If you were looking for a church to attend, what characteristics would you like to see in that church? If I put myself in the shoes of one looking for a church, I would like to find one that most closely aligns with the early Church described in the New Testament. Below are some characteristics of that early church that I would want to see in any prospective church. Some of these things might be viewed as idealistic by some but keep in mind, this is merely a “church wish list.”

 

Sound doctrine (both taught and lived): A biblical church is one that is founded on the Bible. They submit Scripture and the fear of God rather than modern culture sensitivity. Any church that teaches doctrines that do not line up with Scripture will never fulfill the Great Commission. False doctrine undermines faith. At the same time, it is possible for sound doctrine to be taught at a church and yet, not lived. Jesus warned about this when He said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it” (Matthew 7:21-27). Many churches pride themselves in the sound doctrine they teach but seem content to listen and not do. Such churches are the last to recognize the fact that they hear but fail to do what Jesus taught. They are generally blind to it. If they are doers of the Word and not mere hearers, they will be fully engaged living out the gospel in accordance with those things that are described below.

 

Christ-like leaders:

-They derive their security from Christ alone. They don’t feel a need to impress people with their knowledge or teaching skills. They don’t feel a need to be recognized as leaders and therefore do not exercise lordship over those under their authority. They truly esteem those under their authority as more important than themselves.

-They lead by example: They teach not just with their mouths, but with their actions. Their example, if followed, will yield lives that are holy and full of ministry fruit.

-They evangelize the “unchurched” and produce disciples out in the community. They are serious about Jesus’ command to go and make disciples. They do not simply preach at the church services.

-Because of practice, they are skilled at proclaiming the gospel to unchurched people one on one according to the New Testament pattern. Young believers can learn from them how to do the same by following their example.

-They live their lives by faith in Christ and do not depend on their own understanding and resources. They make faith choices that may appear to the world as irresponsible. They love Jesus more than life on earth and they consider it to be far greater to die and be with Christ rather than remain on earth in this present condition. They have lost their lives unto Christ and value Him above all worldly comfort. They are more concerned about His interests than any interests they might have in this world.

-They rejoice whenever they hear about the gospel being lived and going forth through any of Christ’s servants, even if that servant is getting more attention paid to him than to themselves.

-They depend on the Holy Spirit to control the meetings and spend more time praying to that end rather than preparing sermons.

-They do not pretend to be more spiritual than others and they are horrified at the notion of pretending to be spiritual more than others.

-They associate with the lowly. As a result, the lowly feel comfortable being in the midst of the leaders and the entire congregation. From the example set by the leaders, the other members also associate with the lowly and do not consider them any different from themselves.

-They do not insist that people hold them in high esteem and they teach their congregations to never put them up on a pedestal. They teach the members to challenge them about any teaching that might not line up with Scripture and to hold them accountable.

 

Spirit-filled members: By observing the leaders and those being led by them, members participate in advancing Christ’s kingdom rather than remain spectators. They are being equipped to do the work of the ministry by others leading (including evangelism) and they do it. They do not relegate “ministry to believers” or “evangelism of the lost” to the professionals and while they themselves take a lesser role. Being Spirit-filled, the people of the church are people who pray much both when they are alone and when they are together. They intercede for the lost and pray for God’s glory to be revealed in the lives of His people. They pray also with all diligence for revival and that God keeps them from falling into sin that entraps. Various ministry spontaneously erupts as prompted by the Holy Spirit. The members don’t need to be prompted by others. Spirit-filled members love Christ so much that it just oozes out of them. They love to talk about Jesus and so they do that with each other and with unbelievers they know also. It is evident that Jesus is their first love.

 

Fulfilling the Great Commission: The members and the leaders are driven to fulfill the Great Commission. As a life style, they evangelize the unchurched in their communities and where they work. They strive to become equipped to proclaim the gospel in accordance with the pattern given in the Bible. They testify of Christ’s work in their lives and do whatever they can to communicate the gospel so that the unchurched hear and understand it. They really believe that unbelievers are condemned and drifting towards hell. Therefore, they do not shy away from speaking truth that causes some to become angry at them. They plead, warn, exhort and teach people the gospel and consider such work to be their food (to do the will of the Father). As a result of the proclamation of the gospel by the members, the unchurched hear the gospel and eventually disciples are made. Then, those who make disciples, see to it that baptism is facilitated and then they take on the main responsibility to make sure the new disciple learns all that Jesus commanded. In other words, the norm is that the members have disciples that are in turn, being equipped to do the work of the ministry.

 

Connection to Christ and to each other: When all of those things outlined above are happening, a strong connection is realized between all the members as co-laborers in the harvest. They love each other and therefore watch out for each other. If one falls, the others lovingly come along side to help him back up and begin working again in the harvest. This type of closeness requires that they fellowship in small circles. They would never be content going to a large church where there is no interaction that is only possible in small groups. They learn from the teaching and from each other’s example about the spiritual dangers lurking all around. They pray for each other, weep with each other and rejoice with each other, all while observing God’s glory being unveiled in their midst. The connection the members have to one another drives them to make sure that no one member goes lacking. They sense that all things are from God and therefore belong to one another rather than themselves. As the members do these things, it becomes evident to them and people on the outside that they love one another. Thus, they prove to be Christ’s disciples.

 

Some things that are completely irrelevant:

A church building.

Passing of the plate

Special band or orchestra

 

For biblical analysis and an expanded consideration of this topic, see my book The Local Church.

 

 

 

“Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive” (Matthew 21:21-22).

What do you make of these words of Jesus? Have you ever thought long and hard about them? I suspect that many Christians tend to acknowledge them but not spend much time contemplating them. Is Jesus making a literal statement to be understood at face value? I suspect that many Christians think that Jesus is merely making a statement that is figurative designed to teach principles of prayer. I happen to believe that Jesus never exaggerated and that these words can be taken literally. In other words, I believe that if a Christian has faith and does not doubt, he could say to a mountain, “Be thou removed and cast into the sea” and it would be done. For all I know, some Christian many years said with faith to the mountain, Krakatoa, “Be thou cast into the sea,” and thus it happened.

While I believe Jesus words can be taken at face value, I also believe that when He spoke them, He was doing so to teach important principles about prayer. The Bible contains many examples of God doing mighty things through His people. There was the parting of the Red Sea through Moses. Personally, I believe that the raising of people who were dead back to life was equally amazing. Elijah and Elisha both raised people from the dead. The Apostle Paul did this also. I believe these people did these things through faith. They believed and so it was done. They did not believe they had the power in themselves to do it. They fully believed that God could and would do these things and so they were done.

Are we to believe that is Jesus’ plan that only a select few should accomplish such great things or is He teaching that we should all expect God to do miraculous things through us? I believe He is teaching us to expect the impossible and that He desires to do miraculous things through us. Does this mean that we should all say to various mountains to be cast into the sea? I don’t think so. (Although, that would be awesome to behold.)

Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father” (John 14:12). I believe that God can and may, even now, use Christians to raise people from the dead and even cause literal mountains to be cast into the sea. Whatever things God brings about through the faith of His people, He will do so in accordance with His sovereign will. If somewhere on earth, He wishes a person to be raised from the dead through a Christian with faith, it will be done.

With all these things being said, we cannot deny that God seems to do the more miraculous signs to draw attention to His message being proclaimed through His people. Miraculous signs were abundant during Jesus’ days on earth and immediately following Pentecost. According to the Bible, God was using these miracles and signs to bear witness to the gospel being proclaimed by His people. “How will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will” (Hebrews 2:3-4).

Many Christians believe that ever since His prophetic Word was completely given (the Bible was complete), there is no longer a purpose for God to display signs and wonders like He did in the early days of the Christian Church on the basis I Corinthians 13:10. Though I disagree with their interpretation, I cannot deny that God has displayed His power through signs and wonders of this nature rarely in the course of history. But, I believe nothing prevents Him from doing so now and I do not want to assume that He will not do so.

If God does not plan to perform these types of miraculous signs during my years, then how should I understand these words of Jesus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father” (John 14:12). I do not claim to have a firm answer to my question but I do wish to set forth my current understanding.

Before He ascended into heaven, Jesus told His disciples, “Go make disciples of all the nations,” (Matthew 28:19a). I believe that it is humanly impossible make disciples. Yet, Jesus commands us to do so. What is necessary for a disciple to be made? Our work is to proclaim the gospel and pray. God is the one who gives the increase. In order for a disciple to be made, God must raise that person from spiritual death to new life in Christ. I have been actively involved in the work of evangelism for many years and the longer I do it, the more obvious this becomes.

What if the raising of a spiritually dead person to new life in Christ is actually a greater miracle by God’s definition that raising a person physically?  If so, then the words of Jesus can be fulfilled in me as God raises spiritually dead people to life through me. If this is true, then when I am praying for God to raise the unbelievers I speak with to new life in Christ, am I not seeking something as spectacular as the one who says to a mountain to be cast into the sea.

For the past several years, I have been proclaiming the gospel to the thousands of Muslims in Dearborn, Michigan. It is obvious that unless God raises them from spiritual death, they will perish. For years, I have been praying for the people to whom I have proclaimed the gospel. I know that only God can raise them from the dead. I believe that God is able to suddenly raise thousands of them from spiritual death to new life in Christ and I pray to that end. In my mind, I am praying something just as spectacular as saying to the mountain, “Be thou cast into the sea.”

 

Father, I pray that this great mountain would be cast into the sea to your glory!

 

 

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

(I Peter 3:15-KJV).

 

It is clear that Peter instructs the Christian to be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks him the reason of the hope that is in him. Unfortunately, many Christians misunderstand what type of answer Peter had in mind and how it should be provided. Most Christians think that if they are to fulfill Peter’s instructions, they must learn various intellectual arguments aimed at convincing people that God exists, or that Jesus rose from the dead, or that the Bible is the infallible Word of God, or other such things. This is not at all what Peter had in mind. Let us consider I Peter 3:15 along with other scriptures to determine how we should understand him properly.

First, it should be noted that in order to fulfill this instruction, we must “sanctify the Lord God in our heart.” This is the essential prerequisite and in fact the only way we can “be ready” to give an answer. Notice Peter does not say, “First, learn whatever intellectual arguments necessary so that you will be ready to give an answer.” No, he instructs us to do something spiritual- “Sanctify the Lord God in your heart.” In other words, it is not an intellectual preparing but a spiritual preparing that is prerequisite. The New American Standard Bible translates it, “Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense.” This indicates a cause and effect relationship. If we do not first “sanctify Christ as Lord in our heart,” then we simply won’t be ready to give an answer. But if we do sanctify Christ as Lord in our heart, we will be ready to give an answer.

So what does it mean to sanctify Christ as Lord in our heart? I suggest it can also be stated, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2). It means total surrender with nothing held back. After all, Jesus is Lord, the ruler and He owns me. I don’t have a right to direct my life because it is now His. I am bought with the price of Jesus’ blood. Unless and until this surrender is a reality in the life of a Christian, he will not experience what it means to walk in the Spirit. If not fully surrendered, his spiritual experience with Christ will be dysfunctional. In this condition, he will not be spiritually prepared to give an answer about the hope that is within him. In fact, that hope will be dim because the experience of Jesus living in him will be difficult to discern by him.

The true Christian life requires total surrender with nothing held back. (“Unless a man loses his life, he will not find it.”)  In this condition, the Spirit has free reign and the Christian is empowered by God’s grace to walk in the Spirit and fulfill His good pleasure. As he walks in the Spirit, he experiences the reality of Jesus living in him. In this condition, he experiences the hope of eternal life. “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). His hope is not generated from head knowledge. A man can know all the creeds and intellectually agree with all the doctrines of the Christian faith and yet not possess hope. Hope comes only when a man’s experience is in harmony with his doctrine. Without his experience being in complete harmony with his doctrine, he really can’t possess hope and therefore cannot fulfill Peter’s instruction. This is why Peter begins by saying, “Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts.”

With all these things in mind, let us now consider the nature of the answer we are to give for the hope that is in us. Before doing so, let me address a common misconception relating to the Greek word “apologia” that Peter used when he said “be ready to give an answer.” The Greek word apologia can mean “a defense” or “an answer.” The KJV translates answer while the NASB translates it defense.  Many Christians mistakenly think that I Peter 3:15 teaches we must be ready to effectively debate those who argue against the tenants of the Christian faith. In other words, we should be ready to prove that what we believe is intellectually reasonable and logical. This is not what Peter is saying. He says, “Be ready always to give an answer to anyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.” Our answer, or “defense,” is in response to someone who asks us a reason for the hope that is in us. It is not in response to the skeptic who asks, “Why do you believe such an absurd thing?” Peter is indicating that the question being asked is coming from a person who is sincerely wondering why we have hope.

It should be noted that a major theme in Peter’s first epistle is the suffering that Christians endure because they follow Jesus. The recipients of his letter were often threatened with death and had undergone much persecution. As the unbelievers observed the Christians suffering, they took notice that they seemed to have hope in spite of all the mistreatment and suffering. This undoubtedly caused some to ask Christians the reason for their hope. It didn’t make sense to them that they willingly endured so much suffering. Why did they have hope?

What is the basis for a Christian’s hope? Is it because there is strong evidence that God exists? Is it because there is strong evidence that Jesus rose from the dead?  Is it because there is strong evidence that the Bible is the authoritative Word of God that He has faithfully preserved? I believe that there is strong evidence for all these things but the evidence, though intellectually convincing, cannot produce hope! If a man’s hope is based solely on such evidence, then his hope has no depth and if faced with the threat of severe persecution and death, it will evaporate. The hope that Peter is talking about is the sure promise of God itself (the gospel) and the reality of it being lived out in us (Christ in you, the hope of glory.)

Therefore, if a Christian stoops to debating using intellectual arguments that he believes prove things like the existence of God, Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, etc., he is failing to fulfill Peter’s instructions in I Peter 3:15. Instead of doing this, he should proclaim the gospel itself for this is the objective reason for the hope that is in him. He can also testify about the reality of Jesus living in him resulting in a completely changed life. These things answer anyone who sincerely asks a reason for the hope that is in a Christian.

When we understand this properly, then we realize why there is no record in the New Testament of any Christian leaders making intellectual arguments in order to prove that God exists, or that Jesus rose from the dead, or that the Bible is the infallible Word of God, or other such things. On the contrary, we see an excellent example of how Paul fulfilled Peter’s instruction when we read the book of Romans. This is a letter he wrote to people he had not met. In it, he gives an answer for the hope that is in him. Being a lawyer, he does so in such a way that it truly qualifies as “a defense” for the hope that was within him. He does not give evidence for the existence of God. He merely states it. He does not sight evidence that Jesus rose from the dead. He merely states it. He does not give evidence that the Bible is the authoritative Word of God, he merely quotes it as if it is indeed God’s Word. He does not try to prove that Jesus was God incarnate. He simply proclaims it.

The book of Romans contains the message Paul proclaimed wherever he went.  Its content is in harmony with Paul’s testimony from his first epistle to the Corinthians.

 

“Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect” (I Corinthians 1:17).

“My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” (I Corinthians 2:4-5).

 

Paul did not debate the gospel. Rather, he proclaimed it. As he does in the epistle he wrote to the Romans, Paul publicly tried to reason with people about the same things hoping they would hear and believe. Whenever they refused to receive it, he would not debate with them. Rather, he would warn them and then leave them and go find other people who would hear and believe. Below is just one example Luke gives in Acts of Paul doing this. There are several others.

 

But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began contradicting the things spoken by Paul, and were blaspheming. Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first; since you repudiate it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:45-46).

 

 

Luke records how Paul ministered the gospel and thus fulfilled Peter’s instruction.

 

And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ” (Acts 17:2-3).

 

Paul was fulfilling Peter’s instruction. He was giving an answer (making a defense) for the hope that was in him. The hearers in this case were Jews. They already believed in the existence of God and believed the scriptures were God’s authoritative Word. But they did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah or that He rose from the dead. So, Paul reasoned with them FROM THE SCRIPTURES giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. He did not merely read passages like Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22. He reasoned with them from the Scriptures to demonstrate WHY the Christ had to suffer. This is exactly what Paul does in Romans chapters 1 – 3. The reason why the Christ had to suffer is that sinful man is alienated from the Holy God, condemned and headed for eternal punishment. God, being perfectly righteous cannot let the guilty go unpunished. The sin had to be punished. If the people come to the judgment with their sins, God has no choice but to send them to hell forever because He cannot simply excuse sin. Sinful man can do nothing to make himself acceptable to God. But God provided a way of salvation by sending His own Son to take the punishment we deserve. This is why the Christ had to suffer. There could be no other way of salvation. Since Jesus did come and complete His work, there is salvation and therefore perfect hope based upon the sure promise of God. Paul’s message gives the hearer the solid reason for the hope he had in him.

Seeing that there is no biblical record of leaders trying to convince people that God exists, or that Jesus rose from the dead, or that the Bible is the infallible Word of God, or other such things, why do Christians insist we need to do it? It seems as if they do not believe as fully as Paul believed that THE GOSPEL is the power of God unto salvation. Otherwise, instead of trying to prove things like the existence of God, that Jesus rose from the dead, the integrity of the Bible, they would concentrate of proclaiming the gospel which is THE MEANS God has specified to save people.

Maybe the problem is that they do not consistently engage in evangelism. Then, when they do engage in it, they typically find themselves talking with a skeptic. Rather than just warn the skeptic and walk away as Paul did, they sense a responsibility to continue the dialog since they don’t often find themselves engaging in evangelism. Perhaps if they engaged in it much more, they would realize that rather than talk with the skeptics, it is far more productive to warn and leave them and then seek out those whom God has prepared to hear the gospel and concentrate on proclaiming the gospel to them.

Maybe the reason is a defective theology. For example, many Christians hold to an Arminian theology that teaches unregenerate man has the power within himself to seek God. Since man has this power, it behooves the evangelist to do everything in his power to convince the unregenerate man to seek God by offering all sorts of logical evidence for things like the existence of God, the integrity of the scripture and Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. If the unregenerate man can be convinced of things like this, then he will more likely decide to become a Christian.

Someone might ask, “Why am I making such a big fuss over all this anyway? Does it matter that much if a Christian makes efforts to provide historical, logical or scientific evidence for things like the existence of God, etc?” I make a fuss over this because I think the Apostle Paul would make a fuss over it. He said to the Corinthians, “My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” (I Corinthians 2:4-5). He also thought that if he resorted to using “wisdom of words,” the cross of Christ would be made of no effect. (See I Corinthians 1:17.) I have watched public debates between Christian apologists and leaders of other religions or atheists. Generally, those who attend are set in their thinking. Spectators from both sides usually go away thinking their side won the debate. The worst thing is that many go away from it thinking that two different views were presented and each had some merit. This is not how the gospel should be represented. It is not just another possible viewpoint. It is the only way of salvation and no other view should be given any credence whatsoever. Engaging in such a debate automatically gives the opposing view some credence. As a result, the cross of Jesus is made to appear less than what it is. It is emptied of its power in the eyes of many who watched. THE GOSPEL IS NOT TO BE DEBATED! The Apostle Paul refused to do so and so should we. It is the Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us represent it as if it is truly the only way of salvation purchased buy the precious blood of Jesus.

In conclusion, let us do as Peter instructed us in I Peter 3:15 but let us do so in accordance with the biblical pattern and with the full authority given us by Christ. Let us therefore sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts so there is nothing held back whatsoever.

Unless we sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts, our hope will be dim. To unbelievers, we will appear like everyone else, living our lives as if there is no God and no future hope. But if we sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts, the gospel will continually be in our hearts and minds and unbelievers that come in contact with us will notice something different about us. Our hope will be evident. Unbelievers will occasionally ask us a reason for the hope that is in us. When they do, we will have the privilege of proclaiming the same glorious truths that Paul recorded for us in the book of Romans.

 

All people can be placed into one of two categories,  those who think they do not deserve condemnation from God (or “gods” for those who believe in multiple deities) and those who fully believe that they deserve condemnation from God.  Put another way,  some believe they merit acceptance from God on the basis of their own goodness and some believe they deserve the punishment of hell but depend solely upon Christ’s work alone in their behalf to give them good standing with God.[1] For the sake of this discussion, we will call the people that believe they do not deserve condemnation from God “workers.” We will call those who believe that they deserve the condemnation of God because of their rebellion toward Him, but who believe Christ took the punishment they deserve “believers.”

 

The Bible indicates that all people (“workers” and “believers”) will appear before the judgment seat of Christ:

 

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Cor 5:10

 

Romans 2:7-8 contrast the two types of people:

 

To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.

 

From this passage, one might conclude that right-standing before God is achieved by works but this is simply not the case according to the Bible (by grace we are saved through faith, not of works lest any man should boast Eph 2:8&9). Rom 2:7 says that those who receive eternal life exercise perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality.  This simply characterizes their lives but it does not form the basis of their right-standing before God.  They are saved by grace through faith, not by works. The life style depicted in the Romans 2:7 passage naturally results from true faith.  True faith produces perseverance in doing true good works and is motivated by a faith that seeks glory and honor and immortality which comes from God, not one’s own goodness.  It is the God-given faith (produced by new life) of the believer that causes them (by His power) to do good works and to delight in the all out pursuit of glory, honor and immortality that has been promised to them by the One who saved them.  The worker on the other hand directs his own life as he sees fit and has no power from God to do works that He classifies as good. Since they do not possess God-given faith, all they are capable of doing is classified by God as “sin.”   (whatever is not done from faith is sin-Rom 14:23).

 

Examination of the “worker”

These people are born sinners.  As they grow up, they all without exception live life as they see fit.[2]

A small percentage of these people will adopt an atheistic view of God,  Some will hold a polytheistic view (a belief that there are multiple gods).  But most will say that there is a supreme being that created the world. Regardless which of these sub-categories they fall into, they choose a belief system and live life in a way that seems right to them, assuming or hoping that when they die, they will not suffer punishment at the hands of a supreme being. The atheist convinces himself that since there is no God, there is no afterlife or judgment. The agnostic (one who adopts a view that we cannot know whether there is a God or not) merely goes through life assuming that “since God has not made himself known,”  if He does exist,  He will not hold people accountable.  But for all practical purposes, he lives his life as if there is no God so we could call him a practical atheist. Those who hold to some type of belief in either one God or multiple gods live their lives in hope that they will somehow be good enough to avoid judgment or achieve some type of reward after they die.  Thus, they rely upon their own goodness and generally compare themselves to other people in order to derive self-worth.  In their minds, if they can avoid being at the bottom of the “goodness barrel” of humanity, they will be ok after they die.  All of these unbelieving people hold to their own opinions about God and all of their understanding of God makes Him out to be less than the righteous God as He is revealed in the Bible[3]. The atheists convince themselves that He does not exist so there is no Righteous Judge that will hold them accountable.  The religious people hold to a false notion that His standards of righteousness are less than perfect and not exacting. They falsely hope or assume that they merit acceptance by God (or gods) merely on the basis of their own goodness.  (Included in this group are the millions of people who prayed a “sinner’s prayer” or walked an isle of a church to “receive Christ” but who’s lives prove they never possessed genuine God-given faith.)

 

What factors will play a role in their judgment?

To understand the outcome for these people,  we must examine what God is really like and how He views them.  The Bible says that God is a God of perfect righteousness. (“The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him…Psalm 92:15”) This makes it impossible for sinful beings to dwell in His presence. (Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong…Habakkuk 1:13”) He cannot judge according to human standards,  He cannot accept plea bargains.  (For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes…Deuteronomy 10:17).   This righteous God says that no people are righteous,  that they do not seek Him, that as a lifestyle, they have all turned away from Him rather than moved toward Him,  that their heart has a tendency towards violence and cursing,  that they do not know peace and that they have not feared God as the righteous judge who has given and preserved their life. (Romans 3:11-17).

 

What will be the outcome for these people in the judgment?

God’s perfect righteousness demands that all sin be punished and all people are deserving of punishment.[4] He has declared the fit and proper judgment is that they be cast away from His presence in hell for eternity.[5] It does not matter that many people think that such punishment is unjust.  The only thing that matters is what God thinks since He is the judge and has declared it to be just.  (There is a way that seems right to a man,  but in the end it leads to death. PR 14:12)

 

 

Examination of the “believer”

Like the “workers,”  these people are born sinners.  (The following words in blue font is a cut and paste from the worker description because these people start out living the same way as the “workers.”) As they grow up, they all without exception live life as they see fit. A small percentage of these people will adopt an atheistic view of God,  Some will hold a polytheistic view (a belief that there are multiple gods).  But most will say that there is a supreme being that created the world. Regardless which of these sub-categories they fall into,  they choose a belief system and live life in a way that seems right to them, assuming or hoping that when they die, they will not suffer punishment at the hands of a supreme being. The atheist convinces himself that since there is no God, there is no afterlife or judgment. The agnostic (one who adopts a view that we cannot know whether there is a God or not) merely goes through life assuming that “since God has not made himself known,”  if He does exist,  He will not hold people accountable.  But for all practical purposes, he lives his life as if there is no God so we could call him a practical atheist. Those who hold to some type of belief in either one God or multiple gods live their lives in hope that they will somehow be good enough to avoid judgment or achieve some type of reward after they die.  Thus, they rely upon their own goodness and generally compare themselves to other people in order to derive self-worth.  In their minds, if they can avoid being at the bottom of the “goodness barrel” of humanity, they will be ok after they die.  All of these unbelieving people hold to their own opinions about God and all of their understanding of God makes Him out to be less than the righteous God as He is revealed in the Bible. The atheists convince themselves that He does not exist so there is no Righteous Judge that will hold them accountable.  The religious people hold to a false notion that His (or their) standards of righteousness are less than perfect and not exacting. They falsely hope or assume that they merit acceptance by God (or gods) merely on the basis of their own goodness.  (Included in this group are the millions of people who prayed a “sinner’s prayer” or walked an isle of a church to “receive Christ” but who’s lives prove they never possessed genuine God-given faith.)

What is the just outcome for these people in the judgment?

God’s perfect righteousness demands that all sin be punished and all people are deserving of punishment. He has declared that the fit and proper judgment is to be cast away from His presence in hell for eternity.  This is exactly what these and all people deserve according to the Bible.  These people are cut out of the same mold as all other people, wretched sinners that God calls rebels and enemies.

 

But while they were deserving of this punishment, God saves them

At some point in the life of these people, they hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. In addition,  God supernaturally causes them to get a glimpse of who He is and what they are truly like.[6] They see themselves as wretched sinners[7] that are rightly condemned before the Holy God who created them and who stands in judgment over them. They stop relying on their own goodness realizing that to do so is utterly useless.  They see that all of their good deeds are as filthy rags in God’s sight.[8] They see that nothing they have done or ever could do would atone for all of their sin and rebellion. They see on the other hand that God has graciously made a WAY[9] for them to freely receive forgiveness by receiving the gift that He has provided in their behalf,  the sacrifice of His Son.  They believe that He rose from the dead and that His death satisfied God’s demand for perfect righteousness.[10] They accept God’s terms for peace and surrender their lives to Him as the good and faithful ruler over their lives.[11] They see all of this salvation being of and from God and continue to see themselves as deserving of hell but saved by grace.

 

What will be the outcome for these people in the judgment?

At the point these people truly believe the gospel, they receive forgiveness from God on the basis of what Jesus did for them. God counts all their sins (past, present and future) as belonging to Jesus[12] who bore the punishment for them. God also counts Christ’s righteousness as belonging to the believer[13] because He has accepted the blood sacrifice of His Son in their behalf. This blood He holds as infinitely valuable and considers it full payment (ransom) for the believer’s sin.  In addition to this legal transaction, God gives supernatural life to the sinner by coming to dwell within him.[14] This life unleashes the power of God in them to believe and begin living by faith,  obediently trusting God as their Lord and provider of all they need to live. While in this life, they still have what the Bible calls “the flesh” which is an enemy of the believer and which always opposes the Holy Spirit that dwells within them.  But God works in them[15] to produce righteousness and works that are done by His power through faith.(Because God is the One who causes the works by His power,  He is the one who rightly gets all the glory for them.)  Because they still have the flesh, they sometimes sin.  But since they are new creatures, they cannot go on sinning they way they did before God saved them.  They seek God for deliverance and cannot enjoy the sin the way they use to before God saved them.

 

These people will also appear before the judgment seat of Christ.  But because God already punished Christ for every sin they committed, they will appear before the judgment seat spotless, without sin in God’s eyes. (Christ… having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him. ^{Heb 9:28)})  Even so,  at the judgment, these people will also be judged according to their deeds but without having any sin accounted to them. They appear there having a righteousness that was imputed to them by Christ Himself.  And while they lived their lives of faith, God worked in them to produce true good works that glorify God. Because of the power of God working in them, they did deeds that were “wrought in God,”[16] brought about by His power.  These deeds will attest to the genuineness of their God-given faith. In the midst of great trials that God brings into their life, their faith is tested and they prove obedient, trusting God as their savior and one who has promised to raise them from the dead on the last day.   These (trials) have come so that your faith–of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire–may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed (I Peter 1:7) In the day of judgment,  their own works and righteousness do not save them. (They were saved by the righteousness of Christ being applied to their account.) But their works do prove to all present on that day that they possessed genuine faith and that God is just to count them as righteous on the basis of the merits of Christ’s work in their behalf. (This is God’s prescribed way.) By God’s grace,  they obeyed God’s invitation and God is just to deliver them because of their faith in Christ (which produced a life-long, heart-felt dependence on God as the only one worthy of praise.)  The good works that were done by this God-given faith will be found to result in praise to God by all.  In this way, by God’s power, believers become delighted sharers in God’s work and will receive rewards from God in proportion to the work of God that had been accomplished through them. In spite of the fact that they do not deserve any such reward, they are motivated by their desire to hear God say, “Well done good and faithful servant (Matt 25:23).” If a believer’s work does not stand up under trial, it will show its quality to be lacking and that man’s reward will be diminished accordingly at the judgment.[17] Also,  on that day, no believer will take credit for any good works knowing that God is the one deserving of all honor and glory.  The Bible symbolizes this attitude by picturing the saints casting their crowns before the throne.[18]

 

The following chart is provided to show the contrast between “workers” and “believers.”

 

Contrast of “workers” vs. “believers”

“Workers”	“Believers”
Hope to achieve right standing before God by trying to live (in their own power) life in a way that they believe merits God’s acceptance. (see note 3 below…Rom 10:3)	Considering themselves wretched sinners deserving of hell, they depend solely on Christ’s merit to make them right before God and they live life by faith relying on God’s supernatural power to produce truly good works that result from Him being at work in them.
Rely on their own works as the means of achieving good standing before God	Consider their own goodness and good works useless in achieving good standing before God
Derive some sense of self-worth before God and man from the good things they do and the bad things they manage to avoid doing. They compare themselves to others and come away feeling as if they are not bad.	Confess their wretchedness openly before God and man their and seek merely to serve God and man with a heart of gratitude and heart-felt love for God.
Run their life as they deem best with an independent spirit.[19]	See themselves as desperately needy people that cannot live without God so they call upon Him for help as a way of life acknowledging Him in every aspect of living.
Pride and false humility characterize their heart.	True humility characterizes their heart.[20]
Think they merit (deserve) God’s approval on the basis of their own goodness.  They believe in their heart that God would be unjust were He to send them to hell.	Believe that they are wretched sinners that deserve the full wrath of God.[21]
If they call themselves “Christian,”  they know of Jesus’ death and resurrection as either a myth or historical fact, but not something He did personally just for them.	They view Jesus’ death and resurrection something He did for them personally and are extremely grateful. They are so taken by it, that they tell all their friends and family even if they end up being ridiculed or even persecuted.[22]
They balk at the notion that God has the right to send well respected people to hell. So, they hold to their own idea of what God is like regardless of what the Bible says.	They believe God is right in condemning all people on the basis of their deeds and see all people as deserving of hell.[23]
At the judgment,  they will be surprised to hear God’s sentence of punishment upon them.	At the judgment, they will not see themselves worthy in any way of the reward He bestows upon them.
They hope good works will produce eternal life	Eternal life imparted to them by Jesus causes good works to come forth that God classifies as truly good.  (They attribute glory to Him because He is the one that empowered the good works.)[24]
They believe that they deserve payment for their good works.	They believe that since God caused the good works, only He deserves credit for them.
By nature, they seek to avoid death (except on rare occasions when death appears to them a way of escaping severe suffering.)	They long for Jesus to appear and welcome death when it comes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Christians, we have all been exposed to certain Christians who have gained notoriety in their ministry. It becomes clear that God has produced a special measure of spiritual growth and wisdom in them while increasing their level of influence among Christians around the world. As a result, we rightly consider what they have to say because we believe that God has and is using them to guide believers toward godly living and ministry. Usually, these people write books on a variety of Christian subjects as a means to guide God’s people. We should always be thankful to God for giving His people such leaders.

 

I have high esteem for some of these leaders. I would read every book they write given the time and opportunity. But when I read such books, I always do so in a discerning way knowing that the ultimate authority is the Bible. In addition, each leader has different areas of expertise. Due to time limitations, it is impossible for any one man to have extensive expertise (experience) in every possible aspect of the Christian walk or ministry. For example, most of these leaders end up spending most of their time ministering to believers so their expertise/experience generally gravitates to teaching Christians as opposed to the “unchurched.” So, he may not have much time allocated to ministries that require face to face dialog with people who would never come to church. But since the Christian community looks to him for leadership, he may still sense a need to write a book to address areas that are outside of his main areas of expertise such as evangelism for example. If he chooses to write a book about a topic outside the areas of his expertise/experience, that book will probably not be as helpful or reliable as others he has written. In other words, though he has written a book, he may not qualify as an expert in that particular field of interest.

 

The New Testament always links leadership with actual experience. Jesus taught His disciples continually but His teaching was always accompanied by a live demonstration. He wanted them to “follow” Him. (He wanted them to do as He did.) The Apostle Paul also led by example so he was comfortable telling believers to imitate him. (See I Corinthians 4:16.) The biblical pattern for leading always requires the teacher to be doing the things that he is teaching others to do. If he does not have much experience or is not doing those things, he must not claim to be the expert or authority on that subject. He is not qualified. Therefore, if a leader writes a book or attempts to teach others how to think or engage in ministry outside his fields of expertise/experience, he should be careful to tell them that his expertise falls outside this area and that he is teaching only what he perceives is correct rather than hold himself up as an expert on that subject. Better yet, he should begin leading by first doing it himself so he can gain the experience. Then he can tell others to imitate him as Paul did. They can watch and learn from his example rather than merely his words.

 

Recently, I was attempting to proclaim the gospel to an elderly, self-righteous Muslim man. We perceived he was self righteous so we went through the 10 commandments one by one to help him see that he was guilty of breaking God’s laws. But he kept insisting he had not broken the commandments. When we came to the sin of adultery, we explained that if a man looks at a woman with desire for her, he is guilty of breaking that commandment. He actually agreed with this principle but continued to insist that he had never done this. Since this man was justified in his own sight, he was unable to realize his need for a savior. Since I was the one speaking with him about the gospel, I sensed a responsibility to help him realize that he was condemned because until he understands this, he will perish. So, I told him that he was lying to us about not having desired a woman other than his wife. He told me that since I was not God, I could not make such a declaration since I cannot look into his heart. I then told him that I make the declaration based upon what the Bible says about all men and that since he is a man, he is not the exception.

 

Afterwards, I told some Christians about the conversation and how I had essentially called this man a liar (which ended the conversation). At least two Christians objected to my tactic suggesting that I was closing the door to the opportunity to help this man understand the gospel. In their mind, since the man did not yet possess an understanding of the gospel, it was tragic that my conversation ended this way without him getting the opportunity to understand the gospel. They had difficulty understanding how my approach could qualify as loving.

 

So, for the record, I wish to state that such a response might be the only loving response possible in light of the current self-righteous, blind condition of this man. I believe that until he sees that he is condemned, the substitutionary death of Jesus will remain completely irrelevant to this man. Who needs a savior if they can attain a right standing with God on the basis of their own righteousness?

 

I believe I am in good company because the Bible contains examples of godly men who said such things to people who were self-righteous. So, to conclude, I will provide a few examples of holy men speaking things that would greatly offend those who were listening to them.

Stephen:

⁵¹“You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. ⁵²Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, ⁵³who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.”

⁵⁴When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. ⁵⁵But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God,  (Acts 7:51-55)

Paul:

⁹But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze on him, ¹⁰and said, “You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to make crooked the straight ways of the Lord? (Acts 13:9-10)

 

Jesus:

¹⁸But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? (Matthew 22:18)

 

“You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father” (John 8:44)

 

¹³“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. ^14£Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.

¹⁵“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.

¹⁶“Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obliged to perform it.’ ¹⁷Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that ^£sanctifies the gold? ¹⁸And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obliged to perform it.’ ¹⁹Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift? ²⁰Therefore he who swears by the altar, swears by it and by all things on it. ²¹He who swears by the temple, swears by it and by Him who ^£dwells in it. ²²And he who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by Him who sits on it.

²³“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. ²⁴Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!

²⁵“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and ^£self-indulgence. ²⁶Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.

²⁷“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. ²⁸Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

²⁹“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, ³⁰and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’

³¹“Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. ³²Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ guilt. ³³Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell? ³⁴Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, ³⁵that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. ³⁶Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.  (Matthew 23:13- 36

 

 

During a conversation with a Christian, I mentioned the seriousness of the Apostle Paul. My friend acknowledged that Paul was “totally sold out” for the Lord. Compared to Paul, my friend did not think he was “totally sold out” in the same manner as Paul. Due to lack of time, I did not pursue this conversation further

A Christian may be ignorant of areas of his life that are not “totally sold out.” BUT…if a Christian knows areas of his life that are not “totally sold out,” it is a very dangerous thing. It is blatant idolatry. It suggests that this man is holding on to areas of his life that he has not yet surrendered to Jesus. He remains lord over his own life and has not surrendered it to Jesus. This is a symptom of an unregenerate heart.

I am not saying that such a man is not born again. I am merely saying that if a Christian knows of any area of his life that is not totally sold out, he really should have NO assurance of that he is truly born again. Assuming he is regenerate, I would propose that, based upon the admission that there are known areas of his life that are not totally sold out, he is a believer that needs to repent.

Paul was looking out for our eternal salvation when he said, “I urge you, by the mercies of God, to present your body a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:1-2).

In Romans 1:1, Paul states that he is a slave of Jesus Christ. In his mind, he was living in accordance with his teaching in Romans 12:1-2. He wasn’t saying that it is merely a good idea to imitate him (I Corinthians 4:16). He taught that it is the only Christian way to live.

We must not let the spiritual malaise of people all around us lull us into thinking that this is merely an optional mindset. We are to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Any unwillingness to let go of all that we hold dear is spiritually dangerous. It leads to increased spiritual sleepiness and decreased intimacy with Jesus.

The eternal ramifications are great. Jesus said, “Whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:25-26). If a Christian thinks that he is not totally sold out, it means that he is holding on to his life rather than losing it to Christ. Based upon this, such a Christian should fear Jesus’ warning that at the judgment, he might “lose his life” (go to hell).

If you are knowingly living your life in a “not totally sold out way,” you are in great spiritual peril until you repent and relinquish everything to Jesus. If this is the case, I urge you to pray about this and if God is speaking to you about any area of your life that you have not given completely over to Him, surrender it over to Him now. Then you will have much greater peace and have protection under the wings of God.

This report is directed to all those who in some way support Stones Cry Out Ministries and is provided to honor and glorify the Lord in keeping with Psalm 111:2.

 

Great are the works of the LORD;

They are studied by all who delight in them.  (Psalm 111:2)

 

First, I wish to thank all of you who pray because apart from Him, we can do nothing. All who are invested in this work know well that the amount of eternal fruit that comes from it is directly proportional to the intensity of prayer that is offered up by God’s people.

 

To me, the most notable highlight of this year’s report is the further establishment of the church that meets in our home. We have been meeting for several years, but God has been causing our little assembly of believers to become knit together and we are learning how to function as a body of believers. More will be said about this below.

 

This report contains three sections:

 

1. The people involved in this ministry
2. A review of the things God has accomplished in and through the ministry
3. Looking forward through eyes of faith

1. Upcoming short term plans

1. Words of encouragement for all who are involved
2. Prayer requests
3. 2012 Answers to prayer

 

1. The people involved in this ministry

 

Those who pray

The gospel has been proclaimed to thousands of people. Those of you who pray for us play a role in this because without God’s protection and enabling, our hearts would grow cold and our mouths would cease to proclaim the gospel. With so much gospel seed planted, we are reminded that unless God makes it come to life, those who have heard it will remain blind and perishing.  “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it” (Psalm 127:1).

 

Those who engage in evangelism

Pat McMahon goes door to door with me every Saturday. In addition, there are several brothers who go with us when they can such as Wameedh (who we met going door to door), Ivan, Rubin, Eddie and more recently, Benjamin who is thirteen years old, and Michael, a 22 year old from Saline.

 

Those who serve in other ways

 

Linda: Though my wife Linda does not go door to door with us, she goes with me every week to the Bible study with Patience (a woman from Liberia) who we met going door to door in Detroit. She endures much with me in the Stones Cry Out ministry. In addition, she faithfully prepares refreshments for the home church meetings on Sunday and Wednesday evenings.

 

Marilyn: Recently, a friend of ours (Marilyn) began attending the meetings. She has been very supportive of the ministry and labors often by preparing of meals for our meetings. On occasions when I cannot go, she accompanies Linda to the Bible study with Patience.

 

Those who financially support this ministry:

Most of the financial support we receive for the ministry comes in the form of spontaneous gifts as God moves people. But there are a few people who faithfully give each month. We give thanks to God for moving his people to support this ministry financially.

1. A review of the things God has accomplished in and through the ministry

 

1. Gospel proclamation to the people of E. Dearborn

During the past five years, we knocked on the door of virtually every house in hope of proclaiming the gospel. About 18 months ago, we began again where we first started with plans to cover the entire area again. We have found that most of the people we are meeting the second time around are people we never met before. At least 1000 Muslims have heard the gospel from us face to face and comprehended it in various degrees. We try to keep in contact with over 100 of them, some expressing more interest than others of course. We consider this entire community the “parish” assigned to us by God regardless of whether they are believing yet or not.

 

In addition is the face to face evangelism, we personally hand out hundreds of gospels, tracts and some Bibles here in Dearborn each year. We have also begun to provide audio gospel presentations on CD.

 

1. The reception of the Muslim community

 

As mentioned in last year’s report, an increasing number of Muslims we meet seem a bit hostile in their attitudes toward us. When we first started going door to door 6 years ago, we rarely met any Muslims with this type of attitude. Though we meet people like this occasionally, we also meet many Muslims who are very hospitable and friendly toward us.

 

1. Disciples

Jesus told us to go and make disciples and teach them to observe all that He commanded. That is our mission we are working to fulfill it. This ministry is producing disciples but it is difficult to know its full impact since many people have been impacted world wide through the Stones Cry Out web site. But locally, we have more contact with those we meet face to face. The consistent gathering of believers in the home church meetings presents the most observable manifestation of salvation.

 

 

Note: We do not consider a person a Christian just because he prays a “sinner’s prayer” or walks an aisle so we do not count converts in the manner that many people do these days. (We do not tell people to pray sinner’s prayers nor do we practice the “alter call” technique because we believe that these practices are not warranted by the Bible.) We believe that if a person is truly regenerate, his life will reflect it through holy living. We believe the best way to know if a new disciple has been made is if there appears to be fruit of God’s Spirit at work in them resulting in a changed life.

 

 

In addition to the local ministry, God has seen fit to expand influence of Stones Cry Out Ministries globally. I did not anticipate this but God has seen fit to bring thousands of people (mainly Christians) to the Stones Cry Out web site in order to obtain free evangelism tools like tracts and the gospel study guide. These materials are now being used all over the world. In fact, it appears that Stones Cry Out influence is greater in places like Africa and Asia than it is here in the U.S.A. Christian pastors and evangelists from those countries learn how to evangelize biblically by watching the 48 minute evangelism training seminar and sometimes, I send them my books (at no charge). Most of them tell me that these materials have helped them greatly to minister to the people in their countries.

 

1. The Church plant (www.DearbornBible.org)    “A sending church”

 

We greatly rejoice in how God has blessed the little home church. The members are made up of people who attend regularly and consider it “their church.” We assemble twice a week right now.

 

Equipping the believers to do the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:12)

Currently, those who attend look mainly to me for leadership but it is my prayer and goal that each one learns how to lead others that come to Christ through their influence. As members become equipped to do the work of the ministry, it is envisioned that other churches will be planted under their leadership as those who are “sent out” by our church for that purpose.  Rather than continue growing and acquiring a building to house the larger meetings, we believe it biblical to continually expand the body of Christ by forming new local churches.

I believe that in the future, Christians that were former Muslims, will also be equipped through Dearborn Bible Fellowship to do the work of the Ministry and then be sent (as the Spirit directs) to their own countries in the Middle East to plant churches there.  I have recorded my understanding of the biblical church model in my book, The Local Church).

 

 

1. Direction continually being shaped

 

God uses the ministry and the trials associated with it to continually shape our understanding and bring it in line with the biblical model. God has moved me to record my understanding in books like those mentioned below:

 

How to evangelize (Bringing back the gospel)

The Local Church.

Church Discipline (Bring my sheep back)

Christian Marriage

Evangelism Fuel

The Way to Heaven – The difference between Islam and Christianity

 

The links above take you to the Amazon Kindle book pages. To get paperback versions, go to www.BringMySheepBack.com.

 

 

Anyone who wants to learn what I believe about these matters can do so by reading my books. Also, I invite anyone to discuss the ministry with me to learn more about it and how we do things.

 

1. Equipping Christians for the work of the ministry

In addition to the ministry to people in other countries via the Stones Cry Out web site, we have the privilege of influencing Christians that God brings to us for short term missions exposure. Most of them come here during the summer. I conduct evangelism seminars and while they are here and then we take them door to door with us. In addition, God causes us to come in contact with a few men that are local and want to learn more about evangelism and/or simply engage in it more consistently.

 

My chief focus though is that those who attend our home church meetings become equipped to do the work of the ministry, including the making of disciples and then equipping the new disciples also to do the same.

 

1. Looking forward in faith to the harvest

 

Based upon God’s word, we are expecting the harvest to increase.

 

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,

And do not return there without watering the earth

And making it bear and sprout,

And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater;

So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;

It will not return to Me empty,

Without accomplishing what I desire,

And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10-11)

 

Since God is causing the gospel to go forth, we have assurance that His word is accomplishing exactly what He sent it to do.  We have every reason to pray fervently and expect a great harvest, including many of those who are currently blinded by Islam. Let us beseech the Lord of the harvest.

 

1. 4. Upcoming short term plans

 

I have begun developing a 12-week college level, online evangelism course. This will provide a learning resource for those Christians who want to evangelize according to the biblical pattern. This course should become available within the next few months.

 

Two of the tracts on the Stones Cry Out web site will soon be available in the India language:

 

Life is in the Blood (written by Kendall Scott)

It’s Your Choice (written by Tom Bear)

 

 

In addition, the tract, “The Difference Between Islam and Christianity” will soon be mass distributed in Dearborn in Arabic and English in three parts (3 separate distributions). This will be facilitated by Scott Cherry of Anchor Ministries and their associations.

 

1. Words of encouragement and exhortation

 

In the eyes of many who profess to be Christians, we probably do not appear all that blessed by God. We do not have much. Our church is small enough to meet in our basement. We are continually experiencing diverse trials.

 

In spite of all this, I consider us abundantly blessed with riches that are eternal. God has graciously moved us and enabled us to steward the riches of His gospel. We are blessed with fellowship with other believers in our home church. God has graciously given us disciples to nurture. He sustains us.

 

If we use the world’s measuring stick to measure our wealth, we are at best, people to be pitied. But when we look at it through God’s eyes, we are truly blessed. We can enjoy some of these blessings in the here and now but most of them will be realized when Jesus comes back. I want to go on record giving thanks to God for all His great blessings upon us and for all His tender mercies.

 

As one who has reaped great blessings from God, I can personally encourage any Christian who desires the same to lay hold of it based upon Jesus’ promise, “Seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you.” Yes, the level of comfort in this life will decrease but God gives comfort and grace to endure and His gentle presence to guide.

 

1. Prayer requests

 

Protection and Endurance for those in the field

Unless God keeps us under the shadow of His wings, we will wander off and fall headlong on our face. Unless He keeps us encouraged, we will soon be despairing of life. Unless He continues to send trials, we will become more filled with wretched prideful independence that we already possess. Only God can keep us and cause us to endure so please pray to that end.

 

Salvation for those who have heard

It is our privilege as priests to intercede for the lost. Ask, and it will be given to you. Pray for those unbelievers that God impresses upon your heart. I have provided a list below of some of the people for whom we are praying.

 

The building up of the church

We thank God for our little assembly of believers that meet Sunday and Wednesday evenings (and the Bible study that meets at Patient’s house on Mondays).  Pray that God causes the members to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and become equipped to do the work of the ministry. Pray that God adds to our number new disciples who can become equipped for the work of the ministry. Pray that God gives us grace and wisdom to humbly serve each other so that red hot believers result. Pray that God equips one or two of the men to eventually start and temporarily lead another local church and take on more leadership in the mean time.

 

That God will make our prayers more fervent

As God turns up the heat in our prayers, His power will be unleashed and the harvest will be made manifest to His glory. Pray therefore, that God sends revival to all of us who pray.

 

That God will supply all our needs

As you may know, we are not with a mission agency and due to our convictions, we do not feel right asking people for financial support. But we can and do ask God to supply our needs. If you are so inclined, please pray that God will supply all our needs.

 

1. 2012 Answers to prayer

The following are answers to prayers that we have requested during the year in the Stones Cry Out weekly prayer reports.

 

Many more people have heard and now understand the gospel.

The home church has increased in number.

The members of the church are attending more regularly.

The members of the church relate to each others as members of one body of believers.

God provided a roommate for Wameedh so he could keep living in his flat.

God provided a job for Wameedh (one of the members).

Wameedh now has a car.

The members tell people about salvation through Christ alone.

God has provided for Tom & Linda’s family with work projects and giving.

God is increasing hunger for Himself in the church members.

God provided grace to proclaim the gospel during and after my father’s memorial.

Though Sam and Leah are still holding on to the reins of their life, God continues to preserve their lives and call them to Himself.

God has caused hundreds of people (including many unbelievers) to read my book, “The way to heaven” which clearly explains the gospel.

God protected my father when he drove off in the car (Alzheimer patient).

God has helped Marilyn (Linda’s friend) to learn the gospel and follow Jesus.

God has blessed Patience and us with fellowship of Jesus.

 

The following are a few of the contacts we have now have heard and understand intellectually the gospel. We have had several contacts with some of them. Pray that God gives us greater opportunity to water the seed and that he brings forth a great harvest.

Hassan, Muslim father of 4 very young children who has been living here for 10 years and is of Lebanese descent. He is reading through the New Testament we gave to him.

Ali, Muslim man in his 30’s.

Mawther Lebanese woman in her 20’s.

Yesseff, man around 40 who served many years in special forces for the US. Since I first met him 5 years ago when he was in perfect health, he has suffered severe injuries, sickness and all sorts of trauma.

Waseem, Muslim university student

Muhammad. Muslim, he has a Bible we gave to him at his request.

Ibrahim, Hussein Muslim brothers

Muhammad, Muslim man about 22 years old.

Valmeer and his friend. These are college age young Muslim men from Albania.

Isra: Sudanese Muslim  woman

Sajid and his brother Muhammad.

Godda Muslim mother of three and her 16 year old son, Macmoud.

Linda, Lebanese Muslim woman in her late 20’s we met last week.

Hyder, Iraqi Muslim man in his 30’s we met last week

Yassar (from Yemen) and his wife Dasha (Ukrainian)

Mysoon (May soon), young Muslim mother of three small children, and her family

Nazeer, Muslim father about 35 years old from Syria.

Muhammad, Muslim father of three young children.

Souha Muslim lady in her late 40s of Lebanese descent.

Mo, Muslim father about 40- we gave him complete Bible also

Crystal, Wicca mother in her 30’s

Ola, Muslim mother in her 40’s

Ali, Muslim teenager

Fareed, Muslim university student

Dakiva and her sister (their father died early this year) both are not yet believers

Hassan, Muslim university student

Nabil

Adil, Muslim university student

Fatima, Muslim law student

 

 

^“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,

Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.

He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,  Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers”  (Psalm 1:1-3)

 

The Bible calls some people “blessed.” Why are some people blessed and others not? Why is the man mentioned in Psalm 1 blessed? On the surface, it might seem that the man is blessed because he does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, stand in the path of sinners or sit in the seat of scoffers. Is he blessed because his delight is in the law of the LORD and due to the fact that he meditates in it day and night? I suppose you could make a case for this. But I suggest that the word blessed involves a cause and effect relationship.

 

Why doesn’t the man walk in the counsel of the wicked, stand in the path of sinners or sit in the seat of scoffers? Is it because he meditates in God’s law day and night? In other words, is it a simple formula that one can follow with guaranteed results? If we meditate in God’s law day and night, will we then avoid destructive behavior? I suggest that the Bible is not teaching this at all. Such simplistic teaching leaves out the key truth that is foundational to a correct understanding of this passage and others that speak of those who are “blessed.” It puts the cart before the horse.

 

Wrapped up in the word “blessed” is the idea that God is the One who is causing it all. A man cannot bless himself. To be blessed, God must do the blessing. “But without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater” (Hebrews 7:7). Upon this foundational truth we can conclude that the only reason the man does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, stand in the path of sinners or sit in the seat of scoffers is because God has blessed him. The only reason he meditates in God’s law day and night is because God has blessed him. If God had not blessed him, none of this would happen. He would definitely walk in the counsel of the wicked, stand in the path of sinners or sit in the seat of scoffers. He would definitely NOT meditate in God’s law day and night.

 

As a result, we can know that all praise belongs to God who blesses because all that is good originates from Him alone, not us. We have nothing to boast about. We cannot say that the reason we do not walk in the counsel of the wicked, stand in the path of sinners or sit in the seat of scoffers is because we are diligent to meditate in God’s law day and night. If it weren’t for God alone, we would never think about His word at all. So, whenever you read the word blessed in the Bible, remember to give the credit to God who blesses, not man who receives the blessing.

As part of my ministry, I always try to encourage Christians to engage in the work of evangelism. I am amazed at how many times I have heard Christians say, “I am not like you. I don’t have the gift of evangelism.” So, to set the record straight, there is no such thing as a spiritual gift of evangelism. In passages that list the various types of spiritual gifts bestowed on individuals, there is no mention of a spiritual gift of evangelism (See I Corinthians 12 and Romans 12.) But there is a gift bestowed on the Church called the evangelist.

“He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12).

To reiterate, there is no such thing as the spiritual gift of evangelism. But God has given some men to the Church in order to equip the members of Christ’s Church to do the work of service in order that the Body of Christ is built up.

Like the woman at the well in John 4, when a man is regenerated by God, he spontaneously desires for others to hear the about Jesus. He probably cannot articulate the gospel immediately, but he still desires that it be proclaimed. He might only be able to say something like, “All I know is that once I was blind but now I see” (John 9:25). Or he might say, “Come see a man who told me all the things I have done” (John 4:29). It is possible that a person cannot say anything because he is physically unable to speak. But when God regenerates even a person like that, he still has a desire that others be told about Jesus.  When a new Christian reads or hears Matthew 28:19-20, he naturally wants to play some type of role in the fulfillment of the Great Mission that Jesus gave to the Church. He might not know exactly what to do or how to do it, but he wants to be involved because his Good Master wants His desire to be carried out. Proof of this is evident by the response of the Christians of Thessalonica:

“Our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything” (I Thessalonians 1:5-8).

The Apostle Paul commended these Christians for their obedience to the Master’s  marching orders. Notice that he attributes this response to the reception of the gospel. It was not just head knowledge to them. Rather, the power of God was evident in that the gospel effectually changed their lives. They became imitators of Paul and of the Lord so that they became examples to all the believers around them. Paul said that the evidence of their faith in the gospel was seen in the sounding forth of the Word of the Lord by them. Paul addressed these words to the entire Church, not a few select men.

If you have excused yourself from the work of evangelism because you don’t think God gave you the “gift of evangelism,” you need to adjust your thinking to come in line with God’s Word. There is no such gift. On the contrary, the Bible teaches that every Christian should spontaneously desire that the gospel is proclaimed and that every Christian is called to be involved in the Great Mission in some capacity or another.

The proclamation of the gospel is always a component of the disciple making process.

The gospel is not communicated simply by our good living. In other words, we cannot fulfill our role in the Great Mission just by living exemplary lives. Yes, our lives must reflect the life of Christ. But to evangelize, we must somehow communicate the gospel. Since regeneration produces a spontaneous desire to carry out Jesus’ desires (John 14:15), and since making disciples is impossible apart from the proclamation of the gospel (Romans 10:14), those who are led by God’s Spirit (the regenerate) naturally desire to be involved in the proclamation of the gospel. If they are unable to speak because of a physical impairment, they will still find a way for the gospel to be proclaimed. They want people to know about Jesus. Perhaps they give gospel literature to people. If they cannot purchase any, they might write a letter explaining the gospel. If a professing Christian does not have the desire to be involved in the proclamation of the gospel in whatever capacity God enables, he is spiritually dysfunctional. He is either unregenerate or in need of spiritual revival.

According to the Bible, what can every Christian do?

Every Christian can desire to be used by God in a MIGHTY WAY to communicate the gospel. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this desire. Evangelism begins with a desire.

Since this is a good and godly desire, every Christian can ASK GOD TO USE HIM MIGHTILY in the communication of the gospel in order that the Great Mission is carried out. There is absolutely nothing wrong with such a prayer. It is in keeping with Jesus’ instruction and promise.

“Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it” (John 13:14-14).

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples” (John 15:7-8).

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8).

^“This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him” (I John 5:15-15).

Since we know that it is Jesus’ will that the Great Mission be carried out, and since it cannot be carried out without the proclamation of the gospel, we have every reason to pray the following prayer:

(Try to imagine the song “I surrender all” being gently sung in the background as you read the prayer.)

Father, I pray that you do whatever is necessary to make the gospel sound forth through me, your servant. Teach me how to articulate it clearly. Give me boldness to proclaim it continually and in spite of persecution. Cause millions of people to hear and understand the gospel through me, your servant. Give me ever increasing knowledge of the gospel so that I eventually am able to articulate it as effectively as the Apostle Paul communicated it (whether written or spoken). Since effective gospel proclamation is necessary for the Great Mission to be carried out, and since it is your will that the Great Mission be carried out, and since you have promised to hear and answer anything asked according to your will, do this great work in and through me!

If you are a Christian, there is no reason NOT to pray such a prayer. If you are a Christian, there is no reason NOT to desire God to do this for you. Would you like Him to do this for you? If not, in my opinion, you are in need or either spiritual revival or regeneration.