Providence Reformed Baptist Church

Reformed Baptist Church in Remlap, Alabama

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Choosing a Church

Perhaps one of the most difficult seasons in the life of a Christian is when they are in search of a local church where they can settle in as a covenant member. This is especially trying when you live in a culture where there’s a church on every proverbial corner, as is the case in the “Bible-belt” of the southern United States. How then should a Christian proceed in this process? What should be their guide in making such a critical and important decision?

To begin with, let me start with a negative: in choosing a church to join, a Christian should not let their own personal preferences play as the deciding factor. For many Christians, this is a standard default in their judgment as to what church they should join. They look for certain things they personally like or dislike. For example, what is the location of where the church meets? How many people are in attendance? Is the meeting place in a store front or a church building? If it is in a church building, then what is the look or age of the church building? How many differing age groups are there? And of course, what kind of programs does it have for certain people? When it comes to choosing a church, these examples tend to be the only kind of categories which determine the judgment believers will make for the right church. The problem with these categories is that they have nothing to do with what makes a church a church – in the biblical sense. They have to do with what a person prefers by their own personal standard as opposed to what the Word of God actually reveals as to the nature of a true church.

So, what then should be the guide for a Christian choosing a church to join? Our only guide should be the Word of God. First of all, since we’re talking about the church, then we’re not talking about anything which is of this world. Lest we forget, as Christians, we are not of this world though we live in this world (John 17:14; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18). Therefore, when Christians gather together as the church in sacred assembly there is something remarkably other-worldly about who we are and what we’re doing. And it is for this reason that we need God’s Word directing us as to what we should be looking for in a local church.

What then does God’s Word reveal about the church and thereby what we should find in a local church? In the first place, the church is the “pillar and buttress of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). A local church of Jesus Christ supremely functions as the foundation and support to the truth of God’s holy infallible Word. As John MacArthur explained it so well: “It is the solemn responsibility of every church to solidly, immovably, unshakably uphold the truth of God’s Word. The church does not invent the truth, and alters it only at the cost of judgment. It is to support and safeguard it…The church has the stewardship of Scripture, the duty to guard it as the most precious possession on earth. Churches that tamper with, misrepresent, depreciate, relegate to secondary place, or abandon biblical truth destroy their only reason for existing and experience impotence and judgment.”

In the second place, since the church is the pillar and buttress of the truth, then God’s Word will regulate all that is done as it pertains to the functioning ministry of the church. This means that when the church gathers for worship there will be the reading, preaching, and hearing of God’s Word (1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 4:2). There will be the congregational singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). There will be corporate prayer (Colossians 4:2; 1 Timothy 2:1-2, 8).  Furthermore, there will be the practice of the church ordinances: such as taking the Lord’s Supper and the baptism of newly converted sinners to Christ (1 Corinthians 11:17-32; Matthew 28:19). Moreover, the very spirit in which God is worshiped will be “with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28), as opposed to the glib, flippant, and carnal atmosphere of a late night show or a pop concert. What’s so crucial to understand under this point, is that in choosing a church to join, you must discern by Scripture whether this church takes its cues for ministry by what the world wants or what God commands. A church ceases to be the pillar and buttress of the truth when it functions more as a Walmart – pandering to every whim and fancy of the general public just to fill a pew. In addition to this, where God’s Word is regulating the ministry of the church, there should be the presence of qualified church officers – namely, Christian men who serve as elders and deacons (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:6-9). The one exception to this, is that in certain circumstances there may be providentially only one elder (a pastor-teacher, Ephesians 4:11), since the Lord has not yet raised up other men to serve in either of these offices (Acts 20:28).

In the third place, since the church is the pillar and buttress of the truth, then there will be a clear, unashamed, unadulterated proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The person and work of Christ in the glory of His redeeming work by His life, death, and resurrection will never be truncated in any way, but preached fervently and unmistakably, calling sinners to close with Christ through faith and repentance (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:2; 15:1-3). Furthermore, by proclaiming the gospel, a local church following Scripture will show compassion to the lost by striving to reach them for Christ via evangelism and the intercession and support of global missions (Matthew 28:18-20).

In the fourth place, since the church is the pillar and buttress of the truth, there will be an evident doctrinal unity in a local church. Surprisingly and sadly, this is not a point which many Christians take into consideration. 1 Corinthians 1:10 speaks to this kind of unity when it says that we should be all agreed, with no divisions among us, united in the same mind and the same judgment. The context in which Paul wrote these words bear out the fact that it is doctrinal unity he is appealing to. This same unity is what Jude aims at when he exhorts his readers to contend earnestly for the faith once for all given to the saints (Jude 3). The “faith” is not our personal faith in Christ but the content of Christian doctrine as revealed in Holy Scripture. A local church, if it’s abiding by Scripture, will strive for a collective doctrinal unity – where all the members are confessing the same thing as to the truth. Historically, churches have sought to fulfill this scriptural mandate by writing confessions of faith. Thankfully, there are more churches in our day having returned to holding a confessional standard. Having such a document is especially helpful for a Christian whose searching for a church to join. They can question if this church has a confession of faith and secure a copy if the church answers in the affirmative. By such a document a person can see plainly what this church believes the Bible teaches and where that church takes its stand as to the truth of Scripture.

In the fifth place, since the church is the pillar and buttress of the truth, then there will be the evident pursuit of a relational unity built on the spiritual unity all believers share in due to their union with Christ. This means that the mandate of Ephesians 4:1-3 will not be taken lightly, where, the church is to walk worthy of the calling by which they have been called by God in Christ – by relating to one another in all humility, meekness, patience, and forbearing love, as they spare no effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. If there is no evidence of these graces in a local church there will only be division, strife, resentment, envy, and arrogance. In short, if a local church is not practicing relational unity as mandated by Scripture, then flee that church with haste.

In the sixth place, since the church is the pillar and buttress of the truth, then by the teaching and fellowship of the church members you should be stirred to grow in greater likeness to Christ. The supreme end of our sanctification is perfect conformity to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). No church therefore should do anything to impede such conformity. Rather, a congregation of fellow Christians should make all strides to help each other to stay the course and cross the finish line of their Christian race faithfully (Hebrews 3:12-14; 10:24-25; 12:1-2). A local church where this is sought after is worthy to join!

In the last place, since the church is the pillar and buttress of the truth, then the pursuit and practice of corrective church discipline will be carried out to preserve the church’s purity and rescue erring church members. One of the greatest tragedies in multiple local churches is the total absence of church discipline. Passages of Scripture like Matthew 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, or 2 Thessalonians 3:6-16 are completely foreign to the general population of professing evangelical Christians. It is thus no wonder that so many churches are racked with corruption, discord, scandal, heresy and the like. A church however that practices church discipline after the clear pattern laid out in Scripture, will be a church far healthier due to the premium it sets on the holiness God mandates His people to keep.

In conclusion, I hope it is clear to see what one should be looking for in a local church when they’re on the search. Obviously, they’re not looking for the “perfect church.” Nor are they looking for a church made in their image – catering exclusively to their tastes, standards, preferences, etc. No, what they should be looking for is God’s Church which can only be identified by what God has revealed and commanded by His Word. But understand this: to look for a local church with all the above qualities and traits as laid out in Scripture, cannot be assessed by one or two visits. You have to settle on a church where you will camp out long enough to see these things clearly or not, and thereby be able to make a qualified and fair judgment directed by the light of God’s Word. There’s nothing therefore hasty in this kind of search and decision for any Christian.

 

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Wisdom from Above

In James 3:13-18 we’re given a critically important contrast between two opposing standards of wisdom. One type of wisdom James describes as “earthly, unspiritual, demonic” (3:15). This kind of wisdom always exists and states its claims where “bitter jealously and selfish ambition” are driving the heart of man (3:14). Moreover, James informs us that where these sins of the heart are dominant “there will be disorder and every vile practice” (3:16). What’s most salient concerning this divine observation is that James is writing this to the church! The implication of which we should not miss: that in a local church of fellow Christians such “earthly, unspiritual, [and] demonic” wisdom can take the field and rule the day. Since we still have the law of sin to contend with in our members (cf. Rom. 7:23) prior to our entry into glory; then we must always be on the guard against our thoughts and affections being taken captive by such carnal wisdom.

But how exactly do we guard against earthly, unspiritual, and demonic wisdom? It’s by keeping in step with “the wisdom from above” (3:17). In contrast to carnal wisdom, James calls us to take on the traits of heavenly wisdom. What does this look like? When the wisdom of God is pervasive in the life of a church, it will be seen as follows – that it is “first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere”(3:17b).  In the first place, godly wisdom or the wisdom generated by the Spirit in God’s people is principally pure. The idea behind this descriptive is pressing us to see that because this wisdom is from God then it’s without any contamination or vileness or sin. God’s wisdom is holy because God is holy. There’s nothing earthly, carnal, or demonic about it. It is separate from anything born of either man or devil.

In the second place, since godly wisdom is holy wisdom then it is seen by its first effects as peaceable. There’s nothing divisive about heavenly wisdom wherein a gathered body of believers would be torn asunder. It abhors those sins which pull the people of God apart like bearing false witness against others or sowing discord among the brethren (cf. Exodus 20:16; Proverbs 6:19). Where godly wisdom is permeating a church, the body of Christ will be sparing no effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-3). They will be pursing peace and making for peace with each other.

In the third place, godly wisdom will be seen as gentle. The idea behind this word in the original Greek has been best understood as equitable and fair. What this tells us is that when we’re walking in God’s wisdom we will be careful not to jump to conclusions about people and circumstances that we know so little about (Proverbs 18:13). We’ll go out of our way to treat everyone with both sympathy and empathy – as opposed to dealing with them by a heavy and cruel temper laced in a cynical spirit.

In the fourth place, godly wisdom shows up when God’s people are open to reason. This trait is most evident in Christians who are teachable and easy to entreat rather than stubborn, argumentative, and self-willed. Instead of approaching someone with unverified, baseless accusations, God’s wisdom teaches us to ask first and search out what the truth is before making a final conclusion (Proverbs 18:13,17). Moreover, in the spirit of reasonableness, even if our initial ideas about people and circumstances prove wrong, we’ll yield to the facts discovered and discard those primal ideas. This grace of godly wisdom is so huge in matters of dispute between Christians. How many churches could have avoided splits if only certain brethren were open to reason?

In the fifth place, godly wisdom is manifested by a fullness of mercy. To be merciful is not to simply show pity toward someone, but to put that pity into action. It’s the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) sacrificing time and treasures to relieve the suffering of a man who can’t help himself. Yet, not only is this grace of mercy revealed in acts of physical and monetary needs; but even more critical, when we’re full of mercy our hearts are actively ready and willing to forgive others. You can’t hold a grudge when you’re full of mercy.

In the sixth place, godly wisdom is full of…good fruits. This has to be understood as shorthand for the fruit of the Spirit and all that proceeds from that divine produce (Galatians 5:22-23). It tells us therefore that when we’re walking in godly wisdom we will be living out a godly life! You can’t have one without the other.

In the seventh place, godly wisdom is impartial. This is a rare word in the New Testament, used only here in James 3:17. Combined with those graces of equity and reasonableness, to be impartial is not to play favorites which is a common ploy used when scheming to sow discord among the brethren. Favoritism feeds on showing flattery to hand-picked individuals in order to take advantage of them and use them for one’s own selfish ends. This sin is rampant in politics – but alas! even in the church do we see this at work. Yet, when led by God’s wisdom we show no favorites. Each person is to be handled and judged on their own merits and weighed by the truth of God’s Word rather than our personal prejudices.

In the final place, godly wisdom is characterized by someone who is sincere. A better translation of this term would be “without hypocrisy.” There’s nothing ever done in pretense by the wisdom which is from above. Godly wisdom is open, honest, and transparent. It’s real and not fake. It strives to do unto others as you would have them do unto you (Matthew 7:12).

When such wisdom as this is working and ruling in a community and fellowship of God’s people, can you imagine how healthy a local church like this would be? No division. No disorder. No animosity between the brethren. But harmony, order, and peace. When the world looks into a church ruled by godly wisdom they behold something altogether other worldly. But to see this, there must be in Christians an active walk in the power of the Spirit ruled by the Word of God. For this wisdom is from above. It therefore takes supernatural strength wrought by the indwelling Holy Spirit, combined with the light of God’s Word’s as our guide, to establish our steps in this way. No church should settle for anything less.

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Is there anything good in a divided church?

Have you ever wondered, “Can anything good ever come out of a local church that’s divided?” I would imagine that many, if not most, professing Christians would answer such a question with an emphatic, “No!” Such a response is certainly understandable.

For one thing, the unity of a local church is commanded as a divine mandate. In Ephesians 4:3, believers are urged to be “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” The significance of this passage is that it reveals a unity which already exists between all Christians – a unity that is created by the Holy Spirit Himself. Hence, it is not a unity manufactured by the church. Yet, the believer in Christ is strongly exhorted to make every effort to guard or keep this unity at all times. This is done by what Ephesians 4:1-2 describes as a “worthy walk.” Such a “walk” or way of life is characterized by relating to one another in humility, gentleness, patience, and with fore-bearing love. When these graces are cultivated by fellow believers, then they will in turn support and preserve the unity of the Spirit.

So then, needless to say, the Spirit’s unity, which binds all Christians together in peace, is a unity that can be severely harmed and stifled. When Christians are not walking in a manner worthy of the calling to which they have been called by God in Christ (see Ephesians 1:3-3:21) – then division will erupt and the Spirit’s unity will go underground. This is why diligence must be given by the church as a whole, to maintain the unity we have in Christ by the work of the Holy Spirit.

But even in the face of such a clear biblical command, local churches suffer seasons of division and strife, that in some cases, have left church fellowships forever marred. However, as hurtful as this is to a local church, can there be any good that could come out of a divided church? The answer from God’s Word is surprisingly – yes!

In the first place, there is the overarching promise of Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” The “good” to which this promise is referring is what’s revealed in verse 29, as being “conformed to the image of [Christ].” God, by the works of His providence, is ruling and governing “all things” to work in behalf of all His people, as a means of shaping them more into the image of Christ. This would include even horrid church divisions! That is, a divided church is used by God to transform His children more into the image of Christ.

But next to the promise of Romans 8:28, there is also the more specific teaching of 1 Corinthians 11:19. In this passage, the apostle Paul asserts – on the heels of affirming the reality of division in the Corinthian church – that, “there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.” The principle point being made by this statement concerning church division, is that God uses such adversity to prove the true character of His redeemed people – “that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.” In other words, in the same way that precious metals are tried in fire to certify their purity; so division in the church is permitted by God, to test and bear out the authentic faith of genuine believers. Observing this fact, Charles Hodge (1797-1878) wrote:

By the prevalence of disorders and other evils in the church, God puts his people to the test. They are tried like gold in a furnace, and their genuineness is made to appear. It is a great consolation to know that dissensions in the church are not matters of chance, but are ordered by God’s providence and are designed as storms for the purpose of purification. 

This is why Paul qualifies the presence of “factions” in a local church as necessary. He says, “There must be factions among you.” The necessity is grounded in God’s specific purpose. The Lord therefore overrules the damage caused by church division, to bring to light those who are valid converts to Christ and those who are not. So, when thinking about or dreading the potential of division rising up in the church, may we recall that even this is working toward a greater good for God’s people by God’s plan. This truth will fortify us whenever church division shows its ugly head.