Anchor of Truth

Episode 63 A Beginning Expression of the Church

What should we expect in a beginning expression of the church? We see in some degree what God wants, but how do we begin? What is our responsibility? We want to obey God, but what truth is important at the foundation? How does an expression of the church come into being? We may have come out of a more formal institution of some kind in hunger for more reality but are not clear in what we need to do. What truth is essential at the foundation? How do we know that God is gathering a people together and it is not just an effort of man? We face these and many related questions in a beginning gathering of God's children.

Today we share with you a time of ministry by Gordon Gentry on this subject. The setting is a home in which a few brothers and sisters had been gathering once each week for several years for a Bible Study. Gordon was encouraging them in take their responsibility before God seriously and act on the truth that they had already received.

I think any gathering could benefit from the truth Gordon was sharing, but particularly a beginning gathering that is seeking to be more established and express the life of God in their locality.

The recording of this time of ministry is also located on the NT Church Source web site at the following link:

http://www.ntchurchsource.com/audio/

• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/ • Theme song "Will Your Anchor Hold" sung by J. Ashley Milne • Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]

Episode 62 Evaluation and criticism

Paul said in one place that we are to examine ourselves, to test ourselves. He was speaking to a church that was struggling with some serious issues, and He was admonishing them to be honest with where they were in the Lord. Are we always willing to face honest evaluation? To evaluate ourselves honestly is not easy. Our first tendency is usually to defend ourselves when criticized in some way. But when we do that, we usually close the door to progress in that area. If we are at rest in our relationship with God, we should never need to fear what comes to us through others. In addition, we need to be able to honestly evaluate ourselves before God, allowing the Holy Spirit to search us as He chooses. This is an essential element of spiritual progress.

• Accusation is usually hard to deal with o It touches our person o Our humility is tested (Phil. 2:3) o Others do not know our hearts, but they see our actions • Evaluation of our actions may be accurate o They can be more objective o They see the actions, not the intent o We should be thankful that they care enough to speak to us (Eph. 4:15) • Evaluation of our actions may be wrong o Standing for truth will bring persecution (John 15:20) o We must know that we are holding truth in love o We can rejoice as we share in the sufferings of Christ (Phil. 3:10) • A mixture of right and wrong o Need a spirit of humility to not immediately reject o The Holy Spirit to sift and sort as we wait upon God • I would like to have your evaluation of this podcast o What has it meant to you? o How can I improve? o What subjects would you like to see addressed?

• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/ • Theme song "Will Your Anchor Hold" sung by J. Ashley Milne • Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]

Episode 61 The Fear of God

There are many scriptures that speak about "the fear of God." In our time, it seems that is not a very popular subject. We would much rather speak about the love of God. But we dare not ignore any area of truth and concentrate on things we like. Should we fear God? In the Old Testament there is much mention of those who feared God. But there are also many scriptures in the New Testament that speak of the fear of God. How do we reconcile the love of God and the fear of God? Is there a right fear of God? Should a fear of displeasing God be a motivation in our lives?

• There is only one God (Old Testament and New Testament) • Words (such as love and fear) need to be understood in context o Love—4 Greek nouns o Fear—3 Greek nouns • The love of God (action) comes to God even in fear and trembling • We come to God because of Jesus Christ and what he has done • We always come in reverence (Godly fear), not familiarity • A proper fear of God will inspire: o A worship that is pleasing to God (John 4:21-24) o A circumspect walk (Acts 9:31) o A fear of touching the "unclean thing" (2 Cor. 6:11-7:1) o A carefulness in our relationships with others (Eph. 4:25-5:21 o Careful attention to this great salvation (Phil. 2:12) o An acceptable service to God (Hebrews 12) • How do we get a right kind of fear? o Revelation of who God is by the Spirit (1 Cor. 2) o Asking God to reveal Himself to us (John 14) o A careful reading of scriptural accounts that reveal God in action o Waiting before God (giving Him undivided attention) o Meditation on the majesty of God in all things (His divine attributes) o Obedience

• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/ • Theme song "Will Your Anchor Hold" sung by J. Ashley Milne • Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]

Episode 60 God as He Is

Who is God? Do we know who He is? That may sound like a very elementary question, but I do not believe it is. God is vastly more than we realize. So many times we serve a God of our own creation rather than God as He is. How can we have a greater revelation of the true God of this universe? It is impossible for us to grasp God in our natural mind. The scriptures are very clear that only the Holy Spirit can reveal God to our hearts. Even though we read the scriptures diligently, we are still utterly dependent on God to open the eyes of our hearts to an expanding revelation of who God is. To know God as He is must be the focus of our entire lives. Everything else, our worship, our experience of His grace, and our service depends on a proper revelation by the Spirit of Who He is.

Today I want to share a time of ministry by Gordon Gentry on this subject. It was given in March 1983 in a gathering in West Palm Beach, Florida. I was present at that time and benefited, but I was again encouraged and challenged as I listened to it again. I trust you will also be edified as you listen. The recording can also be found on the web site listed below.

Look for "God as He Is" at this link: http://www.ntchurchsource.com/audio/

• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/ • Theme song "Will Your Anchor Hold" sung by J. Ashley Milne • Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]

Episode 59 Spiritual Warfare

What is spiritual warfare? This term is often used today, but the meaning behind the term is quite different in many cases. Are we involved in a war? If so, what is the war and what are the weapons of this war? Let us turn to the scriptures for guidance in this matter. It is very easy for us to take bits of scripture here and there and construct our own idea of the conflict based on our own reasoning as relates to our current situation. It is challenging to step back from the immediate conflict and gain God's view. But I believe this is the right way to come to God's answer. Then we can view our current situation properly and know how to go forward in God's grace.

• The war is between God and Satan o The conflict originated in heaven o The conflict is a conflict in authority (who will be God) • The conflict was brought to earth when Satan deceived Adam and Eve o God gave Adam authority over the earth o Satan usurped that authority through deception o Satan is called "the god of this age" (2 Cor. 4:4) • Christ won the conflict with Satan at Calvary o Now is Satan cast out (John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11) o Jesus won by submission to the Father (Phil 2:5-11) o In the resurrection the triumph was complete (I Cor. 15) o All authority has now been given to Jesus (Matt. 28:18-20) o Satan is now a defeated foe, waiting for his final doom o God leaves him loose for His purpose • Our victory is "In Christ" o We enter into union with Him in the Spirit o We are now seated with Him in heavenly places by faith (Eph. 2:1-10) o His victory is now our victory as we abide in Him • Some key elements in our warfare—having done all we stand (Eph. 6:10-20) o Truth o Righteousness o Gospel of peace o Faith o Salvation o The word of God o Prayer

• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/ • Theme song "Will Your Anchor Hold" sung by J. Ashley Milne • Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]

Episode 58 Evidence of God's presence in His temple

What is the evidence that God is dwelling in His temple? We know what it was in the Tabernacle. It was a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. But when God took up residence in His church on the day of Pentecost what was the evidence then? Is it the same today? I think we must all come before God in this matter with a humble heart, ready to hear, ready to learn, and if necessary ready to change. If we come with our preconceived ideas we may see what we want. But let us come asking Jesus to anoint our spiritual eyes with eye salve that we may see all things as He does. We must be looking for the right things or we may miss God Himself.

• The coming of God (the Holy Spirit) in His temple was obvious (Acts 2:1-4) o A rushing wind, tongues of fire, and prophecy (the wonderful works of God) o This event was fulfilment of prophecy (2:17-21) • The continuing working of God was manifest in many ways o Conviction of sin (2:37) o Obedience to God's word (2:41) o Teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, prayer (2:42) o Fear of God, miraculous signs (2:43) o A communal spirit (2:46) o Praise to God (2:47) o Addition of more believers • As a gathering matures, other manifestations are more obvious o A plurality of God-given leadership o A ministry that feeds the flock with Christ • The presence of God does not necessarily mean spirituality in believers o God's presence in the Corinthian church was evident (I Cor. 1:4-9) o The expression from the Corinthian church was "carnal" (I Cor. 3:1) • God's continued presence in His temple is contingent upon our obedience o God gives us time to obey o The churches in Revelation are an example (chapters 2 and 3) o The indication that God is present and in control of an assembly of His people is an expanding expression of Christ (Testimony) o God does not just want to be present but rather acknowledged as God. His purpose is that we walk in all truth, not just a part. o Unity, love, and holiness is fruit that comes from the abiding presence of God

• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/ • Theme song "Will Your Anchor Hold" sung by J. Ashley Milne • Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]

Episode 57 Discipline in the Church of God

The subject of discipline in the Household of God is a very touchy subject. To avoid the problems, some have concluded that we should never be involved in such things ("Judge not"). Others have done this in a very harsh way that has left severe damage in lives. Is there a right way? Should the church ever discipline members? If so, how? As we look briefly at this subject today, I would encourage us to come carefully to the scriptures and ask God to reveal His mind. I think we all want to do the will of God, and we know that we are our brother's keeper. Love cares for each member, and the scriptures give some clear direction. Even though discipline is challenging to say the least, love must be a love of action.

• Discipline is in the context of the Family of God o The church is universal in scope but local in expression o Members are part by their own choice in faith • Love is expressed in Godly care o Discipline is love in action o Speaking the truth in love is done in relationship (Eph. 4:15-16) • Addressing a need is always progressive (Matt. 18:15-20) o Making a distinction (Jude 22, I Thes. 5:14) o Consistency is critical • A care for the person and the testimony o The expression of every member is important to the local testimony (2 Thes. 3:6-15) o No member is except from accountability (I Cor. 12:20-26) o Teachers are held to a higher standard (James 3:1) • The grace of God and spiritual direction is critical o We should never move beyond the grace of God o We should never stand between another member and Christ • The end goal of any correction or discipline is the restoration of fellowship (Heb. 12:3-12) o God knows the heart, but man judges the outward actions o Fellowship with God is revealed in fellowship with one another (I John) • The church properly expressed is the Temple of God in reality

http://www.ntchurchsource.com/literature/read/discipline-in-the-body-of-christ/

• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/ • Theme song "Will Your Anchor Hold" sung by J. Ashley Milne • Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]

Episode 56 The Temple of God

A common theme among most religions of the world is a temple for worship. This is a central part of Christianity as well, but the New Covenant expression of that is very different from all other religions and even the temple that we see in the Old Testament. What is the Temple of God in the New Covenant? In the final words of Stephen's sermon in Acts 7 he said that God does not dwell in temples made with hands. What then was the meaning of the Old Covenant temple? I believe we can agree that in our time the church is the Temple of God. What does that mean to God? What does that mean to us?

• The Tabernacle o The first "temple" that we see in the Old Testament o Constructed exactly according to the pattern given by God o All parts spoke of Christ in some way o Was filled with the presence of God when completed (Exodus 40:34-38) • The Temple o Was patterned in many ways after the Tabernacle o The critical elements of the Tabernacle were put there o The presence of God filled the temple upon completion (I Kings 8:10-13) • Jesus o Spoke of Himself as the "temple" (John 2:18-22) o The Holy Spirit came to abide at the Jordan (Matt. 3:16-17) o The presence of God dwelt in Jesus in fullness (John 1, Hebrews 1, Col. 1:19) • The church today is now the Temple of God o Indwelt by the presence of God by the Holy Spirit (Acts 2) o The fullness of God now dwells in the church (Eph. 1:23 3:19) o All believers are now priests unto God (I Peter 2:4-9) o We are to offer spiritual sacrifices to God (Rom. 12:1, I Peter 2:5) • The New Jerusalem o No temple for God Himself is the temple (Rev. 21:22) o God Himself is the glory and light • As Individual members today o A living stone fitted in by God o Separated from this world, holy (2 Cor. 6:14-7:1)

• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/ • Theme song "Will Your Anchor Hold" sung by J. Ashley Milne • Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]

Episode 55 Spiritual Gifts

I think that most of us are aware that there is considerable disagreement in Christianity concerning the place that spiritual gifts hold in the church today. That is certainly unfortunate to say the least. What is the purpose of these gifts? Are they for us today? So many seem to have either dismissed spiritual gifts saying they were only for the early church while others have pursued them but ignored the instruction given by Paul to ensure that all are edified by their use. Why is there so much confusion? Can we come to a place of clarity on this subject? Can we partake of all of God's provision for His purpose and glory?

• The Holy Spirit in Acts is the same for us today o The Bible does not replace the Holy Spirit o God is a supernatural God o Every provision of God is for a specific purpose • Spiritual gifts are given to each one for the profit of all (I Cor. 12:1-11) o All members may experience the manifestation of the Spirit o The Holy Spirit distributes "as He wills" o The experience of God's provision is under the authority of Christ • We are to desire "spirituals" and pursue love (I Cor. 14:1) o Prophecy is identified as a focus for edification, exhortation, and comfort o Love is not a special gift but rather how the gifts should be exercised • The Corinthian church is not the "model church" of the New Testament o God was active in their midst to minister to needs o Paul's ministry was primarily to "set things in order" for edification o Paul's grace was needed to meet the needs that gifts had not met • What we can learn from the experience of the Corinthians o Spirituals have not passed away o We need all of God's provision to achieve God's results o We will experience the provision of God as we "desire" o In all things, we experience God as we walk in faith o We always learn through consistent exercise (experience)

• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/ • Theme song "Will Your Anchor Hold" sung by J. Ashley Milne • Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]

Episode 54 The Transformation of our Mind

The mind is one of the most critical members of our body, and Paul says it is also the focus of the transformation of our whole person. "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." How is this accomplished? What is our part? What is God's part? To see our mind transformed where we think properly about all things is a major work. So many of our problems can be traced back to wrong thinking about God, about what He is doing in this time, about others, and about ourselves. Yet God has made full provision for our mind to be renewed so that we can have the mind of God in all things.

• Repentance is a change of mind and heart o It begins when we turn from the world to Christ o It continues when we see a direction we are taking is wrong o It is true repentance when it is accompanied by deeds • When we are born again (born of the Spirit): o We have a new connection to God (life) o We have a new heart (desire to please God and do His will) o We have access to God's grace through faith o We must now bring the whole body under God's control through obedience • Some key elements of the transformation of the mind o A teachable, submissive spirit (ready to take instruction) o Giving focused attention to the scriptures o Seek out sound ministry (a ministry of Christ Jesus) o Making ourselves available to the grace of oversight o Fellowship with other believers o Look for the Holy Spirit to teach us in all things o Obedience when light comes to us, no matter how small • Confront truth and agree with God, even if it results in conflict • Don't defend ourselves and past behavior, but rather in humility embrace change • Be consistent until our normal response is to "think in God" or according to God • A renewed mind results in revelation as we experience God in the midst of need

The School of Christ—Learning by Revelation (T. Austin-Sparks) http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/001035.html

• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/ • Theme song "Will Your Anchor Hold" sung by J. Ashley Milne • Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]