ENTHUSIASM

It is not listed as part of the “fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5:22-23. It is not one of the Christian graces mentioned in ii Peter 1:5-7. However, enthusiasm is an essential component of Christian character. The late brother Bill Cline plainly stated it, “Actually, there is no such ‘animal’ as an unenthusiastic Christian. One could just as well be a God‐fearing atheist or an honest crook. The term is a misnomer. There are some unenthusiastic ‘church members’ but no unenthusiastic Christians.“

The root words behind enthusiasm literally mean, “God in us.” If God is indeed “in us” as He should be (I John 4:16), we should maintain an enthusiastic outlook. Consider just a few passages which stress the need for enthusiasm:

“Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things; Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee” (Deuteronomy 28:47). The Israelites’ failure to serve the Lord with enthusiasm would lead to their serving their enemies in misery.

“So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work” (Nehemiah 4:6). This literally says, “The people had a heart to work.” Thus, it speaks not only of their intellectual decision to work, but of their enthusiastic commitment to their task. This is why they were able to accomplish so much. It seems that many churches do everything they do half-heartedly. Which is a major reason why everything they do is not much. Where churches are enthusiastic about evangelism, souls are saved. Where churches are enthusiastic about doctrinal purity, error does not easily infiltrate. Stephanas and his household were so enthusiastic about ministering to the saints that they are described as “addicted…to the ministry of the saints,” as the KJV renders I Corinthians 16:15. Do you suppose that such enthusiasm enabled or hindered their prospective accomplishments?

“For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many” (II Corinthians 9:1-2). The Corinthians’ enthusiasm was a necessary prerequisite to performing the task they were called to do. And their enthusiasm was also contagious—it tends to be. Some churches are dragged down by the constant whining, complaining, and generally negative attitude of a few. But other churches are blessed with souls committed to the Lord’s cause, who in turn motivate each other (cf. Acts 4:36; I Thessalonians 5:14). Where churches are enthusiastic about their work and worship, others will come to share that enthusiasm.

“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love” (Revelation 2:4). Just a few decades previously, Paul had written of this same church, the church at Ephesus, “Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers” (Ephesians 1:15-16). By the time of Revelation’s writing, Jesus could yet commend them for their works and en‐durance. But for all the good that Jesus could say about the church at Ephesus, He was compelled to convict them for leaving the zealous love for the Lord they once held. Time has a way of jading us. Our seeming failures can make us hesitant to try again. Others have disappointed us, making us reticent to trust others. The church at Ephesus had undoubtedly experienced much of this, but Jesus did not permit their waning enthusiasm.

It may be difficult for a Christian to maintain enthusiasm when he observes dangerous directions the country is headed, when he observes the church abandoning the Truth in many places, and after simply being bruised by the general hardships of life. But our focus is not on the occurrences of this world—our focus is on the hope of the life yet to come (cf. II Corinthians 4:18; Philippians 3:20). When our focus remains there, we will be enthusiastic about preparing ourselves and others for that hope. When we appreciate the unmerited favor that God has bestowed upon us, we will be enthusiastic about serving him any way we can. Let us begin this week with enthusiasm for the Lord!

“. . . be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:18-20).      

Lee Moses

MORE BIBLE!

“Why take my Bible to church? I never use it.” “My [preacher] doesn’t use the Bible; he just tells stories.” {We} speak of being “a people of the Book.” But is that only in name?

In a growing number of churches, the Word of God is not referred to as it used to be. In some churches hearing the Bible in any significant way is rare. Even the best of churches would benefit from Scripture being heard more.

In too many of our churches there is a famine for the Word of God, as well-meaning [preachers] attempt to substitute sermonettes and stories for dynamic Biblical preaching. The result is a growing hunger for the Bible. (“Putting the Word Back in Worship,” Ministry, July 2001).

What a sad commentary on the present condition of the church in many places today! Among those who used to be known as the In a growing number of churches, the Word of In too many of our churches there is a famine “people of the Bible,” the Bible is only “rarely” heard “in any significant way.” What a shame! Do we not still recognize the power of God’s Word? Shouldn’t the assembly of God’s people be a place in which the Word of God is heard regularly? Shouldn’t preachers of the Gospel preach the Word (II Timothy 4:2) as Paul instructed? If we expect our people to be edified and “grow... in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (II Peter 3:18), shouldn’t the Bible be referred to, quoted, read and preached? If it is the case where you attend that the Word of God is not heard very often, let’s commit ourselves to emphasizing again God’s Word in classes and in worship! Many reasons could be stated regarding the importance of this activity. Let’s notice only a few of them:

1) When the Word of God is neglected, we have denied ourselves of the power of God (Romans 1:16). The power to save is in God’s Word! Since the power to convert is in the Word, souls are being lost when “sermonettes and stories” describe the content of the messages in our worship. Souls will not be converted to Christ and His church if they hear only amusing stories and entertaining illustrations from the wisdom of men. Many of us need to wake up (Romans 13:11-12). It may be later than we think!Souls are dying without the saving Gospel of Christ.

2) When the Word is not heard, many lose their spiritual appetite (Matthew 5:6), and the result is spiritual death fromstarvation (4:4).When a person is born into the kingdom, he naturally has the craving for the “sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (I Peter 2:2). When those individuals are not fed a proper diet of God’s Word, they become first become weakand then die. When they are fed other things they may think they are full, but what they have eaten provides  no spiritual nourishment. New and older Christians need the Word of God that they might grow.

3) When the Word of God is not emphasized, then Christians cannot grow in their knowledge of our Lord (II Peter 3:18).Worship assemblies and Bible classes are not to be the only time Christians open their Bibles and study from God’s Word; but it is certainly the case that when we are together we should be able to gain more knowledge about our Savior. How can Christ and Him crucified be preached without preaching and teaching God’s Word?

4) When the Word of God is not thoroughly taught, how can we be edified? Paul told the Ephesian elders, “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all themwhich are sanctified” (Acts 20:32). Is it any wonder that there are so many weak Christians when we see the famine of the Word of God (Amos 8:11) which exists in so many congregations today?The Word of God is that which is able to build up and encourage those who are Christians!

5) When the Word of God is not known, then Christians are unable to distinguish between error and Truth. When the Word of God is preached and taught, then those that hear are reproved and corrected by the authoritative Word of God (II Timothy 4:2). One reason that so many are being swept into error today is because they are not hearing and/or heeding God’s Word. Many of these people do not know the difference between the Gospel and a perversion of the Gospel (Galatians 1:7), simply because they have not heard or studied the Word of God. It is indeed sad when one can be present during any worship service or Bible study periodwithout hearing much, if any, from the Bible. 

6) When the Word of God is not in mind, it is impossible for Christians to “continue steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts2:42). What is the “apostles’ doctrine”? It is the message that theseinspired men taught orally during the first century which was then through inspiration written down so that we might read and understand the Will of God (Ephesians 3:3-5). It is the “pattern of sound words” (II Timothy 1:13), and that pattern must be followed. But if we are not exposed to the pattern (we do not know what it is), then we are lost.

Many other reasons could be cited for placing a properemphasis on God’s Word in our assemblies and otherwise, but these should suffice. We need more Bible – personally, privately and  publically, collectively! Let’s restore the Bible to its properplace in our worship – in all of our assemblies!

Note: The quotation at the beginning of this article came from an unusual source. Ministry is a Seventh Day Adventist publication.The [] which appear in the quotation show where I have replacedthe word “pastor” with the word “preacher,” and the {} show where I replaced the word “Adventists” by the word “we.” The article described so well what is taking place in so (too) many congregations of the church today that I borrowed these words.Other religious groups are apparently experiencing the sameproblems we are. It is sad indeed that many of our brethren don’t even recognize the problem. The author of the original article emphasized the public reading of Scripture, but I believe the problem can be solved only by more  reading, preaching and teaching of God’s Word. We must do a better job!

Lester Kamp

Does Bear Valley Bible Institute Care About Brad Harrub's Fellowship Issues? No!

Below is the opening section of a much larger two part piece in the Contending For The Faith revealing the types of “associations” Brad Harrub has when not visiting “your” congregation. We feel that this is important information for brethren who do not normally inform themselves with publications like CFTF and Defender, where error is exposed along with the truth being defended. Harrub is a well known and often used brother on lectureships, at workshops, and universities. He is not one that has been accused of teaching anything erroneous that I am  aware of, but this brother does not concern himself at all with the Biblical doctrine of fellowship. How shameful that so many will embrace someone who carelessly trots about with no discerning powers and finds himself in the laps of liberals, dancing to their tunes.

Recently it was called to our attention that Brad Harrub, PhD in anatomy and neurobiology from the College of Medicine at the UT, Memphis, TN, co-founder and Executive Director of Focus  Press, and co-editor of Think magazine, has teamed with the singing group “Acappella” of “Acappella Ministries” to present what is being billed as “Creation Science In Concert With Acappella.” The event will be held at the Helena Montana Civic Center. According to the brochure advertising the program, the “promoter” of the event is Rocky Mountain Christian Institute.

Dr. Harrub primarily addresses topics concerning Christian evidences. He regularly conducts weekend seminars advertised as “Truth About Origins” and has written extensively regarding the same. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member of Bear Valley Bible Institute in Denver, CO. The singing group “Acappella” is advertised as “believing in the awesome versatility and flexibility of the human voice.” It is also billed as “the renowned vocal group” that can ... “fill a large concert hall with beautiful, intricate music without ever plucking a string or beating a drum.” They are also promoted as a group “with passion for God and hearts for music ministry.”

Their “ministry” accomplishes its “work through high energy concerts all of over the world.” The Rocky Mountain Christian Institute is an association of Churches and was formed in May of 1998 for the following purpose: To provide support materials, services, facilities and software for Christian Churches, Christian Schools, Christian Activities and Christian Individuals. 

Preceding the Helena Montana Civic Center event with Brad Harrub (9/20/13), Acappella will perform at the First United Methodist Church in Stanton, TX (9/11/13), and Abilene Christian University (9/15/13). Clearly bro. Harrub is in fellowship with Acappella and Acappella has no problem being in full fellowship with denominational churches. In view of the fact that Dr. Harrub is in fellowship with those who are not in fellowship with God, how can faithful members of the Lord’s church scripturally fellowship him?

[Editor’s note: Thanks to Johnny Oxendine for the opening paragraph above and for brother David Brown for the remainder of the article. It is high time for the church to wake up and recognize the God-given limits of fellowship.]