Gunslingers And Bomb Squads

Gunslingers and Bomb Squads

Proverbs 20:3- It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

In the Wild Wild West, men were considered men by how they could fight. If someone mistreated you or spoke falsely against you or any of your family, the manly thing to do was to challenge them to a showdown. You’ve seen the movies. There is a dusty road running through the middle of town, frightened women and children peaking out the windows and two big cowboys staring each other down, just waiting for the other to draw their gun. Pretty macho, huh? Well, if you ask me, it seems pretty dumb! I understand that this may be “how the west was won”, but many times men would needlessly die because they were just looking for a fight. Remember how the gunslinger all dressed in black would roll into town and some wanna-be cowboy would challenge him to a showdown just to see how good he was. This kind of foolishness is what our passage is referring to.

The Bible reminds us that it is not an honorable endeavor to go looking for trouble, controversy, or a fight. However, it is honorable to cease from strife. Thankfully we no longer find ourselves standing in the middle of a dusty street looking down the barrel of a colt 45, but if we are not careful, we can find ourselves meddling in controversy, and many times the controversy isn’t even ours. Someone comes complaining about how they were treated, and we jump right in the middle of the controversy slinging around our opinions and personal experiences about the subject. Perhaps, a controversy arises and instead of using a soft answer to turn away wrath, we bristle up and start firing away at our Parents, Spouse, Children, Co-worker, or Friend. In situations where there is an opportunity to add fuel to the fire, we should look to be more like the bomb squad than a gunslinger. You see a gunslinger looks for a way to shoot down anyone who stands in your way. He makes it a habit to seek out a fight. He loves to controversy. On the other hand, a bomb squad only responds when called upon. They run in, defuse the situation, and then get out. They are not looking for trouble, in fact I imagine they like it when work is slow.

So what about you? Are you a gunslinger looking for a fight? Don’t get caught seeking out trouble. You are going to have enough challenges of your own today without sticking your nose in other people’s controversy.

Proverbs 25:8-Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

2 Kings 14:1-14- Tells the story of King Amaziah and how he went looking to pick a fight with King Jehoash of Israel. Read the passage and see what happens to King Amaziah. This story may help keep us from looking for a fight.

Fast Food or Fast Words

Imagine what it would be like if you went to McDonald's and ordered a 2 cheeseburger value meal with a Dr. Pepper (there is really nothing else good to eat there). You swiped your debit card when the cashier turns around and immediately lays your food on your tray. Now that would be fast food! When it comes to having our food served to us we always want it fast. Slow is never better, unless you are making homemade ice cream, then it is worth the wait.
Throughout the Bible, God teaches that our speech should not be like fast food, but rather like homemade ice cream. It takes a good 15-30 minutes after you put in all the ingredients to get something out that is edible. Look at what the Bible says about speaking slowly.

Proverbs 14:17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.

Proverbs 14:29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

Proverbs 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty: and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.

You see, when we feel mistreated, misquoted, or misused our tendency is to serve up some “fast words” in our defense just so we can get back at whomever attacked us. Sometimes we get a few facts concerning a particular situation and then we respond quickly and hastily before we get all the facts. This is foolish. For example, last night Bro. Kevin got on to A.J. Strom for texting during church. Everyone knows that A.J. wasn't texting, as it would be highly out of character for him to do so, and that he was in fact using the Bible on his i-touch. Everyone in the youth group knows that, but Bro. Kevin didn’t. Sometimes my son Elijah will respond improperly to my help. We could be out in the yard and he could be standing in a pile of ants, and if I pick him up, he will start to cry. In a sense, he is serving up some “fast words”. He doesn’t see the big picture or have all the facts.

How about you? Are your words and your responses fast or slow? Every Christian should strive for slow words. The next time you fell like exploding, giving someone a piece of your mind, or giving your opinion before you have all the facts, remember that God doesn’t want “fast words”. In fact, no one really appreciates them. If you go around just spouting of foolish words all the time, you become a fool. Let’s be swift to hear, slow to speak.
Helpful Hints

1. Think before you speak
2. Ask God wisdom in what to say before you say it
3. Never speak when anger, you will always regret it

Essential Church: The People of God Part 2

Romans 15:1-4 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

No man is an island unto himself. We all impact other, whether we like it or not. Hopefully, as a Christian, you take great pleasure in having the opportunity to impact others for the cause of Jesus Christ. One of the blessings of ministry that I enjoy more than any other is when someone tells me that I have been a spiritual help to them. Because after all, that is what ministry is about. I’ve heard people jokingly say, “Ministry would be easy if people didn’t get in my way.” But of course that is a joke, because ministry is people. Every person in Christ has the unique privilege and calling to minster to the people of God. This job doesn’t solely belong to the pastor. When I ignore the Church, I am unable to fulfill my responsibility to edify fellow believers.

In the context of the local church, Paul reminds the Church at Rome about the ministry of edification.

1. Bearing The Weak (1) We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

In a gathering of localized believers, people will be on all types of spiritual plains. Some will be new believers, perhaps old-timers, or people who have strayed away but have now returned. The point is that each of us are at different places in our Christian experience. Remember that God is not as concerned with where we are as he is concerned with which direction we are heading. As we head closer to becoming like Christ, God requires us to bear burdens of weaker Christians. Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

A Christian need not be self-sufficient. God has provided a wonderful community of support. Not to mention we cannot fulfill God’s program for evangelism on our own. Picture a Mr. Potato Head with just a tongue. How would he see? How would he hear? He would just roll to the side and off the table. This child’s toy pictures perfectly a Christian who does see the essentialness of the rest of the body of Christ.

I have to admit that there are times I come to church and I don’t feel like going on another day. It is at those times that God uses someone who is stronger than me to be an encouragement and pick me out of the hole I am in. It may be a note the write me, or perhaps just a song that they sung for a special. Many times, just the faithful presence of other believers serving, worshipping, and living faithful lives is a huge encouragement to my walk with God. I need the encouragement and so do you. I hope you see what a blessing it is to have a local church that is serving God together. It is a powerful program designed by God to bring glory to him and bearing the burdens of believers.

2. Building The Weak (2-3) Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me

This verse is in the context of not doing something that would discourage a weaker Chrsitian in his walk with the Lord. Simply put, we need to look at others and be more concerned about them and helping them be grounded in God’s word and helping them to build their life in God. There are two types of people in this area: those who build and those who destroy.

What does a builder look like? A builder is most likely thinking through people he hopes to see in church today. On his way to church or perhaps before he is praying for their needs and asking God to again help him bear and build others through his life. He my see someone who looks like their having a bad day and instead of ignoring them like the priest and the Levite did to the man who was robbed, he stops to see what is the matter. He listens intently and wants to help in any way he can. He is a Good Samaritan. He has kind words, a helpful hand, supportive spirit, and he is involved in the service. He says amen, appropriately. After the service he is looking for someone to minister to. Perhaps a visitor that knows no one. Are they saved? Do they need a friend? Who is taking them to lunch? These are all questions that go through the mind of a builder. I know life is busy and our own families have many needs of their own. Work is crazy and schedules are even worse, but edifying is becoming a lost art. You cannot Biblically edify someone through facebook alone. We need to interact with believer looking for opportunities to encourage one another. One of the evidences of a Christian is that they use their words to build up and not destroy. Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Our words should build others lives biblically giving grace to people. Grace has the idea of the supernatural-enablement to do God’s will. It is amazing to think that what I say to someone at Church has the power to help or hinder their ability to follow God’s will in their own life. “Oh, be careful little mouth what you say.”

What does a destroyer look like? Basically, he is the exact opposite of the builder. He keeps to himself, never looking to help anyone. Spiritually he isn’t even aware of other’s burdens. In fact, he probably walks around half the time offended because he thinks that no one is paying him any attention. If that is you, remember this verse: Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Much of their thinking during the service is selfish and critical. They never notice a visitor and if they did they would never talk to them. Their comments and conversations tear down unity amongst the family of God. They are a hindrance to the work of God through the local church.

God has given us the privilege of partnering with him to make a difference in the lives of non, new, middle-aged, and old believers. It is call edification and it is essential to the Christlike development of the individual believer. In fact, this is the example Paul gives to the Romans. Romans 15:3-4 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. 4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Christ bore the burdens of the whole world. His life was given to minister not to be ministered unto. His life was recorded so that we would learn how to act as a Christian. Jesus throughout his life went around doing good. Let this be our mindset as we minister to the people of God in the essential church.

Essent Church: The Priority of Gospel Preaching

I remember when I was in 6th grade, my parents had an disagreement over how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. My dad still believes that the peanut butter goes on one slice of bread and then the jelly on the other. My mom, however, believes that the peanut butter and jelly should be applied to the same side of the bread. Her logic is that the sandwich will not be soggy by the time school lunch break comes around. It was a classic “how you do things” argument. You believe it should be done a certain way, and they believe there is a better way.

In religion today, there is a trend against strong, biblical preaching. Men have decided that there is a better way to communicate truth or perhaps better said to water truth down. With the increase in technology over the past couple of decades, men think less of preaching and more of videos, multi-media experiences, and light shows that leave people with a warm fuzzy feeling inside but still absent of biblical truth or the holy spirit. Anyone who knows me, knows that I believe we should use technology to assist in the work of the ministry, but we must remain true to God’s design of preaching as the primary mode of conveying the truth to the church and to the lost world. Powerful, Spirit-filled preaching can never be topped, replace, outdated, or become extinct. Bible preaching was God’s idea and it is here to stay.

If God so desire, he could have allowed the internet to be invented when he showed Noah how to build the ark. Then instead of using men to proclaim the truth, he could have live streamed broadcast from Heaven. That would have taken the human element of error completely out of it. However, that was not God’s design. Titus 1:3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; God decided to use men to proclaim his truth from one generation until the next.

Preaching: God’s Design

Nehemiah 6:7 And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.

Jonah 3:2 Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.

Matthew 10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Acts 10:42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.


Preaching: Christ’s Example

Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Mark 1:38 And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.

Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

Preaching: The Early Churches Method

Acts 8:4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Acts 16:10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

1Corinthians 9:16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

2Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

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My desire for this article is not to build a straw man and then blow him over, but to lay a biblical foundation for biblical preaching through the local church. Here is one of the main supports for this argument.

1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

Christ’s Desire (17) –Jesus Christ sent Paul to preach. He still calls men today to preach the word of God. Where, in the setting of the local church.

Critic’s Decree (18) –The world considers preaching of the cross and the message of the cross to be the activity of fools.

Christ’s Delight (21) –God in his sovereign plan for the universe delighted In the method of using men to preach his message to the world.

Read through 1 and 2 Timothy. Here you will find Paul’s advice to the young preacher Timothy on how to conduct himself in the church. You cannot go very far without seeing some reference to communicating God’s truth to men through teaching/preaching.

The preacher is a gift that was given by God to the Christian through the local church. He is to be someone who would regularly study God’s word (2 timothy 2:15), stand and proclaim the truth of it without compromise (2 timothy 4:2), and would encourage the Christians to live it out in their live by exemplifying its teachings in his own life (1 timothy 4:12).

May we understand the priority of gospel preaching in the mind of God, and as The Method of proclaiming Truth? May we not be found arguing with God about how to do things?

Essential Church: The People of God

The Church allows for genuine friendships, edifying relationships, and voluntary accountability.

Romans 16:1-6 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: 2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: 4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.

In the close of Paul’s letter to the Church in Rome, Paul request the help is given to Phebe a faithful sister in the family of God. He also wishes them to greet Priscilla, Aquila, the church in their house, Epaenetus, and Mary. All of these people had an impact on the life of the Apostle Paul as they ministered together in a local church at some point. Together they served the Lord through good times and bad. I imagine that there were days when one of them felt like quitting, and that was the day when the other didn’t. They encouraged and edified one another to keep being faithful in the Christian life.

One of the reasons church is essential is because God has given us a ministry of edification to every believer in the local church. The fulfilling of the great commission was not intended to be a solo flight. We need other believers, and they need us. I know that with people come problems, but where people are gathered together in the name of Christ more can be accomplished for God’s glory. Proverbs 14:4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. You see, it might be cleaner just to keep your “faith” private and not involve a community of local believers, but you cannot possibly accomplish all God requires for the local church. It is a body made up of many members. We must not be so proud as to think we can make it on our own. Having fellow brothers and sisters in Christ that you can meet together to encourage, minster together in evangelism is one of life greatest blessings. There is a special bond in Christ that brings a hodge-podge of people together and makes them closer than family in many ways. We also have a responsibility before God to provoke each other.

Hebrews was written to a group of converted Jews who were considering defecting out of Christianity. It was difficult, unpopular, and they had almost had enough. The writer of Hebrews didn’t encourage an inward focus, but an outward focus of drawing closer to God and meeting together as a church to encourage one another through the difficulty. Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Part of our mindset as Christians must be set on helping others. Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. When we neglect the local church, we forfeit our opportunity to influence and be influenced by the people of God. In order to fulfill the scripture, we must provoke (prod/encourage) each other in our assembly to a greater love for God and good works for God.

Lifting weights, working-out, running, diet, exercise of any kind is always easier when you have someone to help. Walking through the dark is easier when someone is holding your hand. A difficult task or chore doesn’t seem as bad when someone else is their working with you. I have been door knocking by myself and it is not as easy as when I have a partner to go with me. When we have others to help bear the burdens of life and minister along side the work of the Lord is easier and more effective. Why? Because we are working according to God’s design. We are working through the Essential Church.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? 12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Essential Church: The Protection of Godly Leaders

Acts 20:28-29 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.


1. The Proper Focus of Godly Leaders
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock”
As Paul looks to leave the church at Ephesus, he reminds us of one of the many essentials of the local church in the life of the believer-godly leadership. Here Paul commands the leaders to “take heed” meaning “to pay close attention” or “to be on guard” concerning themselves and all the flock. The “flock” is a reference to the local assembly of believers that have gathered together for the common purpose of worshipping God and sharing the gospel, a.k.a. the “local church.” As a pastor, I have the responsibility to watch out for the welfare of the flock. As a member of our local church, our members have the privilege of godly leadership to help protect them from sin and false doctrine.

2. The Placement of Godly Leaders
“over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers”
The Holy Ghost has placed pastors in leadership of the flock. The imagery of a shepherd reminds us that sheep are not driven, but they are led. If the pastor is to fulfill his responsibility biblically, he must lead people by example into godliness. A man barking orders while never demonstrating how to live a Christian life cannot biblically lead people.

People must also learn to follow godly leadership. They are there because God has placed them there. Many times we don’t understand. Perhaps, you wish they would lead a different way. You believe you could do a better job. We need to remember that God has sovereign placed them there for your protection.

3. The Purpose of Godly Leaders
“made you overseers, to feed the church of God,”
Biblically, we know that a pastor cannot control your life. He is not the final authority. Each of us have a personal responsibility before God for the way we live our life, but a godly church leadership is a gift from God to the flock of God to help protect them from going astray.

4. The Protection of Godly Leaders
“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.”
Paul warns of the danger that will come when he leaves. False teachers were waiting in the wings. These “wolves” would come in and tear apart the flock. The Pastors responsibility is to protect the sheep from the wolves. Following the example of the Good Shepherd, the pastor should be willing to lay down his life for the good of the sheep. False teachers are not concerned with purity of doctrine, or glorifying God, they are self-seeking deceivers that lead people away from the truth of God’s word. Some of them may have a hint of truth, but just enough to be believable. Perhaps some wolves are bold to spread their false doctrine. No matter what their approach, the Pastors job is to carefully watch the flock and warn of impending danger.

The world, flesh, and false teachers care nothing for our welfare. They are only concerned about themselves. We need the local church and the leadership of a pastor to help point out the deceit of false doctrine and the dangers of the world.

Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

This is just one more reason why Church is essential.

Disclaimer: This is not to say that pastors are perfect, because we are not. You must wisely compare what your pastor says with the word of God. If your pastor doesn’t agree with the Bible then you may need to find a different flock with a shepherd that will lead you and protect you by following the Great Shepherd.

Essential Church: The Place To Grow

The local New Testament Church is essential to the life of a Christian for many reasons. On e of those reasons is Spiritual growth. While it is true that a person can grow in their relationship with God outside of the local church, if they neglect the local church they will also neglect the overall wellness of their spiritual being.

1. In Ephesians 4:7-11, Paul explains what Christ gave to each saved person in order to glorify in the setting of the local church.

Ephesians 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
-God gave grace that enables us to use the ministry gift that Christ gave us.

Ephesians 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
-This is the imagery of a conquering king bringing home gift and spoils for the conquered nation and passing them out during a triumphal entry on his way back to the palace.

Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
-These are specific gifted people that God gave as a gift to the local assembly (church) of believers.

2. In Ephesians 4:12-14, Paul explains why these gifts and people where given to the local church.

Ephesians 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
-This is why God gave the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to the believers in local congregations.
-“Perfecting of the saints” = “Maturing or Growing – Why?
-“For the work of the ministry” – “Those people help us to grow so that we can serve God.” –Why?
-“For the edifying of the body of Christ.” = “So that the Church grows and is built”
Remember, building the church is what Christ is doing. We want to be involved in Christ’s work.

Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

This growing-working-building cycle should continue until everyone is like Christ. If we are following the Great Commission, this cycle will continue until Christ returns or until we are promoted to heaven.

Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Here is the key verse for this point of why the church is essential to the life of the believers. If we fail to utilize the gifted people that God has given to us as a local assembly of believers we will, at best, be stunted in our spiritual growth.

God has given us the support, accountability, and diversity of people in the local church to help ground us in what is true so that we can grow and are not tossed around or carried away be every new thing that comes by. He wants us to learn and grow so that we are grounded in the truth and won’t be deceived by the sleight or craftiness of deceitful men.

So many people are involved in false doctrine and extra-biblical activity because they never matured and they never matured because the never availed themselves to the gifted, essential church.