inconsequential, but I believe that here is a spiritual reason they some go through the motions of believing in Christ but are not really born again. They seemingly want the fire escape but there is no interest in turning to God. There is no interest in repentance. They have the attitude, ‘God, gimme salvation, but I’m gonna keep on doing my own thing.’ … However, if there is no real turning to God from the heart, they have missed the prerequisite for actually trusting Christ” (Sorenson, Training Your Children to Turn out Right, 1995).

Repentance and faith are two separate things that come together for salvation, but they act together as one thing.

“Repentance is included in believing. Howbeit, repentance is not faith, nor faith repentance. ‘He that believeth,’ implies repentance. ‘Repent and be converted,’ involves faith… (James Stewart, Evangelism, pp. 48, 49).

“While it is true that upwards of one hundred and fifteen N.T. passages condition salvation on believing, and fully thirty passages condition salvation on faith … nevertheless, repentance is an essential condition in God’s glorious Gospel… (James Stewart, Evangelism, p. 49).

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. [Mat 7.13-14]

Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. [Mar 1.14-15]

Now beginning here with Mark, I think it is quite telling what’s going here, and it’s quite a rebuke to our modern evangelistic methodology. If we were to re-write this based upon what we see in the modern evangelical community, it would be something like this: Jesus saying, “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand. Now who would like to ask Me into their heart?”

Do you see the problem? The language that we use today is not used in the New Testament, in any place. “Who would like to repeat this prayer after me? … Oh, I see that hand! … Come forward!” We see none of that. But, in the message of our Lord we see: “Repent and believe!” In the Apostolic invitation we see: “Repent and believe!” In the great confessions of the Church we see: “Repent and believe!” It is only until we come into this modern time that we hear nothing of repentance and faith unless it’s redefined in the context of “receiving Jesus” (which means, “Pray this prayer and ask Jesus to come into your heart. And if you’ve done that sincerely, then you can stand on the fact that you’ve been born again”).

Now that is serious, folks! This is serious! I preach in many churches where they’re absolutely appalled that I do not lead people in prayers; that I simply command, with the authority of Scripture, that men repent of their sins and believe the Gospel, and then sit down with them (at times for hours) explaining to them repentance and faith, and praying with them, hoping that Christ be formed in them! They would rather have me get people to raise their hands, come forward, pray a prayer, and then go out to eat somewhere!

This is the reason for all the noise about personal, one-on-one discipleship. Back in the late 70′s and early 80′s there was just this birth of personal discipleship. And if you talk to many people about the reasons for discipleship (personal discipleship) they would say this: “There are just as many people walking out the back door of our church as are walking in the front door of our church. They’re coming in, they’re not staying, and the reason is that they’re not being discipled personally.”

Well, first of all, I believe that personal discipleship can be of great benefit. But, here’s something I want you to know: The history of the Church knows very little about that sort of thing. Most men were discipled through the preaching of the Word of God. So, maybe we need all this “discipleship” because the pulpit is so weak.

But, I think that they entirely miss the point. Our brother talked about men seeing the problem but giving the wrong answer. The reason there were just as many people (and still are just as many people) going out of the church as coming into the Church is because the Gospel that we’re preaching is not the Gospel. It’s a truncated version of the Gospel. And the invitation we give cannot even be found in the New Testament! Now, does anyone have a problem with that?

The reason why they are leaving… well, “they went out from us because they were not of us.” They were not truly converted.

And sometimes the Lord will send unique individuals to our church as a rebuke. For example, you’ll try to win someone, you’ll try to manipulate someone, you’ll try to get someone to “make a decision,” and then you’ll work very hard at discipleship, calling them on Saturday night to make sure they’re ready for Sunday, going by and picking them up, and following them around like a little puppy trying to make sure that they walk the Christian life. And then one day some drunk, that you don’t even want in your church, walks in, gets saved, and you can’t chase him out! Why? Because God saved him.

Am I against personal discipleship? Absolutely not! But that is not the reason why people, after they are “converted,” continue on in their ungodliness [it's not for lack of personal discipleship]. They continue on in their ungodliness because they are still ungodly… because they weren’t converted. They were not.

Proper biblical preaching should be systematic, expositional, theological, and God-centered. Such preaching is in short supply these days.

There are plenty of gifted communicators in the modern evangelical movement, but today’s sermons tend to be short, shallow, topical homilies that massage people’s egos and focus on fairly insipid subjects like human relationships, “successful” living, emotional issues, and other practical but worldly—and not definitively biblical—themes. Like the ubiquitous Plexiglas lecterns from which these messages are delivered, such preaching is lightweight and without substance, cheap and synthetic, leaving little more than an ephemeral impression on the minds of the hearers.

He goes on to list 15 of the “negative effects of the superficial brand of preaching that is so rife in modern evangelicalism.” I’ll give you the list below, but while Todd Friel (the commentator) was giving some of his personal input to the list, he talked quite a bit about “pastors as pals” — he doesn’t want his pastor to be his pal. What he said was right on. Here’s an example:

“Oh, preacher… we want you preaching! Quite honestly, we got friends… You’ll have to find your friends, but we don’t want you to be our pal. We want you to be our preacher. We want you to be a prophetic voice, not foretelling but forth-telling… that’s what we want from you, sir. I know, sometimes you don’t have a lot of friends because… you’re the preacher. We’ll let you work on it… we’ll try to help you with that, but we don’t want to be your chum.”

His point was that a pastor ought to be different. He ought to be an example that’s just a little above the standard, average watermark in his church. He shouldn’t be “one of the gang” because he’s not. He has a higher calling and therefore he should be different. I liked what he had to say a lot. It goes completely against what so many say a pastor ought to be today, and frankly it’s refreshing and encouraging to hear. Give it a listen (the first link above), I think you’ll like it.

Here are John MacArthur’s 15 devastating consequences of “Plexiglas preaching”:

1. It usurps the authority of God over the soul.
2. It removes the lordship of Christ from His church.
3. It hinders the work of the Holy Spirit.
4. It demonstrates appalling pride and a lack of submission.
5. It severs the preacher personally from the regular sanctifying grace of Scripture.
6. It clouds the true depth and transcendence of our message and therefore cripples both corporate and personal worship.
7. It prevents the preacher from fully developing the mind of Christ.
8. It depreciates by example the spiritual duty and priority of personal Bible study.
9. It prevents the preacher from being the voice of God on every issue of his time.
10. It breeds a congregation that is as weak and indifferent to the glory of God as their pastor is.
11. It robs people of their only true source of help.
12. It encourages people to become indifferent to the Word of God and divine authority.
13. It lies to people about what they really need.
14. It strips the pulpit of power.
15. It puts the responsibility on the preacher to change people with his cleverness.

Wanna know my opinion…? :-) In a word: “AMEN!” ~Greg

We are not called upon to witness to everyone we meet… Some years ago one of Scotland’s great saints was walking across the Highlands with a young friend. They passed a shepherd. The younger man, perhaps to impress his colleague, accosted the shepherd, asked him if he was saved and gave him a tract. Expecting, perhaps, a word of commendation, he was surprised and rebuked when the old believer said, “Did you have the Holy Spirit’s permission to speak to that man about his soul?”

What a sad commentary! What an awful thing to say to a young, zealous believer who wants to witness! And… what a tremendous misunderstanding of God’s call to evangelize.

First and foremost, to judge the intentions of the heart of someone who is zealous in witnessing is a bit presumptuous. How does this commentator know that the young man was trying to impress his friend? Why does he assume the worst in his motives? Why not simply assume that he has a burden to reach people with the message of Jesus Christ? And, why is it “accosting” someone to give them a tract and inquire about their salvation? I’m sorry, I couldn’t disagree more.

So, let’s answer the old Scot’s question: “Did you have the Holy Spirit’s permission to speak to that man about his soul?” Yes, he did! And, not only did he have God’s “permission” to do so, he had God’s call and command to do so. We are called and commanded by God to preach the Gospel to each and every creature.

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. [Mar 16.15]

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! [Rom 10.13-15]

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. [2Tim 4.5]

And what if we do so in a manner that is less than “diplomatic” (a manner that might seem as if we were “accosting” someone, though we do it from a sense of obligation and duty toward God, and love for the lost)?

What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. [Php 1.18]

Is the power to save a soul in the sower of the seed or in the seed itself? Is the power to save a soul in the way in which that seed is sown, or in the seed itself? Again, Scripture speaks clearly:

For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. [Isa 55.10-11]

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God… For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe… Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men… [1Cor 1.18-25]

In the very same chapter of Acts, God shows us that Philip, the Apostles, and other believers gave every effort they could to preach to every person the encountered.

Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. [Acts 8.4]

And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. [Acts 8.25]

But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Cæsarea. [Acts 8.40]

Here’s the truth of my life: I don’t witness to everyone I meet. But, do you know what? I want to! I want to get to the point were the first thing on my mind when I speak to someone is their eternal destiny—God’s glory in their life; His goodness magnified through their salvation. Mark Cahill witnesses to everyone he meets. So does Ray Comfort. So do many of our Christian brothers and sisters.

Let’s not use a passage like this as an excuse for our lack of compassion… our lack of zeal in evangelism… our lack of dedication to the Mission of making disciples through evangelism. That’s not what the passage is teaching. We should all desire more zeal in evangelism. We should all desire to witness to everyone we meet (or at least desire to desire to do so!).

What does that mean in practical terms? Well… let me “peddle some goods”…

• Listen to the 10-minute testimony called “George Street” (a true story about a man who “accosted” people the same way that young Scot did).

Get trained up in evangelism. I don’t agree with everything coming out of Way of the Master and Ray Comfort’s ministries (obviously). But they have an outstanding training program. Mark Cahill is a tremendous resource, too. Take advantage of this stuff and get trained up. Do it with a friend so you’ll have a little bit of accountability.

• School of Biblical Evangelism
• Mark Cahill’s Book “One Thing You Can’t Do In Heaven” (scroll down on that page to find it)

Get some tracts and give them out. If you get good ones (ones that you like), you’ll WANT to give them out. It won’t be a chore. Here are some of my favorites:

• Ten Most Popular Scratch Off
• Million Dollar Bill (new design from Ray)
• Million Dollar, July 4th edition (great time of year for this one!)
• Check out Custom Tract Source (My favorites: What if…? and their “Cash” tracts; 4th of July).

Oh, my friends, we are loaded down with countless church activities, while the real work of the Church, that of evangelizing and winning the lost, is almost entirely neglected. [Oswald J. Smith]

It’s true that many are praying for a world-wide revival. But it would be more timely, and more scriptural, for prayer to be made to the Lord of the harvest, that He would raise up and thrust forth laborers who would fearlessly and faithfully preach those truths which are calculated to bring about a revival. [A.W. Pink]

Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? [Acts 10.29]

In Acts 10.29 Peter arrives at Cornelius’ house to find it filled with lost gentiles anxiously awaiting his presence to give them the message God has for them. But take a look at Peter’s question, and think about it. What, in essence, is he saying? “Hi, everybody. I know you guys are lost and going to an eternal lake of fire, so… Why have sent for me? What do you want?” Not much weeping and wailing and crying compassion for lost souls, is it?! But, yet, Peter evangelized and preached on the streets open-air with more boldness and consecration than anyone else until Paul showed up in Acts chapter 9. Why is that?

I think it’s obvious why when we take into consideration John 21.15-19:

So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep…. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. [John 21.15-19]

Peter’s love, loyalty, and commitment to the Lord is what motivated him. Peter had blown it bad when he denied the Lord before the crucifixion, and he knew it. But when Jesus lovingly (but firmly) restored him in John 21.15-19, Peter was sold out. He sold out completely to the Lord! He was received back in fellowship and restoration with his Lord and Saviour, and never again would he deny Him! He would forever serve him with complete devotion.

A “crying compassion” for the lost is fine (I think we should be very concerned for them!), but it cannot be our primary motivation in evangelism or in any ministry. If we let the plight of the lost become first and foremost, we have become man-centered, and that has never been, nor will it ever be, the will and the plan of God. We must be God-centered in our motivation.

Why do we evangelize? Why do we preach the cross of Christ to the lost—the Law (God’s justice), grace (God’s love), and the personal decision required of each sinner? It is primarily to glorify God; secondarily it is to save a lost soul from the fires of hell and the wrath of his Creator. Let’s compare Scripture with Scripture to see this principle clearly in the Bible.

We are here to glorify God. That is the purpose of our existence.

For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. [Rom 11.36]

We glorify God on this earth the same way Jesus did, by finishing the work our Lord has given us to do.

I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. [John 17.4]

That work is the edifying of the Body of Christ—making the Church bigger.

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ… From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. [Eph 4.11-16]

We do that through the preaching and teaching of God’s Word.

1. Evangelism: The preaching and teaching of God’s Word to the lost.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. [Mat 28.19-20]

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. [Mar 16.15]

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. [Luke 24.46-47]

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. [Acts 1.8]

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! [Rom 10.13-15]

Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. [Rom 15.20-21]

2. Discipleship: The preaching and teaching of God’s Word to the saints.

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. [Eph 4.11-13]

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. [2Tim 3.16-17]

That is our task—the preaching and the teaching of God’s Word. He gives the actual “increase” (the growth, the edification).

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. [1Cor 3.6]

We, like Peter, should be obsessed with submission and obedience to the Lord. We should be obsessed with the desire to do the work He has given us to do. We should be obsessed with getting His Word (in abundance!) to the lost and to the saved. This is out primary duty and responsibility.

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God… For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe… For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence… And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. [1Cor 1.18-2-5]

Whether we feel compassion for people or not is irrelevant. God has sent us into this world with a very simple, very clearly defined task: Preach the Word! Preach the Word abundantly and extensively!

The minute we let men take the place of God, we have deviated from our one simple mission. The minute we let our desires replace God’s, we have deviated from our one simple mission. It’s not primarily about men… It’s not primarily about their salvation… It’s not primarily about the fruit (bigger congregations, bigger buildings, bigger offerings)… It’s primarily about God and His glory; and He his glorified when we submit to Him wholeheartedly and obey His commandments.

God is first, man is second… even in evangelism and discipleship. It’s not about you. It’s not about me. It’s not about the lost. It’s all about God. He is first, always and in everything.

Don’t let your “compassion for souls” or your “desire for fruit” replace your obsession with pleasing and glorifying God.

1. (v1-50) “As your fathers did” — Israel’s history of resisting the Holy Ghost
2. (v51-60) “So do ye” — The Jewish leaders’ resisting of the Holy Ghost

The last verses of the first part contain a summary of the time of the kings, especially that of David and Solomon around the building of the temple in Jerusalem (v47-50). Have you ever asked yourself: What’s the problem here?

• What’s the problem with David wanting to build the temple and Solomon carrying it out?

• Stephen is using the temple as an illustration of how Israel’s fathers resisted the Holy Ghost. How did David and Solomon resist the Holy Ghost in the building of the temple?

• So, again I ask: What was the problem?

• Could it be Proverbs 16.18-19?

Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. [Prov 16.18-19]

God didn’t ask for a temple, He permitted it. It was David’s idea; God simply permitted it with certain guidelines.

Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in? Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle. In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel spake I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people Israel, saying, Why build ye not me an house of cedar? [2Sam 7.5-7]

God ordered the tabernacle (not the temple) and He gave specific and detailed instructions for it—how to make it, out of what materials, how to transport it, how to set it up.

This temple situation reminds me of the altar named “Ed” in Joshua 22. It wasn’t in and of itself wrong. It was permissible. God didn’t specifically prohibit the altar, but He didn’t order it either. It was man’s idea to “improve” on God’s established and revealed plan. And what did it lead to? Problems!

What did the building of the temple lead to (and quite quickly, as a matter of fact)? Apostasy and idolatry! Remember what Proverbs 16.18-19 says will happen when a man thinks too highly of himself, his ways, or his “spanky neat ideas” for ministry.

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. [1Cor 2.1-5]

If it’s not God’s idea, it’s man’s wisdom, and that will never lead to God’s glory in the fulfilling of God’s plan. Think about the tabernacle and the temple in light of 1Corinthians 1.26-29.

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. [1Cor 1.26-29]

A tabernacle (a lowly tent) made out of skins and wood didn’t seem right or nice enough to David and Solomon. God “deserved more” (good intentions). So man, in his own wisdom, came up with a plan: A temple. And look where it all ended up: Apostasy and idolatry (1Kings 11); and the lasting legacy of the bad testimony of having resisted the Holy Spirit of God (Acts 7.51 cf. 7.44-50).

What’s the moral of the story?

God’s man will do God’s work God’s way.

He will not try to “improve” on it. He’ll keep it simple and just stick to the plain, clear, detailed instructions that God has given him in the Word. Here are those instructions:

1. God wants us to glorify Him in all that we are and all that we do.

For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. [Rom 11.36]

2. We glorify God by finishing the work He gave us to do.

I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. [John 17.4]

3. Our work is that of edifying the Body of Christ—making the Church bigger.

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. [Eph 4.11-12]

There are only two ways to make the Body of Christ bigger—to edify the body of believers: Evangelism (growth in numbers) and discipleship (growth of the members). We evangelize to make disciples (Mat 4.17-18), and then we disciple our new converts to make evangelists—fishers of men (Mat 4.19).

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. [Mat 4.17-19]

That’s it—that’s our work. That’s what God told us to do. And He even told us in detail how He wants us to get that work done: We are to witness to the lost.

We go to where they are (we actively “seek” them out; Luke 19.10; 1Tim 1.15; John 17.18) and then we speak to them about sin, righteousness, and judgment to come (the Law), explaining to them that the Jesus is the only way of salvation (God’s grace), and calling them to repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

There is no need to “improve” on God’s plan (even if it seems to us to be “an old tent made out of animal skins”). God never asked us to “improve” on His revealed plan—and He revealed that plan in detail (Mat 28.18-20; Mar 16.15; Luke 24.46-47; Acts 1.8; etc.). He has called us to obedience and submission, that’s it.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! [Rom 10.13-15]

Trying to “improve” God’s plan by coming up with clever and tricky new ways to fill our churches will put us on a path of apostasy that will lead us inevitably to idolatry. Or what…? Do you honestly think we’re better than David (a man after God’s own heart) or more wise than Solomon (the wisest man to ever walk this earth outside of the Lord Himself)?

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. [Eccl 12.13-14]

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. [2Tim 4.3-4]

Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. [Prov 16.18-19]

Let’s just keep it simple; let’s just do what the Bible says and then let God take care of the results. May complete and zealous obedience and submission to God’s revealed plan be our obsession.

Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. [Rom 15.20-21]

• The end of all being is the happiness of man.
• In other words, the reason for man’s existence is his happiness.

What does this say for the modern presentation of Jesus and the Gospel…?

“Accept Jesus [a phrase not found anywhere in Scripture] and you can enjoy peace, joy, satisfaction, and… lasting happiness.”

What a pitiful presentation of our Lord and His wondrous work on the cross. We exist and our salvation is provided for the glory of God, happiness included or not.

Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory… [Isa 43.7]

“Disciple” is the word most often used in the New Testament to describe those who have (truly or supposedly) converted to Christ.

1. “Believer”: Appears in two verses of the NT.
2. “Saint”: Appears in 62 verses of the NT.
3. “Disciple”: Appears in 255 verses of the NT.

The word “disciple,” however, is not used after the Book of Acts, while “saint” becomes more prominent (after Acts, in the Epistles). The words “disciple” and “saint” are used throughout both the Old and New Testaments, while “believer” is only used twice in the whole Bible (Acts 5.14 and 1Tim 4.12). What is there to learn from all this…? What would God have us to understand?

It seems to me that our Great Commission (Mat 28.18-20) is meant to result in the multiplication of disciples, and not just “believers.”

And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied… [Acts 6.7]

Whether the “disciples” are truly “saints” or not… only God know, and time will certainly prove them out.

Believers

The term “believer” can refer to anyone, saved or lost.

• (Acts 5.14) The saved can be called “believers,” but again it’s interesting to note that God only does so on two occasions in the whole of Scripture.
• (Mat 7.21-23; 1Cor 15.1-2) Many “believers” are not saved–they have believed in vain.
• (Jam 2.19) Even then devils are “believers,” but they are certainly not saved.

There is very little assurance in the Bible that a “believer only” is really saved. A true conversion will result in visible fruit (which is what James was referring to so emphatically in the second chapter of his Epistle; Jam 2.14-24). And this is why we are called to “make disciples” and not to only “make believers.”

Disciples

“Disciple” comes from the same root as “discipline” and it speaks of one who is following another to learn from him. The disciple is, with diligence and discipline, learning the discipline (the art, the doctrine, the way of life) of his master. In biblical terms:

• (John 8.31) A disciple is one who continues in the Word of Christ–he learns it from Him and applies it, living as Christ would.
• (Luke 14.25-33) A disciple has forsaken all to follow Christ (which is the essence of repentance: forsaking sin and turning to God in submission to His Lordship; Prov 28.13).

The term “disciple” can also refer to both the saved and the lost (a lost person who acts like a saved person for a time).

• (John 6.60-66) It is possible for a disciple to not be saved. Many of Jesus’ disciples (many of His followers) “believed not” and eventually left Him when the going got tough, and they turned back to their own ways and their own life in the world (much like Demas in 2Timothy 4.10).
• (Acts 11.26) Other disciples are truly “Christians” (disciplined followers of Jesus Christ, being conformed to His image and living in this world as He did).

“Disciple,” then, is a term that refers to the outward evidence of a conversion to Christ, and it seems as though this is the reason why we see it so consistently in the Book of “Acts” (it’s a book that deals with the “acts”–the physical actions, the works–of the followers of Jesus Christ). This is exactly what James was referring to in the second chapter of his epistle when he said faith without works is dead (Jam 2.14-24).

Although it is not a completely infallible test for a true conversion, the fruit of good works (becoming a “disciple”) is certainly convincing evidence of a true conversion to Christ. Remember Christ’s instruction about how we are to know if someone is truly saved or not–it’s by their fruits (do they have the “works”? are they “disciples” or just “believers”?):

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither [can] a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. [Mat 7.16-20]

We, as James insisted and Jesus instructed, are to strive to make “disciples” and not just “believers.”

• One can be a disciple and not be saved, yes (he can show certain visible evidence of a conversion to Christ).
• But, if one is not a disciple (if he shows no visible evidence of a conversion to Christ), the Bible gives him very little assurance that he is saved.

So, to recap what we have so far: A “believer” has not repented (he has not turned from his sin, but rather has only “believed”; therefore he is not following Christ but himself). The “believer only” is not a disciple. On the other hand, a disciple shows in visible fruit (a change of lifestyle; a change of attitude and action) that he is following Jesus Christ. Whether he has saving faith or not is something we cannot judge, but God alone knows and time will tell.

They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away… But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. [Luke 8.13-15]

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. [1Cor 15.1-2; those who do not persevere in the Gospel--those who fall away--were never saved in the first place; they "believed in vain"]

What is a “saint,” then?

Saints

The term “saint” refers to those who are truly saved. It is a “positional” statement rather than a “practical” one (like “disciple,” which is more practical than positional because it refers to the outward fruit, the works). This seems to be why we see “saints” used in the Epistles rather than “disciples,” which is used more in Acts and the Gospels. The Epistles are more doctrinal than historical — more positional than practical — and thus give emphasis to position (“saint”) rather than practice (“disciple”), even though there is obviously a heavy emphasis on the application of doctrine in the life of a saint.

(1Cor 1.30-31) All of the saved are “saints” positionally (in Christ), although they might not act like it consistently in the practice of their faith. Some days they might seem like saints (following Christ as true disciples), and other days you couldn’t tell them from the lost. Regardless, however, of the “practice,” everyone that is in Christ is, by God’s grace, made perfect, pure, holy, and sanctified. In other words, in God’s mind, we are “saints.” It’s a positional statement because it refers to our position in Christ. “Disciple” would be a practical statement because it refers to our practice of following Christ here on earth.

Only God knows if someone is truly a saint or not.

• All saints are disciples (they have visible fruit in their lives showing that they are following Christ).
• But not all disciples are saints (because some have works without faith; they are “false converts”).

A Practical Application

As I just said, only God knows if someone is truly saved or not because only God can look on the heart.

…man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. [1Sam 16.7]

Since we cannot look on the heart, the Lord has given us other (visible) criteria by which to judge (discern) the conversion of someone: The visible fruit (their works and their way of life).

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. [Mat 7.20]

Since we are to judge by the fruit we can see, we are called to make “disciples”–disciplined followers of the Lord Jesus Christ–and not just “believers.” And this is why we must call men to both repentance and faith, and not just faith alone. If we call men to “just believe,” they may become believers but they will never be disciples (they may believe, but they are not saved). If they never turn from their sin in repentance, they have never truly turned to the Lord Jesus Christ in saving faith–they have never “converted” (conversion is always a turning “from” and a turning “to”):

For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God. [1Thes 1.9]

It is repentance (turning from and forsaking sin and self) that results in a disciple, although not all disciples are saints because because repentance alone does not save. It must be coupled with faith in order to bring about a true conversion to Christ. Men must repent and believe in order to be saved. Repentance and faith is what results in a saint. Remember:

• Every saint is a disciple (because he has repented and placed his faith in Christ for salvation).
• But not every disciple is a saint (because some have repented but have not saving faith; works do not save).

Our goal in evangelism should be two-fold: Repentance and faith. Christ called men to repentance (to turn from sin and self) and to faith (to turn to Him, and Him alone as Lord and Saviour).

And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. [Mar 1.15]

Peter also called men to repentance and faith:

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. [2Pet 3.9]

Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. [1Pet 1.9]

Paul, too, preached the same–repentance and faith as necessary for salvation:

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. [Acts 20.21]

This is our Great Commission: We are called to go and make “disciples.” Therefore we are to preach both repentance and faith to the lost, not just faith alone. If someone says that they believe, but their life gives no evidence of a true conversion to Christ–if they are not a disciple (a disciplined follower of Jesus Christ)–we are not to give them assurance of their salvation. Rather we should lovingly and kindly warn them that belief alone does not save. One must repent and believe.

This reminds me of a quote I read by Charles Spurgeon, and I think I’ll end with this:

If the professed convert distinctly and deliberately declares that he knows the Lord’s will, but does not mean to attend to it, you are not to pamper his presumptions, but it is your duty to assure him that he is not saved. Do not suppose that the Gospel is magnified or God glorified by going to the worldlings and telling them that they may be saved at this moment by simply “accepting Christ” as their Saviour, while they are wedded to their idols, and their hearts are still in love with sin. If I do so, I tell them a lie, pervert the Gospel, insult Christ, and turn the grace of God into lasciviousness. It is interesting to notice that the Apostles preached the Lordship of Christ. The word “Saviour” occurs only twice in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 5.31, 13.23). On the other hand it is amazing to notice the title “Lord” is mentioned 92 times; “Lord Jesus” 13 times; and “the Lord Jesus Christ” 6 times in the same book. The Gospel is: “Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”

The bold preaching of the Word among the lost is what will turn the world upside down.

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. [Acts 4.13]

…These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also. [Acts 17.6]

Boldness should be one of our greatest desires.

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word. [Acts 4.29]

And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. [Eph 6.19-20]

It should be the norm of our lives as Christians because it is visible evidence of the filling of the Spirit of God.

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. [Acts 4.31]

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. [Acts 1.8]

We Christians need to draw near to God boldly in the Word and prayer.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. [Heb 4.16; see also Hebrews 10.10-22]

We need to repent, and live clean, right, and holy.

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. [Prov 28.1]

We need to be bold in doing exploits for our God—bold in our efforts to reach the lost with the message of salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ.

And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. [Dan 11.32]

Boldness in witnessing to those without Christ (and, therefore without the hope of salvation) is not about being brash and rude, because it’s not about human personality or the human will. It’s about God and His control of the Christian, in his attitudes, actions, and words.

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. [Acts 4.31]

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. [Acts 4.33]

There is “power” (authority, influence, power to save: Rom 1.16; 1Cor 1.18, 21) because GOD is there and HE is in control, not me, my personality, and my will. There is “grace” (kindness, love, and compassion… even in the midst of exposing sin, preaching righteousness, and warning of the judgment and wrath to come) because GOD is there and HE is in control, not me.

I pray for boldness, especially in my witness to lost men and women, just about every day. God must grant the boldness (it comes through the filling—the control—of His Holy Spirit), because “boldness in the flesh” is pride, haughtiness, and trust in the flesh. I want boldness that will exalt the Lord Jesus Christ and glorify God the Father.

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. [Acts 3.19]

Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. [Acts 3.26]

I’m impressed with the need to preach repentance and call lost men (and false converts) to turn away from their iniquity in order to turn to God in faith. I think it has been this message more than any other that has thinned out our congregation here a bit over the past two years or so.

Why do so many pastors not preach about sin, righteousness, and the judgment to come? Why do they not lift up the warning of the wrath to come and call men to salvation in Christ through true, biblical repentance? Why are they more concerned with appearances—PowerPoint, good suits, nice buildings, coffee and donuts, “exciting” youth programs, and entertainment-oriented worship? I think the answer to those questions is simple…

They know they’ll lose people. And in our pragmatic Christian world view these days, if you don’t have the numbers—if you don’t have a large and growing congregation—then you are a “failure” in the ministry. I want fruit, don’t get me wrong. I cry to the Lord for souls to be saved and sanctified. But I want first and foremost to be loyal to my Lord and Saviour, and preach the message He has sent me to preach: Repentance and faith, not just faith alone (“just believe and you got fire insurance”).

Preaching repentance means pointing out sin clearly and directly so that all can understand, teaching of God’s standard of righteousness and holiness, and warning of the judgment and wrath to come. It’s not a popular message (at least among men; I think God likes it a bit). It’s not a message that will make you popular (at least among men; I think God pays attention to His faithful servants). But, what is it we are called to do? Please men? We are servants—bond slaves—of the Lord. What does He desire of us, regardless of how men feel about it and regardless of the visible results we see in our churches on Sunday mornings? It’s not that hard to understand. It really never is.

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. [Gal 1.10]

Remember Jeremiah.

Revival is the renewed conviction of sin and repentance, followed by an intense desire to live in obedience to God. It is giving up one’s will to God in deep humility.

If you take a look at Acts 1.14 and compare it with Acts 2.1-14 (taking into account, of course, the dispensational aspects of the passages), you can see that “revival” takes place when God’s people pray and preach. Let’s not forget, too, the importance of purity—personal holiness—in the lives of the people who are praying and preaching!

You cannot stay in the “upper room” praying to the One who commanded you to GO and PREACH the Gospel to every creature, and expect revival to come. Don’t pacify a guilty conscience by simply praying for the salvation of the lost, but not preaching to them. It is the Gospel that is the power of God unto salvation.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness. [Rom 1.16-18]

And God has ordained preaching as His chosen method of getting the Gospel to the lost.

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God… For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. [1Cor 1.18, 21]

How shall they hear if we do not obey the command to GO and PREACH?

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! [Rom 10.13-15]

If we want to see revival in the Church today, there are at least things that we must do:

1. Pray much and frequently.
2. Be pure—holy and clean before God.
3. Preach the cross of Jesus Christ (Law, Grace, and the personal decision of the sinner repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ)

It is true that many are praying for worldwide revival. But it would be more timely, and more scriptural, for prayer to be made to the Lord of the harvest, that He would raise up and thrust forth laborers who would fearlessly and faithfully preach those truths which are calculated to bring about a revival. ~A.W. Pink

Have you noticed how much praying for revival has been going on of late—and how little revival has resulted? I believe the problem is that we have been trying to substitute praying for obeying, and it simple will not work. To pray for revival while ignoring the plain precept laid down in Scripture is to waste a lot of words and get nothing for our trouble. Prayer will become effective when we stop using it as a substitute for obedience. ~A.W. Tozer

Jesus is beyond all value; there is no ruby or diamond but the jeweler can set a fair price on it. Christ is more precious that rubies, diamonds, and heaven. True Christians prize Christ as most precious. He’s their chief treasure and delight. This is why millions perish: It is because they do not prize Christ.

If Christ is precious to you, you will desire to spend time in the Word to just know Him, ponder Him, think of Him, and draw closer to Him. If the love of your life sent you letters, and you never opened them up to read them, ponder them, know your love more through them… what would that say about your love for that person?

The ungodly choose things of no value before Christ. If a person chooses an apple before a priceless diamond, he is judged to be a fool. How many such idiots are there that choose the gaudy, empty things of this life before the Prince of glory. Give a baby a rattle, and he will not want gold. Give a worlding his lusts, and he will be content enough without Christ. We value Christ above honor and riches; this Pearl of great price lies nearest in our heart. He who prizes Christ esteems the gleanings of Christ better than the world’s vintage. He counts the worst things of Christ better than the best things of the world. If we are the prizers of Christ, we cannot live without Him. A man may live without music, but not without food. A child of God can lack health and friends, but he cannot lack Christ.

If we are prizers of Christ, then we shall not complain at any pains to get Him. He who prizes gold will dig for it in the mine. My soul follows hard after God. He in whose eye Christ is precious never rests until he has gained Him. If we are prizers of Christ then we take great pleasure in Him. What joy a man takes in that which he counts his treasure. He who prizes Christ makes Him his greatest joy. He can delight in Christ when earthly delights are gone. Though a flower in a man’s garden dies, he can still delight in his money and jewels. He who esteems Christ can solace himself in Christ where there is a dearth of all other comforts.

If we are prizers of Christ, then we will part with our dearest pleasures for Him. He who esteems Christ will pull out that lust which is as precious as his right eye. He who sets a high value on Christ will set his feet on the neck of his sins. How can they be said to prize Christ who will not leave a vanity for Him, or who prefer a damning pleasure before a saving Christ. He is very precious to you who believe.

Do you feel that way toward the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ? Is He “precious” to you?

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? [2Cor 13.5]

As we all know, on August 1st of 2007 the I-35W Mississippi Bridge collapsed killing at least 12 people. It seems like everyone speculated about why it happened… what actually caused it… etc. I heard a guy on the radio talking about it, and he was out on the University of MN campus asking students if they thought God had anything to do with it. Needless to say it was an interesting and insightful radio show. During the hour he played the above linked audio clip. I like it, and so I thought I’d share it.

~Greg