Moriah Primitive Baptist Church

Madison County, Georgia

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Ministerial Charges

(July 2, 2008)

Desiring to prepare and preach a biblically accurate, pastoral charge; I read the epistles to Timothy and Titus several times. I found the word charge employed often in these three epistles. Five of these charges are listed below:

1. I charge thee therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ … preach the word - 2Tim 4:1-2. Preaching God’s word is the emphasis time and again in these epistles, and the Lord is just as adamant warning against the words of men (fables, janglings, and babblings) - 2Pet 1:20-21.
2. thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine - 1Tim 1:3. Do not add to or take away from God’s word and exhort any who would, is the emphasis of this charge - Titus 1:10-11, Rev 22:18-19.
3. I charge thee … observe these things (rebukings) without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality - 1Tim 5:21. Put every member in mind of his or her duties regardless of wealth or circumstances - 1Tim 5:7, 6:17, Luke 15:1-2.
4. I give thee charge … thou keep this commandment without spot - 1Tim 6:13. Be an example, an ensample, a pattern of good works to all them who hear thee. That which is modeled is often a more effective teacher than that which is spoken - Matt 23:1-39.
5. This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy … that thou by thy might war a good warfare - 1Tim 1:18. Timothy, know thy rank, thy weapon, thy purpose, and thy course. Train, exercise, and prepare as a good soldier.

The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to charge his sons in the ministry in the above manner. Not only are these charges the responsibilities of all ordained ministers, but these charges are the criteria to which members ought to hold pastors accountable - a high standard from a High Master.

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Fear of Man

July 9, 2008

John wrote about several folks who feared man. Each person feared losing something, but what?

1. John 3:1-2 - Nicodemus feared other Pharisees and manifested his fear by going to Jesus at night. Nicodemus feared losing prestige.
2. John 7:10-13 - worshippers feared their peers and manifested their fear by whispering the things of Jesus. They feared losing aceeptance.
3. John 9:18-23 - a father and mother feared the priests and manifested their fear by denying their son. Mom & Dad feared losing church membership.
4. John 12:42-43 - Jewish rulers feared other Jews and manifested their fear by living a lie. They feared losing preaching appointments.
5. John 18:15-17, 24-27 - Peter feared the Jewish courts and manifested his fear by denying affiliation with Jesus. Peter feared losing his life.
6. John 19:4-12 - Pilot feared Caesar and manifested his fear by sentencing an innocent man to death. Pilot feared losing a promising career.
7. John 19:38 - Joseph feared Jewish leaders and manifested his fear by going secretly to Pilot. Joseph feared interruption of Jesus’ burial.
8. John 20:19-20 - the disciples feared the Jews and manifested their fear by bolting a door and hiding behind it. The disciples feared losing freedom.

Living life without fear is hard. But, if we understood everything we have is God’s, we wouldn’t fear losing it. Whether it be our status, our stuff, or our freedom; none of it is really ours. It’s all God’s. And only with this realization can we hope to believe and it:

Hard to attain? Yes, but with God’s help not impossible.

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Vengeance is the Lord’s 

July 16, 2008

… for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord - Rom 12:19. If ever a man lived this saying, David was that man.

To say David was treated unjustly by King Saul would be a colossal understatement. Saul hated David. Saul lied about David, he broke covenants with David, he took away David’s wife, he hunted David like an animal, and tried to kill him on several occasions. Nevertheless, David trusted God to right all injustices. David deferred vengeance to God.

David remained faithful to Saul, despite ample opportunity to avenge himself. David was presented with opportunities to get even, but declined. Consider:

David believed in a different kind of providence than his soldiers (and many folks today).

The Lord told David, he would be king. David believed God’s words and waited upon God to fulfill His promise. But David also knew God demanded respect for authority. David refused to break God’s word in order to help God keep His word (as Abraham lied to help God keep a promise - Gen 12:2, 11-13). No man ought ever construe circumstances to justify sin. Might we say, Vengeance is God’s, even when we think God served it to us on a silver platter.

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The Marriage Mirror 

July 23, 2008

For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church - Eph 5:30-31.

God likens the relationship between Jesus and His church to the relationship between a husband and a wife, but often times we do right the opposite. We use marriage to conceptualize God. Modern marriage is so perverted that a person using this paradigm cannot help but have a distorted view of God. Consider, the:

When our children and neighbors look at our marriages to conceptualize the relationship Jesus has with His church, our lives portray our God. But we reflect something other than our God when our marriages conform to worldly standards.

Matt 5:14-16 & Php 2:15 tell us to be lights in our communities. Whether we like it or not, our marriages are part of our light. Lord, help our marriages glorify Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

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Prideful Behaviors 

July 30, 2008

The following behaviors are: sad and funny, subtle and forthright. Regretfully, the proud man described below far too often describes this writer. Scripture saith:

The behaviors described above come not from God, but are worldly - 1John 2:16. May the Lord help us recognize and purge such behavior, and in short order!

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God’s Rules for Bible Interpretation

August 6, 2008

Recently, I had the pleasure of playing checkers with a young man in our congregation. My record stands at 3 wins, 4 loses, and 1 draw. Needless to say, I am waiting for the series to continue.

The first game ended in a draw because we chose to ignore the rule which says, “If you can jump your opponent, you must.” This rule was enforced from the second game on, and all games thereafter concluded with a clear decision.

Studying the Bible and playing checkers are more alike then one might think. If parties engage in either activity, but ignore established rules, the probability of deciding a matter is very low. If parties agree to abide by established rules, the probability of deciding a matter is much higher.

Following God’s rules for interpreting scripture is very important. What are God’s rules for interpreting scripture? Good question, important answer.

1. The Bible contains no internal contradiction - Ps 12:6, Prov 8:8, John 10:35, 1John 2:21;
2. Scripture interprets scripture - 1Cor 2:13, 1John 4:1, 2Cor 13:1/Php 3:1, Act 17:11;
3. Mind the context (the who, what, when, and where’s) - Neh 8:8, Is 28:13, 2Pet 3:16, Prov 25:11;
4. Heed the grammar (especially verb tenses) - 2Tim 1:13, Rom 6:17, 2Tim 2:15, Matt 5:18;
5. Reason soundly and consistently - Ps 119:80, Is 1:18, Act 17:2-3, Act 19:8-9;
6. Differentiate between a proof text and a reference text - Neh 8:8, Job 26:3, Rom 4:3-5, Gal 4:30-31;
7. Recognize figures of speech - Hab 1:8-9, Matt 7:26, 13:24, Ps 78:2, Prov 1:6.

So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading - Neh 8:8. This verse describes the preaching during the most celebrated revival recorded in scripture. Bible interpretation was methodical, systematic, and effectual. If them, then us - 2Tim 2:15.

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The Way Up is Down

August 13, 2008

Jesus summarized two parables, “The Wedding Reception without a Seating Chart” and “The Pharisee and Publican Gone to Pray,” with for whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted - Luke 14:11, 18:14. Jesus’ bottom lines: the way up is down, and the way down is up.

Sound like double talk? James and Peter taught the same principle. James (preaching to sheep) and Peter (preaching to shepherds) said, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble - Jam 4:6, 1Pet 5:5. Their bottom lines: the way up is down, and the way down is up.

The way up is down, illustrated - Jesus was of no reputation (that’s down), the form of a servant (that’s down), in the likeness of man (that’s down), fashioned as man (that’s down), humbled Himself (that’s down), obedient unto death (that’s down). Then God highly exalted Jesus (that’s up), and gave Jesus a name above every name (that’s up) - Php 2:7-9.

The way down is up, illustrated - Satan said I will ascend into heaven (that’s up), I will exalt my throne (that’s up), I will sit upon the mount (that’s up), I will ascend above the clouds (that’s up), and I will be like the most High (that’s up). Then God caused Satan to fall from heaven (that’s down), and cut him to the ground (that’s down) - Is 14:12-14.

An obscure teaching? Hardly. The low are lifted, the proud are made low (1Sam 2:7, Job 40:12). The humble are honored, the haughty suffer destruction (Pr 15:33, 18:12). The low are exalted, the lofty fall (Jam 1:9, Is 2:17). The meek inherit the earth, scorners inherit shame (Matt 5:5 Pr 3:34-35). The humble gain respect, the proud are abased (Ps 138:6, Dan 4:37).

Because God humbles the proud and exalts the humble, one would expect folks to alter their behavior. Unfortunately, both sheep and shepherds are forced to learn this lesson over and over again. The way up is down, and the way down is up.

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The Virgin Birth

August 20, 2008

David said, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me - Ps 51:5. David was not an illegitimate child. Matter of fact, he was the 8^th son in a God honoring family. So if David was not the result of a “sin,” what is David telling us?

David understood the doctrine of original sin. David understood when Adam fell, not only was Adam cursed, but each descendant of Adam was also cursed. Each and every time the seed of a man joins itself to the egg of a woman, a cursed being is created - Rom 3:9, 5:12, Gal 3:22. Therefore, we needed a Savior who bypassed this curse, who bypassed Adam’s genetics. And Jesus, via the virgin birth, was/is this Savior.

Scripture records the details of the virgin birth in three accounts: the first was prophesied by Isaiah, the second was given to Mary, and the third was given to Joseph - Is 7:10-14, Luke 1:26-37, Matt 1:17-25. Conception was by the Holy Ghost, and without man.

Could this happen? If God created human life by breathing into a handful of dust, by grafting a rib, or by opening a dead womb; why couldn’t He fertilize an egg without a man? Nothing’s impossible with God - Luke 1:37.

We needed a Savior who was unspotted from sin, including original sin - Heb 9:14. Jesus was that Savior in mind, soul, and body. Jesus was that Savior from conception to glorification.

Adam gave us condemnation, but Jesus gave us justification. Adam gave us death, but Jesus gave us life. Adam made us sinners, but Jesus made us righteous - Rom 5:16-19. Adam was made a living soul, but Jesus was made a quickening spirit. Adam was natural, but Jesus was spiritual. Adam was of the earth, but Jesus was from heaven - 1Cor 15:45-48. Praise be to God for the virgin birth and its role in our eternal salvation.

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Moderation, Even in Good Things

August 27, 2008

A High School coach once warned me about too much sports. He said, “Do not neglect your studies.” An employer once warned me about too much work. He said, “Do not neglect your health.” My father in the ministry once warned me about too much church. He said, “Do not neglect your family.” Did a preacher just say, “Too much church?” Yep. How do you think preacher’s kids got such a bad rap - 1Sam 3:13, 8:5?

And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things - 1Cor 9:25. This concept applies to both preachers and saints - 1Tim 3:4, Eph 6:1-4. Ruling a house well takes time, effort, balance, temperance, and moderation - Php 4:5. Saints must juggle worship, family, work, and outside interests. A ditch lies adjacent the side of every decision. Work is a good thing, but one who works too much sins just as much as one who doesn’t work at all - 1Tim 5:8, 6:8-9.

The saints I pastor are involved athletics, clogging, music, livestock showing, charities, business associations, civil organizations, fishing and hunting. Outside interests can facilitate family time, foster discipline, teach teamwork, and develop a host of positive attributes. However, each of these activities also has a limit. The wholesome activities listed above could very well fuel prideful tendencies, consume inordinate amounts of time, create “win at all cost” competitiveness, add stress to heavy loads, or become gods.

How ought we decide which activities are God honoring? Or stated in another manner, how ought we weigh the amount of time spent in these activities. Each saint must weigh the cost of every decision. But, before a saint can weigh the cost, he or she must recognize that cost. That my friends, is the true challenge. Often times we recognize a ditch only because we’ve got two tires in it. Let us maintain balance, temperance, and moderation - even in the good things. May the Lord help us recognize ditches and steer clear of them.

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The Truth Hurts

September 3, 2008

Stephen was on trial for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. He stood before a Jewish congregation, including its officers. Charges were made. Witnesses testified. The people frothed - Act 6:9-15. Then, the high priest asked, “Are these things so?” - Act 7:1. And Stephen answered.

If Stephen’s motive was to make friends and influence people, his approach needed reengineering. However, if Stephen’s motive was “I came to you not with excellency of speech, declaring unto you the testimony of God,” he succeeded. Stephen’s speech was not with enticing words, but in demonstration of the Spirit and wisdom - 1Cor 2:1-4.

Stephen simply reminded the Jews of their poor track record with deliverers. In Acts 7, he said:

Stephen’s bottom line: Like fathers, like sons; you slew Jesus just as your fathers slew the prophets - v. 52.

When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart … - v. 54.  Addressing the sins of a people is a sure way to rile folks, but addressing the sins of their forefathers is a sure way of putting folks over the top. Yes, the truth hurts, but the truth about forefathers appears to hurt a bit more. Nevertheless, truth is truth. How do we react to truth, and how ought we react to it? 

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Jesus’ I am’s

September 10, 2008

Many witnesses testified, Jesus is the Christ: John the Baptist, God the Father, O.T. prophets, Moses’ writings, Jesus’ miracles, and His resurrection - John 5:32-47, 1Cor 15:1-8.  But let us consider all that Jesus said about Himself with the words “I am.”

1. I am the Light of the World - John 8:12

     a.  I am the Son of God - Matt 27:43
     b.  I am before Abraham was - John 8:58
     c.  I am Master and Lord - John 13:13
     d.  I am in the Father and He’s in me - John 14:11

2. I am the Good Shepherd - John 10:11, 14

     a.  I am come to call sinners - Matt 9:13

     b.  I am sent to the lost sheep - Matt 15:24

     c.  I am He that serveth - Luke 22:27

     d.  I am glorified in the apostles - John 17:10

3. I am the Door - John 10:9

     a.  I am come to fulfill the law - Matt 7:17

     b.  I am baptized with a baptism - Matt 20:23

     c.  I am come to divide - Luke 12:51

     d.  I am come to judge - John 9:39

4. I am the True Vine - John 15:1, 5

     a.  I am meek and lowly of heart - Matt 11:29

     b.  I am with you always - Matt 28:20

     c.  I am come in my Father’s name - John 5:43

     d.  I am the resurrection - John 11:25

5. I am the Bread of Life - John 6:35, 48

     a.  I am from above - John 8:23

     b.  I am not alone - John 16:32

     c.  I am not of the world - John 17:14-16

     d.  I am glad I was not here - John 11:15

6. I am Jesus of Nazareth - John 18:5

     a.  I am the Way,
     b. the Truth, and
     c.  the Life  -  John 14:6

What a characterization.  What a job description.  What a portfolio of accomplishments.  What a resume!  What a set of attributes.  What a Savior.  And, praise the Lord, He’s all ours!

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Practice Matters

September 17, 2008

Consider, for a moment, worship conducted by Joash, Amaziah, Uzziah, and Jotham.  All were kings of Judah and kin to one another.  Why these four?  All led good moral lives (they told the truth, were good stewards, cared for widows and orphans … ), but their worship was judged by God.  Why?  Please consider:

A study on altered worship must include God’s rejection of Cain’s worship - Gen 4:1-8. God required blood, but Cain offered produce.  Whether Cain’s motive was stubbornness (I’ll do it my way), humanism (produce makes me feel good), or pride (I will not trade with my brother), it doesn’t matter, for God demands conformance to His mode of worship.  So we must each ask ourselves, Where is the non-conformance in my worship?  Where have I altered or added to God’s word?

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Anti-Ignorant

September 24, 2008

A young preaching gift recently delivered a message to our congregation. In that message he listed the many times the apostles warned saints not to be ignorant.  The thoughts below are plagiarized, for the man’s thoughts are good thoughts and worthy of meditation.

Brethren, I would not have you ignorant that:

1. Our ability to control the circumstances & conditions which surround us are limited - Rom 1:13.
2. The finished work of Jesus Christ is all that is needed to secure eternal salvation, any efforts on our part in this area are vain - Rom 10:1-3.
3. God is sovereign in revealing truth, we need grace to understand His grace - Rom 11:25.
4. God was not pleased with Israel after passing through the Red Sea, He was angry with their poor memories - 1Cor 10:1-5.
5. The Holy Ghost, the 3^rd person of the godhead, is sovereign in issuing spiritual gifts - 1Cor 12:1-11.
6. We will have tribulation on earth; God is in the business of past, present, and future deliverances; and prayer makes a difference - 2Cor 1:8-11.
7. Satan’s toolbox is full, including less advertised tools such as lack of forgiveness and harboring grudges - 2Cor 2:11.
8. We shall ever be with the Lord. The dead ar e well off, and soon to be better off - 1Thes 4:13-17.
9. God is longsuffering, and works on His timetable - 2Pet 3:8-13.

Ignorant is an interesting word. In one manner, a person may be ignorant because he or she had never been exposed to the information.  But in another manner, a person may be ignorant because he or she ignored the information once presented.  Either way, the apostles would not have us ignorant of the things listed above.  This article has attempted to accomplish two tasks: 1) eliminate non-exposure ignorance, and 2) motivates us to eliminate disregarding ignorance.  May God help us be anti-ignorant in each of these areas!

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All Articles Written by Elder Dolph Painter, Moriah Primitive Baptist Church

pastordolph@aol.com

This site created by Steve McCannon. This page last updated 09/21/2009