September 1996
Vol V
To spread the true Gospel Light to all men
by Dr. Stanley R. Farrar
Revelation 21:1-27
This portion of scripture is a very beautiful word picture that God gave to John as he was exiled to the Isle of Patmos. It is a description of something that is very precious to Jesus. This is a description of the Church which Jesus, Himself, established. Those that have come to Him for cleansing and are living daily for the savior are a part of this great Church. The only manner of entrance into this great city of God is through spiritual rebirth. God is the only one that can put you into the Church. Note what it says in Acts 2:46-47.
Acts 2:46-47 "And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." These are those who had accepted Jesus, "such as should be saved" or born again of the spirit of God. Also, they were living for Him, "with one accord" and "did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart." Or in other words, they were receiving the word of God and bringing their lives into alignment with His Word.
Our original Scripture, when read by most people, read it as being that eternal abode of those who are redeemed, or as being Heaven. But, a closer examination tells us that there is far more to this description than that of being Heaven. Although, Heaven is going to be much like this description because both are a part of the kingdom of God. The Church is in this life and Heaven will be after the last day of judgement. As we study these scriptures in the 21st chapter of Revelation we can see that verse number two starts this description of the city with the statement: "I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem coming down from God." This city is not far off somewhere, far removed from us, but instead it is come down to us and is in our midst today. Therefore, it is in the world and has already come to man. Where did it come from, "out of Heaven". It is obvious that it is not Heaven itself, for this city came out of Heaven. As well, this verse tells us that it is "prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."
Who is the bride of Christ? If it came out of Heaven and is a holy city then the reference has to be for the bride of Christ. Rev. 19:7-8 tells us about the marriage of the Lamb (Christ) as the bride has made herself ready. She is arrayed in white linen which is the righteousness of the saints, those who have been washed and made white and pure in the blood of Jesus Christ. Only those who have come in true repentance and accepted Jesus as Lord and Master of their lives will be a part of His bride (the Church). Only those which are made pure and white and acceptable unto God by the blood of Jesus are able to be His bride. Thus, we are given the fact that the church, being the bride of Christ, is that holy city coming down from God out of Heaven.
We are given that in that great city the "tabernacle of God is with men" and God Himself is going to dwell among His people. Let's consider where God is dwelling today. Is He far away from us or is he here in our midst as we live for Him? "...know ye not that you are the temple of God and the Spirit of God dwelleth in You?" God lives in the hearts of those that are His blessed children. He is always with us, He never leaves nor foresakes us. He is always there to help us through the problems, troubles, and sickness of life. He's there wiping away the tears, soothes our feelings, and takes away the pain (physical or spiritual), and he makes all things new. Paul tells us that when we accept Jesus as savior then we are new creatures in Him. Take a look at 2 Cor. 5:17. God is with us in that great city, the Church, meeting all of our needs, guiding and directing us as we live for Him. He gives us of the water of life and we are made the son's of God.
Rev. 21:9 tells us that we will be shown "the bride, the Lambs wife." Then John was shown that "great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from, God." Hebrews 12:22-23 tells us exactly what this heavenly city really is.
Hebrews 12:22-23 "But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to the spirits of just men made perfect".
She has the light of the glory of God that shines out through her. For she is the precious, divine organization which could only be created by God. She has the names of the twelve tribes of Israel written upon her representing all who have come to Jesus and been redeemed by His blood. Twelve, a number in the Bible, used to typify wholeness or completeness is therefore the twelve tribes representing all of God's people (past, present, and future), the redeemed of all ages. The foundation of the twelve apostles represented the firm foundation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The measurement of that city gives to us the all encompassing completeness of the salvation through Jesus Christ toward those who will come to Jesus for cleansing of their souls. Those who have been cleansed by Jesus and will endure to the end are to be a part of that great city. Just as the gold is tried by fire and purified, so also are those who are Christ's and are made perfect in the sight of God. John also saw precious stones in the walls of that great city, representing those precious lively stones that are the redeemed of God. 1 Peter 2:5 "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood..."
The jewels that Jesus counts most precious are those who have come to Him for cleansing and he has placed into His Church. Jewels are connected to royalty, such as with the crown jewels of England. Therefore, the example is carried into the representation of the Kingliness of Christ and the jewels around Him which are those saved by the power of the blood of Jesus.
There is no need in a temple as was needed in the worship under the law of Moses. For in that great city the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb that was slain for our sins are its temple. And the light of it is from the Light of lights which is Jesus, the light of the world. John 8:12 "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
Therefore, the light that comes into the Church is from Jesus and then the Church lets that light shine out to the rest of the world. Without Jesus we are all in darkness and groping to find our way. But, through the light of Jesus we can come to the one who gives us eternal life. The Church should be as a beacon on the hill letting its light shine forth. Matt. 5:14 "Ye are the light of the World. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."
The vision John saw was of a holy city, shining with the glory of God. Since it is a holy city, nothing unclean may come into it. Only that which God has cleansed and made fit to possess it. Turn over in your Bibles and read the last verse of Rev. 21 and see what will be in that city and what will not be found there.
Since we have shown you that this city is the Church now we need to explain its relationship to the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is all inclusive. It includes all of God's people throughout time; those living and those who have gone on to their rewards in paradise. Therefore, the Kingdom of God is the Church in this world and then it extends on into eternity. The Church is an extension of the Kingdom of God, it is the visible part of God's Kingdom. Thus, the Church part of the kingdom will come to an end when Jesus presents it to His Father on the last day, when He comes again and catches His Church away and time on earth will be no more.
I ask you, if Jesus was to return today, would you be caught up together with the other saints in the air and there to be with Him forever more? Or would you be one of those who would be left behind to go into that place called hell? You can be sure you are a part of the redeemed, all you have to be is truly sorry for your sins and ask God to forgive you and let Him place you in the Church today. Then turn from your sins and live obedient to the commands of Christ. May God bless you as you live for Christ.
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Is It Worth the Cost?
by Pastor Stanley Farrar II
So many times today we are facing the ever increasing costs of ministry. So many are saying it costs too much to reach out to the lost. But what are they talking about? Well, for one thing, there is a definite monetary cost to reaching people today with advertising, the costs of printing, gas expenses to pick people up, Sunday school materials, and other materials. So there is a definite financial expense to outreach. There is also a time expense involved, as well. It cuts into our personal time to witness and to go and reach out to the needs of your communities. In many cases the expense is more then the people of a particular congregation may be willing to expend.
Luke 14:28-33 "For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple." Many have used this scripture to justify setting back and doing nothing for God. Many times they are more concerned with the money that is in the bank than whether souls are getting saved. But is this what this scripture means? First of all this scripture is not actually referring to the expenses of the ministry. It is talking about the expense of being saved. Though in some cases they do go hand in hand. Are we going to be able to finish what we start and will we be willing to finish it?
It has been proven that no matter what the possible success may be, without a willingness to carry the task out, it cannot be done. While on the other hand, if the desire is there it can be carried out despite what seems to be insurmountable obstacles. Why is this? A man finds it difficult to do that which is against his will. While if he sees the need and wants it accomplished, he will not accept defeat until the task is done.
Well, many today want the luxury of coming to church on Sunday and do nothing for God except warm a pew. These same people would do this and profess Christianity. Is this truly the case? Are they being Christians? Well, let's see what the value of a soul is? Mark 8:36-37 "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" So we see that the value of a soul is worth more than the entire world. It is so valuable that it is beyond price. God cares a great deal about men's souls. This is why He sent Jesus to die for mankind. This is also why He stated that we would be His witnesses to the world (see Acts 1:7-8). God does not want men to be lost. And for many people, you may be their only hope for salvation. You may be the only Bible they ever see. Is it worth the cost?
Many ministries that have the greatest out reach to the lost also cost the greatest price. For example the bus ministry brings the Gospel to thousands who otherwise might never heard the Gospel. But what is the cost? Well there is the price of the bus, maintenance on the bus, gas expense. There are printing expenses for flyers, as well as the expense of treats for the children who ride the bus. These are all monetary expenses so lets look at some of the non-monetary expenses. You have to have someone drive the bus. You have to have people to go out and promote the bus in the neighborhoods. You have to have more teachers for the increased amount of children. You have to have people to monitor the children. And you have to put up with the noise that comes along with having a lot of children in church. Now I realizes that there are less expensive forms of outreach then the bus ministry, but they all cost something. But continuing to look at our example. Is it worth the cost? I have heard many say no, but is this true? I personally know many who would not be saved now if not for the bus ministry. What is the value of a soul?
If you have been able to reach someone to Christ it is worth the cost. Too many times churches run up enormous bank accounts, and at the same time do nothing to reach out to the lost. Why is this? Too many times we run our congregations like a business instead of like a service. We must not look at money as the bottom line. There is a reason that a church is a nonprofit organization. That is because it is not to be there to stock pile money but to meet people's needs. If we focus on money we will lose sight of God (see Matt 6:24).
A business hast to spend money to make money, or to achieve what ever goals it has. With the church, its business is to save souls and that is where the majority of its money should go towards outreach. Now I know that churches have other expenses they need to meet, as well, but the majority should be to reach souls.
Sometimes it isn't the monetary costs that hold people back from service, sometimes it is the personal cost of time. They do not want to spend the time trying to save the lost. Many times they say, well, I will just set here and let my light shine. If your not going out to reach people you are not letting your light shine. Those who are in darkness hate the Light and avoid it (see John 3:19-21). So to be a light unto the world we must carry that light to those who are walking in darkness. A flashlight is no good while the sun is shining, but when it is dark it lights your way and shows you many a pit fall. The same is true about a Christians light. It does no good as long as all the people you see are Christians. It must be brought to a sinner to enable him to save his life. The scriptures also say in Luke 14:16-24 "Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper." We see that the man, who symbolizes God, sent his servants into the highways and the hedges and told them to compel others to come that his house might be full. We are those servants, if we are a Christian; are we going out into the highways and hedges? Are we compelling people to come into God's house, or are we directly disobeying God? To obey God's commands we must seek the lost. There is no option!
I would like to draw your attention back now to our first scripture. It says that "So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple." So if we let things rise up and prevent us from reaching out to the lost then we are not His disciples. We cannot have another god, such as money, and be a Christian. We cannot be ashamed of Christ and make it to heaven (see Mark 8:38). And if you will not speak up for Christ because of others' opinions or because of some other excuse, then you are ashamed of Him, and He will reject us. We also must obey His commands to seek the lost, or we have sinned and will never make it to Heaven. You can dress just so and say all the right things but if you are not seeking the lost you yourself have strayed from the truth and are lost. James 4:17 "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." Sin cannot enter heaven and neither can you if sin exists in your life. Is It Worth the Cost?
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Do You Understand?
Rev. Stephen J. Dickinson
We are living in a day where the picture of the church has been changed from the picture given in Acts (the biblical church of fire and love), to a church that is full of hate, bitterness, fighting, bickering, back biting, chaos, outward sin, carnal sin, and power struggles between the lay people and pastors.
We are living in a day where many churches are occupied with a people who are exercising the wrong kind of religious freedom. They possess a do good religion but with out Jesus in their hearts, and they call it Christianity. Many people are upholding the basic outward principles of what appears to be Christianity, yet they live without understanding the term---holiness of heart, which is the foundation of true Christianity.
In this, we can justifiably blame many pastors, yet we know that we must also blame church leaders, board and committee members, and lay people. Why do I say this? Because these are the people who have played innocent, while keeping a tight choker chain around many of the pastor's necks, just to keep them from admonishing the people, rebuking sin, and exhorting the people to live in the light of the Word, which is what a pastor is called to do (II Timothy 4:1-5). In this, church people have become intolerant towards the deeper truths of God, and a desire to hear only messages that expresses God's love for them. Consequently, the sin free life is not preached, revivals are becoming fewer with empty altars, and camp meetings are becoming a thing of the past with hype (excitement), being the primary goal at hand.
So we might ask, what is at the heart of all this? Why are our churches failing? There has come over the people a blindness that is causing them to believe that all is well, when all is not well. People, in their effort to keep their lives from being disturbed by the truths of God's Word, are no longer listening to the voice of conviction, rather their own voice that says "I'm alright just the way I am." This attitude has caused a blindness to right and wrong, which causes people to reject the light of the Word, which "is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that man can be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (II Tim. 3:16).
The blindness can also be seen in the Pharaoh of the exodus (in the book of Exodus). His blindness was brought on by a hardness of heart towards God. God wanted the Pharaoh to let His people go, yet, the Pharaoh chose not to extend himself in obedience to God, as a result, God hardened his heart. Thus the Pharaoh was left without the capacity of being able to choose any other way, but his own sinful ways. This is where many people are today. We have been saying "no" to God for so long, that we are unable to say "yes" and turn our hearts toward God and His ways.
So we might say, what has this got to do with blindness? Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Pharaoh (a sinner), believed he was making all of the right choices and was blinded to the fact that he was playing god. We can say that the Pharaoh became blinded to the truth (God's ways), and damned his own soul to eternal hell. The Pharaoh heard the voice of God and saw the works of persuasion that brought devastation to his country, yet he would not perceive the truth that God would have His way in the end. The Pharaoh could have turned to God, yet he chose not to, and this is a picture of the church today. Because of this, God has released the great waves of Satan upon the churches, and we are now floundering, and about to drown in the great eternal waves of the Red Sea.
We can see another example of blindness in Matthew 13:14-15, which was created by the people not accepting the Lord Jesus Christ and becoming doers of the Word. Matthew 13:14b through verse 15 says:
"Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, and seeing you will see and not perceive; for the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them."
Today, people are hearing and seeing the Word of God demonstrated through preaching, worship services, Bible Studies, T.V., social gatherings, music, concerts, books, and tapes, yet they are not responding to the Biblical call of Christ-likeness that is demonstrated in the Word of God. We might ask why this is, and the reason is simple---because they have closed their eyes and ears to the light of the Word, and are blinded because of their unbelief (II Cor. 4:3-4). Due to the peoples unbelief in living a holy life, they are preventing the transforming light of Jesus Christ from entering into their lives, and this is the blindness that Jesus has condemned. Jesus tells us in Matthew 13:15a, that the hearts of the people have grown dull (cold and calloused), towards God's desires. In this, people no longer seem to care that they are grieving God's heart through their secret and sinful practices wrought by the carnal heart. A fine example of this might be a preacher describing to the sinner sitting in the church pew (yes, there are sinners in the congregation), how God weeps for them and their future destruction because of their sins, and the peoples response is often a blank stare that says "so what" or "big deal." Those whose hearts have grown cold can no longer hear the urging of the Holy Spirit nor can they see the Words of the Bible and understand, for they have turned God away far too many times. If they could hear the Spirit's voice or truly see the Word of God, they would turn and live the Christlike life that is free from all sin. Many people within the church have suppressed the truth for so long, that they truly believe they are heaven bound, when indeed they are headed straight towards hell. Romans 1:20 tells us that man and woman is without excuse, and Romans 1:18 tells us that "the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness"
H. Orton Wiley says that such people "will surely hear; all possible means will be given to you; yet they will profit you nothing because---you have closed your eyes against the light---not desirous that He should heal you."
Do you understand what is being said here, or are you still blinded to the truth? Will you turn and open your eyes to the truth of holy living, will you open your ears to the voice of God, and let God give you a new heart that loves Him today?
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