PRUNING AND PURGING

There is an old quote that basically says "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." How can it can be both? How can you be going through such a difficult time and be thankful for it at the same time? Doesn't make sense, but sometimes that how we feel.

I have heard two words this week that were used to describe what is currently happening at RFBC: "prune" and "purge". Some of my friends have told me that they believe God is pruning our church as illustrated in John 15...

John 15:1-2 (ESV) 1  “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2   Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 

Wow, even if you are bearing fruit, you will be pruned from time to time. Pruning seems so backwards at the time because you start looking at what you see as growth but God cuts off some parts and reshapes you so that you will grow the right direction and be more fruitful. At the time of pruning, you may be thinking, "Hey, wait, I need that!" and you try to hang on to that twig only to find out later from God's perspective, you looked really weak and were not producing as much as you will now that you are pruned.

1 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV) 7  Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 

The English Standard Version and the New American Standard say to 'cleanse' or 'clean out' so that you will become 'new'. Every church must examine itself and ask questions like "Is this biblical or just a tradition that we have inherited?" and "How does the Bible say we should do this?".

We are in the first stages of the book of Hebrews on Sunday mornings and already we have seen such strong warnings coming from God's Word...

Hebrews 2:1-3 (ESV) 1 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. 2 For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard,  


Hebrews 3:7-13 (ESV) 7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, 9 where your fathers put me to the test and saw my works for forty years. 10 Therefore I was provoked with that generation, and said, ‘They always go astray in their heart; they have not known my ways.’ 11 As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest.’ ” 12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 

I really believe that God is breaking us of our pride, our self-centeredness, our stubborness and any other hindrance that is keeping us from being the church that we should be. We need to pray for each other continually and stay rooted in God's Word. It is God's Word that will shape us the right way...

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV) 16   All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17  that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 

YES, "HE THAT ENDURES TO THE END WILL BE SAVED"

Recently, I wrote a post called "HE THAT ENDURES TO THE END" which can be read HERE and now I would like to take the next step of that discussion. 

The question was "WHAT DID JESUS MEAN WHEN HE SAID "HE THAT ENDURES TO THE END WILL BE SAVED"? In that text, you could easily use the word, "DELIVERED" as shown in some translations such as Matthew 10:22 (HCSB) 22  You will be hated by everyone because of My name. But the one who endures to the end will be delivered.

As stated in the previous post, the idea of enduring to the end triggers references to other parts of scripture such as the following...

• Hebrews 2:1—For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.
• Hebrews 6:11–12—And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
• Hebrews 10:23—Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful 
• Hebrews 10:35—Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.
• Hebrews 12:1—Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

I really appreciate what John MacArthur said in his study notes... The MacArthur Study Bible “if we hold fast” Cf. v. 14. This is not speaking of how to be saved or remain saved (cf. 1Co 15:2). It means rather that perseverance in faithfulness is proof of real faith. The person who returns to the rituals of the Levitical system to contribute to his own salvation proves he was never truly part of God's household (see 1Jn 2:19 [note]), whereas the one who abides in Christ gives evidence of his genuine membership in that household (cf. Mt 10:22; Lk 8:15; Jn 8:31; 15:4-6). The promise of God will fulfill this holding fast (1Th 5:24; Jude 24, 25). See Mt 24:13

And also this from the ESV Transformation Bible... Those who are truly the Lord’s do not fall away (apostatize) forever, but there is no assurance that we are truly the Lord’s if we live contrary to him (cf. Rom. 8:29–30; Eph. 2:6;Col. 3:1–3). So, these strong words call all professing Christians to a self-examination that would keep us from living in fear or rebellion (see also 2 Cor. 13:5). One evidence of truly knowing Christ is perseverance in faith. We must be on guard, therefore, that we do not develop “an evil, unbelieving heart.” What is the antidote to the poison of unbelief? It is mutual accountability and daily encouragement of one another. Sin is deceitful and can harden our hearts.

So endurance is not what saves you, it's what validates that you have been saved. A great example of this idea is shown in John 6. I encourage you to listen to John MacArthur's message from the T4G conference this past week. You will find that powerful message HERE. Notice John 6:66 (ESV) 66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. Many of "his" disciples. The true disciples didn't leave Jesus there but the "false disciples" did. Not only that, look at John 6:70-71 (ESV) 70 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” 71 He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the Twelve, was going to betray him. Judas didn't leave when the other disciples left, but he would soon abandon Jesus as well.

So now we have plenty to think about, yes?

WOULD YOU PARTNER WITH US?

We have been asked to take a team of pastors and medical personnel to the Philippines this year. We will be serving in two areas that was greatly affected by the typhoons last year, Ormoc City and Tacloban City on the island of Leyte. During the day, we will be teaching pastors and other church leaders "What is a healthy church?" and then at night, we will be preaching revivals in the surrounding areas. Our medical friends will be serving during the day while we are teaching and then worship with us at night.

God is calling several people together for this trip and we would like to invite you to partner with us as well. First of all, would you please PRAY for us as we prepare for this trip this fall? Pray that we would have the right people on this team and we would prepare ourselves for this important task.

And then you prayerfully considering PARTNERING with us by making a financial donation to help us with the expenses of this missions trip? Some of the folks who are praying about going already know they want to go and feel led to go, they just need help raising the funds to be able to make the trip. In addition to needing help for traveling expenses, we have also been asked to help with medical attention which includes supplies such as first aid kits and basic medicines.

Thank you in advance for praying with us and for us. If you are willing to partner with us financially, please email me at brucenichols@rollingforkbaptistchurch.com. Any amount would be a great help. This will be my fourth mission trip to the Philippines and I am thankful for everyone who has expressed an interest in helping us share the gospel on Leyte Island.

2 Corinthians 9:10-15 (ESV) 10  He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11   You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12  For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13  By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission flowing from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14  while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15   Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! 

"HE THAT ENDURES TO THE END"?

Matthew 10:22 (ESV) 22 and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 

What does it mean by “endures to the end”? When we see the word “saved”, are we talking about salvation or being delivered from something? Is this verse being taken out of context when people use it to explain the importance of endurance in relationship with salvation? Great questions. Ones that we discussed for a while last night. 

To begin searching for the answer, you need to back up to verse 16 and following…
Matthew 10:16-20 (ESV) 16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 

I have heard it said many times, “Let scripture interpret scripture.” Leading up to verse 22, Jesus is sending out his disciples and is telling them to “be wise as serpents and innocent as doves”. Then Jesus warns them so that they will be prepared to face opposition (“they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings”). Not only does He tell them to expect opposition, Jesus tells them that they don’t have to worry about what they will say because the Holy Spirit will empower them to speak the right words. So when you get to verse 22, Jesus is telling them again of the upcoming opposition when He says “you will be hated by all for my name’s sake”. Then comes the phrase in question… “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

It is interesting that the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) says “22 …But the one who endures to the end will be delivered.” which seems to fit this context better. This passage is not talking about the salvation of the disciples, but the assignment of the disciples, right? They were going to face opposition but they would be delivered.

We find the same type of phrasing in two passages that mirror each other (Matthew 24:4-13 and Mark 13:13). Here’s the passage in Mark… 
Mark 13:5-13 (ESV) 5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains. 9 “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. 10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11 And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 

Once again, Jesus is warning His disciples about the opposition they will be facing. He tells them not to be deceived or led astray. Look at the instructions He gives in verse 9, ““But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them”. The warning continues in verse 11, “when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.” Verse 13 takes us to familiar territory like we saw in Matthew 10:22, “13 And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” and the Holmans Christian Standard Bible says ‘delivered’ there also.

So is Jesus only talking about being delivered from somebody when He says “… But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”?  Maybe so. But it is very interesting that some of the Bible translations refer you to passages such as…

Hebrews 3:6 (ESV) 6 but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.  
Revelation 2:10 (ESV) 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
2 Timothy 2:12 (ESV) 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; 

It is obvious that some of the people who were being ministered to by Paul were not staying with the true gospel but chasing after other ‘gospels’…
Galatians 1:6 (ESV) 6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 

The writer of Hebrews also talked about endurance…
Hebrews 10:36-39 (ESV) 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 37 For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; 38 but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” 39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. 

So here’s where it gets really interesting.  The word “saved” in Matthew 10:22 is the same word for “saved” in Acts 16:30-31 which says, Acts 16:30-31 (ESV) 30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”  The Greek word is σῴζω (sōzō #4982) which is used in KJV for words such as “save” (93 times), “make whole” (9 times), “heal” (3 times) and “be whole” (2 times). The definition in the Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary says it means “to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literal or figurative) :- heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.”

Now I go back to my original question? What exactly did Jesus mean when He said “the one who endures to the end will be saved”? You tell me! Keep your eyes on Jesus!

SCHEDULE CHANGE AT RFBC

Beginning this Sunday, April 6, 2014, Rolling Fork Baptist Church will not be offering the 9am service until further notice. The reason for this change is two-fold:
1. The 9am service is designed as an overflow for the 11am service but because the attendance in the 11am service has been too low, we are gathering everyone in the same service.
2. Having our church family gather together in one service will help us as we seek a time of spiritual renewal in our church. 

Come join us for Sunday School at 10am and our worship service at 11am. We will be looking at Hebrews 2:5-18 as we ask the question "How Is Jesus Greater?"