Recommended Reading: What Must a Christian Do to Remain Faithful to Christ?
This title of the 2014 Contending for the Faith lectureship book poses an all-important question for older members, as well as those who have newly become Christians. The introduction states the goals of this volume for brethren—“to keep them faithful to the Lord—unspotted from the world…” and to assist them in not being confused by “goofy gospels” (2). The material presented is designed to emphasize the fundamentals of Christianity.
One of the most basic of Christian teachings pertains to love, and the first three messages are: “Love God With All You Are And Have,” “Love Your Neighbor As Yourself,” and “Grow in Love for Brethren.” Some have advanced the idea that treating others the way they want to be treated is even better than what Jesus taught, but God does not deal with us this way, nor should we adopt this attitude toward others. God loves us by giving us what we need—not what we desire. He knows that everything we desire is not necessarily beneficial to us (25).
The next two chapters relate to the Christian’s overall attitude: “Keeping a Good and Honest Heart” and “Keeping a Humble and Teachable Mind That Is Ready to Repent of Any Sin.” The first of these provides a warning signal that each of us can spot within us—it shows us that we have a heart problem. “When the Christian prays and studies less, his heart is starting to fade” (45). No one else may recognize the danger, but we can all observe it within ourselves—and institute measures to keep that from happening.
Of course, a new Christian has probably been taught to “Know the Difference Between the Lord’s Church and the Religions of Men,” but a good review of the topic is beneficial to all. The religions founded by men have a different authority than that of the Scriptures, and some of these appeals outside of the Bible are listed (66-67). An important analysis of Acts 2:37-47 is also included (68-69).
The next three chapters relate to the Christian’s attitude toward fellowship: “Do Not Be a Respecter of, Or Partial To, Persons As You Live, Teach, and Defend the Gospel”; “Be Determined to Fellowship Only Those Who Are With God”; and “Withdraw Fellowship From Disorderly Church Members, Including Family Members.” Despite sound teaching in the past on these subjects, Romans 16:17-18 and 2 John 9-11 are fast becoming the most ignored passages in the Bible among brethren. One of the key concepts is partiality.
The lines of fellowship have not only become blurred during the past decade; they have just about become obliterated. Many brethren are now operating by “Woofer Theology.” Most brethren once followed the pattern of Jesus. Despite the fact that Peter had confessed Jesus to be the Son of God and been blessed for it, when he did something wrong afterward, Jesus said, “Get Behind Me, Satan” (Matt. 16:16-23). Deeds and actions were based on merit.
One used to hear brethren argue, “I don’t have a dog in this fight; here’s what I think on this subject.” But now everybody is making decisions based on the dog they do have in the fight—hence, Woofer Theology. For example, if a work is accomplishing a lot of good, then we cannot let it fail—even if the head of that organization is Scripturally flawed. If a conservative congregation advertises liberal events, well, that’s all right because some family connections exist between the two. If someone holds a gospel meeting where a false teacher is, it’s okay because he writes good material. If someone speaks on a liberal workshop, we cannot criticize because of who he is.
For these reasons (besides the fact that impartiality and fellowship are Biblical subjects), these three chapters are important. The next topic is related: “Be Ready to Forgive a Brother or Sister Who Repents of Sin.” One aspect that is dealt with is one that many people ponder: “At what point should I forgive someone who has wronged me—before he or she asks, when forgiveness is sought, or at a time much later?” Another important matter that is included is: “How do I forgive (to what extent?), and am I expected to do so even when it is difficult?” (119-31).
An interesting topic of great relevance is: “Do Not Follow a Multitude To Do Evil”; related is: “Have No Fellowship With the Unfruitful Works of Darkness, But Rather Reprove Them.” These are followed by a comprehensive subject: “Teach the Alien Sinner, Restore the Erring Church Member, and Be Ready Unto Every Good Work.” The author outlines 6 things that hinder evangelism (160-61) and seven reasons why Christians fall away (161-64).
Another lengthy title is from 1 Corinthians 16:13: “Watch Ye, Stand Fast in the Faith, Quit You Like Men, Be Strong.” Six results of failing to be steadfast are listed that would make an excellent sermon (171). Not unrelated is “Contending for the Faith,” which includes several definitions of the words used in Jude 3 and shows how the text applies to the overall context of the book of Jude.
“Pray Without Ceasing” covers the posture of prayer, the recipient of prayer, hindrances to prayer, and the ways in which God answers prayer, among other things. The next chapter exhorts brethren to be regular in daily Bible study and how to properly ascertain Bible authority. The liberal “paraphrase” of Biblical principles is worth the price of the book (209-10). Most brethren have probably not read War and Peace, but they have adopted in their hearts a line from Pierre (213).
The next three chapters discuss worshipping in spirit and in truth, being faithful in attending all the assemblies of the church, and teaching godliness by both example and doctrine. This last emphasis discusses a wide range of issues, such as taking issue with Mac Deaver’s Passive Sanctification Theory (246-47), as well as charges that members of the Lord’s church are more concerned about right doctrine than right living (251). This seems like an odd claim since some preachers have been fired because they upheld the wearing of modest apparel. Other avenues explored are the elder Re-evaluation/Reaffirmation issue (252-53) and those who try to argue logically that Christianity is not established by argument (256).
The material on the fruit of the Spirit contrasts those attributes with the works of the flesh and is followed by an analysis of what it means to be a living sacrifice to God (Rom. 12:1-2). “Walk Circumspectly and Lay Hands Suddenly on No Man” contains some interesting correspondence that reveals the hearts and thinking of many liberals (287-88).
“Strengthening Your Hope of Heaven” is a good topic for both old and new Christians, as is “Being Obedient to Faithful Elders.” The material relating to keeping up with church events is worth careful study. The observation is made that Christians from 40 to 70 years ago would “not believe their eyes and ears” if they could observe many present-day assemblies (325). Much of the current folderol results from the “abandonment of the need for scriptural authority…” (328).
An unusual article appears next: “What Does the Bible Teach about a Wife Keeping Her Maiden Name?” An always timely topic is that of: “The Sin of Gossip,” which is brief but full of useful information (345-49). The Father’s Responsibility in keeping his family faithful is followed by a look at the wife’s; both of these are very practical. The final message deals with rejoicing in the face of persecution. Every reader needs to see the list of crimes and punishments that exist under Sharia law (382-83). To order, call 281-350-5516.