BODY BUILDERS MINISTRY

Though separation is not a pleasant issue to consider and though its applications is at times complicated, separation is one issue which Christians intent on faithful obedience to the Word must seriously work through. Though we should never be defined only by our practice of separation, separatism is an integral part of what makes fundamentalism different from other groups of believers. Separatism remains one of the prime distinctives that keep fundamentalism alive and necessary. However, separation should never be practiced for separations sake. Separation is always subordinate to the prime purpose of bringing God glory in our lives and churches. The purpose of separation is to glorify God through the careful application of His Word to maintain unity and purity within the church.

One thing stands paramount above all other considerations in practicing separation and is the only means by which we can understand how to practice separation for the glory of God. The Bible must be the supreme and sole standard and guide for us in our fellowship with other professing believers. Many times feelings and traditions take greater importance than the Bible. This must not be. God’s Word gives us exactly what we need to know about separation, telling us when and how to break fellowship with fellow believers. The problems regarding separation in evangelicalism and fundamentalism stem from deviating from the Biblical commands. In fundamentalism, we have added traditions and opinions to the Biblical commands. We have gone beyond and created extra-Biblical reasons to separate.

While I am deeply concerned whenever a church or an institution makes decisions that moves them away from a traditional or conservative stance I cannot separate from them over that decision. I may encourage them to return to their former position, but I cannot separate from them. Even though changing music or dress standards may be the first step down a well lubricated decline, unless the new position is disobedient to the Word then I cannot, I must not, separate over such a change. On the other end of the spectrum, I must not maintain fellowship with one who is in disobedience to the Word. No matter what circle he travels in, what history his church may have, how long we have been friends or how many people have been saved under his preaching, if one is in violation of the Bible I must separate from Him.

The Bible has to be the standard by which our fellowship is judged. If there is a difference between myself and another regarding the socio-cultural application of a Biblical principle, I cannot use the differing opinion as an excuse to refuse fellowship. If there is disobedience to the Bible, I cannot use any sentiment or tradition as an excuse to maintain fellowship. The standard is the Word of God, and only when we faithfully apply the Word to our relationships will we practice a separation that glorifies God and strengthens His church.

Should fundamentalists separate from conservative evangelicals? That question lies before us in this particular article.  For the sake of these articles on separation, I have defined a conservative evangelical as one who does not separate from a professing believer who maintains close fellowship with an apostate.  The command to separate from apostates is clearly revealed in the Bible.  The need to separate from those who fellowship with apostasy is also laid out in Scriptures. The answer to the question of our relationship with conservative evangelicals must also be found in the Word of God.  Logical, sentimental and practical answers are not sufficient.  Only an answer from Scriptures will suffice.

Finding a clear, concise answer to this question in the Word is rather challenging, since the universal response to apostasy in the Bible was absolute separation.  We find no clear examples of ongoing fellowship with apostates, much less the other levels of separation that are now being discussed.  Where then do we turn?  I believe there are a few Biblical principles that must direct our thinking.  The principles that apply to this situation are of two different kinds, principles of unity and principles of purity.

Unity argues that these brethren (and whatever else can be said, conservative evangelicals are clearly brethren) should be treated as brethren.  In reference to one who was not a disciple but was casting out demons in Christ’s name, Christ instructed his disciples, “He that is not against us is on our part.” Christ prayed in John 17 that all those who would believe on Him would be one.  In 1 Peter the saints scattered throughout Asia minor were instructed to, “Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren.” The New Testament reveals a definite principle of unity amongst believers throughout the church. Not just within the local body, but between all believers.

Purity argues that these brethren should be separated from lest their compromised fellowship lead others into fellowship with disobedience.  This is no idle concern.  Thoughtful observation of the last 60 years of church history in America will find many have been set adrift through their fellowship with those not separated.  However, practical observation is not the standard or the rule.  The Bible issues some clear commands regarding purity. In 1 Corinthians 5:11 Paul enjoins the believers to not eat with one is living in persistent sin.  The one who refuses to separate from “new evangelicals”- those who fellowship with apostates- are in sin.  They are clearly not heeding the commands of separation, such as the one found in Romans 16:17.  (As an aside, it seems to be a silly thing to apply the commands of separation only to those things found specifically listed in a particular verse.  The list of things from which we are to separate runs the gamut from laziness to immorality to idolatry.  Not to mention the entire book of Romans. Seems kind of silly to say Paul gives us a short list of 8 things from which we are to separate and that is all.)  In 1 Corinthians 15:33 Paul teaches concerning the resurrection.  In addressing the false doctrine, he warns about the danger of fellowship with those hold to wrong doctrine.  Pauls states that we must not be deceived, wrong companions will undermine right living.  Our relationships will impact our righteousness.

The challenge then is to rightly apply these two sets of principles to our relationships with conservative evangelicals.  First and foremost, we must not begin to suggest that these ones are not truly Christians.  We cannot refuse to recognize them as brothers.  Our words to and about them, as in all our relationships, must reflect the love of Christ.  Our words to and about them must also reflect that we are joined together in Christ.  Rather than anger and venom being directed towards them, there needs to be deep concern and sorrow over their disobedience.  However, as a result of their disobedience we cannot minister with them as if nothing was wrong.  The result of their sin is a circumscribed fellowship.  We acknowledge their relationship, but we limit its scope and application lest we or others be drawn into similar disobedience.  In the end, while I greatly appreciate the work done by many of these ministries, I cannot join with them, I cannot relinquish the pulpit to them, I cannot have the same kind of relationship with them that I would have with one who is fully practicing Biblical separation.

In Ephesians 4-6 Paul teaches believers what a life of putting on Christlikeness looks like. The first half of chapter five is taken up with a comparison between the wicked practices of the culture of Ephesus and the Christlike habits that should characterize believers. Of particular interest at this time of year is the instruction in verse 16, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” The command to redeem the time is an explanation and application of the command in verse 15 to walk wisely, not foolishly, in this dark world.

This world, in all its natural sinfulness, has taught men to use the time of their life for their own pursuit, their own pleasure and their own personal satisfaction.  The mantra of pop singers, pop psychologists and popular television is to be whoever you want to be and never let anyone stop you from being you.  The command of Scriptures is far different.  God’s Word teaches the believer is to die to self and put aside self will.  The believer is to be like Christ, not like himself. Redeeming the time is taking this life which has been given to you by God and buying it back, out of the wickedness, selfishness and wordliness of this culture.  Redeeming the time is living this life for Divine purposes in accord with Divine commands.

The time referenced here is not hours and minutes.  Paul is not saying, “Redeem 12 o’clock, redeem 1 o’clock.  Instead, time refers to a season, a short opportunity that is before one. Paul is commanding believers take the season that lies before them and make the most of it.  Not to make the most of it for personal use, that’s what the world does, but to take the season of life that is before us, and make the most of it for the glory of God.  Paul wrote the Ephesian letter to teach believers that they were redeemed according to the eternal purpose and plan of God so that through them He would be glorified in this world, in the heavenly places and for all eternity.  We have been given this season before us so that through us God will be glorified.

As we look at the new year before us, we look ahead at another season of our life.  That season is an opportunity to bring God glory.  Do not waste it. Do not squander it as the prodigal son did his father’s wealth.  Do not bury it as the unfaithful servant did his masters money.  Use it, redeem it as a faithful steward for the glory of God.

On January 1, 1885 C.H. Spurgeon preached a Sermon for New Year’s Day. Below are some thoughts to ponder as we look forward to the end of 2011 and the ushering in of 2012

“And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.”-Revelation 21:5.

How pleased we are with that which is new! Our children’s eyes sparkle when we talk of giving them a toy or a book which is called new; for our short-lived human nature loves that which has lately come, and is therefore like our own fleeting selves. In this respect, we are all children, for we eagerly demand the news of the day, and are all too apt to rush after the “many inventions” of the hour. The Athenians, who spent their time in telling and hearing some new thing, were by no means singular persons: novelty still fascinates the crowd. As the world’s poet says-

“All with one consent praise new-born gawds.”

I should not wonder, therefore, if the mere words of my text should sound like a pleasant song in your ears; but I am thankful that their deeper meaning is even more joyful. The newness which Jesus brings is bright, clear, heavenly, enduring. We are at this moment specially ready for a new year. The most of men have grown weary with the old cry of depression of trade and hard times; we are glad to escape from what has been to many a twelve-months of great trial. The last year had become wheezy, croaking, and decrepit, in its old age; and we lay it asleep with a psalm of judgment and mercy. We hope that this newborn year will not be worse than its predecessor, and we pray that it may be a great deal better. At any rate, it is new, and we are encouraged to couple with it the idea of happiness, as we say one to another, “I wish you a happy New Year.”

“Ring out the old, ring in the new;
Ring, happy bells, across the snow;
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.”

We ought not, as men in Christ Jesus, to be carried away by a childish love of novelty, for we worship a God who is ever the same, and of whose years there is no end. In some matters “the old is better.” There are certain things which are already so truly new, that to change them for anything else would be to lose old gold for new dross. The old, old gospel is the newest thing in the world; in its very essence it is for ever good news. In the things of God the old is ever new, and if any man brings forward that which seems to be new doctrine and new truth, it is soon perceived that the new dogma is only worn-out heresy dexterously repaired, and the discovery in theology is the digging up of a carcase of error which had better have been left to rot in oblivion. In the great matter of truth and godliness, we may safely say, “There is nothing new under the sun.”

Yet, as I have already said, there has been so much evil about ourselves and our old nature, so much sin about our life and the old past, so much mischief about our surroundings and the old temptations, that we are not distressed by the belief that old things are passing away. Hope springs up at the first sound of such words as these from the lips of our risen and reigning Lord: “Behold, I make all things new.” It is fit that things so outworn and defiled should be laid aside, and better things fill their places.

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11

The last group of people to be considered, and the last to arrive to acknowledge the birth of Christ, are the wise men from the east.  Yes, I know there was probably not just three of them.  I know magi is a more accurate word and I know that they didn’t show up while Jesus was in the manger.  Now that the intelligent stuff is out of the way, we can consider unhindered the praise of Christ offered by these great men. These men came specifically for the purpose of worshiping the Christ.  Though we don’t know exactly who they were, it seems very likely that these men were men of power and influence within a foreign government.  They were probably men of notoriety and honor.  They traveled to Jerusalem for the sole purpose of worshiping the new born baby.  They clearly recognized the importance and worth of the child they were seeking.  It seems as if they recognized more than just His worth as a future political leader.  It appears they recognized His incredible glory as the Messiah, the Son of God.  With that recognition was also rejoicing. They rejoiced at finding the child. They rejoiced at the opportunity to worship Him.  They rejoiced in presenting to Him their their treasures.  These men, though they were not Israelites, knew this child was the promised Son of God.  They recognized Him as such and rejoiced in His coming.  As we celebrate Christmas tomorrow, we can do no less than these wise men.

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Luke 2:36-38

“I saw the Messiah!” she proclaimed with joy. “Our Salvation is here!  Deliverance has come!”

“Where is He?  Show Him to us!” they demanded of her.

Pointing behind her she answered them, “He’s in the temple.”

“But how will we know Him?  What does He look like?”

“He is the baby in Simeon’s arms.”

Anna, the ancient widow, was another faithful servant of God.  While Simeon was holding the baby Jesus and praising God she came into the temple. Anna saw the infant and immediately joined Simeon in praising God.  Anna responses to the arrival of Christ was thanksgiving. Like Simeon, she instantly recognized the child as the promised Messiah.  Her thanksgiving did not end there.  She told others of what she had seen.  Her rejoicing was such that she could not, and would not, keep it to herself.  Her message was of redemption.  She proclaimed Jesus to all those who were seeking redemption. Just as Simeon, Anna recognized that this baby was the One who would bring salvation.  She told others He was the One who would bear their iniquities and through Whom many would be justified.  Her talk must have seemed almost crazy to some, but in her faith Anna recognized the promised Son of God.  She gave thanks to God for His Salvation and told others of Him.  We should do likewise this season.

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Luke 2:25-35

The man Simeon was an old and faithful servant of the Lord. He had spent many years waiting for the promised Messiah. One day he was in temple when Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus in to have him circumcised.  I’m sure they were astonished when this old man came up to them, took the baby and began to praise God. The praise of Simeon is once again instructive to us as we seek to praise Christ this Christmas. Simeon praised God because he was able to see the promised salvation.  He recognized the little infant in his arms was the one promised to deliver His people from their sin.  This salvation was not limited to just the Jews.  Unlike so many of that day, Simeon was not looking for deliverance from Rome.  He was looking for the one who would be a light to the gentiles and the glory of Israel.  Simeon praised God because that baby was Salvation incarnated.  As we celebrate Christmas, the salvation purchased for us by that One gives us the greatest reason to praise Him.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Luke 2:15-20

In obedience to the angelic announcement the shepherds made their way to Bethlehem.  There they saw the baby Jesus. On their way back to the fields, they told everyone about what they saw.  They also glorified and praised God.  Luke 2:20 tells us precisely why they glorified and praise God.  They praised God because of the things they had heard and because of the things they had seen.  They praised God for His promises.  The angelic messenger told them that in Bethlehem they would find the Messiah, the promised descendant of David who was their God and would be their Savior.  God had promised this Messiah on the day of man’s sin.  Over the millenia to follow God revealed more and more details of that promised Salvation. These shepherds heard the promise of God delivered to them directly that night.  They praised Him for His promises.  They not only heard the promise, they saw it fulfilled.  They went to Bethlehem and saw there the Messiah and Savior lying in a manger.  They believed this was the fulfillment of God’s promises and rejoiced at seeing God do what He said He would do.  They praised Him for His provision. As we go our many different ways this Christmas, let us go praising Him for His promises and provision.

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Luke 2:8-14

On the day of Christ’s birth, an angel appeared to a group of shepherds.  The angel announced to those men the arrival of the promised Messiah. After the announcement the angel was joined by a massive throng of angels, all proclaiming praise to God. Their praise looks very similar to Mary’s, though much briefer.  These angels began with an exaltation and magnification of God.  They proclaimed His glory and put it on display as the most important thing.  Their task was not to impress the shepherds with their own might or put on a grand display of group dramatic reading.  Their task was to uphold and highlight the majesty of God.  That is precisely what they did, “Glory to God!”.  In upholding His glory they pointed to His greatness and His goodness.  God is the highest.  There is none more important, none more powerful, none more worthy, none more anything than God.  In His greatness He condescends to bring men to peace.  He, as clearly seen in the incarnation, makes peace possible for all men.  His goodness extends to the depths of human depravity and makes it possible for men to be restored to peace with Himself.  Truly we can say this Christmas what the angels said that day, Glory to God.