Burning the Box, Working in the Spirit, Obeying the Book

by Missionary Jonathan Quinn
PREACH Evangelistic Ministries

- "Our people will give they just won’t go." "We’re doing all we can for missions." "Right now we are just going to refocus our missions program here at home." Spend any time at all preaching a "missions" message in churches today and you will hear comments like these.

- As an independent Baptist searching for any statistical or printed materials on unreached or least reached peoples, you will find that by in large this material is produced and printed by evangelical, non-independent, non-fundamental ministries.

- It is a sad commentary on the Independent, Fundamental movement that to try and stir our churches into action among the unreached or least reached peoples of the world we must almost twist arms in a once a year Faith Promise missions meeting.

- Some of the Biblical methods and models we are seeing become more common among independents have been used for years by other denominations, boards and missionaries like the Evangelical Free, Southern Baptists and non-denominational "evangelical" churches.

These facts are a direct rebuke to our movement and show our great lack of concern for the uttermost.

It is good to see some of the leaders of the independent Baptist movement taking an honest look at the mission as given in the Bible, and it is good that they are willing to challenge the status quo. I have recently seen missionary leaders begin to make some changes toward a more Biblical approach in world evangelism. Dr. Charles Keen of First Bible has written a book along these lines called Thinking Outside the Box. While thinking outside the box is a good first step toward change I would say that we need to take this idea even farther. If we have been working inside this box that we have created (and we can see the results of working in the box) then just thinking outside of it will never get the job done. Any born again Christian that believes in the imminent return of the Savior should agree that it is time to take immediate, drastic action. Friends, it is high time to stop stroking one another’s egos, burn "the box" and begin working in the Spirit and by the Book.

Gospel Missions

One-hundred and fifty years ago on April 27, 1856, C.H. Spurgeon preached a sermon that needs to be repeated in every Independent Baptist Church of our time. His message, Gospel Missions, preached that morning would cut most of our churches to the quick. Spurgeon said,

"We do not conceive that God will do his own work without instruments, but that, as he has always employed means in the work of the regeneration of this world, he will still continue to do the same, and that it becomes the Church to do its utmost to spread the truth wherever it can reach the ear of man. We have not two opinions on that point. Some churches may have, but we have not. Our doctrines, although they are supposed to lead to apathy and sloth, have always proved themselves to be eminently practical; the fathers of the mission were all zealous lovers of the doctrines of the grace of God; and we believe, the great supporters of missionary enterprise, if it is to be successful, must always come from those who hold God's truth firmly and boldly, and yet have fire and zeal with it, and desire to spread it everywhere."

If this last statement is true, which I believe it certainly is, what does this say about our movement, our leaders, our churches and ourselves. You see, for someone to lead they must "hold God's truth firmly and boldly, and yet have fire and zeal with it", but Spurgeon did not stop with this head knowledge and charisma that we see in so many pulpits and meetings today. Leading also requires action, and not just a beating of the water into froth. A true servant leader is one that has knowledge and wisdom and also an overwhelming desire to "spread it (the truth of the Gospel) everywhere."

Spurgeon goes on to speak of a feeling of apathy in the church and in its leadership; an apathy based on God’s sovereignty:

"But there is a point on which we have great division of opinion, and that is as to the reason why we have had so little success in our missionary labours."
"There may be some who say the success has been proportionate to the agency, and that we could not have been more successful. I am far from being of their opinion, and I do not think they themselves would express it on their knees before Almighty God."
"We have not been successful to the extent we might have expected, certainly not to an apostolic extent, certainly with nothing like the success of Paul or Peter, or even of those imminent men who have preceded us in modern times, and who were able to evangelize whole countries, turning thousands to God. Now, what is the reason of this? Perhaps we may turn our eyes on high, and think we find that reason in the sovereignty of God, which hath withholden his Spirit, and hath not poured out his grace as aforetime. I shall be prepared to grant all men may say on that point, for I believe in the ordination of everything by Almighty God. I believe in a present God in our defeats as well as in our successes; a God as well in the motionless air as in the careering tempest; a God of ebbs as well as a God of floods. But still we must look at home for the cause."

He answers this argument by saying:

"I think I shall be able to show one or two reasons why our holy faith is not so prosperous as it was then. In the first place, we have not Apostolic men; in the second place, they do not set about their work in an Apostolic style; in the third place, we have not Apostolic churches to back them up; and in the fourth place, we have not the Apostolic influence of the Holy Ghost in the measure which they had it in ancient times."

Spurgeon’s point being that we have ceased to do God’s work in God’s way. In other words we should not expect to see the blessings of God in our churches when we are not; men of faith and prayer, men following the mandates of the scriptures in doing His work, churches made up of Christians committed to their God given mission. It is because of our disobedience, let us say it plainly, our sin, that we do not see the precious Holy Ghost working on our behalf.

The Man Made "Bar of Excellence"

Among our ranks we have claimed victory and success by substituting a man made “bar of excellence” for true Holy Spirit blessing and power. The problem with this measuring stick is that it is not a true standard. It is subjective, moveable and often times unscriptural. When we, as fallible human beings, begin to compare ourselves among ourselves we can always find someone else to step on as we move “our ministries” up the ladder. The word of God labels this activity as the work of the unwise.

2 Corinthians 10:12  For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

Let’s take a step back and take an honest look at our activities and programs.


Ask yourself these questions and then write down honest answers. I hope this is not painting with too broad of a brush, but here is a short list that I have compiled from independent Baptist churches.

The Bodies

Almost to a man we would say we want to see souls saved, we want these people added to our roles, we want them to be faithful in attendance, we want them to grow spiritually and to serve in the church (nursery workers, youth workers, Sunday school teachers, visitation, helping with cleaning, cutting grass, ushers, parking lot attendants, etc.). Many would say they want to see revival in their people and in their communities.

Some would go as far as to say they would like to see a Spanish ministry out of their church (the farther out of the church the better so as not to upset the English speaking applecart. God forbid we have any Hispanic deacons making decisions about our money!) I was actually told by an independent, fundamental missionary that he would never have a Hispanic ministry in his church (he used to pastor in the States) because “they” are mostly illegal and end up taking over the church. We want to see people saved but we want to pick and choose which ones get to stay in our church. Rest easy though, if we do see a black, Hispanic, drug addict or hooker saved, we can send them to that Community Church, where they accept everybody.

The Budget

So we want to see the roles of our churches grow long, (and prayerfully they will be middle class) which will in turn increase giving or income. If we are really blessed about half of our people will be regular tithers. Now the church can add more paid staff as a youth Pastor, Assistant, Staff Evangelist, Associate Pastor/ Director of Missions. Now we can have some really quality programs in the church because we have Bible college educated men in positions of leadership. Expectations swell as the best and brightest arrive to help, bringing the newest methods in outreach. Slick four color printers turn out glossy bulletins, newsletters and booklets to reach our towns. DVDs, CDs and fliers in the mail replace handshakes and personal invitations.

Some of the growing number of members will get involved in Faith Promise giving (many will know of the concept from the Independent Baptist Church they used to go to before they transferred their letter). Our list of missionaries will continue to increase as we take on somewhere around 100 missionaries or missionary projects at approximately $50 per month. And then the day arrives when we can boast to our people that the sun never sets on the ministry of this local church!

The Buildings

With all of these new members we have to have somewhere to put them. It is a proven fact that when the average lethargic, fifty pound overweight Baptist pew potato gets a little crowded they will begin thinking of an exit strategy. Now if we bring in a good quartet twice a month or the hottest "evangelist" they may stay for a while, but when 75 percent of the seats are filled it is definitely time to build. Just keep in mind this "sold out for Jesus" group of saints goes from 350 spirit filled worshippers on Sunday to 80 or so of the over fifty crowd on Wednesday, but have faith, it has been promised to us somewhere, "If you build it, they will come."

The building program starts, the missions program gets moved to the back burner (was it ever on the front?) and two years, several messages from II Chronicles chapter 2 and thousands of headaches later we move into the latest and greatest multimedia, Dolby surround sound, multiscreen theater… I mean sanctuary. And praise God they do come…from every Baptist church in the county. They can’t believe how good the choir sounds on that new system and how nice the preacher looks on that giant screen, and boy these pews have so much padding.

So we’ve done it. We’ve got the people, we’ve got the programs, we’ve got the property. It all looks good and sounds good and even smells good. Its new and clean and high tech. We’re seeing new members added and people saved and baptized. The roles in Sunday School have grown and friend day was by far the biggest ever! But after all of this there is something not quite right…and we just can’t put our finger on it.

This is our vision and our desire. It is what we have been taught to do. It is success. We are doing so much more than that little church of fifty… aren’t we??? But what about the rest of the world? Was that not the command to preach the gospel to every creature? So what about the more than 3 billion souls that have never heard the gospel message? What about the 2,161 totally unreached people groups? Have we really been working on a God given vision with Holy Spirit empowered action? Have we made an impact for eternity on this world we call home?

Do We Need Change?

Whenever this word, change, is used in our circles people immediately bristle. If we need to change it must mean that we are doing something wrong. Changing direction is hard because we do not want to admit our mistakes, and we let pride keep us in the same paths we have been following. You may be thinking along these lines already, because we like to be known as those that are "old fashioned" or the ones that are "sticking by the stuff". I am right in line with this manner of thinking and practice. In fact I would call our people out to be "really old fashioned" and to really "stick by the stuff". The problem with this phraseology is that most of us aren’t really that "old fashioned" and most of us are just sticking by "some" stuff. Let me explain: For too many churches "old fashioned" is just doing church the way Grandpa, or the founding Pastor did it, so the stuff we end up sticking with is really not that old fashioned. In fact it is more tradition and religious activity than true obedience to the Word of God. Where is the longing of our hearts to see the Holy Ghost do great and mighty things in our communities? Where is the following hard after God?

Right in Our Own Eyes

Let me say that to many it would seem that we are doing that which is right. We point to an increase in numbers and in finances. We are quick to point out that the materials we use and produce are KJV only and that their visual qualities are appealing to the general public. Our people live by standards. We say we are holy and separated. Our presence on our property is great. People know where we are located and many drop by to see what is going on. So what’s the problem? We say our hearts are perfect toward Him. But if they are then why don’t we see His strength working on our behalf? Why are we seeing such spiritual decline and apathy among God’s people? If we have the inspired word of God, and our lives are lived by its standards; if we have all the right programs and procedures, then where is the great revival? Where is the moving of the Spirit in our midst?

We see a Biblical example of this in II Kings 22. The good king Josiah was involved in a similar exercise. He was concerned with the business of ministry, as it were.  Josiah had sent the scribe to settle all accounts and to make sure everyone involved in the repair of the house of the LORD received their due. It was during all of this “religious activity” that Hilkiah found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. Take note that not only was the book found, but it was read; and not only was it read but the reading of it brought about repentance and a crying out to God. Josiah is cut to the heart not because of his lack of good activity, but because his activity was taking place apart from the truth of the Book. There were great things happening around the LORD’s house during this time, but the King put a stop to it all when he realized the sinful state of his people as pointed out by the book of the law. Josiah assumed everything was alright until He heard God’s opinion on the matter. The truth of the Word brought conviction, repentance and change of direction for both Josiah and the people he had a God given influence over. Oh that we would read the word of the LORD longing for His way, and not looking to justify ours!

God makes Josiah a promise in the last part of chapter 22. Notice that this promise is based on the condition of Josiah’s heart and his humility before God.

2 Kings 22:19,20  Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again.

If I was in Josiah’s place I would have just let out a great sigh of relief. The God of the universe has just promised me that I will die in peace and not see the evil He is about to reign down on this wicked, backslidden people. I’m now free, shouting the victory and at ease in Zion. Not Josiah.

A Leader that Leads

He begins what must have been a frantic gathering of all the people. Everyone is called in, all the men, all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the priests, the prophets and the people, both great and small. Everyone must hear regardless of their prominence or position. No one is too young. No one is too old. No one is too spiritual or too deep in sin. The cry goes out into every corner of the land, "The great King Josiah has proclaimed that all the people of Judah, both great and small, be gathered immediately to hear the book of the LORD which was lost and has now been found." All work ceases, people drop what they are doing and begin moving toward the center of town. Even work on the house of the Lord stops. At this point in time there is something to be done that supersedes even work at the LORD’s house. The King has made a proclamation so we must attend, but its not just any old gathering of the people…today we will hear from the LORD!

Pay close attention to the next step in this process for to many times we cry upon the altar, repenting for sin, only to make concession to the flesh in the days to follow. True repentance brings about drastic action.

2 Kings 23:3-8 And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant.
And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the door, to bring forth out of the temple of the LORD all the vessels that were made for Baal, and for the grove, and for all the host of heaven: and he burned them without Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron, and carried the ashes of them unto Bethel.
And he put down the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem; them also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven.
And he brought out the grove from the house of the LORD, without Jerusalem, unto the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron, and stamped it small to powder, and cast the powder thereof upon the graves of the children of the people.
And he brake down the houses of the sodomites, that were by the house of the LORD, where the women wove hangings for the grove.
And he brought all the priests out of the cities of Judah, and defiled the high places where the priests had burned incense, from Geba to Beersheba, and brake down the high places of the gates that were in the entering in of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city, which were on a man's left hand at the gate of the city.

In this passage we see Josiah making a covenant "to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book." The leader changes first and then the people follow. In many cases our people would be willing to change but leadership must first swallow their pride, admit disobedience, and repent.

Preachers like to talk about how many of the great revivals were started when young people repented and began to cry out to God. Let me say here that God is no respecter of persons and that He can use whoever He wills, but the age of those used has nothing to do with it at all. If the prayers of children brought about revival it was because God saw honest repentance and a humbling of their hearts. Men of God, leaders of churches, elders, deacons, or babes in Christ; if we would humble ourselves, repent and pray, the God of heaven would hear our cry and pour out His strength on our behalf. What must be exercised is humility, repentance and childlike faith. E.M. Bounds stated it this way in his work The Necessity of Prayer,

What an era of glorious achievements would dawn for the church and the world, if only there could be reproduced a race of saints of like mighty faith, of like wonderful praying! It is not the intellectually great that the church needs; nor is it men of wealth that the times demand. It is not people of great social influence that this day requires. Above everybody and everything else, it is men of faith, men of mighty prayer, men and women after the fashion of the saints and heroes enumerated in Hebrews, who "obtained a good report through faith," that the church and the whole wide world of humanity needs.

Have we become to set in our ways to change? Has our spiritual inner ear become calcified with our own pride and self worth? God help us to return to that place of saving, childlike faith!

The next place affected by revival is the house of the LORD. Revival will bring a great cleansing flood upon the house of God. It begins in the hearts of individuals and ends up affecting those gathered around. We also see this revival, this cleansing flood flows out to affect evil throughout the kingdom. It really sounds like Josiah and his people went on a rampage, taking the battle from the church house right to the most unholy places. Pay close attention to the fact that Josiah is leading this action. John Wesley says in his notes on the Old Testament, "Josiah's care and zeal was so great, that he would not trust his officers with these things, but would see them done with his own eyes." The mission of the Church in reaching the world must not be just overseen by its leaders, it must be lived by them.

I hope you are beginning to see that it is not about some "new revelation" or even a new and improved method of great men. For us to see true success and the blessings of God (true revival) on our churches and throughout the world, we must return to God’s perfect standard. We must return to doing God’s work. We must return to doing it God’s way!

Getting Really Old Fashioned

So what is old fashioned? Old fashioned is the law convicting of sin. It’s God using men and women of great faith to impact the world for eternity. It’s God becoming flesh and living among us, so we could behold His glory. It was a hill called Golgotha and a Savior beaten beyond recognition being nailed to the cross; the sinless Lamb of God being sacrificed for sinful humanity. It’s an empty grave and a risen Lord! It’s His ascension back to the Father and the promise He will return again in like manner. It’s His last command to teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. It’s Paul on the road to Damascus being totally changed. It’s Steven preaching the gospel to those that hated him so much that they stoned him, as he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father. It’s a counsel held in Jerusalem to straighten out the legalist teachers. It’s Peter, John, Phillip and Steven preaching to the Jews. It’s Paul, Barnabas, Silas, Mark, Timothy and Luke going into the Gentile world. It’s getting the gospel from Jerusalem into Judea, Samaria and the uttermost. It’s the number being added to daily such as should be saved. It’s the number of saved being multiplied and then the number of churches growing exponentially. It’s teams of men risking their lives, being beaten with rods and whipped and stoned and thrown out of town, all for the sake of the glorious gospel! It’s going to Paphos, Antioch, Iconium and Lystra. It’s the Macedonian call to Troas, Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens and Corinth. It’s writing the new churches in Thessalonica from Athens to confirm foundational truths, exhort them to be holy and to comfort them. It’s letters of rebuke and return visits to straighten out “new” issues among believers. It’s committing the gospel to faithful men, men who will be able to teach others and encourage them in their ministries. It’s looking forward to the soon return of Christ but not failing to preach the word; being instant in season and out of season. It’s reproving, rebuking and exhorting with all longsuffering and doctrine. It is a trail of suffering and bloodshed that began at the cross and has followed every true believer throughout history. It is men and women willing to give their all for the one that gave His only begotten Son, the precious Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world!

Topics like sacrifice, bloodshed, beatings, suffering cold and hunger for the sake of the gospel don’t play to well with the average Christian in the States today. It’s not the kind of message that will draw a crowd. The crowd wants to see Jesus do another miracle, they want a healing or to be fed. Jesus lost a lot of followers when His preaching turned to denying oneself, and taking up your cross, and following me. Or when he said to go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and come and follow me. It’s not the inspirational message most "Christians" want to hear, but it, and only it, is the kind of "old fashioned" "stuff" that will get the gospel to the ends of the earth in 54 AD or 2006 AD.

What will bring us back into proper prospective is a close look at God’s desire and God’s vision, given in God’s word. It is when we put our ministries under the scrutinizing microscope of scripture that we cry like the prophet Isaiah, "Woe is me." What we find is that our "bar of excellence" comes up pitifully short of God’s standard. I do not think we need to look much farther than out of the front doors of these grand theaters we have constructed to see where we are failing. Where are the mixed multitudes, that walk the streets around our buildings during the week, come Sunday morning? Where are the Africans, Hispanics, Asians and Arabs? Where are the hated, the homeless, the addict and the alcoholic? Maybe we can see it in our own pews on Sunday morning as so many are gathering with itching ears, wanting to be entertained through "powerful" preaching or  "spirit filled" singing. Many attend Sunday morning service because they enjoy the service. Many serve so they don’t let the Pastor down. We have created environments of entertainment driven worship and guilt driven service. What a miserable existence.

God’s Standard

As Christians, our lives should be lived in such a way, that in everything we do, we bring glory to God. But that’s not all. God desires our praise and adoration, but he also desires that same worship from everyone that He has created. Further more He has given us the job of seeing that all people know about Him and His precious Son and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. And not just all people in our home town, or in our county, or in our state, or in our country, or on our continent, but throughout the world. God will one day hold you and I, all born again, blood bought believers, accountable for what we did, or did not do, in reaching the world with this great news we hold so dear.

The good news is that there is a clear direction, or straight and narrow way, in all of this activity. The needle never moved from Genesis, throughout the Old Testament. When after 400 years it seemed as if the world may lose its bearing, John the Baptist brought a seemingly drifting ship back on course with a clear proclamation. The Son of God came to fulfill the great plan of redemption all the while pointing us upward; pointing to the creator of all that exists, the God of heaven and earth and everything therein, the one true God that desires worship from of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues. True North! It is what should direct and form all of our ministries and activity. If our every heartbeat and breath is not used to bring closure to our Lord’s command to “go ye therefore and teach all nations..." then we have no right to exist. One day we will stand before our Lord and Saviour with all the great things we have done and say, “Lord look at all those who were saved, and look at the great amounts of money we brought in and sent out, and Lord our buildings were great monuments of your blessing." With tears in His eyes He will turn to us and say, "but you should have done greater works than these."

John 14:12-14  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

God has laid this clear center line out in His word. It is far past time that we move ourselves into line with His will. I say move ourselves, because we were the ones that chose this path we now travel. I know this redirection will take a powerful move of God in our churches, but it must begin with each Christian (and more specifically each Christian leader) determining to turn, or repent, from un-Biblical practices and procedures. We must become God-centered in all that we do. For many this would be a radical shift, a polar opposite of our man centered standards. It would mean our youth groups are not about pizza and pop, but about God and the nations that don’t know of Him. It would change the way we pick our songs because it’s not about us it’s about Him. Our seniors would care less about being bused to see fall colors and more about getting the gospel to fallen man. Dinner on the grounds would not be such a big event when we have just heard a message about Brothers and Sisters in China imprisoned and starving because of their faith. We would actually pray at prayer meetings because it’s not about gathering to hear another great pulpiteer, it’s about pouring ourselves out in faith, knowing that God does hear and answer when his children call on Him.

God’s World View

The Lord Jesus, being part of the triune God could not separate His will from the will of the Father. His vision could not be different from the Fathers vision. As joint heirs and adopted children our views and our burdens should be a direct reflection of the will of the Father. We can see throughout the gospels the vision and desire of Jesus Christ, stated so clearly in John 3:16:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

We can all agree that God loves the world. He loves the world so much that He sent His only begotten Son to die for its sinful population. Was there a change from Old Testament to New Testament with whom God loves? Was there a time when God loved the nation of Israel but hated the heathen? We can see throughout the Old Testament that God made provision for the non-Jew or heathen to know Him and to worship Him. Praise God that He made this provision for the gentile! This is great information for us to have, but why are we holding on to it? Why aren’t we spreading this great news to those that have never heard? Why do we continue to spend millions of dollars in preaching to the reached? And I’m not talking about South America or Canada. I’m talking about churches in the U.S. of A. with buildings worth tens of millions and parking lots worth millions and pastors salaries in the six figure range!; Churches that don’t even give a good tip when it comes to reaching the rest of the world. One day we will answer for our materialism, lack of compassion for our brothers in need, and our unconcerned attitude for those bound for Hell having never heard.

Revelation 3:17-19 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Oh that we would hear the voice of God rebuking us, not for inactivity but for lack of concern for the world. If we would just see ourselves as the poor, blind, naked creatures that we are compared to God’s holy standard. How can a starving man in rags, stand behind the pulpit and pridefully boast in the works of their hand? Can you hear His rebuke…? As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore and repent. Oh that we would see the world like He does.

The Reason to Work in all the Earth (God’s chosen people)

Re 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Re 7:9-10 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

In these verses we see the who, the what and the where of eternity. The where being heaven, the throne room of God almighty. The what is worship, the activity of all those present. The who being all the redeemed before God, the great multitude that no man could number. Just try to imagine every seat in the church is full, chairs are in the aisles and people are even standing in the narthex. These have gathered not to hear the hottest quartet or camp meeting preacher; they have gathered to worship the God of all the universe. The service begins and everyone bows down on their face and the carpet is wet with tears. There is no "Just as I Am" playing softly in the background because the pianist is bowed in the third row with her head buried in her hands. The only sound is broken people crying out to God. Then something changes and what were tears repentance become one singular noise. It is all the people speaking in unison and the sound that goes up to heaven is ear splitting, "Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb"

Before you lose this picture in your mind I want you to focus in on some of the details. Look at the people. Pay attention to their appearance. Now be honest, what did you see in your minds eye. Were they Americans? What was their skin color? What language were they praising in? Were the men wearing suits? Were the women in dresses and skirts? Where was the preacher? Was he sitting on the platform orchestrating this "service"?

Let’s read Revelation 7:9 again: "... a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;"

You can see it more clearly now, it’s not just about the massive number of bodies, it’s about a mixed multitude from all nations and kindreds and people and tongues. So it’s not just about seeing a lot of souls saved. God desires worship from all different lands and nationalities and cultures and tribes. This fact should cause us to take a step back from our everyday routine. We need to examine who we are trying to reach. What people has your church been built to serve? What peoples are represented at your place on Sunday morning? Who have you not reached out to in your area? Who have we not reached around the world? Are your people genuinely concerned for all peoples and are you leading them to be?

Now go back to the picture of true worship that you had in our minds. I would like you to think about a few more of the details before leaving this topic. Not only were we guilty of producing the picture of an "All American" crowd but we chose to fill in some other details also. What about the language? We immediately had the crowd speaking English. Now let me say that I realize every person thinks in their native tongue, and so placing this into the picture is only normal. But think about our nation today. We are surrounded by people from different nationalities and language persuasions. Have we considered their cultures or even their languages in our worship? The easy way out is to say, "someone needs to start a church to reach 'them'". Our problem is that we have created a worship environment that is culturally relevant to “us” and we can’t begin to fathom adjusting it. It’s the old adage if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. My friend the Titanic was making great time crossing the Atlantic until it hit that iceberg. Within two hours the "unsinkable" luxury liner was on its way to the ocean floor, 13,000 feet below. Changing the course of a great ship with a head of steam isn’t easy, but sometimes it is necessary.

For the most part styles of worship are based on preference or culture, but we claim some spiritual mandate for whatever way we chose. We make no concession for those from other cultures. This is why we have some churches that are largely for the middle-class white population, and some churches are for the down and outers, and a few independent Baptist churches for black Americans. If we are reaching out to the Hispanics, they may be on the property but for all intents and purposes they are a separate church. Is this the picture from Revelation? I know there are many situations and cultural problems that we would have to work through before we could see most of our churches become true multicultural churches (ie. What would we have to change to make a Persian with a Muslim background, or a Chinese with a Buddhist upbringing, or an Indian that recently converted from Hinduism feel welcome? What about a black American? What about our neighbor?) We would have to make allowances in areas that would probably make the deacons shudder. Before starting down this road ask yourself, "would I be willing to give up my preferences to see others come to Christ?" Would this be an easy step to take? No. Would it make good economic sense for the church to go down this road? No, but world evangelism is not about  return on an investment (at least not in this life). Truly following Christ into all the world has always, and will continue to involve great commitment and great sacrifice

While we are on the subject of preference allow me to clarify this term. In today’s Independent Baptist churches we talk a lot about "our convictions". It has been rightly said that a conviction is something you will die for and a preference is just something we prefer. The apostle Paul said it this way,

1Corinthians 9:19-23  For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

Notice the tone that Paul uses as he makes this statement. He is neither claiming some spiritual freedom to do whatever he chooses, nor is he making his cultural preference the law for all others to follow. He says that he is free from all men; in other words he knows that he does not have to live by their laws or customs to please God; he is free from this bondage but is willing to be subject to their practices, so long as it is not a stumbling block in the preaching of the gospel. While among the Jew, Paul would live by their laws and customs in as much as he could do so innocently. Among the heathen he would not put them under the yolk of ceremonial Jewish laws or customs.

John Wesley put it in these words, "I acted with as self-denying a regard to their interest, and as much caution not to offend them, as if I had been literally their servant or slave.  Where is the preacher of the gospel who treads in the same steps?"

Now don’t take this as Paul being some spineless preacher that changed his stance every time he met opposition. It is abundantly clear throughout Acts and the Epistles that Paul’s life is to be an example for us as true believers.

2Timothy 1:12,13  For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

Paul knew exactly what he believed and was willing to face all manner of persecution (he is writing these verses to Timothy from prison!) for the sake of the gospel. The question now becomes what are the things that we prefer. What could we change if we want to reach those that are in our communities but not in our churches? What could we change without affecting the essence of the gospel message, or perverting the truths’ of scripture? What are the doctrines that true believers have been willing to die for down through the ages? Remember that it is always easier to continue down the same path, with the same people and see the same results. It is time to take a stand on Bible truths.

Paul is also refusing to let prejudice be a hindrance in his preaching. A great study of this can be seen in Acts 10:19-28 when Peter receives the vision of the unclean animals. We may not like to admit it but our prejudice has been a major hindrance in world evangelism.

It should be noted that Paul is not living in any way that would hinder the gospel from being preached effectively. Paul’s preaching, and his life, are both a testimony to the saving grace of the Lord Jesus. In fact he is living among others, as a servant, and showing preference to those that were spiritually and culturally different, so that some may come to a saving knowledge of Jesus.

In our example crowd of worshippers we saw them as well dressed independent Baptists. After all these are true worshippers; the suit and tie, the dresses, the hair its all required for true worship to take place, right? Let me say here that God has a standard on appearance and then many times we have a standard on appearance. I am not here to tell you what should or should not be allowed in your local church. In fact I believe that the issue of leaders deviating from clear scriptural standards and then imposing their ideas as the "law of the movement" has caused more problems for our churches than any other in recent history. Not because we are wrong in our stand but because “"it has become the central issue, instead of God receiving the glory. I believe God would have us see something here from this verse: "clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands" The apparel is mentioned here, but there is nothing said as a "do this or don’t do this". In fact the dress mentioned is very neutral. Everyone is in standard white robes. What I am trying to say is that when real worship takes place the main thing is God high and lifted up. All of our man made rules and regulations aren’t really needed because God is in the place and we want to please HIM!

When Robert E. Lee became the president of what is now Washington and Lee University, he was approached about adding his rules to the cadet’s manual. Those around him were shocked when he said they would do away with the rule book all together and begin following one rule. Lee’s rule was that all cadets would live their lives as becometh Christian gentlemen. Lee understood that the actions of those following him were a direct reflection of his character. The cadets would see this rule lived out by their leader, every minute of everyday. They saw it in the way his schedule was regimented. They saw it through his teaching. They saw it in the way he was faithful in loving and caring for his crippled wife that lived on campus with him. They saw it in the way he treated each and every person he was in contact with. To these followers, or disciples, Robert E. Lee was the rule book. His life, lived out according to his strong religious convictions, set the standard.

He is Lord

The problem we have in many churches is that the sheep are following men that aren’t following the Good Sheppard. The Lord Jesus was the example that we all should be following. He trained a group of men and put them to work in His absence, knowing they could and would get the job done. They had lived with the Master and had seen His character. We don’t have the time and energy to train or raise up disciples because we are to busy counseling the black sheep and the visiting the sick sheep. The flock is blown around by every wind of doctrine because they are spiritually immature due to this lack of discipling. The "leaders" then determine it would be best to drive the sheep because the sheep realize that the leadership “isn’t so spiritual after all”. We have to keep adding rules to the book, hoping this will drive these immature, wandering sheep back into line. Instead the flock becomes frustrated and bucks the system.

The answer to all of this nonsense is to make sure that we keep God in His rightful place in our lives. It sound to simple doesn’t it? We think for it to work we need some six steps to success program, written by some Doctor of Divinity. What we need is faith in God and faith in His promises. If we allow God and His word to have preeminence in our lives; if we see Him as holy and high and lifted up, if we will become broken over our self-righteousness and pride, then once again we will see ourselves as humble servants. That is where God wants us. That is who gets through at the Mercy Seat.

Psalm 51:14-17 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

The Bow and Arrow

(God’s chosen method for world evangelism)

What is the Biblical approach and method for reaching the world with the gospel? In other words who has God chosen to use in proclaiming His name among the heathen. In this age of Grace we know that God has given His Church the responsibility of evangelizing the world. The great commission verses were given to the Church. We are to be local church in our approach. Each local assembly of born again believers should be working on bringing closure to our Lord’s command. The Bible clearly gives the responsibility of training, sending and supporting missionaries to the local church. I can see no Biblical reason why a group of local churches could not work together in praying for and supporting any missionary endeavor. Most would not have any problem with the training of these men being accomplished through a network of local churches. The problem begins when we shirk our responsibility to train, ordain, send and stand with these men and their families. The use of any para-church organization in this endeavor only serves to weaken the chain of responsibility and authority that God has given the local church.

I will use the analogy of an archer, a bow and an arrow to make this point. The archer is our Lord Jesus, the power behind all of our efforts. "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." We must be working in and through His name and power. When we get away from Him we shouldn’t expect to be used. Any servant of God must first be called to follow Him. The bow is the local church. It is the apparatus that sends the arrow into battle. It is a useless, inanimate object if not in the hands of the archer. The bow was made for the sole purpose of sending forth arrows. The arrow depends on the bow to guide it and "train" it as it prepares to leave for battle. It is quite possible for the archer to throw the arrow but he has chosen the most effective tool to help in this work.

The archer has also found that modern American made bows have become flimsy and to flexible. In their weakened state they are unable to send their arrows into the uttermost enemy positions. These bows would rather lob arrows all round their current locations. It is too painful for the bow, to be stretched back far enough to send an arrow a great distance. Many bows are afraid of losing the fort to the enemy close at hand. They complain about those arrows wanting to expend the extra energy (finances) needed to get to the far outposts of the battle.

In recent time the bow has refused to do its job all together and the archer has resorted to another tool. He has picked up the cross bow, which is a modernized conglomeration of a bow and a gunstock. The crossbow is effective, but comes at a cost. Arrows tend to jam in its mechanism and it is only produced at a high price to the bows that support it. Another draw back to the crossbow is that it only has one power setting. The string is not controlled by the archer in the same way that the bow string would be controlled. The crossbow has a mind of its own and removes much of the Archer’s leading in directing the arrows.

The arrow has three main parts; the arrowhead, the shaft and the feathers. The arrowhead, or gospel message, does the work of cutting to the heart. It is most effective when it has its shaft, or the person of the missionary, and all of its feathers, the Holy Spirit. The missionary is taken from the same tree as the bow, from the best wood, shaped through training, made strait and true. The shaft is able to flex (culturally adaptable) but keeps the point on target. The feathers are the Holy Spirit, guiding, directing and enabling the gospel to be directed in to the sinner’s heart. With out this guidance and leading the arrow becomes useless.

A bow is useless until it is used to project arrows into enemy territory. Pastors and churches need to prepare arrows and launch them into the battle. Arrows are not to be held and admired. Christians are not saved to sit. There are arrows in our quivers today that were made for the frontlines but have never been given the opportunity to taste blood. There are enemy strongholds around the globe today that have never seen an arrowhead; they have never felt the sting of its piercing power because we have not prepared our arrows for these places. We are shipping our arrows into places where they won’t get bloodied or broken; places that are user friendly and economically feasible for our arrow making industry; places that we can track them; places that won’t use up so much energy in launching them. All of this is a variation on the archer’s original plan and purpose.

Today more than any time in history, I believe we need Christians that will return to doing the work of world evangelism by true New Testament methods.