WITNESSES TO THE WORLD

 

Revelation 11 presents two men who will be powerful witnesses to the world in the last days before Christ returns to earth to establish His Kingdom. 

There is an eschatological meaning. I believe that during the Great Tribulation—the last three and one-half years of the Tribulation period—these two prophets will arise to witness for truth against the Lie, incarnated as the Antichrist, (2 Thess. 2:9-12). While some see these as literally Moses and Elijah returned to earth, my understanding is that they are two prophets in the spirit of Moses and Elijah—as was John the Baptist, (Matt.11:7-15). Again, as I interpret Revelation, I believe the church has been raptured before seven years of tribulation—judgments on a Christ-rejecting world—yet, even so, God never leaves Himself without witnesses to the world.

Though there are others who interpret Revelation in other ways, what we ought to agree on is the practical message. These words had application for the first-century saints who received them and now twenty-first century servants who read them. All God’s people are to be witnesses to the world. In whatever age we live, there is the Gospel to proclaim. I want to focus on Revelation 11:4, where we see the Triune God involved in our mission and message. “These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth.“

First, consider THE INSPIRATION FOR OUR WITNESS, “These are the two olive trees…”. Their light shines because it is fed by the olive oil. In Scripture, the oil is an emblem of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised that it would be the Spirit who would inspire and empower His servants to witness to the world. To the teacher that stands in the Sunday School class tomorrow—you need to be filled with the Spirit. You may prepare a lesson, but you can only be prepared to present it, if the Teacher—God’s Holy Spirit—enables you. Preacher, will you be filled with the Spirit? You may put together a message, but as you stand behind that sacred desk to deliver it, there must be that Divine flow of Oil, as the Spirit equips you to proclaim it.

Second, note THE ILLUMINATION IN OUR WITNESS, “These are…the two lampstands…”. The light of our witness is about the Savior who declared Himself to be, “The Light of the World,” (John 9:5). As He now indwells us, we are to reflect His light, since the Lord has called us, “You are the light of the world,” (Matt. 5:14). As a disciple, I am to show Jesus in my life and share Jesus with my lips. This is our witness to the world. Christ is our model and our message. The old hymn by P. P. Bliss states it:

1 Brightly beams our Father’s mercy

From His lighthouse evermore;

But to us He gives the keeping

Of the lights along the shore.

Refrain:

Let the lower lights be burning!

Send a gleam across the wave!

Some poor fainting, struggling seaman

You may rescue, you may save.

2 Dark the night of sin has settled,

Loud the angry billows roar;

Eager eyes are watching, longing,

For the lights along the shore. [Refrain]

3 Trim your feeble lamp, my brother! 

Some poor seaman, tempest-tossed,

In the darkness may be lost. [Refrain]

Trying now to make the harbor,

Third, observe THE IMPLICATION OF OUR WITNESS, “These are…standing before the God of the earth.”  This implies that one day we will all stand in judgment before the Sovereign. His children will give an answer to the Father. He is keeping track of what we do and say. Are we faithful to His mission. The judgment for us is not to determine our entrance into heaven for that is settled when we receive Christ, but it will be about our enjoyment of heaven—the degree of reward we will receive there. 

The gravity of this for the lost, however, is the most severe implication. Judgment for them is to hear the decree of eternal fire and the degree of suffering based on how much light they had and evil they have done. This ought to motivate the believer’s witness to the world. It did Paul who said, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men…” (2 Cor. 5:10-11a).

PREACHING PROPHETIC PASSAGES: ITS NECESSITY AND URGENCY

Preachers may tend to avoid preaching about prophecy due to its difficulty and potential for controversy. Yet, Scripture itself calls us to preaching prophetic passages as a necessity and with urgency. 

Concerning the coming of Christ and the consummation of the age there are often three major views: 

1) Premillennialism—that says Christ will return and then set up a thousand year reign on earth;

2) Postmillennialism—that says the church will win the world to Christ and then He will return and receive His kingdom;

3) Amillennialism—that says the prophetic passages are symbolic and Christ will return with a general resurrection and judgment bringing the eternal state. 

Someone has suggested a fourth—panmillennialism: it will all “pan” out in the end!  I would say that is the worst of the views. It is a wish-washy approach to the significant number of prophetic passages that demand to be preached. Peter would have forcefully confronted such thinking. One third of his second epistle is devoted to the subject, and brings the climax of all the Apostle wanted to say to us. 

Preaching prophetic passages is A CALL TO REMEMBRANCE, (2 Pet. 3:1-7). The old fisherman speaks to this purpose when he says, “Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior,” (v. 1‬-‭2‬‬).  We dare not forget that Christ is coming!  That fact will compel us to live for eternity and with urgency. Sure, there will be “scoffers,” (v. 3-4) who “willfully forget” how God judged the world in Noah’s day, (v. 5-7). Jesus said that the end of the age would be marked by a return to such corruption and chaos with condemnation to come. “But, as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be,” (Matt. 24:37). Our Lord warned against the complacency where people go on their lives as though there is not a day of reckoning.  

“For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matt.‬ ‭24‬:‭38‬-‭44‬‬).

God forbid that preachers fail to call people to remembrance! That is spiritual malpractice!

Further, preaching prophetic passages is A CALL TO REPENTANCE, (2 Pet. 3:8-9). The certainty and gravity of judgment on this world should compel us to preach with urgency and fervency. It is not for us to try to set dates. Jesus said that none would know the day or hour of His return—a time appointed by His Sovereign Father. As an eternal Being, God’s calendar is not the same as mortal man’s. We think a thousand years is a long span of time, whereas God considers it as a mere fleeting day. We do not know the precise time Christ will return, but we do know that time is imminent, and could be today. Every man of God must realize that his next sermon could be his final one!  It could also be the last one the congregation will hear. The clarion call to come to Christ in repentance must be issued.

I think of Ezekiel—appointed as a watchman on the wall—to sound a warning of judgment to come. The sobering words to the spiritual sentry is that failure to do so means that judgment falls, but to the man who does not alert the people, God says, “his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand,” (Ezek. 33:6b). We cannot make people repent, but we must call them to repentance!

Then, we preach prophetic passages as A CALL TO RIGHTEOUSNESS, (1 Pet. 3:10-18). Prophetic preaching is a call to sinners to repent, but also a call to saints for righteousness.  

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” (2 Pet.‬ ‭3‬:‭10‬-‭13‬‬).

Since God is going to purge the earth of sin and establish an eternal kingdom where “righteousness dwells,” then we, as His people, are to begin to prepare for it, “Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,” (v. 11). Indeed, in a proper response to that day of destiny, by looking forward to it, we can be “hastening the coming of the day of God,” (v. 12). Now, we do not speed things up from God’s perspective, but from man’s. How? In this sense—God knows who the final soul is that will be won to faith to complete the Bride of Christ. When that one is won then the Bridegroom will return to claim His Bride who has made herself ready for Him!  Is it not amazing that the next person you lead to Christ could be that one? This should spur us on in soul-winning!

Perhaps you have heard the expression, “they are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good.”  The truth is that those who are most properly heavenly minded do the most earthy good!  Peter ends his writing by calling us to be “looking forward to these things,” that we may “be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.”  

Preaching prophetic passages is immensely practical:

“and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” (2 Pet.‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬-‭18‬‬)

TO THE GLORY OF GOD

God is most glorious and He is above all things to receive glory. In 1 Peter 4:7-11, the Apostle focuses on how can do all things to the glory of God. 

There is to be intentional URGENCY. “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.”  (1 Pet. 4:7)

I am reminded of the words of missionary C. T. Studd, 

Only one life, ‘twill soon be past; 

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Writing as a man in his seventies, who has been active in church work for nearly half a century, I can attest to the rapidity with which life races by. There is no rewind button. Every precious second that ticks by, with a significant amount spent in sleep and basic necessities, will never be reclaimed. Time is too precious to waste or as we say, “killing time.” Instead our days are to be devoted to the glory of God, as those who must stand before Christ and give account. 

Human history is linear and not circular. There was a starting point in creation and there will be a finishing point of consummation. Those who glorify God best live as though Christ might return today—for He may! 

This leads us to seriousness—“therefore be serious.”  It doesn’t mean we shuffle along with a long face as in a funeral, but rather that we run purposefully with joyful anticipation of a wedding with Christ our Bridegroom.  That is important. If you have ever been around a woman preparing for marriage, you know they take the wedding seriously!

This further inspires supplication—“watchful in your prayers.”  Those who glorify God most are those who spend time in His presence. As we gaze into His glorious face, we reflect that glory when we leave the private place of Divine communion and journey to the public place of human connection.  

There is to be loving FERVENCY, “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’ Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.” (1 Pet. 4:8-9)

While we ought to say to others, “I love you,” it is imperative that we show others we love them. True love is a fire exhibited fervently. As God is nauseated by lukewarmness, He desires that we “have fervent love for one another.”  

Such love is marked by humility. “Love will cover a multitude of sins.” We are to humbly forgive and not assert our own rights. We are not about exposing the flaws of others, instead humbly confessing our own failings. As Jesus said, 

And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do  not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to  your brother, “Let me remove the speck from your eye”; and look,  a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank  from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the  speck from your brother’s eye. (Matt. ‭7‬:‭3‬-‭5‬‬)

Peter tells us such love is also exhibited by hospitality. “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.”  An open heart and open arms lead to an open door. How we entertain one another in our home ought to be with gladness and not a grumbling.  It is something we want to do and not just we have to do—a delight and not a duty.  

There is to be gracious MINISTRY. 

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as  good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks,  let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him  do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God  may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory  and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭10-‭11‬‬)

Every church member is to be a minister. All the Father’s children are gifted children. Being born again of the Spirit, each of us has at least one spiritual gift. These are not for show, but for service. 

Every church pastor is to be teacher  “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.”  The preacher has a particular ministry of speaking the Word of God—not his opinions, but God’s oracles.

There is a sacred stewardship. “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”  As mentioned previously, a day of accounting is coming. Paul put it this way, 

Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious  stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for  the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the  fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work  which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If  anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be  saved, yet so as through fire.  (1 Cor. ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭15‬‬)

There is a supernatural supply. “If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies.” Christian ministry is a human impossibility. If we do it, then we can claim credit for it. If God does it through us, then He gets the glory. That is the way it works. The secret is to abide in Christ. Read John 15 where our Lord reminds us that He is the Vine and we are the branches. If a branch is not connected to the vine it cannot bear fruit. Now, we may think our service is something, but Christ says it is nothing—that is, of no eternal significance unless done in supernatural reliance.

When there is intentional urgency, loving fervency, and gracious ministry, here is the result: “that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

A PURIFIED PEOPLE

 

Sin separates us from God. This is a problem that we cannot solve. The distance between a Holy God and a sinful humanity is a chasm so vast we cannot cross. Since we are all sinners, we are all condemned. It is impossible to purify myself. That would be like trying to wash my hands in muddy water. Yet, God does not lower His standard. His demand is, “Be holy, for I am holy,” (1 Peter 1:16). 

God did what we could never do, for God can do the impossible. There was REDEMPTION.  Enslaved by sin, God came in human flesh—Jesus Christ the Son—to free us, “knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot,” (1 Peter 1:18). By His blood, payment was made to purchase us. “What can wash away my sins?” That is the question, the hymn writer posed, and went on to answer, “Nothing, but the blood of Jesus!”  This was God’s one and only predetermined plan—that in the crucifixion of Christ, the penalty for sin has been paid, and in His resurrection, the confirmation of His work has been sealed. “He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God,” (1 Peter 1:19-21). 

A miracle takes place—REGENERATION.  We are no longer, slaves, but sons—no more sinners, but saints, “having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because ‘All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But the word of the Lord endures forever.’ Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.” (1 Peter 1:23-25). The seed of the Gospel is sown into the soil of the soul, and those who receive it are regenerated—born again of the Spirit working through the Scripture He has inspired. 

The evidence of being redeemed and regenerated is in RIGHTEOUSNESS. Having positional righteousness through redemption and potential righteousness through regeneration, there will be progressive righteousness in sanctification. This is not the root of salvation, but the fruit of salvation. 

“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’ And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear…

 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,”  (1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭13‬-‭17, 22). 

As God’s children, we bear His image, and this should be an increasing reality more and more. We must choose to think properly, “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind,” take this seriously, “be sober,” and trust fully, “and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”  From start to finish, salvation is all of grace. Yet, He does not do the work apart from us, but in us as we rely on God and apply His grace by a will surrendered to Him.  The Holy God is marked by truth and love, so that as His children we will exhibit obedience to the truth and pure and passionate love for the family of God.

The people of God are a purified people—not perfect yet, but progressing toward it. John stated it, “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬-‭3‬‬)

MILK, MEAT, AND MATURITY

The writer of Hebrews in chapter five, verses 12-14, chides the congregation for their lack of spiritual growth. The foundational principles ought to have been learned and built upon. When they should have been focused on growing, they were still fixated on grounding. The preacher must consider his audience and feed them appropriately.

Babes need MILK, “you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe,” (v. 12b-13). They would choke on meat. We should always have some infants in the audience. That means the church is engaged in evangelism and new spiritual babes are being birthed into the family of God. The preachers and teachers must consider them and nurture them. Only as they are given milk will they have healthy growth.

Adults need MEAT, “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil,” (v. 14). If the preachers and teachers only offer milk and do not give meat when the believers need it, then their growth will be stunted and they may well seek another local church where meat is offered. There ought always be grown-ups in the congregation, for this means the church is dedicated to discipleship. Solid, substantial Scriptural truths are given to them to chew on as growth is sustained.

Soul nourishment brings MATURITY. Babies are precious, but if they never develop then there is a problem. As that is contrary to the normal physical pattern, it is likewise in the spiritual realm. 

This is evidenced by duplication, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers,” (v. 12a). Children have matured biologically when they can reproduce. They not only have the capacity to do so, but the competency for doing so. Maturing disciples multiply disciples. The taught become teachers. 

It is also manifested in discernment, “that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil,” (v. 14). The immature are easily led astray. Children are naive and gullible. You have to keep poisons locked away from them or they will consume them. The church may have those prone to drink toxins as if it were truth. Cult members target such. Adults have learned to weigh what is presented to them. There is discernment that detects what is good and they swallow it, but the evil doesn’t pass, “the smell test.” They sniff it, and usually turn from it, but if they taste it they spit it out!

The healthy church family is one where new babies are being birthed and given milk to mature them, and where maturing saints are discipled as they are given meat to multiply them. The church’s preachers and teachers must be mature and model this if they are thus to lead the congregation.

FROM FALLOW GROUND TO FERTILE GARDEN

Hosea 10:12 commands, “Break up your fallow ground.”  The first task of the preacher is to plow up the field. The untilled soil will not receive seed and become a fertile garden until the hard ground is broken up. The truth is that some church fields are harder than others. This is what Titus encountered at Crete, and Paul does not minimize the difficulty the young preacher was facing.

But, first the Apostle provides AFFIRMATION, “To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior,” (Titus 1:4). Paul has no reservation that Titus would be up to the task. He was no false teacher, but a true preacher. They might work in a different field, but they shared a common faith. Best of all—heaven’s provision was available to this man of God. There was grace—so that all the resources required would be given. Titus would lack nothing he needed. He also had mercy—even though he might face fierce foes, God would spare him from being overwhelmed by them. Titus could rest in peace—calm even in the eye of a storm. 

The man of God is to practice ORDINATION, “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you—” (Titus‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬‬). The church will be in disorder unless the preacher sets it in order. That demands leadership. Elders are given that assignment. Every church needs them. A plurality of elders is preferable to share the load and provide accountability to one another. The qualifications are listed, and without such faithful servants, there will be no fruitful soil. 

There will be the need at times for CONFRONTATION, “One of them, a prophet of their own, said, ‘Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.’ This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,” (Titus‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬-‭13‬‬). Churches will ask for a resume’ from a pastoral candidate—and well they should. But, pastors had best know the bio of the church as well.  Paul is direct concerning the issues of the Cretan congregation. They are described as “liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons,” and other than that, Titus should find ministry there a piece of cake! Preaching cannot always be sweet and uplifting. There are times it demands to be stinging and humbling. The sharp spade of Scripture breaks up the fallow ground to receive the seed of the Gospel and yields a fertile garden. 

Now—stop whining and start plowing!

THE ISSUE OF OUR IMPOTENCE

Often, we may feel that we preach without productivity. Despite attempting to be faithful, we do not find ourselves fruitful. The issue is not with God. Hear what Spurgeon said on this matter:

           “Is the Spirit of the Lord straitened?” Cannot He prepare your heart and tongue? No, the Spirit of the Lord is not straitened. Still is that promise our delight “My grace is sufficient for thee.” It is a joy to become weak that we may say with the apostle, “When I am weak then am I strong.” Behold, the, strength of the Lord is gloriously revealed, revealed to perfection in our weakness. Come, ye feeble workers, ye fainting laborers, come and rejoice in the unstraitened Spirit. Come you that seem to plough the rock and till the sand, come and lay hold of this fact, that the Spirit of the Lord is omnipotent. No rock will remain unbroken when He wields the hammer, no metal will be unmelted when He is the fire. Still will our Lord put His Spirit within us and gird us with His power, according to His promise, “As thy days, so shall thy strength be.” 

           But some have said, “Yes, but then, see how few the conversions are nowadays! We have many places of worship badly attended; we have others where there are scarcely any conversions from the beginning of the year to the end of it.”  This is all granted, and granted with great regret; but “is the Spirit of the Lord straitened: are these His doings?” Cannot we find some other reason far more near the truth? If there are no conversions we cannot fall back upon the Spirit of God and blame Him. Has Christ been preached? Has faith been exercised? The preacher must take his share of blame; the church with which he is connected must also inquire whether there has been that measure of prayer for a blessing on the word that there ought to have been. Christians must begin to look into their own hearts to find the reason for defeat. If the work of God be hindered in our midst, may there not be some secret sin with us which hinders the operation of the Spirit of God? May He not be compelled by the very holiness of His character to refuse to work with an unholy or an unbelieving people? Have ye never read, “He did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief”? May not unbelief be turning a fruitful land into barrenness? The Spirit Himself is not straitened in His power; but our sin has made Him hide Himself from us. The want of conversions is not His doing: we have not gone forth in His strength. We shake off with detestation the least trace of a thought that should lay any blame to the Spirit of the Most High. Unto us be shame and confusion of face as at this day. (Spurgeon, Service and Honor, pp. 35-37, Kindle edition)

Preacher, let us humble ourselves before the Lord and cry out for His power to attend our ministry!  Church member, if your pastor’s preaching lacks potency, it does not help to talk to fellow Christian’s about him but talk to God about Him and seek the Lord’s anointing upon him. You may find a new preacher with a new power in the same body and with the same voice—now energized with Divine unction.

The issue of impotence is not God. The problem is with us—our prayerlessness, our self-sufficiency, our lack of holiness. The good news is that God now calls us to repentance and reliance on Him that will bring real results of eternal significance. We may have what Jim Cymbala titled his book, “Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire,” with Pentecostal power!

HE LIVES—AND WE ARE WITNESSES!

We are in the season of STRESSING the Gospel message of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Yet, we must ever be SHARING that redemption story, “In season and out of season,” as Paul told Timothy (cf. 2 Tim. 4:2b). That is, every season is “in season”, even if it is considered by some to be “out of season”!  

The central truth of the Christian faith is that Christ is risen from the dead, for without it we have no hope. Apart from it, we have no message.  Should Christ not be risen, then the preacher should close his Bible, walk out of the pulpit, turn off the lights, lock the doors, and never waste his time, or that of anyone else ever again. Indeed, life itself would be “futile,” as Paul puts it, (cf. 1 Cor. 15:17). 

Yet, as the hymn says, “I serve a risen Savior!”  Every Lord’s Day is a reminder of the reason we gather as the saints of God. That is the day Christ rose from the tomb. We meet not just because of a commandment to do so, but for a celebration in doing so. 

The story never gets old. It must never fail to be told and retold. As witnesses we must be bold!

If the preacher is not faithful to bear witness to the resurrection of Christ consistently, then He is guilty of sermonic malpractice.

THE PROMISE OF POWERFUL PREACHING

 

There is a puny, pitiful, punchless, powerless preaching that is pointless!  It is tragic and worthless. Concerning this, Paul spoke of God, “who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬‬). “Letter” preaching may be “by the Book.”  That is, the content is Biblically based and doctrinally sound—as it should be—yet, is dry and deadening to the hearer. Old Vance Havner said, “You can be straight as a gun barrel theologically, and empty as one spiritually.”  It is the Spirit who gives life. He is the promised power in our preaching. Remember how in the vision of a valley of dry, dead bones, Ezekiel was told to preach to them—and this we must. But, it was when the Word of God was accompanied by the Wind of God—that same Divine Breath of Pentecost—coming into them, that they had life, (cf. Ezek.37:1-14). 

With this in mind, consider the promise of our Lord in Mark 13:11. “But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.”  (Mark‬ ‭13‬:‭11‬‬). In the context, where the preacher is arrested and will be indicted before a judge for preaching the Gospel, he will have no library, no Bible, no occasion of sermon preparation. Yet, there is no need to fear, for the Spirit will give the right message—an anointed one—in such an occasion. This does not mean under normal circumstances that we should not study and prepare, instead trusting spontaneity in proclamation. Should such need arise, God will provide. Yet, if we can prepare, we must. Do not be like the old boy that said, “Sometimes I preach from notes and sometimes I just talk out of my head.”  That is apparent from some sermons you hear! God does not bless laziness.  Study and have something to say.

Yet, there must not be reliance on preparation in your study, but dependence on the Spirit. He is the One who breathes life into dead bones. Preaching “by the letter,” is deadening. It may induce nodding heads of agreement as to content, but then leads to nodding  heads of slumber. It is promised, “the Spirit gives life.”  God’s man can claim the promise of the Lord not just when summoned from a prison, but when standing in a pulpit: “But whether is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.” 

How does this happen?  I heard Stephen Olford say years ago, that there must be “emptiness, prayerfulness, and yielded-ness.”

There must be emptiness. God does not fill a man with His Spirit that is  full of himself. A glass cannot be filled with milk, if even a quarter of it is full of lemonade.  You must empty the glass and then you can fill it. Spiritually, this demands our repentance. We confess our sin and claim God’s forgiveness.  We head to the cross and die to all that we are in order to live in all He is.

There must be prayerfulness. James said, “Yet you do not have because you do not ask,” (4:2d). We must pray in faith, asking God to fill us. It is His will to do so, for He has commanded, “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,”. (Eph. 5‬:‭17‬-‭18‬‬). 

There must be yielded-ness. This is the surrendered life of utter dependence on the Spirit of God. As being filled with wine means one is under the control of alcohol, so being filled with the Spirit demands we be under the mastery of God. When I stand to preach, I need to be gloriously intoxicated with God!  As alcohol will impact every dimension of my life—how I think, see, speak, feel, and walk, thus the one who is filled with the Spirit will find his mind directed by Scripture, his vision focused on eternity, his mouth declaring transformative truth, his heart full of love, and his walk aligned with the Word.

This is the promise of powerful preaching!  May the Lord bless us with preachers on this Lord’s Day who stand and speak in the anointing of God’s Spirit!

THE WAY, WHAT, AND WHY WE HEAR THE WORD

The parables of Jesus recorded in Mark 4 are about preaching and teaching the Word of God, and how that supernatural act brings spiritual life and growth to those who hear and heed it. As we come to the Lord’s Day and the gathering of the saints, let us do so with confidence that God’s intended results will come from that life-giving Book. We are likely familiar with the parable of the sower found in Mark 4:1-20. It deals with the condition of the soil—that is, the human heart. Only the soil that produces a crop (in varying measure) is good soil—one out of four hearers in this illustration. The Lord does not change the thrust of his sermon, as He proceeds further with four other parables, that we will group under three headings.

First, consider THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD IN SHINING LIGHT, (v. 21-23). 

Sin is for the shadows. This is the dark depravity of the human heart. The preacher is meant to take the Word of God as a Gospel light to summon men and women from the darkness to Christ who is the Light of the World. Pastors need to speak plainly. The light is not meant to be stuck under a basket of confusion or under the bed of comfort. The first type of teaching leaves the hearer scratching his head and the second style, rubbing his or her eyes. The preacher is not there to impress the people with his profundity or confound them with his obscurity. They need the light of truth plainly and simply communicated.  The congregation needs to come with preparation—ears to hear.  The best sermon will not help someone who is absent or absent-minded.  This has to do with the way we hear.

Second, note THE RECEPTIVITY OF THE WORD IN SHARING TRUTH, (v. 24-25). 

The church member has a responsibility to be selective in what they hear. They must make sure there is an alignment of the preacher’s sermon with the truth of Scripture. Obviously, the church needs caution to determine if the instruction is doctrinally sound or theologically deviant. If you attend a church or are part of a denomination that has departed from the Word, then you need to depart from that congregation. Saturate the place with your absence!  However, preaching can be so basic for so long as to end up giving people a bottle full of milk, sermon after sermon, and never nourish them with a plateful of meat!  Again, we do not start with fundamental matters and move on from them, for there will always be those in the fellowship who need the simple Gospel for they are lost, with others who are babes in Christ needing to be spoon fed. Yet, the preacher must give more than that for others are eager to grow, being receptive to the truth. Expository preaching produces a well-balanced diet for all stages of spiritual development. It will sort out the receptive hearers from the carnal crowd.  Some will ravenously consume it as they know it is feeding their soul. Others will spit it out and move on searching for a sugary sermonette that puts them in a spiritual slumber. This relates to what we hear.

Third, observe THE PRODUCTIVITY OF THE WORD IN SOWING SEED, (v. 26-‭32‬‬)

In both these parables, there is similarity in presenting the productivity of God’s Word when it is faithfully sown.  The preacher is not responsible for fruitfulness. He is accountable for his faithfulness. We do the sowing and God does the saving. It is not a product of human ability, but heavenly activity. The preacher must make certain to cultivate the soil, sow good seed in abundance, and prayerfully prepare in faith for a harvest. He must be capable of gathering and conserving.  Do not be disheartened if there seems small progress. God can grow a church into a large work, not only in terms of numbers, but in Kingdom impact. Preacher, trust God and press on!  This speaks to why we hear.

If the Word of God is faithfully proclaimed then there will be results. God has promised this supernatural impact. Everybody who sits under the Word will leave changed by it. It is to the welfare of those who receive it, “For whoever has, to him more will be given,” (v.25a). But, sadly, it is to the worsening of those who reject it, “but whoever does not have even what he has will be taken away from him,” (v.25b).

SERVING AND SPEAKING WITH SINCERITY

You can do the right thing for the wrong reason and it is still wrong. Case in point: the Pharisees of Biblical times did many right things—fasting, praying, giving, reading Scripture, and attending worship—yet did it for the wrong reason, as a religious show.  There was outward conformity, but inward hypocrisy. God desires for us to serve Him and speak for Him, but with sincerity. In contrast to the Pharisees, we have the Apostle Paul who declared in summary of 2 Cor.2, “For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ,” (v.17‬‬).  There are three basic elements of such motivation and manner of ministry.

Serving and speaking with sincerity calls for RESTRAINT, (v.1-4). Paul had chosen to communicate with tenderness in a letter, rather than with toughness in a visit. There were many issues in the Corinthian church that called for confrontation. So, he had addressed these needful matters in his first epistle to them. It was painful discipline, but essential correction. 

Yet, Paul felt no joy in having to bring them to tears. His hope was that their repentance would be an ongoing work of the Spirit among them, so when he did visit there would be joy and not grief. While there were still issues (and always will be until  Christ returns and we are glorified), the Apostle writes with restraint. Having “spanked,” them, Paul will now hug them.  Corporal punishment of a child is not to become damaging abuse. It is to be administered with restraint and done in love rather than anger. This is true in dealing with sin in the church.  Then sorrow is supplanted with smiles!

Serving and speaking with sincerity seeks RECONCILIATION, (v.5-11). By this, we do not refer to the reconciliation with God brought in salvation, but reconciliation among the members attained by church discipline. 

Sin in the body affects the whole body. When a member must be disciplined, it is a painful process—a spiritual surgery. Apparently that rebellious member was now repentant. The correction had achieved its purpose, so the erring member was to be forgiven and reconciled to the congregation. Failing to practice church discipline is wrong, but so is a purpose of rejection instead of restoration of the sinning member. Satan will take advantage of being permissive or punitive concerning sin in the body. 

Unrepentant sin is a cancer in our soul. If the church is soft and overlooks the sin in the name of love (while shirking truth), then the malignancy spreads. This is what Paul had to forcefully address in his first epistle to them. Yet, if we are severe in confronting the sin in the name of truth (while neglecting love), the result is the amputation of the member, bringing loss to both them and the church. Admittedly, if the cancer of sin is not dealt with through the removal of the malignancy of wickedness, then to save the body, the member has to be “amputated,” but the hope is that the chemotherapy of confrontation and the radiation of repentance will deal with the disease, without the amputation of excommunication!  Satan would kill or at least cripple the church body by diverting us to being permissive or punitive. He is so crafty, promoting either “love,” or “truth,” when God’s way calls for both in balance. 

Carl Sandburg described Abraham Lincoln this way: "Not often in the story of mankind does a man arrive on earth who is both steel and velvet, who is hard as a rock and soft as a drifting fog, who holds in his heart and mind the paradox of terrible storm and peace unspeakable and perfect."  In dealing with erring members, we must have a hand of steel in a glove of velvet!

Serving and speaking with sincerity demands RELIANCE, (v.12-17). As we consider the challenges in church life in this pagan environment  and our own human frailties, we ask with Paul, “Who is sufficient for these things?”  How can I be tough and tender?  The answer is, “I can’t,” but Jesus can—and He is in me!  Paul will answer this question, “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (3‬:‭5‬-‭6‬‬). It is in reliance on Jesus—His virtue and victory—that we can serve and speak with sincerity.

At Troas, Paul would see a vision of a man from Macedonia begging him to come share the Gospel. Paul would be obedient and take the message of Christ to Europe for the first time, (v.12-13). That is how the Gospel came to Corinth on the Grecian peninsula and the church was established. It was in reliance on God’s guidance and grace that the Apostle accomplished this work.

Relying on Christ, we are “more than conquerors,” (cf. Rom.8:37). Paul illustrates the principle here, of being conquered by Christ in order to be conquerors with Christ, (v.14-17). The Apostle uses the imagery of a Roman general returning in triumph from battle. The cavalcade winds through the city of Rome, preceding through the cheering throngs, with the priests swinging burning braziers of incense. To the captives who had surrendered to the conqueror, it was the smell of life, but to those who had resisted it was the stench of death. The former group would become servants while the latter would be slain. The Gospel we share has the same effect. Those who receive it find eternal life, while those who reject it enter everlasting death. The Gospel witness has a fragrant aroma of heaven, as well as the smell of hell’s smoke and sulphur. 

None of us are sufficient for the magnitude of such a ministry. For this, we need the power of God and Christ’s Gospel. Only then can we avoid being religious racketeers who peddle God’s Word—offering scraps of truth concealing toxin—for personal profit. Let us take our calling with utmost sincerity. God has called us and holds us accountable as to whether we are speaking an undiluted message with unselfish motive.

PREACHING ON PROPHECY

 

Do you want to rob yourself and your flock of God’s blessing?  Then ignore prophecy—and in particular do not preach from Revelation. Our Lord has assured us to read and hear these words is to receive God’s blessing (1:3).  This is THE NECESSITY OF PREACHING FROM REVELATION. 

So, why do many pastors rarely deal with this book?  There is THE DIFFICULTY OF PREACHING FROM REVELATION. Granted, there are interpretive challenges. Yet, we must not shirk our duty because of the difficulty.

Yet, we must be motivated by THE URGENCY OF PREACHING FROM REVELATION. We are assured that “the time is near,” for the fulfillment of these passages. Jesus is coming soon!  We must help prepare people. What if it were today?

Do not miss THE CENTRALITY OF PREACHING FROM REVELATION.  It is foremost a book about Jesus. He is the central figure. Do not get so bogged down in the details that you forget to shine the spotlight on Jesus. The Gospel is the primary message. The church is the audience.

I love how Jesus walks among the seven golden lamp stands—the seven churches. This is the vital interest of Christ—for His church. We may be assured that when we assemble, wherever that local body gathers in this wide world, that Jesus is in our midst!  Pastor, if there are two or three in the congregation—there will be another, for Christ has promised to be there. What you do is big business, no matter the size of the congregation; be faithful, for the Lord is listening!

He also holds the seven stars in His hand. Those are the angels of the churches—one for each. The Greek word means, “messenger,” and mostly it is used to describe a heavenly being, but in this case, I understand it to be a human messenger. This is the pastor who will preach God’s Word. The message is addressed to him first—to assimilate and apply—so he might become the one who stands and speaks on behalf of Christ. What a privilege!  What a responsibility! 

No matter the critics we face or the challenges we find in ministry, always remember that Jesus holds you in the palm of His hand—and there is no safer place to be!  John was banished for his faithful preaching of the Word, suffering in isolation on a rocky island, surrounded by a stormy sea.  Yet, Christ was with Him, and we may be assured He knows where we are, and will manifest Himself to us and speak though us.

A CHARGE TO THE ELDERS

John Maxwell says, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.”  It is true in all dimensions of life—including the church and the elders who lead it. 

Elders are to exalt the Master (v.1). While they have a duty to the members, their ultimate reckoning is to God. It is a charge that is solemn and sobering for which they will answer to God, and stand before Christ Jesus in judgment. The work is of eternal significance. Therefore, church elders face stricter scrutiny at the Judgment Seat.  They must realize , it is about God’s kingdom and not building their own!  How is it built?

Elders are charged to expound the message (v.2-4). There are many tasks for the elders, but the high calling is to preach the Word.  Elders cannot let church activity crowd out spiritual preparation. To speak for God, first you must hear from Him.  Then, elders can stand with a Bible in their hand and speak with the authority of heaven at their back.  We live in a day, when congregations increasingly demand for preachers to tickle their ears by telling them what they want to hear.  Never let that happen in your church!

  Elders must also exhibit the ministry (v.5). Beyond what your lips say is what your life shows. The character of the elder is to be one of moral purity as they exercise self-control. The commitment of the elder is to be one of endurance and effort. He is to have a heart for souls.  His ministry is Gospel-driven and his message is Gospel-centered.  The elders are not the exclusive soul-winners, but are to set the example as soul-winners. Blessed is the church that has such leaders!

APPROVED

“Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 CSB)

The commendation of a pastor by the congregation is important.  However, the truth is that a shepherd of God’s flock has a higher pursuit— approval by the Great Shepherd.  Commitment in the study of God’s Word with a passion to be correct in the sharing of God’s Word is the elders’ great assignment.  He must do many other things, but feeding the flock of God is paramount.  If he fails here, then he fails.  Hopefully, the sheep will appreciate the meal, but even if they turn their noses up at it or look for another pasture where more sweet treats are offered, the man of God must dig into the Word of God, stand upon it, and speak it with accuracy and authority.  For this, he will give account to God.

Pole Creek is a good church.  Not a perfect church, but a good one.  We have been favored of God by men who have been devoted to preach the Word and a membership largely that has received it with joy and sought to apply it in daily living.  I have sought to be faithful for the quarter century I have been with you.  I have every reason to believe that the next man up will do the same.

It is important to recognize your pastors for their efforts to be sharper swords in God’s hands.  They would not seek such recognition, but I think it appropriate.  During 2019, your staff has been diligent in study.

In June, Ben Heise received his Associate of Arts in Religion/Christian Ministry from Fruitland Baptist Bible College.  He drove back and forth to Hendersonville—often at night for classes—and yet was faithful to his work here at Pole Creek.  Now, he is pursuing his BA from Spurgeon College.

In December, Chase Harris completed his Master of Arts in Christian Leadership from Luther Rice Seminary.  Chase did all that while still building a vibrant student ministry.  His availability for young people and their needs has been undiminished by the volume of study he has had to do.

I appreciate all of our staff—paid and volunteer—who are making an eternal difference.  I thought it appropriate to acknowledge the commitment of these men to diligence in study in correctly teaching the Word of God.

Let me mention in closing that our music ministry is directed by one faithful to God’s Word—Steve Schultz.  You will not get fluff, but truth in the songs that we sing.  He is always concerned about sound theology and not just how a song sounds.  You may not be aware that Steve holds a Master of Christian Education from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. 

What about this old head?  I have enrolled in Southeastern to complete my Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership!  I hope to knock that out this year, being only four courses needed.  It has been a while since I have been in school, so pray for me!

Happy New Year!  May God give us 2020 vision!

Pastor Dennis

A BUFFET OF BLESSINGS

I love buffets.  You come to these long lines of delicious foods of all varieties, and you can zero in on what you like, take ample samples, and stuff yourself.  The book of Proverbs is much like that from a spiritual standpoint—a buffet of blessings.  You certainly get that kind of variety in chapter eighteen.  Today, we will look at a few tasty truths to nourish our souls.  Remember, Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matt.4:4). 

1.  GOD IS OUR SAVIOR.  “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” (v.10). Salvation is not found in our works, but in God’s.  Calling upon His name is our salvation (see Rom.10:9, 10, 13). God’s name represents His nature.  It stands for all He is, so to call on Him is to find a refuge. Not only does He save us initially when we call on Him and He makes us righteous, but as we righteous ones live in this hostile world, He remains our Defender, as we pray to Him, and find Him mighty to save.  As Luther wrote, “A mighty fortress is our God.”

2.  WISDOM IS OUR TEACHER. “The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” (v.15).  The wisdom of God is found in the Word of God, and a prudent person seeks it diligently.  Each day, we should come to the Lord to teach us from His Word.  Read your Bible.  Read great writers who have walked with God. Listen to your pastor and Bible teachers who dispense doctrine. You will be blessed if you feed at the table of truth.

3.   MARRIAGE IS OUR GIFT. “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the LORD.”  (v.22). There are a select few to whom God blesses with the gift of singleness. But, most of us will marry.  Make sure you get God’s gift for you, and don’t open someone else’s!  There are those who made an impulse “purchase,” only to unwrap it and find it came from Satan’s store and not God’s gift shop!  There is a great difference between a Ruth and a Jezebel.

4.  FRIENDSHIP IS OUR HELP.    “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (v.24). If you have a good friend, you have someone who will stick with you in the fiercest storms. Where family might not support you, you can count on a faithful friend. How do you get friends like that?  Be such a friend!  We reap what we sow.

I hope you enjoyed this meal prepared for you today!  Breakfast with the Bible—yum!  Thank you Lord for your salvation, Scripture, a sweet spouse, and supportive friends with which I am blessed!

THE PREACHER'S TASK

Preach the word!  (2 Timothy 4:2a)

There are many good things a pastor can do.  There are a number of those things he should do.  There is one thing he must do.  Paul’s charge to Timothy was above all, “Preach the word!”

This is a call to EXALT THE MASTER (v.1).  Paul was an apostle—his favorite title, however was, “a servant of Jesus Christ.”  The man of God is not his own.  I know that every child of God belongs to Christ and has been purchased by His blood, but in a special way a preacher has been set apart for the service of the Lord. 

One factor that motivates the pastor’s obedience is THE AWARENESS OF GOD, “I charge you therefore before God….”  Every thought is read in heaven—it is before God as an open book.  Every word spoken is heard in heaven—it is before God.  Every deed done is witnessed by God—it is before Him.  Nothing escapes His scrutiny.  

The second factor is THE APPEARING OF CHRIST, “and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom….”   Our accountability is not ultimately to our fellow elders, the deacons, or even the congregation, but to Christ.  Your reward or lack thereof is going to be determined by your faithfulness to Christ.  Words have such power.  They play a significant role in our accountability because they are so powerful. 

We are then charged to EMBRACE THE MANDATE (v.2a).  Preaching is our mandate.  God only had one Son and He made Him a preacher.  If you are called to be a preacher, don’t stoop to become a president.  Good activity can become the enemy of the great priority.  The first Apostles refused to let important ministries divert them from their ministry of the Word and prayer.  If the Word of God won’t do it—it won’t get done.  Stand, with a Bible in your hand and speak with the authority of heaven as an ambassador of Jesus Christ.  Preach the Word and not your opinions!

Make certain to EXPOUND THE MESSAGE (v.2b-4).  

Preach the word CONTINUOUSLY, “Be ready in season and out of season.”  Preaching is always in season, even out of season.  Use every opportunity to communicate the truth—individuals, small groups, large gatherings, in written and spoken form.

Do it CONVINCINGLY, “Convince….”  We are not merely giving out information about God—we are demanding a verdict.  

Preach CORRECTIVELY, “rebuke….”  The preacher must confront sin.  A good doctor probes a sore spot.  He cuts out any cancer.  People are spiritually sick.  Spiritual surgery with a Scriptural scalpel is painful, but essential.

Proclaim truth COMPREHENSIVELY, “with all longsuffering and teaching.”  Our messages must be Biblically based, theologically sound and doctrinally instructive—the whole counsel of God.  

Preach the word COURAGEOUSLY, (v.3-4).  We must be faithful in the face of opposition.  Don’t tickle their ears with truth tailored for their tastes.

Don’t fail to EXHIBIT THE MINISTRY (v.5).  Model the message.  “But you be watchful in all things….”  You have been appointed an “overseer.”  You must guard the church from wolves who would prey on the flock.   This requires you, “endure afflictions….”  Trials are going to come.  Don’t quit!  Make sure to “do the work of an evangelist….”  Set the standard for soul-winning.  Thus, you will “fulfill your ministry.”  Demonstrate your devotion daily.  People had rather see a sermon as hear one.

I solemnly charge you—as one who will answer to God—a dying man to dying men, preach as never to preach again!