FOLLOWING GOD FULLY

MIKE CUNNINGHAM

March 5, 2006

Christians making their way through this dark sin infested world must always be vigilant. If we don’t follow God fully we are very apt to fall into a satanic snare and have a hard time getting out of it. Not only do we dishonor God when we get ourselves into one of these things but we also miss out on receiving wonderful blessings which He has planned and made possible for us to obtain if we follow Him fully.

For all we know, some of these blessings could be right around the corner just waiting for us to accept. We have often seen them received and acknowledged right here during our worship service on Sunday. However, some Christians want very little or nothing to do with the Church Christ suffered such an agonizing death for. They simply do not want to be involved with a congregation of believers within a local organized church.

As they continue on their way towards the heavenly “Promised Land,” Bible believing Christians can’t help correctly judging the deplorable condition of the contemporary evangelical church in our country. However, instead of rolling up their sleeves and doing their utmost to bring about Christ honoring change they leave.

Instead of diligently looking for a faithful, although admittedly imperfect congregation with which to become involved and because they are not following God fully they fall into one of those satanic snares and go on to write all Christian churches off. Every single one of them!

Other Christians allow themselves to become distracted by what they see along life’s way. For instance, when they flip on the TV and watch what’s happening in the Middle East they also fall into one of those satanic snares. Instead of following God fully, they stay away from the local church and spend their time following current events in places like Israel, Palestine, Iraq and Iran.

These Christians, with the help of experts on Biblical prophecy, interpret the Bible in light of what they see with their own eyes. They are absolutely convinced that the world is going to come to an end soon. And so they stay away from church and feed on as much of this end time stuff as possible.

Then there are Christians who have dropped out of church because, no matter how much or how long or how fervently they pray, God still hasn’t given them what they want. In other words, they are angry with God for not improving their financial situation or their health or their job or marital status or because He hasn’t got their kid to stop drugging or whatever.

They’re tired of everything including the way God rules His world. They don’t even pray anymore. What’s the use? At least they admit it. They’re not phony’s like so many church goers they know. Of course another possibility of former church goers is that they may not really be Christians after all. God is the only One capable of judging they’re hearts.

Let’s take a look at some of the blessings that God had planned on making possible for them to receive if they followed Him fully and not given up on being involved with an organized faithful Bible believing local church. Speaking of the Head of the church of some of the blessings Christ gave to it and made possible for individual Christian’s to benefit by, Paul writes:

11 And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders [of His Word]), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds [guardians, protectors] of His flock) and teachers.

12 His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ’s body (the church), 13 [That it, the church, might develop] until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the [full and accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ’s own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ and the completeness found in Him.

14 So then, we may no longer be children, tossed [like ships] to and fro between chance gusts of teaching and wavering with every changing wind of doctrine, [the prey of] the cunning and cleverness of unscrupulous men, [gamblers engaged] in every shifting form of trickery in inventing errors to mislead. Ephesians 4:11-14 (AMP)

Everything should have been cool now, right? Wrong!

1 BUT SOME men came down from Judea and were instructing the brethren, Unless you are circumcised in accordance with the Mosaic custom, you cannot be saved. 2 And when Paul and Barnabas had no small disagreement and discussion with them, it was decided that Paul and Barnabas and some of the others of their number should go up to Jerusalem [and confer] with the apostles (special messengers) and the elders about this matter. 3 So, being fitted out and sent on their way by the church, they went through both Phoenicia and Samaria telling of the conversion of the Gentiles (the heathen), and they caused great rejoicing among all the brethren.

4 When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were heartily welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they told them all that God had accomplished through them. 5 But some who believed [who acknowledged Jesus as their Savior and devoted themselves to Him] belonged to the sect of the Pharisees, and they rose up and said, It is necessary to circumcise [the Gentile converts] and to charge them to obey the Law of Moses.

6 The apostles and the elders were assembled together to look into and consider this matter. 7 And after there had been a long debate, Peter got up and said to them, Brethren, you know that quite a while ago God made a choice or selection from among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the message of the Gospel [concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God] and believe (credit and place their confidence in it).

8 And God, Who is acquainted with and understands the heart, bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit as He also did to us; 9 And He made no difference between us and them, but cleansed their hearts by faith (by a strong and welcome conviction that Jesus is the Messiah, through Whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God). 10 Now then, why do you try to test God by putting a yoke on the necks of the disciples, such as neither our forefathers nor we [ourselves] were able to endure? 11 But we believe that we are saved through the grace (the undeserved favor and mercy) of the Lord Jesus, just as they [are].

12 Then the whole assembly remained silent, and they listened [attentively] as Barnabas and Paul rehearsed what signs and wonders God had performed through them among the Gentiles. 13 When they had finished talking, James replied, Brethren, listen to me. 14 Simon [Peter] has rehearsed how God first visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people [to bear and honor] His name. 15 And with this the predictions of the prophets agree, as it is written, 16 After this I will come back, and will rebuild the house of David, which has fallen; I will rebuild its [very] ruins, and I will set it up again, 17 So that the rest of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom My name has been invoked, 18 Says the Lord, Who has been making these things known from the beginning of the world.

19 Therefore it is my opinion that we should not put obstacles in the way of and annoy and disturb those of the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 But we should send word to them in writing to abstain from and avoid anything that has been polluted by being offered to idols, and all sexual impurity, and [eating meat of animals] that have been strangled, and [tasting of] blood. 21 For from ancient generations Moses has had his preachers in every town, for he is read [aloud] every Sabbath in the synagogues.

22 Then the apostles and the elders, together with the whole church, resolved to select men from among their number and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, [both] leading men among the brethren, and sent them. 23 With [them they sent] the following letter: The brethren, both the apostles and the elders, to the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings:

24 As we have heard that some persons from our number have disturbed you with their teaching, unsettling your minds and throwing you into confusion, although we gave them no express orders or instructions [on the points in question], 25 It has been resolved by us in assembly to select men and send them [as messengers] to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 Men who have hazarded their lives for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 So we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will bring you the same message by word of mouth.

28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to lay upon you any greater burden than these indispensable requirements: 29 That you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from [tasting] blood and from [eating the meat of animals] that have been strangled and from sexual impurity. If you keep yourselves from these things, you will do well. Farewell [be strong]! 30 So when [the messengers] were sent off, they went down to Antioch; and having assembled the congregation, they delivered the letter. 31 And when they read it, the people rejoiced at the consolation and encouragement [it brought them].

32 And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets (inspired interpreters of the will and purposes of God), urged and warned and consoled and encouraged the brethren with many words and strengthened them. Acts 15:1-32 (AMP)

28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. Acts 20:28 (ESV)

This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. Titus 1:1-9 (ESV)

1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 (ESV)

I WARN and counsel the elders among you (the pastors and spiritual guides of the church) as a fellow elder and as an eyewitness [called to testify] of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a sharer in the glory (the honor and splendor) that is to be revealed (disclosed, unfolded): 2 Tend (nurture, guard, guide, and fold) the flock of God that is [your responsibility], not by coercion or constraint, but willingly; not dishonorably motivated by the advantages and profits [belonging to the office], but eagerly and cheerfully; 3 not domineering [as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock (the congregation).

4 And [then] when the Chief Shepherd is revealed, you will win the conqueror’s crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger and of lesser rank, be subject to the elders (the ministers and spiritual guides of the church)—[giving them due respect and yielding to their counsel].

Clothe (apron) yourselves, all of you, with humility [as the garb of a servant, so that its covering cannot possibly be stripped from you, with freedom from pride and arrogance] toward one another. For God sets Himself against the proud (the insolent, the overbearing, the disdainful, the presumptuous, the boastful)—[and He opposes, frustrates, and defeats them], but gives grace (favor, blessing) to the humble. 1 Peter 5:1-5 (AMP)

Obey your spiritual leaders and submit to them [continually recognizing their authority over you], for they are constantly keeping watch over your souls and guarding your spiritual welfare, as men who will have to render an account [of their trust]. [Do your part to] let them do this with gladness and not with sighing and groaning, for that would not be profitable to you [either]. Hebrews 13:17 (AMP)

And hold them in very high and most affectionate esteem in [intelligent and sympathetic] appreciation of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we earnestly beseech you, brethren, admonish (warn and seriously advise) those who are out of line [the loafers, the disorderly, and the unruly]; encourage the timid and fainthearted, help and give your support to the weak souls, [and] be very patient with everybody [always keeping your temper]. 1 Thessalonians 5:13-14 (AMP)

He must hold fast to the sure and trustworthy Word of God as he was taught it, so that he may be able both to give stimulating instruction and encouragement in sound (wholesome) doctrine and to refute and convict those who contradict and oppose it [showing the wayward their error]. Titus 1:9 (AMP)

I’m reminded of a disagreement I had this past week with two friends of mine. The first man insists that it’s impossible to know where an aborted baby will spend eternity. He hopes it’s in Heaven but does not see anything in the bible to reinforce that hope. Until I can show him biblical proof he will not say they are in Heaven.

My other friend insists that only those unborn baby’s God has elected to eternal life will be saved while the others are going to be condemned by Christ on the Day of Judgment and suffer eternal torment in Hell. Can you imagine how such views would impact a mother who has come to deeply regret having an abortion or a mom who lost her baby during childbirth?

My two friends may view me as being out lunch on this issue or perhaps even an unsaved heretic when I insist that, on the “Day of Judgment,” no baby that was never born will be condemned by Christ to suffer eternal torment in Hell. I pray the Lord will help me to convince them otherwise.

Unfortunately there are Christians who have decided not to associate with their brothers and sisters in Christ in an organized local church setting: enjoying the fellowship of like minded believers and rejoicing together when a new believer make a public profession of faith by being baptized or observing the “Lords Supper” together. Nor do they don’t need preachers to teach them or pastors to watch out for the safety of their souls or to be held accountable by any kind of divinely ordained spiritual oversight.

I don’t know about you folks but I can’t imagine any Christian not receiving a multitude of blessings through their involvement in a faithful biblical church unless, of course, they quit church because they are not all that interested in following God fully. Lord willing,…next week.