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Four Principles for Building a Church


Alan

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 “Four Principles concerning the New Testament Church.”

 

King Solomon, and the nation of Israel, was seven years in building the Temple. Wow! Seven years is a long time. It takes a long time to get a large job accomplished. Sometimes when a person starts a work, and it takes a long time, they get discouraged and give up.

 

King Solomon did not get discouraged and he did not give up. He finished the task that God told him to do. The task of building the Temple was a very important task. King Solomon is a good example to persevere in a task. It is hard for a person to persevere in a large task.

 

The Apostle Paul stated that the stories in the Old Testament were examples to the saint in the New Testament. “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.”1 Corinthians 10:6 Furthermore, Paul stated, “For whatsoever things were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:4

 

As we ponder on the faith, and principles, that guided the Old Testament saints, as our examples, we can learn, obtain patience, comfort, and have hope. Our pondering of the saints of old will also help us as we work for the Lord, see souls saved, enjoy working for the Lord in Church, and enjoy the fellowship of the saints in church.

 

How did King Solomon persevere for seven years building the Temple? and, how may we learn from his experience? I would suggest that the reader, in connection with this devotion, read

1 Chronicles 29

 

Four Principles for building the Temple that

King Solomon learned from his father.

 

The Temple was the Lord’s house to do the work of the Lord. King Solomon learned four principles from King David his father concerning building the Temple. The fathers should teach the sons the things of God. Fathers should teach these principles not only by words, but also by heart-felt action.

 

First Principle in Building a Church

 

Building a Church is a Great Work

 

Concerning the building of the Temple, King David said that the work of the Lord was great. “Furthermore David the king said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the LORD God.” 1 Chronicles 29:1

 

King David said that the Temple was the Temple of God and not for man. And, King David said that building the Temple of God was a great work.

 

The attitude of David is an example for the saints in the New Testament Church Age. The building of the local, New Testament, church is a great work and it is the Lords House. Matthew 16:18, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

 

The Lord Jesus started to build His church through soul winning efforts. “And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.” Mark 1:17 In order to become a part of the church of the Lord Jesus, a New Testament church, you need to become saved.

 

The primary reason why we have churches that do not believe sound doctrine, full of hypocrisy, full of charismatic foolishness, full of evil practices, is due to the lost nature of the “members.”

 

1 Timothy 3:15, “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”

 

In a true New Testament, independent, Bible believing, Baptist church, you will find the truth of the scriptures. A true saint seeking to learn correct behavior, righteousness, holiness, and doctrinal truth, will leave an unsound church and find a sound one. The untoward behavior as found in a lot of churches in age of Laodicea is not of the Lord.

 

A Polite Reminder

 

Before I continue this devotion, may I remind the reader that in the New Testament Church Age there are no denominations, no bishops controlling local churches as we see in the Catholic Church and the Presbyterian Church and other denominations.

 

A saint in seeking to learn correct behavior, sound doctrine, will not learn these matters in a man-made religious denomination, backslidden saints with a heart problem, nor by an, “internet theologian.” Man-made denominations, internet theologians, out of church saints, Theological Seminaries, will not teach the saint sound doctrine and correct behavior in the New Testament Church.

 

The New Testament churches, local assemblies, followed the baptism of John the Baptist, (Baptist is a title not John’s last name), the authority of the Apostles, and after the Apostles died, the absolute authority of the written scriptures. The Lord Jesus did not organize any denomination, Seminary, nor internet ministry.

 

Second Principle in building a church

 

The Church is for the Lord Jesus

 

We need to be like King David. Building a church is for the cause of the Lord Jesus and His work. It is not a social work. It is not an entertainment center. It is a place for the preaching of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a place where the Bible is taught.

 

Because it was a great work King David prepared the materials with all of his might. 1 Chronicles 29:2 says, “Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.”

 

We need to serve the Lord with all of our might. Furthermore, we are we need to start today. John 9:4, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”

 

Third Principle in Building a Church

 

We Need to Love the Work

 

King David said, “Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house.” 1 Chronicles 29:3

 

King David loved the Temple and he loved the Lord. King David loved the house of God and gave his own financial resources (carnal things), for the Temple of God. Psalm 26:8 , “LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.” Psalm 18:1, “I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.”

 

When Solomon was a child, he saw that his father, King David truly loved God with his heart and loved the Temple of the Lord and gave of his gold (carnal goods), for the building of the Temple of God.

 

In our hearts, we need to love the Lord Jesus and the church. Ephesians 5:23-25 , “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”

 

Colossians 3:2, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

 

As with King David, those saints who love the church, who love the salvation of souls, who love the preaching of the scriptures will give of their carnal goods, willingly and lovingly, for the furtherance of the local church. “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.” 2 Corinthians 8:12 

 

The Old Testament saints are an example in the area of giving to the house of God in the New Testament. “Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? for it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it together for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of this hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the alter? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar.” 1 Corinthians 9:8-14

 

The Lord Jesus ordained that in the New Testament local (physical), church, that the ministers of the gospel, and the church itself, to be taken care of the saints of the assembly through their offerings as the Old Testament saints took care of the Temple; as the law “saith.”

 

The obedience of this ordinance by the Lord Jesus does not put the New Testament saint under the law, but, the Lord Jesus, through the Apostle Paul, commands us to follow the example of the law. As Paul states, the law of Moses concerning giving was given for “for our sakes.”

 

King Solomon made the decision to love the Lord. 1 Kings 3:3a, “And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father.”

 

Song of Solomon 8:7, “Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.”

 

Sometimes we let the problems of this life quench our service for the Lord Jesus. King Solomon was able to persevere because he loved the Lord and loved the work of the Lord.

 

Our children notice whether we love the Lord and the church. To love the Lord Jesus and to love the church is a good principle in our lives. Can we not say that to love the Lord and to love the church is the greatest principle?

 

Fourth Principle in Building a Church

 

We need to be willing to build the church.

 

In 1 Chronicles 29:5 King David asked who was willing to consecrate his service to prepare to build the Temple. “The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hand of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?” 1 Chronicles 29:5

 

I have already quoted 2 Corinthians 8:12 in connection with the giving of our carnal goods (or finances), to the church, but, it bears repeating as a willing heart and mind is essential in all of the work involving the Lord Jesus. “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.” 2 Corinthians 8:12 

 

In verse 6, the people willingly offered to consecrate themselves to prepare the materials for the Temple. “Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king’s work, offered willingly.” 1 Chronicles 29:6 

 

Application

 

When Solomon was growing up he saw the willingness of the his father, King David, and the willingness of the people, to serve build the Temple. Our children look at us and see if we willingly serve the Lord. We are an example to our children. And the Old Testament saints are an example to the saints in the New Testament.

 

King Solomon was willing to build the Temple. In fact, King Solomon was determined to build the Temple. 2 Chronicles 2:1, “And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.” King Solomon willingly made this decision because of his love to God and to the Temple of God.

 

King David and the people rejoiced in preparing to build the Temple.

 

In and 17 King David and the people with great joy prepare to build the Temple. When King Solomon was a child, he rejoiced that he could help prepare to build the Temple. In fact, King Solomon, the wisest man in the world, when the Temple was built, said, all the saints ought to rejoice.

 

2 Chronicles 6:41, “Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness.”

 

We need to consecrate, to love the Lord Jesus, and willingly serve the Lord Jesus in building His church. As we build the church, through soul winning efforts and the teaching and preaching of the scriptures, we need to have a joyful heart.

 

18 Comments


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John Young,

Very happy to know that you liked the sermon. I do hope that it is a blessing for you especially as you have started a new church, Edgecliff Baptist church, in Spokane, Washington. May God continue to bless your efforts and the folks at Edgecliff.

Alan

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Very timely and well done Alan. I especially liked the way you addressed the time factor in church building. Many times supporting churches get discouraged because they don't see a mission work organized into a NT church in the time frame they think it should be.

The result of this kind of thinking is that the supporting churches begin to pull their support of the missionary, virtually guaranteeing failure to bring the work to fruition.

My original church, where I was saved, started as a mission work. When the work was not formally organized in five years we began to hear complaints. It was interesting that many of the complaints came from churches that had not supported the work.

Our missionary pastor was a teaching pastor who knew the value of teaching grounding principals to his flock. Eventually this mission was organized into a solid, strong, NT church. We put home missionaries on four different mission fields in the time I was there. One mission field was especially difficult, it was far east Magadan Russia.

We were the first church to put Independent Baptist missionaries in Russia when the wall came down. The work was difficult and even dangerous with many obstacles to overcome. Two NT churches were organized there and still stand to  this day. The two missionary pastors from our church that went over there are now back home and pastoring home churches in Alaska.

Keep up the good work Alan and know that missionaries like you are appreciated. Prayer for our missionaries has never been more important than it is now.

 Joh 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. 

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Jim,

Thank you very much for the kind words and encouragement. We appreciate them very much. "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." Proverbs 25:11

It is a blessing to all of us in relating that your church that you were saved in was a mission work. That speaks volumes of the missionary pastor and the folks who had a hand in starting it. I am sure in eternity there will be a lot of shouting when we hear the whole story.

A new church plant with four missionaires! It took real courage for those early missionaires to go to Russia and stick it out. It is very encouraging to all of us in knowing that there are two good IFB works going strong.

God bless all of you!  :godisgood:

Alan

 

 

 

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Good post and timely.

Sunday I am preaching a lesson on Hezekiah, particularly when he opened the doors of the temple, and called on Judah and Manasseh and the others of the southern kingdom to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover, and to humble themselves before the Lord, after 16 years of his wicked father building up paganism and idolatry. And how, even though it was the command of the king to do that which God commanded, yet many who read the message mocked and scorned the very idea. I will bring this around to how many good, godly churches, teaching the truth of God and just wanting to Honor and obey Him, are often more and more emptying out, as people become 'seekers' seeking entertainment, and distraction and programs.

We have grown pretty small, and inevitable, someone looks around and says, "Is this all today?" It can be discouraging, but my point it, right is still right, and even a minority of people doing God's will, is still the right thing to do, and with the Lord, we are never the minority, and we WILL be blessed if we continue to do well, though so few might want to.

Building a church is tough-so is maintaining it. Solomon built the temple, and later kings kept shutting it down and turning the people to idolatry, and then another king would have to start from scratch. I'm celebrating 14 years as pastor and we are running about 7 right now. One person is a mess-he wants to raise his hands during prayer, just to do it because someone, sometime, ONE time said to him that it was what Christians do in church. Now, last Sunday, during a song, he put his book down and laid prostrate on the floor until the song was over. Apparently he saw or heard something about that. And of course, we had a guest family, who I suspect we won't see again. And while it is a small disturbance, it's not really anything WRONG I can point to, but I suspect he doesn't help anyone want to be here. Not like open sin or rebellion that I can send him out for.

Sorry, starting to complain. God lesson above. Thanks 

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Ukulelemike,

King Hezekiah is a good example to all those directly involved in the minstry of the Lord. Your thoughts on Hezekiah and the problems that arose, and those who openly mocked him, is a good lesson for all of us and is a welcomed addition to the devotion. 

Our dedication to the Lord, and to His work, is a spiritual battle and we should keep our eyes on what is right and not what the world, backslid saints, and others think about it. In spite of what others are doing, and in spite of what others may do to the work that Lord has us to do after we are gone, we need to be faithful. 1 corinthians 4:2, "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful."

The Kings that followed King Hezekiah and led the nation of Israel into idolatry is likened to what Paul said in Acts 20:29, "For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock." False prophets, false teachers, and backslid saints with their own agenda and fleshly lusts, attempt to destroy the work of the Lord. You are correct, maintianing a good church is as hard as starting a good church.

Thanks!

Alan

 

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Alan,

When I still lived and worked in Alaska I had the privilege to meet and work with a Chinese man who became a good friend. We both worked for a scientific research facility. He was a Plasma and Atomic scientist from Beijing. His name was Chung Wu.

He did not speak english well and we quickly made a deal for me to teach him English and him to teach me Chinese. The result was 50/50 he learned English and I did not learn Chinese. lol I still retain three words of Chinese, but that's about it, it is a difficult language to learn, at least for me.

He had never driven a motor vehicle, only rode a bike in China. So I also taught him to drive, which made him very happy.

We became fast friends with me inviting him to dinner at my house where we usually had language lessons after dinner. When he learned that I attended church he became interested and began to attend with me. We had many opportunities to talk about The Lord in private also. I believe he came to know The Lord at that time. He never actually gave a testimony to that fact, but he did show evidence of being saved in that he developed a burning desire to take his newfound Christianity back home to his people when he returned home. We had many private Bible studies together.

Unfortunately shortly after he had to return to Beijing he passed away. I believe he is now with The Lord. He was a dear friend and I sorely miss him, but rejoice in his conversion and enthusiasm for spiritual things. I thank The Lord often for putting Chung Wu in my life and the opportunities we shared.

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On 5/26/2016 at 4:13 PM, Ukulelemike said:

Good post and timely.

Sunday I am preaching a lesson on Hezekiah, particularly when he opened the doors of the temple, and called on Judah and Manasseh and the others of the southern kingdom to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover, and to humble themselves before the Lord, after 16 years of his wicked father building up paganism and idolatry. And how, even though it was the command of the king to do that which God commanded, yet many who read the message mocked and scorned the very idea. I will bring this around to how many good, godly churches, teaching the truth of God and just wanting to Honor and obey Him, are often more and more emptying out, as people become 'seekers' seeking entertainment, and distraction and programs.

We have grown pretty small, and inevitable, someone looks around and says, "Is this all today?" It can be discouraging, but my point it, right is still right, and even a minority of people doing God's will, is still the right thing to do, and with the Lord, we are never the minority, and we WILL be blessed if we continue to do well, though so few might want to.

Building a church is tough-so is maintaining it. Solomon built the temple, and later kings kept shutting it down and turning the people to idolatry, and then another king would have to start from scratch. I'm celebrating 14 years as pastor and we are running about 7 right now. One person is a mess-he wants to raise his hands during prayer, just to do it because someone, sometime, ONE time said to him that it was what Christians do in church. Now, last Sunday, during a song, he put his book down and laid prostrate on the floor until the song was over. Apparently he saw or heard something about that. And of course, we had a guest family, who I suspect we won't see again. And while it is a small disturbance, it's not really anything WRONG I can point to, but I suspect he doesn't help anyone want to be here. Not like open sin or rebellion that I can send him out for.

Sorry, starting to complain. God lesson above. Thanks 

Bro. Mike, your church may be small, but when I came to preach for you it was very evident that the few that you had were attentive and interested in Spiritual things. Small towns tend to produce small churches since there are not many people to draw from, but I am sure you know that by now. Keep up the good work brother and know that your rewards will be proportionate to your efforts, which efforts are commendable in your little section of the country.

God bless you as you serve Him.

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Jim,

Thank you for giving us the experience with Chung Wu. I am sure that he was blessed with your conversations. In eternity we will see the fruits.

Thank you also for not only encouraging Bro. Mike but all of the rest of us.

Alan

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P.S.

After finishing the above comment I read todays Lighthouse Trails booklet called, "Remaining Faithful Through it All." I think is appropriate to include a small portion of the booklet in this comment. Here is part of the that article:

We Are to be Faithful in Even the Least of Things
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own? (Luke 16:10-12)

His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. (Matthew 25:23)


Alan

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15 hours ago, Alan said:

Jim,

Thank you for giving us the experience with Chung Wu. I am sure that he was blessed with your conversations. In eternity we will see the fruits.

Thank you also for not only encouraging Bro. Mike but all of the rest of us.

Alan

Bro. Alan,

You are to be commended for not correcting my misspelling/pronouncement of my friend's name. I only thought of this after I wrote about it. I spelled his name the way it is pronounced and actually the reverse from Chinese culture. It should have read Wu Cheng.

At least I did remember that part of our Chinese language lessons. Family name first, personal name second. 

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Hi Brother Alan,

Thank you for the devotion. :clap: 

There are some questions I have towards the application for church building.:unsure:

Wouldn't you say that exclusivity has a way of interfering with building the church?  Granted, that one should keep out heresey by citing the truths that the particular church agrees on, but if there is no rapport, then how does one lead another to agreeing with the truths that the congregation agrees on?  Of course, a one on one meeting with the pastor is necessary to avoid interruptions in the church services & even Bible studies in building that rapport & learning process, but yet an outreach is required also for church building.  

As it is, most visitors are content to not ask questions to avoid looking like a novice or looking like one trying to make waves even.  How does one church build that believer?  By leaving slips of paper for them to ask questions on and hand it in anonymously when the collection plate passes & the pastor or elders will try to answer the questions that Sunday or next Sunday if research is required?

Also, I would think that a forum should be open to church building to non-members of Independent Baptists.  Like the topic on Revelations;  why Independent Baptists only?  Granted, having responses from everybody that are "likeminded" does help cut down the responses that may veer off topic, but I would think the forum should allow you to post a duplicate thread in that part of the forum for non-Independent Baptists to reply to with Independent Baptists members also sharing their relevant replies to that duplicate thread to practice church building in outreach, but generally, such a duty seems off putting.

Maybe the forum should find a way to have a caption underneath members name & avatar to signify when a Independent Baptist Member is replying or just a christian?  That way, one can avoid confusion by the replies.

I agree with your appeal to church building, but I wonder in application, if exclusivity has a way of getting in the way of that? 

I even wonder about how the churches are addressed in Revelations by the city they are in.  Even Thyatira was addressed, but also exposed the notion that not all believers were meeting in the same place in that city as not all followed after that errant doctrine & practice of what the majority of the believers were doing in that city.

I do not know how a forum can church build me, a fellow believer, if exclusivity prevents me from joining in on your studies in Revelations just because I am not an Independent Baptist yet.  I have yet to discern what that actually mean since I have come across "Baptists" elsewhere that are more Pentecostal in nature & practice.

Anyway, I think the exclusivity of membership in churches & forums has a way of preventing church building.  I am not sure how that can be resolved, if at all, but there it is.

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Shadowfeathers,

I am very happy that the devotion was a blessing to you.

Golgotha,

Thank you for your comments and letting me knw that the devotion was a blessing to you.

Some very interesting questions. At this time I just have a few moments I can spend online. I will try and discuss your post more tomorrow. Some of your points are due to the policy of OnLine Baptist, so, I may not be able to say much on the aspects of policy.

Glad to hear from you.

Alan

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Hello Brother,

 

Hope all is well with you. I will somewhat answer your questions in a hesitant manner as some of the questions, in my thinking; have to deal with matters that are not primarily connected with the devotion.

 

In the devotion, “Four Principles in Church building,” the message was primarily directed to encourage those active in church building and not necessarily dealing with the subject of exclusivity. So, I will answer your questions in a broad manner.

 

So, I am of the opinion that some of the issues you addressed may be better handled in a different thread, (or lesson), for that particular subject. You may start your own quesitons under the forum, "The Bible and Christianity/Biblcal Issues/Questions for Baptists."

 

In my discussion, I will adhere to the definition of ‘exclusive’ as defined in, “The American Heritage Dictionary.”

           1. Not divided or shared with others.

          2. Excluding, or tending to exclude.

         

Very briefly, as you mentioned, sometimes exclusivity does sometimes interfere with building a church. We need to remember that the Lord Jesus is the head of the church, the pastor is his under-shepherd, and the scriptures is our guide.

 

As you mentioned, one of his primary functions of the pastor is to denounce heresy and keep the church pure from heretical doctrines. One of the qualifications of a pastor is to warn against the false prophets and teachers. Study 2 Peter 2. At the same time, build the church.

 

So, the pastor must be selective on whom he allows to teach, be a deacon, or any other public function in the church. The office of the pastor is very exclusive: please see the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:7-9 and 1 Peter 5:1-4 This is why I mentioned the, “A Polite Reminder,” my devotion.

 

Also, Paul the Apostle routinely preached holiness and separation in the life of the members of the churches that he started. In fact, Paul told the elders of the church at Corinth (which he started), to get rid of the unholy members of the church: 1 Corinthians 5:11-13 Study Galatians 5:5-12, Colossians 3:8 & 9 and 1 Timothy 1:19 & 20

 

As to your questions concerning having a forum to non-Baptists that deal with issues such as church building, Revelation (or prophecy subjects); I am sure that there are such forums with different policies. If you have any policy questions OnLine Baptist and how they handle non-members, or non- Independent Baptists, I would suggest you contact Matt.

 

The study that I invited you on, “Revelation Bible Study,” is a continuation of a previous study, “Revelation chapter 19-22 Study,” that I had previously led. Here is the link to that thread: http://www.onlinebaptist.com/home/topic/23115-revelation-chapter-19-22-study/?page=1

You can read that thread, but, because it is now “locked,” nobody can comment.

 

The current “Revelation Bible Study,” is covering items not fully developed in the, “Revelation chapter 19-22 Study.” If you want to ask a moderator to move the current, “Revelation Bible Study,” thread to the, “The Bible and Christianity – End Times/Bible Prophecy,” thread so you (and others), can comment, they I would whole-heartedly agree with that move. I do not want to be in any way exclusive in any of my threads.

 

I am glad to hear that you have seen the error of the Pentecostal Movement. I have heard of some Baptist churches align with that erroneous belief, but, in the Independent, Fundamental, Baptist churches that I have been a member of, or visited, I have not noticed this problem, nor some of the other erroneous doctrinal problems in our age.

 

Golgotha, I have four suggestions. That you find a good Independent, Fundamental, Baptist church and join it, listen to some of the brethren here on OnLine Baptist as they discuss the issues, start your own thread (or lesson), on subjects that are on your mind.

 

It is my personal hope that you will continue to read, and comment, on any of my other devotions.

 

Your Friend,

Alan

 

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Brethren,

I do hope that the hymn, "Make Me A Blessing," will encourage you in your walk with Christ.

 

May God bless you all.

Alan

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Thanks for replying Brother Alan,

"Golgotha, I have four suggestions. That you find a good Independent, Fundamental, Baptist church and join it, listen to some of the brethren here on OnLine Baptist as they discuss the issues, start your own thread (or lesson), on subjects that are on your mind." ~ Alan

Thanks for the suggestions, Alan.  I may respond as Christ leads me to.

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Brethren,

I do hope that the attached photo is a blessing to you.

Peacock Flower, Yellow

Psalm 26v8 Peacock Flower, Yellow.jpg

 

The photo is not copyrighted. It is my hope that you may be able to use it remind yourself of the wonders and beauty of God's creation.

God Bless.

Alan 

Edited by Alan
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  • Sermon Stats

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    • Poems with Power to Strengthen the Soul by Mudge   samples here: https://archive.org/details/poemswithpowerto01mudg/page/174/mode/2up?ref=ol&view=theater
    • Please check out this thread again. I updated it with new (good) versions of the PDF books. Explanation above.
    • The Song Of The Redeemed I like it when something in a passage gets explained and it opens up. I’m sure I knew some of this before (though this old brain gets forgetful), but it struck me more today. Rahab, when used as a symbol through the Old Testament, refers to Egypt. Now read this: Isaiah 51:9-10 Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon? Art thou not
    • Thy Gentleness Hath Made Me Great Was just reading some poetry by king David, and came across one of my favourite verses again. Focus on the last part of this verse: Psalms 18:35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. In the world’s eyes, we may not be much or accomplish much, but in God’s eyes, we are great - because of Him. Who we are in Christ never changes from day to day, so we can alwa
    • In The Day When I Cried Sometimes we think it is presumption to ask the Lord to answer a prayer today. Though if a prayer does seem more urgent, we may have asked the Lord to perfect (complete) that which concerneth us (from Psalm 138:8). If we have a need or a trouble, we may pray for it, expecting God to answer it in His own timing. But what happens if the need seems more urgent, if the trouble we are facing seems more dire, perhaps even time-sensitive? Is it presumptuous to pray, asking
    • Does God Delight In You? Psalms 18:19 He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me. If you have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ alone for salvation, you are accepted in Him by the Father - and you therefore become a child that He delights in. Proverbs 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. We may not like the application of this second verse to ourselves, but He corrects us beca
    • Reading The Scriptures   There are two main words for know (and its forms) in the New Testament.   1) Strong’s #1492, eido. This word basically has the idea of head knowledge, knowing about something.   2) Strong’s #1097, ginosko (from the root word, gnosis, knowledge). This word has the idea of knowing about something personally, personally experiencing what you know about.   Looking up every time the word know (or a form thereof) occurs in the NT (with these ba
    • Good to see the two studies on this theme still here in the Sermons section. My websites got repeatedly hacked two years ago. We lost all content and had to rebuild from scratch. These two were ones I still hadn't put up again. A bit of copy and paste, and there we go!
    • DRAW NEAR TO GOD   Song of Songs 1:4 Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.   The above verse is a prayer or desire of the believer desiring to fellowship with her Lord.   I love how the Word of God uses the idea of God drawing us to Himself.   Firstly, through His death on the cross and the preaching of the G
    • No debate. God told the first man and woman,  husband and wife,  that they would die if they disobeyed Him. They disobeyed Him. They died.  The time that passed before this was physically observed was considerably longer than 75 years, right ?  So also today,  do not look at what is seen with the eyes, nor listen to what is heard with the ears (carnal, fleshly, worldly, physical),  rather trust ABBA YHVH.
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