Category Archives: Ecclesiology

What Became of Personal Separation?

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1 John 2:15–17 “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the Iust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

Biblical Holiness

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Actually this article is a review of two books that deal with the issue of separation. For many years fundamentalists who wanted a balanced, written presentation of their viewpoint had access to many pamphlets but very few books. In 1979 Regular Baptist Press published Biblical Separation: The Struggle for a Pure Church by Dr. Ernest Pickering, and this book continues to be a leader in the field. In 1994, however, Bob Jones University Press published two new books which address this issue.

Three Principles for Biblical Church Growth, Part 2

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Dr. Luke’s account of the church in Antioch (Acts 11:19–30) yields three principles for Biblical church growth. The previous issue of the Faith Pulpit explained the first principle: “Reach Out To The Lost” (11:19–21). The believers in Antioch shared the good news of Christ with their neighbors, “and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord” (11:21). Reports of church growth reached the believers in Jerusalem. Earlier they had sent Peter and John to Samaria (8:14). This time they sent Barnabas to Antioch (11:22).

Three Principles for Biblical Church Growth, Part 1

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Unchurched millions beset us on every side. Despite this alarming reality, too many Bible-believing churches spiral down negative growth curves. Discouraged pastors may consider implementing trendy solutions; after all, changing times demand drastic measures. Some recent church growth methods work in a post-Christian society, but not all church growth is Biblical church growth. How should we reach the citizens of a post-Christian society? God’s Word provides the answer. The believers of pre-Christian Antioch faced similar obstacles. Their story, recorded in Acts 11:19–30, provides three principles for Biblical church growth.

A Call for Separation

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A few months ago I was speaking to an individual who had participated in a “Jesus March.” He spoke of how wonderful it was to have been there at the march. He said one could feel the “moving” of the Spirit and the overwhelming sense of love that permeated the event. Jesus was the common bond between all of those present. Doctrine was not an issue. The greatest blessing was when a Roman Catholic priest stood and prayed for the marchers.

What is in it for the Church?

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Take heed to thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16). Rarely do you meet a person who finished his education and is sorry that he did it. But how often do you meet a person who did not complete his education and sincerely wished that he had? I sometimes hear pastors talk about how much they didn’t get in school. Some even drop these remarks from chapel platforms.

Some Thoughts on Ecumenical Evangelism – A Case Study

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Introduction Forty-five years ago most Bible believers in evangelical denominations would have been shocked at and repulsed by the suggestion that they should join hands with liberal and/or liturgical churches in an evangelistic endeavor. Today, however, very little objection is raised to such cooperation, and the person who hesitates is thought of as strange indeed. For many this is simply a non-issue. Even among those who are a part of historically separatist groups one seldom hears the issue of ecclesiastical separation raised, preached upon, or taught.

Faithful Shepherding

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The picture given to us in Scripture of faithful local church leadership is that of the shepherd tending his flock. While other terms are used of him—he is an elder which speaks of his maturity and he is a bishop which views his responsibility of oversight of the Lord’s work—the term pastor describes well the heart of his ministry, that of shepherding the flock. Aspiring to hold this office is good, we are told in the Bible (1 Timothy 3:1), and there are many individuals today who occupy this office.

Helping Your Local Church to Prosper

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Often when church growth issues are discussed, they are looked at from the perspective of the pastor. The responsibility for a church’s prosperity, however, rests with each church member as well, and we want to look at ways that all of us can be of help to our local churches. Actually, church growth is not the ultimate goal—having a spiritually healthy church should be our focus. Growth is often the result of a church being in good spiritual condition so that God can bless it.

The Benefits of a Bible College Education

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Selecting a college to attend is not always an easy task. For one thing, there are over 3,500 from which to choose. Then there are other factors, such as how far away it is, what it will cost, what kinds of programs it offers, would I get a quality education etc. When people begin looking for a college, they (and often their family and friends) want to know what the college has to offer. This question is an important one, and we believe that Bible colleges have some unique qualities which should be attractive to the college-bound, committed Christian.