A Lily Among Thorns, Pt 2

Clearly the Shulamite woman is set apart from her peers, the daughters of Jerusalem. Clearly, the response of her heart and the fruit of her lips have specially elevated her above the rest! She is not one of the mere "multitude", following the Lord Jesus from a distance (Ex 20:21; Deut 5:5; Matt 14:22; etc.), but rather is likened to the "disciple whom Jesus loved", he/she that is especially near and dear to His heart (Jn 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7). She, for some reason, possesses an especially significant devotion and attraction to the Lord Jesus!

Now what has caused such a special separation? What has caused this Shulamite to be so dramatically different to her peers, even as a lily is the polar opposite of a thorn?

Thankfully, Scripture gives us the very reasons why she is labeled as such. God declares such wonderful things about her leading up to her distinction, and even causing her distinction, in Song of Solomon 2:2. Such qualities have great spiritual significance. Observe...

"I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots. Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold. We will make thee borders of gold with studs of silver. While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof. A bundle of myrrh is my wellbeloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts. My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi. Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes. Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant: also our bed is green. The beams of our house are cedar, and our rafters of fir. I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters." (Song 1:9-17 - 2:2).

Here we have the wonderful qualities that are attributed to this bride. These characteristics are what label her as a lily among thorns! Shouldn't we seek these same passions too then? YES! Observe:

1. She is compared to "a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots". Reader, these prized horses were celebrated for their rare beauty, swiftness, ardor, and successes in battle. These horses were purchased at a high price by Solomon out of Egypt (2 Chron 1:16-17). So the bride is redeemed out of spiritual Egypt by the true Solomon, at an infinite price (Isa 51:1; 1 Pet 1:18-19). In this verse, the Hebrew word for "mare" is used. A mare is said to be much stronger, and able to endure much greater hardships than an average horse. So it is with she who is a lily among thorns (Song 3:6; 8:5).

2. Her "cheeks are comely with rows of jewels..." Oh what a glorious testimony! Her cheeks are adorned with graces, even the instruction of her Lord: "My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck" (Prov 1:8-9). Secondly, the cheeks, in ancient times, were said to be "the chief seat of beauty". What a compliment here given!
Furthermore, she is composed of the knowledge of God: "...the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel" (Prov 20:15). What a difference this trait must have been to the apathetic daughters of Jerusalem!

3. "...thy neck with chains of gold." In Scripture, the neck represents the will of man (Prov 29:1); it turns the head withersoever it goes; It is the source of every motion of the soul: "But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction" (Jer 17:23). Gold in Scripture refers to the character and nature of God, and of His Kingship (Mal 3:3; Rev 14:14; Matt 2:11; Acts 17:29; 1 Cor 3:12; etc). To possess a "neck with chains of gold", therefore, is to possess a will dictated by the very character of God! My how we all could use such a testimony! And what wondrous fruit would come forth as a result!

4. "While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof." The allusion is to John 12, when Mary worshipfuly anointed the feet of Jesus with costly ointment: "Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment" (Jn 12:3). Clearly this references the bride's worship! Spikenard is an aromatic, it was an unguent of great esteem in the ancient world. The exercise and manifestation of her worshipful graces is a sweet smelling savour in the nostrils of her Husband! She worships in spirit and in truth (Jn 4:24), and her genuinely fiery heart has elevated her above the rest. Let it be with us too, dear Jesus!

5. "A bundle of myrrh is my well beloved unto me..." Myrrh is an ancient burial spice; it was very bitter, and speaks of her personal reckoning of death to sin. He has become to her her sanctification (1 Cor 1:30). She seeks no other means of transformation.

Furthermore, myrrh was very costly in the ancient world: even a little myrrh was costly, much less a bundle of it! She compares her Beloved to a myrrh-repository (1 Pet 2:7), which day and night departs not from her bosom, and penetrates her inwardly with its heart-strengthening aroma. So constantly does she think of Him, and so delightful is it for her to dare to think of Him as her Beloved.

6. "...he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts." She, as already noted, possesses an especially significant intimacy with God! She, as John the beloved, possessed His bosom as a place of habitation (Jn 13:23)! But not only that, God also has found a place of rest within her! "For the LORD'S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance" (Deut 32:9). Reader, what a heart she must have possessed to be able to say such things! She possessed such substance that God Himself could come and receive His fill!

7. "My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi". Scholars will tell you this vineyard was actually one of the most prized vineyards in the ancient world. It was famed for its aromatic vines and shrubs; it was only 2nd to Jerusalem for the fertility and groves of its palm trees. How interesting that this place belonged to the tribe of Judah ("praise")! To the bride, her Beloved was as a heap of camphire; a mass of costly and odorous flowers. Such loveliness of God is considered her reward; she would pay any price just to have Him: "After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward" (Gen 15:1). How wonderful!

8. "...thou hast doves eyes..." Again, the Lord begins to speak over her. He says she has doves eyes. Physically, a dove is unable to focus on more than one object at a time, and because of this, they are not easily distracted. They cannot rightly behold 2 objects at once; they cannot behold both God and mammon. The Shulamite too is continually and steadfastly tending to Jesus, no matter what distractions and "other lovers" may come her way. The bride, as opposed to the daughters, possesses a single eye, and therefore an entire body FULL of light (Matt 6:22)! Consequently, her "ways" are therefore established (Prov 4:25-27), and her heart is in love with ONLY ONE (Acts 2:46). I believe this is what Proverbs 31 means when it says, "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil" (vs. 10-11). Unfortunately, other less responsive ones possess a high look (Ps 101:5), an evil eye (Matt 20:15), and even "eyes full of adultery" (2 Pet 2:14). But she is overcoming!

9. "...also our bed is green..." That is to say, the place of intimacy is alive and thriving. Not only does it exist (alive), but it also is growing! Green in Scripture speaks symbolically of growth, fertility, life, etc. (Ps 23:2; Gen 1:30; Ex 10:15; Job 8:16; etc). She is growing toward a practical Most Holy Place reality (Heb 6:19-20; 10:39)!

10. "The beams of our house are cedar, and our rafters of fir." Cedar is a type of wood that, in Scripture, symbolically represents power, majesty, beauty, royalty and fruitfulness (Isa 2:13; Ps 92:12; 80:10; 104:16; 148:9; Song 5:15; etc). The "beams" and "rafters" speak of her foundation (Heb 6:1). She is founded and grounded in God's Word and His ways, which is an all too rare reality. Her beams are royal, majestic, and FULL of power!

Let's not only focus our attention on the meanings of such symbolic language, but also turn our ears to the fruit of such qualities. It can never be emphasized enough that these truths are what MADE HER a lily among thorns! These, and other graces are what propelled her into God's very chambers, distinguishing her out from among those around her. What glorious attributes are given to this blossoming bride. She surely is not perfect, but is growing in grace. And what a wonderful effect of such growth and unhindered devotion: "I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters" (Song 2:1-2).

Do you desire to become the Bride of Christ? Then take heed to the pattern displayed. What a precious truth! And what a godly jealousy that we now possess; let's be like this beautiful bride, and seek Jesus in fullness! Such an investment is invaluable!

A Lily Among Thorns, Pt 1

The Song of Solomon clearly distinguishes between two types of Christians: lilies and thorns; a people fervent in spirit, and one whose pursuit is relaxed and lukewarm; a people that are pressing on and one that chooses to remain idle. The Bible reveals this to us when God says:

"As the lily among thorns, so is My love among the daughters" (Song 2:2).

Solomon is speaking here of his lover, the Shulamite, but 9 out of 10 scholars agree this speaks allegorically of the love relationship between Jesus and His bride (Eph 5:25-27, 32; 2 Cor 11:2; Isa 62:4-5; Rev 19:7-8; 21:2). Referencing a husband and wife relationship, Paul said, "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church" (Eph 5:31-32). Clearly then, this story of Solomon and his bride reflects upon us a much grander picture: "For thy Maker is thine husband" (Isa 54:5)! Let's have ears that can hear the Spirit speak!

How interesting that Jesus here contrasts lilies and thorns! He contrasts the right heart with the wrong one. Thorns in Scripture always present a sinful issue, while lilies represent Christ likeness, growth, beauty and purity (Hos 14:4-5; Song 5:13; 7:2). They speak to us of glory (Lk 12:27)! It is even said to be the place where God feeds (Song 2:16; 4:5; 6:2-3)! Oh how I want to be such! How different these lilies are when compared to thorns. Observe:

1. The first mention of "thorns" was the result of the fall of Adam (Gen 3:18). They are likened to the fruit of sin (Prov 26:9; Isa 55:13).
2. Thorns are also likened to an intermixing of good and evil (Num 33:55; Josh 23:13).
3. Thorns are directly related to slothfulness. Proverbs says, "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down" (Prov 24:30-31).
4. The presence of thorns is the result of a lack of pruning (Isa 5:6)!
5. Such thorns are subject to God's remedial judgements (Heb 6:4-6). Are they lost forever? No; Though harshly judged, they yet remain "His people" (Heb 10:30).
6. In the parable of the sower, Jesus defined thorns: "And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful" (Mk 4:18-19).

Clearly, we can discern the great spiritual significance of being likened to "thorns". These "daughters", in the Song of Solomon 2:2, have been riddled with unresolved sin, are spiritually slothful, have not allowed God's purging and pruning, and have allowed mere temporal pleasures such as worldly cares, the deceitfulness of riches and lusts to enter in and choke any spiritual progress present within them! Is this progress to be considered all together gone? No. It is choked, it is hindered and dormant: But thank God, "The Lord upholdeth all that fall" (Ps 145:14; 37:24).

Now, before we automatically assume these "daughters" are not saved, let us recognize what the Divine Record says of them! Indeed, the Bible says they have a certain love for God (Song 1:3), are running after Him (Song 1:4), are rejoicing in Him (Song 1:4), are remembering His love more than wine (Song 1:4), and are considered "upright" (Song 1:4). They possess a "virgin status" (Song 1:3), which in Scripture continually references justified people, either naturally or in type (Lev 21:14; 2 Kgs 19:21; Ps 45:13; Song 6:8; Isa 23:12; Isa 62:5; Jer 14:17; 31:4; Matt 25:1; 2 Cor 11:2; Rev 14:4). Why should we see it differently here? We should not. Clearly these attributes are speaking of blood-bought believers! Just because one is separated and elevated by the response of his heart does not negate the salvation of those from whom he is separated. In the book of Deuteronomy, the Levites were likewise separated from their brethren, and for a divine purpose (Deut 10:6-9). But should we therefore conclude that the remainder of God's people were hell-bound? Absolutely not! As we have seen, there will be levels of rewards in the resurrection (1 Cor 15:41-42) respective to the differing levels of devotion present on earth, our temporal schoolyard. Just because the Shulamite outshines the daughters does not negate their salvation at all. It simply negates their unadulterated devotion to Jesus! But haven't we seen such differing devotion elsewhere too? Indeed. The very company that Jesus kept, namely His disciples, present to us this same illustration: He had the multitudes, then He had the 70, then the 12, then the 3 who were specially and more frequently with Him, and finally the one, who continually laid His head upon Jesus' chest (Jn 13:23; 21:20). When Jesus healed the 10 lepers in Luke 17:11-19, only one returned to Him to rightly give Him glory! Does that negate the "wholeness" of the other 9? No. Rather, it presents to us the special devotion of the one. It illustrates the extra special wholeness of him who was especially grateful! He that has been forgiven much will love much too (Lk 7:47). And so it is with the Shulamite and the daughters.

What a beautiful picture the Song of Solomon presents to us! The bride is distinguished and set apart from mere nominal Christianity! Thank God! Of her, it goes on to say:

"There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number. My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her" (Song 6:8-9).

Now, aside from being likened to a lily, what has caused such a special separation?

To Be Continued ...

Worship in Spirit and in Truth

What is worship in spirit and in truth? The answer to this question perplexes me! I know that it must be deeper than most people assume, just as worship itself has glorious depths that have yet to be discovered, and invaluable treasures yet to be had. Do we honestly believe the adoration of the Lamb of God is a superficial truth? This is the very reason for our existence (Isa 43:21)! Surely then such a truth must be dug and re-dug until we pass from this worshipful life into eternity. Real and true worship is so very substantial and the numerous truths thereof cannot be adequately realized in one short paragraph! Thank God! "Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known" (Ps 77:19)! Nevertheless, the love we have for Jesus propels us to know Him to the fullest extent possible... we will search Him out! "Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled" (Lk 6:21). Such hunger is a divine escort to the deeper things of God!

From my humble perspective, so far this verse of Scripture has taught me a few things about worship, of which I am happy to share... Here are the verses in question:

"But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth" (Jn 4:23-24).

First of all, we should realize the distinction Jesus makes between worship and true worship. There are those who worship with the heart of Saul, and then there are those whose worship is elevated, such as possess a heart like David. Did you know that Saul worshipped God? It's true (1 Sam 15:31). Yet, he was rejected, and the divine record tells us "the Lord hath sought Him a man after His own heart" (1 Sam 13:14). Clearly we can see the distinction then: Saul and David; worship and "true" worship. The Greek word for worship means, "to kiss like a dog licking its master's hand". Such words definitely define the worship of David, while horribly exposing the pseudo-worship of Saul!

Even the natural context of this story in John 4 displays this truth. Jesus clearly distinguished between the worship of the Samaritans and the worship of the Jews. The worship of the Samaritans was an ill-informed and defective worship, in that they did not receive the prophetical writings, only the books of Moses. Therefore, they knew nothing of the coming Messiah - they could not possibly know WHO to worship! The worship of God Almighty can never be right if it isn't centered on His precious Son (Col 1:18)! The worship of the Jews may have been informed, but it was a carnal worship, dealing only in the letter of the Law. The Gospel of Christ showed the meaning of all these carnal ordinances, and the legal sacrifices, which had all their consummation in His offering of Himself, yet most Jews did not receive it. Jesus was saying that a spiritual dispensation was to soon take the place of the carnal one which prefigured it.

Even though Jesus apparently had preferred the Jewish worship before the Samaritan, He yet intimates the imperfection of that too. Jewish worship was ceremonial (Heb 9:1, 10). The worshippers were generally carnal, and strangers to the inward part of divine worship. It is indeed possible that we may be better than our ill-informed neighbours, and yet not so good as we should be. It concerns us to be right, not only in the object of our worship, but in the manner of it; and it is this which Jesus here instructs us in...

"God is a Spirit", and therefore demands "spiritual worship". By this is meant that God is without a body; that he is not mere material or composed of earthly parts; He is invisible, in every place, pure and holy. The Bible declares that He is a pure spirit (1 Pet 1:22). As He is such a spirit, He dwells not in temples made with hands (Act 7:48), neither is worshipped with men’s hands as though He needed anything, seeing He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things (Act 17:25). Our worship, therefore, should be appropriate.

So how ought we to worship? What sort of worship is appopriate for God, who is a Spirit? What makes our worship spiritual and truthful?

To worship in spirit is, first of all, to worship with the spirit. Man is a tripartite being, composed of spirit, soul and body. Because God is a Spirit, our worship, therefore, is to be the offering of the spirit of man rather than the formal offering of the body - the true and honest homage of the heart rather than that of only the mere lips. The body may be an extension of worship, but the spirit of man is to be source. The only acceptable worship is that which is born in the spirit of man. Carnal and soulish worship is not pleasing, and is not sought after by God. Contrary to popular opinion, our soulish talents and preferences must be put under while we seek to adore the King! So many today mislabel talent with anointing; a pretty voice is automatically an anointed one. But this is not so. This is soulish worship. Talent is not necessarily anointing, and anointing is not necessarily talent. We should worship God from the spirit; Only from that pure and perfect place is it acceptable and sought after (Song 2:14).

Secondly, to worship in spirit is to worship via the Holy Spirit. The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit is the means toward true intimacy with God: "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father" (Rom 8:15). "Abba" literally means "Daddy". It's only by the indwelling spirit that we are able to be intimate with the Father! Thus the dire need for the Holy Spirit in greater measure. Can we worship in spirit if we are not baptized ("immersed") in His Holy Spirit? It is doubtful. How can we plunge to the deepest depths if our earthly lungs have not been trained to sink? We would die!

Spiritual worship is the opposite of mere ceremonial worship. Paul said, "For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh" (Phil 3:3). He was contrasting old worship with "new" worship; legal vs. spiritual. Legal worship was outward, and consisted in outward acts, restricted to certain times and places. Christian worship is to be spiritual, flowing from the inworkings of the Holy Spirit, not relating to certain isolated acts, but embracing the whole life. Isolated formality and momentary ceremonialism cannot be substituted for worship in spirit. Spiritual worship is perpetual communion! Worship becomes a lifestyle... It is WHO we are, rather than WHAT we do.

To worship in truth is to, firstly, worship unfeignedly (Jer 3:10; Ps32:2). "True" worship is to be a conscious thought process; a result of deep and loving meditation of the heart. We must worship Him with fixedness of thought and a flame of genuine affection. True worship is worship which enthrones Him and Him alone - all idles and distractions are left to die, and Jesus alone possesses your reigns (Josh 24:14). Let worship never be from a place of mere pomp or outward display. God sees upon the hearts of men, and it is there where He desires truth (Ps 51:6). Jesus said of the scribes and Pharisees, "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me..." (Matt 15:8-9). To worship in truth is to mind the power more than the form; it is to aim at God's glory, not the opinions of men.

Secondly, to worship in truth is to worship according to Scripture. Jesus defined "truth" for us when He said, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" (Jn 17:17; Ps 119:142). What does the Bible instruct about worship? How are we encouraged to pay adoration to King Jesus? Dancing, shouting, tongues, singing, etc. are all forms of expression that the Bible accredits and encourages. Paul gave an illustrated aspect of worship when he said to "be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Thus, we see that true worship is to involve God's glory, His weightiness, and our subsequent responses, even psalms, hymns and spiritual songs from grateful and adoring hearts!

Reader, you can be be assured that any and all acceptable forms of worship are found in Scripture. Let's not tread on dangerous ground by adding to what is found therein. No matter what may be "trendy", any and all forms of worship must be divinely accredited by their mention in God's Holy Book. This is worship "in truth".

Today some teach that any act which they feel sincere about is acceptable to God. Let me remind you that this passage teaches us that such a position is error. One must not only be sincere, but his worship must also be directed by the word of God. To do something in worship which is not taught in the Word of God is to make the same mistake that the Samaritans made in Jesus’ day: they counted entire portions of Scripture as inapplicable and unnecessary! What a disaster!

Friend, God is seeking to be longed for with such violent affections as these! Deep is calling unto deep; His deep vastness is calling out to that deepest place in you - He wants to commune! When God comes to enquire for worshippers, the question will not be, “Who played their instrument the best, or sang the best? Who had the most charisma? ... Who shouted the loudest?" Rather, it will be, “Who worshipped in spirit? Who worshipped in truth?” That will be the touchstone. That alone will be significant.

Church Standards?

We've seen clearly that the local church is a vital component to a walk with God. Most people neglect such a component because of petty things like offense, or temporal disagreements. How sad that a carnal issue with men will birth disobedience towards God!

So which church is the right one? With literally thousands upon thousands of Christian denominations, which ones are right? How can we know for sure? Just thinking about it gives me a headache! First of all, let it be asked: "Is this even an important question?" I say YES, very important. In the book of Nehemiah, we see the dramatic effect the corrupt leadership had on the people, and their plans of progress (See Nehemiah 13). The spiritual leader, Eliashib, was allied to Tobiah, a notorious enemy of Israel. Eliashib, the priest of God, casually chose to house sin where the offerings of corn, new wine and oil were to be! It was so bad that the people didn't even know they were riddled with impurity. They were completely ignorant to the Word of God (13:1)! Sound familiar? The point is, there are indeed ministries and ministers that are carnal, and that operate from fleshy motives! Unfortunately, not everybody found in a church building is going on with God. This is a sad truth! In Jesus' day, He literally wept over the multitudes because they "fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd" (Matt 9:36). The state of the multitudes was, in part, the fault of ungodly leadership. Jesus asks us to pray for genuine and sincere leadership in the body of Christ (Matt 9:37-38). Why? Because they have such a strong impact on the people! Therefore, we should take heed who were are spiritually joined to.

Luckily, there are standards in Scripture for the local church; there are God-ordained criteria. All we have to do is listen and obey. Simple as that.

Of course, there is no "perfect church", but hopefully all are at least striving to do things God's way; seeking His counsel, and coveting His guidance. In seeing these Biblical standards, you may be surprised how many of our religious traditions and denominations do not at all align...

1. First of all, it must be a place of love, honor and reverence for the Word of God. No church can succeed in God's eyes if His Word is not exalted. God Himself has exalted it even above His own name! "...for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name" (Ps 138:2). If God places such great emphasis and exaltation on His Word, we dare not venture into any place that belittles its glorious significance. His Word possesses the power we need to be changed into His glorious image! How could we survive without it? Why would we even want to try? "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" (Jn 17:17).

2. It must be a place of God's manifest presence! This may seem controversial to you, but it is definitely the Biblical pattern: "Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle" (Exod 40:34-35). In fact, such a manifest presence of God was the accreditation of Jesus' ministry. When He was baptized, the Spirit rested upon Him as a dove, and a voice was heard saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matt 3:17). By this demonstration, this voice, and the overshadowing of the Spirit, the mission and ministry of the Lord Jesus was publicly and solemnly accredited. This is God's seal of approval! He will never accredit and overshadow someone or some ministry that He is not pleased with. And if God is not pleased, you'd better stay far from it!

3. It must be a place of true worship. When Jesus met with the Samaritan women at the well in John 4, He distinguished between worship and "true" worship. He says, "Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth" (Jn 4:22-24). What may seem like an offense to an ignorant woman, was actually God's aching heart calling out for her intimate, true and unadulterated communion! Such worship is being sought by the Father; worship as a lifestyle, through the Holy Spirit, according to the Word of God. A God-ordained church will always be one where sincere adoration and unadulterated devotion leaks out, even into the streets.

4. It must be a place of liberty, rather than mere religious bondage. All throughout Scripture we see time and time again the "religious crowd" being rebuked for their external high-minded haughtiness, yet inward lack and shortcoming. When David was free to dance before the Ark of God, Michal was cursed for proudly despising him in her heart (2 Sam 6). What was an awful display of controversy to one, was a genuine act of adoration to another. How scary! Such awful and Spirit-quenching traits do not suit the house of God! Rather, we should be free to grow in our giftings, and minister to Jesus without fear of judgment by pseudo-religious zealots! Paul tells us to "Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings" (1 Thess 5:19-20), and to "forbid not to speak with tongues" (1 Cor 14:39). In fact, the spirit of prophecy is the very testimony of Jesus (Rev 19:10)! Why should we resist such a blessing? Are there abuses? Yes. But again, our obedience should always take precedent over the apparent abuses we see and hear. Will we stop preaching out of the Bible because some have misused it? Absolutely not. Spiritual gifts and ministries should be no different. To say such things have expired, or are better suited for private time, is nothing more than an administrative cop-out! You can indeed simultaneously possess order and the use of spiritual giftings, I've seen it (1 Cor 14:40). It is precious, and it is clearly the Biblical pattern.

5. It should be a place where relationships are fostered. Upon salvation, we enter into a relationship with God, and also with our new brothers and sisters in Christ (1 Jn 1:3; Acts 2:42). We should enter into a father-son discipling relationship too: "For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel" (1 Cor 4:15). A right relationship with those over you in the Lord is the proper Biblical standard (Gal 4:19; Eph 4:11; 1 Cor 3:6, 10; etc). Paul said to "know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you" (1 Thess 5:12). Concerning his spiritual sons, Paul wanted to know their "state" (Phil 2:19). A church that neglects this principle is out of line, and is doing the people a great disservice. Today, it seems some pastors are more like celebrities than father-figures: they're untouchable, and unavailable to minister personally. What a shame! I thank God for my pastor everyday; He is precious and humble, and genuinely cares about my well-being, both spiritual and natural. A true father always will.

6. Overall, God's house is to be one that promotes change. In this sort of place, we are built up and transformed: "Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime, And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house" (2 Sam 7:10-11). This is God's will, our sanctification (1 Thess 4:3). He wants to build us into a house, a living "habitation of God" through the Spirit (Eph 2:19-22).

We simply cannot properly progress where He is hindered and His Word is ignored. Therefore, let's take heed to His divine standards, and allow HIM to plant us in the place of HIS choosing.

To Church or Not to Church?

A recent post on Facebook by a friend of mine got me to thinking.. Is the local church a necessary facet of Christian life? Or are we to experience God, His Word, and His people on OUR own terms? Of course the answer is YES! The local church is indeed necessary. We partake and contribute to it because of simple obedience; the Bible tells us to. While this of course seems like an obvious answer, you would be surprised how many "believers" casually ignore the instruction manual written by the very God whom they claim to believe in! How ridiculous!

It saddens me when people claim to follow God, yet they refuse His divine Book! The very Bible they use to prove Jesus is God also instructs them toward particular obedience, and for good reason.

Can we label ourselves as Christians, yet all the while openly neglecting Christ Jesus and His Word? There can be no CHRISTian without CHRIST! And if we truly do love Him, we will obey him - it's an automatic response (Jn 14:15; 1 Jn 5:2-3; Lk 6:46).

"And this is love, that we walk after His commandments..." (2 Jn 6).

A heart of true love for Jesus will ALWAYS be one that lives actively for Jesus. Love and obedience are conjoined twins that cannot be separated. We do not desire to live in blatant sin; our spirits have been awakened and joined to One better! When we fall, we get back up immediately. You see, the most solid proof you can give of your attachment to and affection for Jesus is to keep His commandments. Mere lip service is never evidence of one's true colors.

Too many self-professed believers casually ignore the obvious patten of fellowship set forth in Scripture. They then use a form of "pseudo New Covenant freedom" to justify their blatant disobedience. "I am the church; I can experience God anywhere", they claim. While this is true, we should never use such liberty as an occasion for the flesh to survive, and our bitterness to flourish (Gal 5:13)! There is no perfect church, unfortunately. But we should never use the abuses that we see as motive to deter us from simple obedience.

The Bible presents the local fellowship as a pattern established by God: Heb 10:25; Matt 18:20; Acts 1:13-14; 2:42, 46; 13:1; 14:23; 20:7; Rom 16:1; 5; 1 Cor 1:2; 5:4; 1 Cor 11:18-20; 14:23; 2 Cor 1:1; Eph 4:11-16; 1 Tim 4:13; 1 Thess 1:1; 2 Thess 1:1; Jas 5:14; Rev 2:1; etc.

One writer has said that "any idea...of enjoying salvation or being a Christian in isolation is foreign to the New Testament writings" (Stibbs, God's Church, p. 92).

Clearly, for the early church, regular gathering was a part of life! From the preceding verses, we can see the obvious Biblical pattern of organized fellowship. While we can of course experience God anywhere, He has instituted the local church body nonetheless. He has done so for good reason. Upon salvation, we enter into a relationship with God (1 Cor 1:9), but ALSO with other believers (1 Jn 1:3; Eph 4:11). Why should we neglect something so precious?

In fact, those who neglect a local body are said to be "sensual, having not the Spirit" (Jude 19).

So why are we encouraged to partake of a local fellowship? Why should we take heed to the Biblical example (apart from simple obedience)? What benefit is there in being a part of a local church body? The benefits are innumerable!

1. A local fellowship is a place where real growth and edification occurs, via the use of spiritual gifts. Peter instructs us to corporately minister our individual gifts, as good stewards (1 Pet 4:10).

2. A local fellowship is a place where mutual ministry can occur. Paul tells us that we are a "body", and all are in need of one another (1 Cor 12:21). "Lone Ranger" Christians are an insult to the pattern already established, and they often do more damage than good. We are to comfort one another (1 Thess 4:18), build up one another (1 Thess 5:11), confess our sins to one another (Jas 5:16), pray for one another (Jas 5:16), etc. How can we obey these directives if we stay away from the gathering of believers? As I said, genuine Christianity births a desire for reckless obedience!

3. A local fellowship is a place of accountability. God designed the church as a place where spiritual leaders could watch out for our welfare, as a shepherd guards the sheep (1 Pet 5:1-4; Heb 13:17). A Christian who answers only to himself can easily rationalize sinful attitudes or actions; regular contact with other Christians can keep us sharp. Being a "bed-side Baptist" or attending the "Chapel of the tube" will obviously frustrate one's potential in God. Attending church on the Internet is not sufficient! Genuine face-to-face fellowship exposes sin, and catalyzes real growth. We should desire such purging processes (Jn 3:30). If we do not desire these things, then we're in trouble!

2 Samuel 7:10 "Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime..."


To Be Continued ...

A Divine Investment!

In seeing such glorious truths as we have regarding our eternal salvation, and the reward that we are currently racing toward, how wonderful it is that we now have the opportunity to make such a divine investment into eternity! What we sow in this life will surely be enjoyed in the hereafter. It may seem like a struggle now, but we can be assured that the return is great, even 100 fold! Jesus is our great example. No one else could better show us how to live this principle:

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore [therefore] God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil 2:5-11).

What a humble and wonderful example He has made for us! The very Son of God, clothed in weak human flesh, yet possessing eternality and perfect godliness, has humbled Himself to display how to successfully walk this path of most resistance!

Jesus was only glorified as He was because He was so obedient.. His perfect glorification and His perfect obedience are directly related. He humbled Himself completely, even to suffer the death of the cross, the emblem of sinful shame, and THEREFORE was highly exalted and given the name above every name! Oh how we marvel at the infinite condescension of God's Son!

And so it will be with you and I. The level to which we will shine in the hereafter is directly related to our level of surrender in this life. We have previously discovered the many differing levels of glorification there will be at the resurrection (1 Cor 15:41-42), but how do we attain to such "brightness"? Reader, it is by dying to self! The blindly coveted and esteemed positions among earthly men will be counted as mere dung when compared to being crowned as the very bride of Christ! There are last that shall be first, and first that shall be last (Lk 13:30).

Romans 6:5 "For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection."

"For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God. For all his judgments were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me. I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity. Therefore hath the LORD recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight" (Ps 18:21-24).

The most neglected truth in the body of Christ is ironically one of the most important! That is, that this earth is but a dressing room - outfitting us for eternity. Notice the outward raiment of the bride in Psalm 45: "The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold" (vs. 13). Her outward brilliancy ("wrought gold") was only because of the GLORY found within! She took the time to cultivate and nurture her investment in God's kingdom, His ways, His Word and His glory. The fruit and return of such an investment is absolutely priceless: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit" (Jn 12:24).

"The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility" (Prov 15:33).

How interesting that this word for "honor" is actually the Hebrew word "kabod", which is repeatedly used as "glory". Before GLORY is HUMILITY and before BRIGHTNESS is DEATH!

Friend, let's respond to such a glorious, and God-ordained pattern that has been set before us! Let's not be a wicked and unresponsive generation: "But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented" (Matt 11:16-17).

The wedding song is beginning to play, and He's asking you to dance!

Is Salvation Eternal? Pt 5

So what will these differing rewards look like? Is there Scripture to give us a glimpse into the future resurrection? Indeed.

"There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead..." (1 Cor 15:41-42).

Concerning these verses, one author has written: "The bodies of the dead, though all immortal, shall possess different degrees of splendor and glory, according to the state of holiness in which their respective souls were found..."

You see, the sun has one degree of splendor, and the moon another, and so also do the stars: They differ from each other in magnitude, in brightness, and in beauty. The idea in this verse differs from that in the former. In that 1 Corinthians 15:40 Paul says, that there was a difference between the different classes of bodies; between those in heaven and those on earth. He here says, that in the former class, in the heavenly bodies themselves, there was a difference. They not only differed from those on earth, but they differed from each other. The sun was more splendid than the moon, and one star more beautiful than another. The idea here is, therefore, not only that the bodies of the saints in heaven shall differ from those on earth, but that they shall differ among themselves, in a sense somewhat like the difference of the splendor of the sun, the moon, and the different stars. Though all shall be unlike what they were on earth, and all shall be glorious, yet there will be a difference in that splendor and glory.

Concerning this truth, George Warnock has written: “That there are many different groups which may be included in the word "Church" is quite evident from the Scriptures, and from Creation itself. But the Lord knoweth them that are His in each particular group, and in His own good time it will be manifest. A building in its formative stages appears to be but one vast conglomeration of scaffolds, framework, brick and steel--and it is not too evident how many rooms there will be, and for what purpose the rooms are intended. But in the day of its completion it is all quite evident. So shall it be with the Church of Christ. For there are celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; one glory of the sun, another of the moon, and another of the stars--and even one star differeth from another star in glory. So shall it be in the day of Christ, when each man is revealed in His own order according to the plan and purpose of God".

There indeed will be rewards "small and great" (Rev 11:18). What we do know is that God Himself will be our exceedingly GREAT reward: "After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward" (Gen 15:1). Will this glorious position be extended to every single believer in the body of Christ? I do not believe so. I believe this "exceeding great reward" is a special one, given to those who will shine the brightest:

"There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number. My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her. Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?" (Song 6:8-10).

And thus we see the reason behind such covenantal confusion. Is our covenant secure? Indeed it is, but a misunderstanding of rewards will cause us to lump them all in one package, and label it "heaven". When the Bible discusses the forsaking of sin, we do not do so to earn our entrance into heaven. Rather, we do so because we love Jesus, and desire to become the spotless Bride He has longed for (Eph 5:25-32).

Is Salvation Eternal? Pt 4

Previously, we saw that our spirits are whole, but our soulish nature is the source of sin and apostasy. Jesus said, "For out of THE HEART proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies..." (Matt 15:19). We must choose to die daily (1 Cor 15:31), to decrease (Jn 3:30), to give Jesus the preeminence (Col 1:18), and to allow the Holy Spirit to come forth in our lives (Gal 4:19) until every chamber of our Adamic nature is cleansed, and found in the very image of God (2 Cor 3:18; Rom 8:29; Prov 24:4). David rightly said, "My soul is continually in MY hand" (Ps 119:109), and "I have CHOSEN Thy precepts" (Ps 119:173). Was David choosing such righteousness in order to EARN his salvation? Of course not, we have already seen how salvation is a gift (Eph 2:8); it cannot be earned. It has already been paid for, why should we strive to pay for it again? Jesus said, "It is finished..." (Jn 19:30).

So what is the effect of striving against sin? Why do we, as David, choose to die to self and carnality? If heaven is secure for the justified, why press any further? It is because we are all in a race, to win a prize!

"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain" (1 Cor 9:24).

We are to run that we may obtain. Obtain what? A prize! A crown! Paul called this the high calling of God:

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:13-14).

The word “prize” as in Philippians 3:14 and 1 Corinthians 9:24, can actually be translated “award”. Many believe that heaven is this said reward, but if heaven was the “award” spoken of, then why does only ONE receive the prize? And why are we exhorted to run (Greek - “work; strive”) that we may obtain (Greek – “attain to; apprehend”)? Paul speaks about being “disqualified” from the prize, not from the race itself (1 Cor 9:27). Concerning this verse, one noted scholar has written, “I myself should be rejected (autos adokimos genōmai) literally means, “I myself should become rejected.” Adokimos is an old adjective used of metals, coin, soil (Heb 6:8) and in a moral sense only by Paul in the N.T. (1 Cor 9:27; 2 Cor 13:5-7; Rom 1:28; Tit 1:16; 2 Tim 3:8). It means not standing the test (dokimos from dokimazō). Paul means rejected for the prize, not for the entrance to the race...” (Robertson’s Word Pictures).

Is heaven our "prize"? No. Heaven is the abode of all those justified in Christ. Rather, our reward is IN heaven: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you..." (1 Pet 1:3-4).

We can see, therefore, that heaven is not at stake, the salvation of the justified is secured and eternal. Rather, it's our rewards that will differ, one from another. Do we find it strange that the Bible talks about rewards? For verily, there is a reward for the righteous (Ps 58:11)! Undeniably, the Scriptures continually discuss “a full reward” (Ruth 2:12; 2 Jn 1:8), a “great reward” (Ps 19:10-11; Genesis 15:1), a “sure reward” (Prov 11:18), a “prophet’s reward”, a “righteous man’s reward” (Matt 10:41-42), a reward “small and great” (Rev 11:18), and sadly even “no reward” (Matt 6:1).

Now what will this look like?

To Be Continued ...

Is Salvation Eternal? Pt 3

We left off seeing how this great salvation is a gift given by God. He not only gives it, but He also enables us to receive it (Eph 2:8). He "by Himself" purged our sins... we were not His aide (Heb 1:3), nor can we be. Even the very faith we may boast of has been given by Him who works in us "both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Phil 2:13). Now, I would like to discuss the new found state of the recipient of this gift; the dissimilar character that has been imparted to us upon our conversion: we now have been made perfect!

WHAT! Yes, we now have been made perfect. To our carnal natures, it seems like such a high-minded atrocity to be labeled with perfection. But is it true? Yes it is.

The repentant sinner, upon conversion, literally passes from darkness to light (Acts 26:18), from death to life (1 Cor 15:22), even from corruption to perfection! The Bible says that the moment we are joined to the Lord at salvation, our spirits are made ONE with His (1 Cor 6:17). And what does this mean? It means that the spirits of justified men are made perfect (Heb 12:23). Our corruption has put on incorruption - we have been reborn of incorruptible seed (1 Pet 1:23).

The primary reason we do not realize this truth is because we do not understand our three-fold nature. Man is a tripartite being, that is, he consists of three parts. We are made up of spirit, soul and body (Heb 4:12; 1 Thess 5:23; Gen 1:26; 2:7; etc). Even though we have been saved and washed in the blood of Jesus, we yet possess a fallen soul (the source of our intellect, will and emotions). Our carnality yet stares us in the face, and we still find ourselves sinning. But in our spirits, we've been made whole! This is why Paul wrote "For I delight in the law of God after the inward man [spirit]: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members [soul]" (Rom 7:22-23, emphasis mine).

Therefore, ALL sin that is committed after we have been saved is done so because of the human soul. We all must choose to submit this nature to Jesus and His cleansing power (Rom 12:1-2; Gal 4:19; Ps 119:109, Jn 3:30, etc). No matter what, however, your spirit remains perfect and whole. This is why the prodigal son (Lk 15) was ALWAYS still a son, even when he was backslidden and willingly defiant. No matter what sin he may have found himself in, he could never change the BLOOD that ran through his veins. He had passed from darkness to light, and been reborn, by the will of God.

This sheds new light on the issue doesn't it? Men say that if a believer willingly sins after he has been saved, he runs the risk of losing his salvation. But how can this be if our spirits have been made perfect? The seed that was deposited CANNOT BE CORRUPTED (1 Pet 1:23)! Any sin we may commit is done so as a result of our carnal (yet changing) Adamic nature within us.

Shouldn't we see what the Bible says about Christians and sin? You just may be surprised. Over and over, the Bible assures us of His ever-lasting loving-kindness, even in the midst of outright rebellion:

"His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven. If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments; If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments; Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips" (Ps 89:29-34).

How can this be? How can the Lord be sure that His people will come to a sincere place of repentance? Because He knows the effects of His wooing. Even the hardest heart will break under the influence of God's tender mercy. He keeps us under His watchful eye, even when fallen and backslidden: "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand" (Ps 37:23-24). This is how a justified man will always rise again, because the Lord upholds him with His hands (Prov 24:16)!

One of the great things about being saved is the fact that we have become a new species (2 Cor 5:17). No longer are we able to sin and remain unmoved. It is an absolute impossibility! God's Holy Spirit will never leave us nor allow us to run outside of His sphere of conviction. How? Because His blood runs through your veins! Micah affirms this truth when he says, "Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me. I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness" (Mic 7:8-9).

How wonderful it is to discover God's mercies toward us. Clearly, we can see that even when we seem lost in sin, rebellious towards change, defiant against God's pleading, we will never go so low that He cannot reach us. It's not "can" He reach us, it's simply a matter of "when". Even if we make our beds in hell - He is there (Ps 139:7-13)! And He WILL bring the true Christian to a place of repentance and reconciliation. Why? Because He possesses your reigns, you and He are one spirit, and your salvation is assured!

Well what is at stake then? What can we lose by living in sin?

To Be Continued ...

Is Salvation Eternal? Pt 2

When discussing such matters, it is vital to allow the Bible to interpret itself. Men have done much damage by interpreting Scripture with preconceived ideas, denominational biases, and from carnal thought patterns. Paul encourages us to forsake such worldly wisdom, and listen to the Holy Ghost, comparing spiritual things with spiritual (1 Cor 2). The Holy Ghost is the author of Scripture after all, so shouldn't we listen to how He interprets His book? I believe so.

One of the things that He makes clear in Scripture is the fact that salvation is a gift. Paul says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Eph 2:8). And again Paul says, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom 6:23).

Now, concerning these gifts, there are certain characteristics that are attributed to them. One such quality is that of immutability, that is, they DO NOT change! Scripture readily and repeatedly accredits this truth: "For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance" (Rom 11:29). James writes, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" (1:17).

Why are his gifts immutable, we may ask? Because the Great Giver Himself is immutable. His gifts possess an extension of His great character: "For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed" (Mal 3:6), and again, "I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes" (Hos 13:14). Can't we see from these verses that if God did change His character and revoked His great gift, there would be no hope for us! His goodness and mercy will never fail, THEREFORE the sons of Jacob ARE NOT consumed!

Well what about personal faith, you may be wondering? Of course sincere faith is required for salvation to occur. But we must understand that even our faith in Christ has been given to us by the Father! Paul says, "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake" (Phil 1:29). Faith comes, and is given, by hearing God's words (Rom 10:17), it isn't carnally conjured up in the heart. Jesus said that no man can come to Him unless he has been wooed by the Father (Jn 6:44). In other words, we are not ABLE to come to Jesus of our own accord! Rather, the Father (in His sovereignty and omniscience) looks upon our hearts, and knows whether there will be a genuine response or not. He then draws us to His blessed Son, opens "the door of faith" (Acts 14:27), and gifts and clothes us with His salvation! The entire process is an "operation of God" upon the human spirit (Col 2:12). "Of His own will begat He us with the word of truth..." (Jas 1:18). He doesn't predestine some to glory and some to wrath, rather, He is able to interpret the motives of man's heart without treading upon and invading man's free will. Such believers can never be lost again because the gift operating in their hearts WILL, one day, come to fruition! How can we know? Because they were not born of mere men. Rather, it was an operation of God - and He cannot fail.

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" (Jn 1:12-13).

"All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day" (Jn 6:37-39).

We did not choose to get saved, I can assure you. Even the most fervent of Christians possess fiery love ONLY because God has chosen to reveal Himself. Any love that we may possess for the Lord Jesus came to us simply because He first loved us. We only chase after Him, because He first chased us. We could not do ANYTHING to get saved, so how can we do ANYTHING to lose it?

To Be Continued ...

Is Salvation Eternal? Pt 1

Is our salvific covenant sure? Is it unbreakable, or can it be altered? These questions have been argued since the beginning of salvation, I am sure. But nonetheless, they are yet present today.

Where do we start? What do we say regarding such previously discussed matters? In my humble opinion, first we should observe the circumstances regarding the START of the New Covenant. This will undoubtedly shed some light on the issue. What men need today is the REAL character of God invading their mindsets. We mustn't ever label the God of heaven with fleshy labels, or from carnal perspectives.

It seems to us unimaginable how the ever-glorious God of heaven could humbly clothe Himself with human flesh, come as a man to this earth, live a perfect and stainless life, so that He could offer the perfect sacrifice for sins. It seems even further hard to grasp how He could do this for a people who mocked and ridiculed Him from A to Z. How wonderfully grateful we are that God is not a man! He doesn't think according to how a man would think. He doesn't give us what we deserve, as a natural man would do. Thank God! His heart is so different than what has been portrayed to us:

"God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" (Num 23:19)

One of the most marvelous passages of Scripture regarding this truth is found in 1 Cor 11:23. It says, "the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread..."

Can we see it? Do we notice the wondrous mercies that are in action here? On the very night Jesus was betrayed and handed over to die, He made covenant. He saw what was fast approaching and even then, in the midst of it all, He took bread and displayed the "new covenant" between Himself and His Father (Ps 89:27-37). If God could make such a covenant regarding men in the midst of such betrayal, what then would man have to do in order to lose out on this covenant? Man can do nothing! The covenant is between the Son and His Father. Man could do nothing "good enough" to get saved (Eph 2:8), so why are we so quick to say that man has done something "bad enough" to lose this place of salvation? One cannot lose something that he has not himself gained.

Regarding such tender covenantal mercies, the Bible says:

"Thou hast borne thy lewdness and thine abominations, saith the LORD. For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even deal with thee as thou hast done, which hast despised the oath in breaking the covenant. Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant" (Ezek 16:58-60).

and again...

"For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer. For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee. For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee" (Isa 54:7-10).

Must we have it completely altogether to partake of God's merciful covenant? I do not believe so. If that were true, none would have hope. Rather, we are the beneficiaries of this wonderful covenant; we are not the source:

"The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain. Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow" (2 Sam 23:3-5).

If we were indeed the source of such benefits, how could the Bible say such things as:

"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen" (Heb 13:20-21).

To Be Continued ...

The Joy of the Cross

How could the cross be a joyful thing for the Lord Jesus? Naturally, it was an emblem of great suffering, shame and rejection, so how does one view this as a joy? It's an amazing concept to ponder!

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb 12:1-2).

What should have been ridiculously shameful, was treated as humble surrender to the will of His Father. It was not merely the prospect of physical death that so repelled the Lord.. Rather, it was the association of the cross with sin. His holy soul recoiled at the idea of being involved with the shame of man’s rebellion against God. Yet he did it anyway!

What was normally a horrific end of life to a man, became a glorious method of payment for the Son of Man! And what was he purchasing? He bought a bride for Himself (Eph 5:25-32)! Wow, no wonder He could endure the cross with joy! Not only did His own life resurrect into such glorious triumph, but He also grabbed a hold of you and I, bringing us up with Him!

Reader, you can be assured that this was a SURE payment! His blood was not declined, nor will it ever be! How do we know? Because He counted the cost to ensure He could bring it to fruition; it wasn't a hasty decision (Prov 25:8). He would never have been able to endure the cross unless he positively knew the joyous result of it - the salvation of mankind!

"And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me" (Jn 12:32).

Can we fathom the depth of love that our Messiah had and has for lost humanity? The horrors of Golgotha paled into utter insignificance when the Savior contemplated the refreshing salvation that would be available for all, upon His great purchase (Heb 5:9). This is absolutely astounding! How utterly selfish our own level of dedication appears by comparison.

Darkness and Light

Have you ever considered the esteemed ironic position of the Pharisees? It amazes me how dramatically opposite they were to the very God they claimed to represent! They were as estranged as darkness and light! They were the alleged representatives of God in the earth, yet possessed a heart that was so much different and dark. One such instance of this is illustrated for us in Luke 15, in the parable of the prodigal son. Jesus told this parable to subtly rebuke the Pharisees for their most recent behavior: they were upset with Jesus because He ate and fellowshipped with sinners (Lk 15:1-3). But this story actually gives us a glimpse into WHY Jesus relates to sinners - it was to grasp hold of them and pull them up from their misery! Thank God that He mercifully condescended to our mess, yet was without sin Himself. What was scandal to the Pharisees was the personification of tender mercy to our loving Father. Jesus didn't accredit or approve of the sin by relating to sinners (as the Pharisees supposed), but was mercifully meeting lost mankind where they were: in the wilderness of the human soul; lost and hopeless without a mediator! For how else could He find us, and chase us into love? The Pharisees viewed this occasion from a carnal perspective, while the Lord viewed His relation with sinners from a heavenly mindset. How different these men were! And how scary that this same attitude is portrayed today against the backslidden and unsaved! Surprisingly, it hasn't really changed a whole lot. Shouldn't we look to the life of Jesus when dealing with such matters? Of course we should. He was the "firstborn among many brethren", and we are to come forth in His glorious likeness (Rom 8:29; 2 Cor 3:18)! If ever we have a true picture of God's heart toward sinful men, it is here in the parable of the prodigal son. If ever we have a slap in the face of mere religious, judgmental behavior, it is here as well. Two birds are forcibly killed with one stone. Observe:

In the parable of the prodigal son (Lk 15), we have a picture of genuine repentance, and of two very differing responses to such repentance: the Father's response and the elder brother's response. This younger son, who haughtily took his inheritance and wasted it on riotous living, is soon brought low. Subsequently, he comes "to himself" and realizes the madness of sin and the abundance he once possessed in his father's house. He sincerely repents and comes home to his father. We know his repentance is genuine because he did it with Godly sorrow and a contrite heart (Lk 15:21; Ps 34:18), with confession (Lk 15:21; Prov 28:13), with the forsaking of sin (Lk 15:18; Acts 26:20), and with sincere actions (Lk 15:17, 19, 20). Thus we can be assured of the son's authenticity, and therefore of the Father's open reception and perfect, instant reconciliation also. The Father did not beat the son over the head. He didn't even ask him what he'd been up to. In fact, He interrupts the son's sorrowful discourse to adorn him with the bounties he didn't deserve! He placed a clean robe on his back, symbolic of the righteousness of Christ that has been freshly imparted (Rev 19:8; Ezek 16:8-10). He placed a ring on his finger, affirming his sonship and authority (Gen 41:42; Est 8:2; Rom 8:15). He placed shoes on his feet, re-establishing his right walk with God (Ps 56:13). He even killed the fatted calf and threw a bash in his honor! WOW! Can't you see the heart of God displayed here? He isn't mad at repentant sinners. In fact, He is RUNNING out to meet them. His mercy rejoices over judgment (Jas 2:13). Such a revelation of God's love is what wooed the son home in the first place (Lk 15:17). Hellfire and brimstone do not win people to God, that has been proven. Rather, it's His goodness DISPLAYED (not only discussed) that will prick the hardest heart (Acts 2:22-37; Ps 130:3-4; Isa 30:18; Rom 2:4). Shouldn't we try such methods? I believe so.

Jesus insinuates the Pharisees identification with the elder brother. The reaction of the elder brother was nothing short of a disgrace for one who claimed to honor God. He was jealous, angry, bitter, proud, and wanted judgment to fall upon his brother's head. Ironically, while the very God of heaven was humbly condescending and stooping low to meet the sinner, the elder brother was puffed with pride and rejection. How opposite he was to the very God he represented. What a sad situation. It's no wonder why more and more people are turned off by the Christian faith. We seem to have His concerns lopsided. We seem to think judgment rejoices over mercy, rather than vice-versa (Exod 34:6). But one day there will be a people who REALLY AND TRULY do what they see the Father doing, just as Jesus did (Jn 14:10). The world will be a different place! I cannot wait!

Will you be like the Pharisee, who anxiously anticipates the judgment of the prodigal son, and even uncovers his nakedness to catalyze the process (Lk 15:30)? Or will you strive to be like your loving Father, who anxiously anticipates the prodigal's return?

A Contrite Heart

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise" (Ps 51:17).

Have you ever considered the life of David? Here was a man who had so many struggles with sin, yet he was so amazingly close to God. He has been termed a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22), the anointed of the God of Jacob and the "sweet psalmist of Israel" (2 Sam 23:1). He was so anointed, in fact, that Saul had him minister to him to drive his demons away (1 Sam 16:23)!!

How could a man of such apparent carnality be so mightily used and anointed of God at the same time? This goes against the very core of our whole "church paradigm"! Simply put, it was because of the condition of David's heart. He possessed a contrite heart.

The word "contrite" means, "to crumble, to beat to pieces, crushed, to collapse". It also means "to break into pieces, to reduce into splinters, to beat out thin." How opposite this condition is to a "proud" heart. Proud means, "to swell, to enlarge".

How did David display this sort of heart-attitude? Let's observe some of his intense sin recorded in 2 Samuel 11-12. His sins include:

1. Idleness - he remained idle at "the time when kings go forth to battle" (11:1). Clearly, he had other desires to tend to.
2. Lust - he spied on Bathsheba bathing and lusted after her (11:2).
3. Fornication - Such lust quickly turned into fornication (11:4).
4. Deception - when David discovered that Bathsheba was pregnant, he tried to cover his sin by calling Uriah (Bathsheba's husband) back from war. He hoped he would return to his wife, lay with her, and suspect the child was his own (11:5-8).
5. Murder - But when Uriah nobly stays away from his wife (11:9-11), David must think of another solution. He decides to have Uriah put in the "hottest battle...that he may be smitten, and die" (11:14-15). He carries his own death warrant all the way back to the war, and is killed in battle.
6. And to top it all off, David acquired the new widow as his own wife.

WOW! He committed more sin in one day than many will commit in an entire lifetime! How would we respond to a man caught in such gross sin? How would he be treated? What would he be called in our modern church vernacular? Certainly not "the anointed of the God of Jacob", or the "sweet psalmist of Israel", that's for sure! He would be burned at the stake.

But what ends up actually happening? In reality, he was he pardoned of such gross atrocity. But why? Again, it's because of the condition of his heart toward his sin, and toward the Lord.

When the prophet, Nathan, brings judgment to David he immediately repented: "And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man... And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die" (2 Sam 12:1-13).

He didn't shift the blame, he didn't refuse Nathan's rebuke in pride. Rather, he fasted, prayed, fell submissive to the earth, and cried to God from the depth of a genuinely broken heart! His heart was truly contrite - and God will never despise such!

On the contrary, we see men (such as Saul) whose sin does not seem near as grotesque, yet who were not pardoned. Why is this so? Because Saul did not possess the same heart as David. His heart was unrepentant. In 1 Samuel 13, we get a glimpse into this man's heart. His sin was:

1. Disobedience to the prophet of God - he did not wait for Samuel to offer a sacrifice, but acted presumptuously instead (13:8-10).

Does this seem like significantly less of a sin than David's? Indeed. Yet Saul was not pardoned. This act of disobedience caused the kingdom to be taken away from him! "And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee" (1 Sam 13:13-14).

Even though the sin appeared less significant, the reason for such judgment was the response of Saul's heart. He was completely unrepentant. He didn't accept the blame himself, but rather blamed the people and the prophet (13:11). He did not humble himself under the hand of God, but rather retained his pride and continued to try to be king. His heart was puffed up, and therefore God resisted him!

The grossness of our sin has no bearing upon our forgiveness. Of course we do not use such a truth as an excuse towards lasciviousness, but the truth remains nonetheless. The primary thing God asks of us if we sin is genuine repentance from a CONTRITE heart. A contrite heart will cause God's judgments to be blended with His MERCY! Toward the humble, He is the very personification of mercy! But to the proud, such mercy is frustrated.

1 Pet 5:5 "God resisteth the proud (Saul), and giveth grace to the humble (David)"

Men As Trees Walking

Over and over again, Scripture likens men to trees. Is this a simple illustrative coincidence? Of course not. No portion of Scripture is useless to the spiritual eye. There is a much greater truth that is communicated here. Simply put, the natural characteristics of a tree depict the spiritual character of Godly men and women, i.e. strength, deep foundations, endurance through storms, the ability to store water, the ability to provide shade and shelter, and the ability to bring forth fruit in season. Here is some Scriptural evidence:

1. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Ps 1:1-3).

2. “And they [Israel] shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses” (Isa 44:4).

3. “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit” (Jer 17:7-8).

4. “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him” (Ps 92:12-15).

5. Actually, Jesus was likened to a tree Himself (Song 2:3; 8:5; Rev 2:7; Gen 2:9; Isa 4:2; Jn 15:1-8).

What is the result of such likeness? Where do we go from here? Reader, such godly characteristics that are born in you are not even for you. Rather, they are for those to whom you are sent! God is building a great vastness in you, so that you can minister to an aching earth! Never forget: Jesus took the bread, he blessed it, then broke it, only to finally GIVE IT OUT to hungry souls! You and I are that bread, patterned after the precious Son of God!

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God" (Rom 8:18-19).

What does such a thing look like?

Isa 41:17-20 “When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together: That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it”

How wonderfully faithful is the Lord Jesus! He REALLY cares about the earth! Notice this with me:

First, the problem is presented:
“When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst…”

Then, God gives the solution:
“I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together…”

The result:
“That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.”

Isaiah was speaking and prophesying to the exiled Jews in Babylon. Their country, city and temple had been laid waste. He was admonishing them to put their confidence in God, to bring them out. The prophet represents himself as bringing consolation to them in this situation; particularly by the assurance that their long captivity was about to end; that they were about to be restored to their own land, and that their trials were to be succeeded by triumphs.

Even so, millions of God's people are in spiritual Babylon today (Rev 17), committing spiritual adultery, their personal temples laid waste, waiting to be somehow awakened and quickened by the presence of the true and living God. The pacifier of mere religion has wounded and bound them. The unsaved are no different. A simple, yet powerful, move of God would turn the earth towards Him. The Bible says, “Draw me and we will run after thee” (Song 1:4).

What a precious God we serve. He hasn't given up on the backslidden and the lost. In fact, He had made a deposit into our lives, and soon He will require it of us.

Let's be as trees walking! Let's give our all to His beautiful purpose. Are you willing to be planted, watered, pruned, and given out?

The Charismatic Controversy

I recently did a lot of research on what is commonly known as "The Charismatic Movement". This seems to be yet another issue of great controversy (to the church as a whole), and is only received by a relatively small, yet growing, number of Christians. I asked the question, "Why do so many genuine believers casually reject the 'charismatic renewal' and the gifts that are clearly outlined in Scripture?" Upon much reading, and multiple interviews, the answer became obvious.

Proponents of "anti-Charisma" are known as "Cessationists". They strongly believe the gifts and power that were once present have now expired with the completion of the canon of Scripture, and the death of the apostle John (the "last apostle"). The primary Scripture they use to support it is 1st Corinthians 13:8-10 . They assume "that which is perfect" has already occurred, as the completion of the canon.

In one interview, I spoke with a "cessationist" pastor. Even when I showed him from Scripture the continual theme of perfection referring to a PEOPLE (not the canon), he still would not receive it. Even when he agreed with me about my thematic findings, he still had many reservations. His main one being the misuse and abuse of such "charisma" that is evident in the body of Christ today (he had been watching TBN). Honestly, I can't say that I blame him! I simply said, "well, you can't throw the baby out with the muddy bath water. Men abuse the grace of God on a daily basis, but we don't say grace has ceased. Similarly, we cannot use abuse as an excuse for neglect."

His final argument was concerning the "renewal" in and of itself. He said the Charismatic renewal was the "start of a new church, a satanic church." He claimed that the body of Christ has never experienced such things since the early church, so why start now? Thankfully, however, I had done my research! Following is just a small sample from church history showing that they did, in fact, possess some form of Holy Ghost power ALL THROUGHOUT the growth of the church. It was not the "start of a new church". Contrary to popular opinion, the candle was not extinguished. It may have been dim, but it was lit nonetheless. Observe:

1. Justin Martyr and the Anti-Nicene Church - From his own personal writings, Martyr testifies that Christians in the 2nd century were continuing to exercise authority over demons and sickness.

2. Irenaeus (125-200 A.D.) - Irenaeus is best known for his writings against Gnosticism and other major heresies of his day. He was actually a student of Polycarp, who was a disciple of the apostle John. In one of his famous writings, entitled Against Heresies, he wrote of the power that existed in the church, the dead being raised, the gift of prophetic utterances and the existence of visions. He also wrote of how the gift of tongues was yet operative. He wrote all of this as a defense against Gnosticism and it's heretical belief that Jesus' miracles were "simply in appearance".

3. Antony (251-356 A.D.) - Antony is usually considered the father of monasticism. He lived his whole adult life in a cave in the desert, completely devoted to prayer and meditation. This man was actually famous for the miracles and power that went along with his ministry. The Life of Antony, written by bishop Athansius, is filled with accounts of the supernatural. Such accounts were: Antony's discerning of spirits, the gift of healing, and the gift of prophecy.

4. Jerome (347-420 A.D.) - Jerome was a devout and famous Bible scholar. His writings include personal accounts of visions of Jesus, the gift of healing and even one instance where a man calmed a raging sea that was about to destroy a small town.

5. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) - Bernard was a minister from Burgundy (modern France). His preaching was largely responsible for the Second Crusade (1147-1149). He was said to have had the gift of healing, and many written records of him doing so exist.

6. Martin Luther (1483-1546) - Luther himself described one instance where he thought he had been caught up to the third heaven, as Paul had been. He also widely wrote and spoke of the prophetic gifts, the gift of healing, and divine authority.

7. Menno Simons (1496-1561) - Simons began ministering around 1535. In his writings, he speaks unashamedly about the gift of tongues.

8. The French Prophets - Speaking in tongues seems to have been a common practice among the French in the late 1500's. John Wesley was once asked the question of cessation. He was accused that there were no current records of "charisma" in the church. His reply was, "Sir, your memory fails you again... It has been heard of more than once, no further off than the days of Dauphin", a reference to the "French Prophets".

9. George Fox and the Quakers (1650) - The Quakers were said to have been very active in the spiritual gifts of the Bible. Records of divine healing, the presence of God, and prophetic visions and dreams are prevalent.

10. Charles Finney (1792-1873) - Finney was one of the most successful evangelists of modern times. Finney was quoted as saying the Baptism of the Holy Ghost "is a second blessing". He also reported many times in his meetings where the power of the Holy Spirit fell upon the people, and many signs and wonders were done.

Clearly, therefore, the cessationist assumption is incorrect. The Charismatic renewal was not the start of a new ungodly church. How preposterous! Rather, it was a renewal to the CORPORATE body: truths that were hidden in remnants of the church were then brought to the forefront and highlighted. Thank God!

Concerning such an important facet of truth, shouldn't we REALLY try to discover its validity, rather than casually accepting what a man or denomination has to say?

I think so: "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11).