Subscription Lists
Point of Reference
by Fred Price
The Associated Press reports out of Grapevine, Texas that The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, a liberal alliance of 1,800 congregations that oppose the conservative leadership of The Southern Baptist Convention, removed mention of Jesus from its constitution at its just concluded annual meeting. Prior to this, the fellowship's stated purpose had been to bring Baptists together "in order that the Gospel of Jesus Christ will be spread throughout the world in glad obedience to the Great Commission."; referring to Jesus' last instructions to the church recorded in Matthew 28. The new language now says that its purpose is to "serve Christians and churches as they discover and fulfill their God-given mission." A subtle yet potentially profound shift of emphasis has occurred here. For there is no need to discover a mission for the church, since one has already been commissioned to us; we merely need to diligently carry it out.
The preaching of Jesus Christ is our gospel and purpose. Whether as an attempt at cooperation, sensitivity or tolerance – how can you remove him from your mission statement and still administer your calling – which is to proclaim him as Lord and Savior of all? Now that many have succeeded in removing Christ from Christmas, some seem to be well on the way to removing Christ from the institution that identifies us as Christians! (See Acts 11:26 and Philippians 2:9)
But what would that leave us with? One more social movement like so many others, at times genuinely addressing the physical and emotional concerns of others but with little more spiritually to offer than a feel-good gospel where everything works out in the end either by good fortune or manipulation. This may be leading us one step closer to the one-world religious and political system scripture seems to warn about. In that church, where everything is good and of equal value – as long as it conforms to government expectations – Jesus warned his disciples past and present that they would no longer be accepted. "…in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God." John 16:2 (See also Matthew 24:4-13) As Paul at one point in his life believed, before his eyes were opened to the full meaning of his faith through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The essence of Christ's ministry is expressed simply in John 3:16-18, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned but whoever does not believe stands condemned already…" After fully grasping this aspect of Christ's gospel, Paul was able to state powerfully and directly the bedrock principle of his ministry, resolving "…to know nothing… except Jesus Christ and him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2 (Not left on the cross or in the tomb, but raised in power and glory as God's Son and our Savior. Romans 1:2-4 "For,…if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins." 1 Corinthians 15:17) He went on to acknowledge that this concept would be hard for some to accept, many seeking experiential evidence (Jews demanding a miraculous sign) while others anticipate philosophical convincing (Greeks look for wisdom); yet Paul insisted that the apparent stumbling block of crucifixion and resurrection was indeed the fullest expression of God's power, wisdom and love. ( 1 Corinthians 1:22-24) "As the law (the benefits of which we still realize today) was given through Moses (one of several religious founders we could name); grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." John 1:17 In removing the significance of his birth and life by exchanging Christmas for x-mas, we now run the risk of placing ourselves solely under law again by censoring him from our churches; a law not of God's making but devised and enforced by man.
We must stand with Paul in declaring, "I am astonished that you are...deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel… which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one (already established), let him be eternally condemned." Galatians 1:6-8 To many, that sounds rather harsh, yet this is serious business – a matter of life and death! On our acceptance of this gospel rests our life for the present and our eternal future.
So what is this gospel we hold so dear and in which we stake such importance? "By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. (See also 2 Corinthians 6:1) For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance; that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter,… the twelve… to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time… to James… all the Apostles… and last of all… to me." (1 Corinthians 15:2-8) Those who teach otherwise, claiming a superior wisdom while attempting to embrace a wider audience, have foolishly exchanged the glory of an immortal God for images patterned on the principles of mortal man. (Romans 1:23) In doing so they risk the verdict of Hebrews 6:4-6, "It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God… if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace."
This may very well be a wave of the future, where true believers won't be persecuted so much by those outside the church, but by those who believe they are cleansing and purifying it; even as they destroy the foundational elements of belief in Christ and salvation through his name alone. (John 14:6,7; Acts 4:12) But whether we are assailed form within or without, our response must be the same, for, "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, (If anyone is ashamed of me and my words…) I will disown him before my father in heaven." Matthew 10:32,33; Luke 9:26
Let us resolve to stand firm in the faith of our fathers – the gospel of Jesus Christ, as "…he who stands firm to the end will be saved." Matthew 10:22 "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18 Therefore, "I (will not be) ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes…"! Romans 1:16
Rate it:
Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "Point of Reference" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.