====================================
SEEKING THINGS ABOVE
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above,
where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. “(Col. 3:1)
Volume I Number 12
March 2021
=====================================
What Happens When We Are Canceled?
Greg Chandler
If you do not stay up to date on pop-culture slang, you may be unfamiliar with the terms woke and cancel culture. Though definitions vary, the primary meaning of woke involves maintaining social awareness and the primary idea behind cancel culture is to silence anyone whose opinions are not considered woke; thus, they are deemed unfit for public consumption or consideration. Recent months have seen a plethora of people in the public eye scorned and mocked for having opinions at variance with the woke crowd. While this may seem a rather new concept to a nation whose Constitution enshrines the idea of freedom of speech, it is a concept well-known to those who seek to follow the New Testament as their model for both church and individual decisions and behavior. Primitivists, just as their 1st-century Christian counterparts, are aware of what it means to be canceled.
In its earliest days, it did not take long for some to try and cancel Christianity. Jewish leaders who had overseen the death of Jesus were troubled by reports of His return from the grave. Even worse, the ragtag group of men who He trained for three years continued His teachings. To cancel them, the Jewish elite gave a solemn warning: “And when they had brought them [the apostles], they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us’” (Acts 5:27-28). These men seemed socially unaware; they continued speaking things considered heretical to these “faithful” leaders. However, the apostles refused to be canceled. In reply, Peter and the rest stated, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29b). Resistance had its price; these men faced imprisonment, torture, exile, and death for their refusal to be silenced. For the 2,000+ years since these faithful men stood their ground against popular culture, the people of God have faced challenges as the Gospel passed through seasons of favor and disfavor.
As bedrock commands and principles of the New Testament continue their fall from societal favor, 21st-century Primitivists can expect the same actions against them as occurred so long ago. As pressure mounts, there will likely be a significant decline in the number of churches that stay true to commands not considered woke. There has already been a softening in attitudes toward homosexuality, despite the seriousness with which Paul discusses the topic in his letter to the Romans (see 1:18ff). As well, churches that stay true to commands concerning women’s roles in public assemblies (I Corinthians 14:34) will continue to lessen as pressure is applied to conform to societal norms. Rising issues such as transgenderism will likely bring about the abandonment of principles most churches once considered bedrock. In other words, churches that intend to stay true to the New Testament pattern had better prepare to stand when others fall.
As wokeness makes its way into the halls of power, churches must also come to the realization that some measure of persecution will follow. This may be as benign as governmental taxation of weekly contributions or as severe as locking up those who publicly support biblical principles over government mandates. The lives of saints over the past 2,000 years attest to what can happen when a child of God refuses to bow in worship to the emperor.
With these sobering thoughts in mind, what are Bible-believing, New Testament following Christians supposed to do? Consider the following:
- Do Not Lose Your Joy! If any Christian faced canceling, it was Paul. Despised by both Jewish and Roman leaders, he never lost sight of what is found in Jesus. His short letter to the Philippians testifies of this as he wrote of his joy despite the persecutions received for refusing to be woke.
- As Paul surveyed the political scene of his day, he issued the following command: “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (I Timothy 2:1-2). God is more powerful than any king, president, congress, or court; He can make a way for His people.
- Stick Together.Knowing that persecution was near, Peter instructed his readers to stand firm against the devil. He wrote: “Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world” (I Peter 5:9). As societal and governmental pressure mounts, Christians must lean on one another for strength. Considering this, it may be time to revisit disagreements that have separated Christians and renew efforts to mend fellowship without compromise of faith or conscience. The strength drawn from one another will aid each believer in times of hard testing.
- Do Not Give Up.After all the attempted canceling of the apostle Paul, he could still write, “Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day” (II Timothy 4:8a). If Paul could stand firm, so can we. It requires eyes fixed on eternity and an unwillingness to quit no matter how difficult things may become for a season.
God may answer the prayers of His people and offer more years of the relative peace and freedom they have enjoyed. However, the wise will not be taken off-guard if this peace is ended by a time of testing. Whatever the future holds, Christians can know for certain they are safe in God’s hands. God will never cancel His faithful.
__________
Bible Authority (7)
Adherence to the Gospel Message
Mike Johnson
From the Old Testament, it is clear that God’s intends for the Scriptures to be followed and not deviated from in any way (Deut 4:1-4, 5:32-33; Josh. 1:7; Num. 22:18, 24:13; Pb. 4:26-27, 30:5-6; Lev. 18:4-5). Consider now the same concept from the New Testament.
Jude (v. 3) told the early Christians they should “. . . contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” The meaning of the Greek word here means to fight or to contend strenuously in defense of, in this case, “the faith.” Vine defines it as, “to contend about a thing, as a combatant . . . to contend earnestly.” The word “faith” used here, that we are to contend earnestly for, is used in the objective sense. It refers to the system of faith, i.e., the sum of all that we are to obey and believe (note also Acts 6:7, 1 Tim. 4:1, Phil. 1:27). Thus, we are to stand on God’s Word firmly; we are to defend the truth against attacks from false teachers, and obviously, we are to adhere to it ourselves. How do we do that? Do we accomplish this by teaching that people can believe anything they want or can add to and take away from God’s Word? No, we obey Jude 3 by demanding of others and ourselves the necessity of following the New Testament pattern. We obey it by requiring Bible authority for everything we believe and practice.
In Galatians 1, Paul said he marveled that the Galatians were so “soon removed” unto “another gospel.” He also pointed out that some had troubled them and had “perverted” the gospel of Christ. Then (v. 8) he warned them, “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” The word translated “accursed” (NKJV) is the Greek word “anathema.” It is a word that involves delivering to divine wrath or destruction. If the apostles, an angel, or “any man” (v. 9) preached a different gospel, Paul said, “let him be accursed” (or anathema). There is only one gospel, and we cannot change it. Authority from God’s Word is essential for any belief or practice—we have no right to pervert the teaching of God’s Word.
Consider another warning found in 2 John 9-11. These verses say, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house, nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” It is very clear from these verses that we stand condemned if we teach or practice anything contrary to God’s Will. If we transgress and do not abide in the doctrine (or teaching) of Christ, then, simply put, “we do not have God.” If we do “abide in” the doctrine of Christ, then we do have God. We also stand condemned if we “greet” a false teacher (“bid him God speed” KJV). We should not do anything to encourage false teachers or make it seem like we endorse them in any way. People who teach and practice false doctrine do not abide in the doctrine of Christ, and they do not have God.
Revelation 22:18-19 says, “For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” The writer has a specific reference to the book of Revelation in these two verses. Would this principle apply only to the Revelation? Can we “add to” or “take away from” other books of the Bible? We certainly cannot! If we are not allowed to “add to” or “take away from” one book of the Bible, then obviously we cannot “add to” or “take away from” any book of the Bible, especially in light of the teaching of such passages as Galatians 1:6-10, Jude 3, and 2 John 9.
Consider the following example. The Bible teaches that the Lord’s Supper consists of unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine. To add potatoes as an element of the Lord’s Supper would be wrong as that would be adding to God’s Word; to take away the fruit of the vine from the Lord’s Supper and to have only the unleavened bread would be wrong as that would be “taking away from” the Scriptures.
How much can we “add to” or “take away from” God’s Word and still be acceptable to God? Is just a “little” error, OK? 1 Peter 4:11 reveals, “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified . . . .”
The Bible also teaches that the Word of God will be the standard by which Christ will judge us when He returns (Jn. 12:48). Christ will judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:30-31), and we will be judged according to our deeds (2 Cor. 5:10, Rom. 2:6). The facts should motivate us to abide by the teaching of God’s Word.
Various passages show us that God’s Word must be our authority today. We must have authority for all that we believe, teach, and practice—it is imperative to abide in (adhere to) the teaching of God’s Word.
__________
“Green Side Up”
Horticulture is an “in” thing around our house. As most are aware, our eldest son is fully involved in that field. Although we have never had this experience with James, it is a story that has been around for a considerable time. Let me share it with you and then make some applications.
A realtor was showing off a model home to some prospective customers. Every few minutes, she would step over to the window and yell out, “Green side up!” The customers looked at one another and assumed it was just some oddity that the realtor was involved in. After listening to this several times, they decided to step over toward the window to see what was happening. As they did so, the realtor explained, “I have several people laying sod on the back yard of this model home. I have to keep reminding them to put the green side up.” We might conclude that she had hired either the most incompetent sod layers or that she had someone who was lacking in intelligence engaged in the work.
Regardless, sometimes we get things wrong side up. We change the order of things. Have you ever called someone and found that you had hit the wrong keys on the phone? You didn’t get the party you wanted, did you? There are many such blunders we might make in the physical realm.
Here is one that is often made in the spiritual realm. Some switch the order of Mark 16:16, so they teach that you believe and are saved, then later you should be baptized. The Bible teaches, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved….” Notice that both “believes and is baptized” precede “will be saved.” Which is the green side up? It is to lay the foundation as God gave it through His Son. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved!”
(Author Unknown)
__________
“Thanks, I Needed That”
(Ecclesiastes 7:5-6)
Mike Johnson
“It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools. For like the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.”
In this verse, the writer contrasts the “rebuke of the wise” and the “song of fools.” The song by the fool refers to light-hearted words — any words which are of no value. Flattery could be a primary application. The song of fools is compared in the verses to a “crackling of thorns under a pot.” A fire with thorns as its fuel will quickly flame up but only last for a short time. Like the song of fools, it is of little value.
This teaching goes against the inclinations of most. Most of us would probably prefer the song of a fool than a rebuke from someone. When associated with flattery, the song of fools is like candy for our ears; rebuke from the wise can be like a slap in the face.
Christians have a responsibility, with humility and love, to rebuke and admonish others (James 5:19, Gal. 6:1, 1 Tim. 4:1-4). We need reproof from time to time, and we should receive it with the right attitude. We must examine ourselves (2 Cor. 13:5) and make corrections when wrong (James 1:22-25). Admonishment can save our souls from spiritual death — it can keep us from Hell! We should appreciate the efforts of those who are sincerely trying to help us. Proverbs 27:5 points out, “Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed.”
People who come to talk to us about our shortcomings are risking the possibility of negative responses as so many tend to take offense. Recognizing this risk, Paul once asked the Galatians (Gal. 5:16), “Have I, therefore, become your enemy because I tell you the truth?” Paul was willing to risk becoming an enemy to tell these people what they needed to hear.
Which is best, the song of fools or the rebuke of a wise person? The songs of fools do not challenge us. These songs may make us feel better initially, where the rebuke of a wise person may make us feel bad at first, but it is better in the long run. Proverbs 28:23 says, “He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward Than he who flatters with the tongue.” Indeed, the rebuke of the wise is the better of the two.
__________
The Drive Through
Sheldon Smith
This morning on the way to work, I decided to stop by McDonald’s. It was one of those newly designed restaurants with the double drive-through. There were several cars in each line. The normal process is for cars to form a single line after putting in their order. It’s kind of like a freeway merge where cars from the two lanes take turns moving into a single line.
When it was my turn to join the single lane that leads to the first window for you to pay, a guy in a red car jumped in front of me. I looked up at him, and he moved forward even further, closing the gap between him in the car in front of him. I leaned my head out the window and tried to be nice by saying may “God bless you.” When he got to the window to pay, I found myself right behind him. That’s when I reached my head out again and said, “I’m going to pray for you because you have a dark heart.”
It was my turn to pay. I handed the lady my credit card, and she said, “The man in front of you paid for your breakfast.” That’s right when I felt a knot in my throat, and my heart sank into my stomach. This man, whose behavior was typical of so many aggressive drivers that I see each day, was just trying to get in front of me so he could pay for my breakfast. He must’ve seen my license plate on the front of my car, indicating I’m a war vet, although I don’t see how he could have because he was coming from the other order kiosk to get in front of me. Nevertheless, although I thought my response was that of a Christian, it was actually that of an impatient person who was just focusing on the fact that someone got in front of him.
Let us all be slow to anger and slow to speak. The Scriptures have rebuked me.
“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20).
“He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city” (Proverbs 16:32).
“For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money” (Titus 1:7).
__________
Short Audio Message
The Story of Two Parrots (1:19)
Mike Johnson
Sermon (Audio)
Greg Chandler
====================================
Editor: Mike Johnson
www.seekingthingsabove.org