Why Faith is Needed in Our Church?

How Big is Our God in our praise?

Have you ever stopped to think about how many songs we would have to remove from our hymnals if we sang only the hymns we truly believe? If psychology is true, then many of the old songs are lies. Just flip through an old songbook and you'll see what I mean.

Here's an old one you probably haven't heard in church lately: "There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus, no, not one! No, not one! None else could heal all our soul's diseases, no, not one!, No, not one!" Yet, if our seminaries are right, Jesus is not able to heal our soul's diseases. We desperately need the psychol­ogist to help us make sense of our inner world. We'd better rip that song out.

Here's another: "Calvary covers it all, my past with its sin and stain; my guilt and despair Jesus took on Him there, and Calvary covers it all." Wrong again! Now we're told that to be healed on the inside, we must return to the past and embrace our pain. We have to delve deep into our repressed memories so we can find healing from our guilt and despair. That song has got to go!

And all those gory hymns about Jesus' blood-they're so outdated! "What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Oh! Precious is the flow that makes me white as snow; no other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus.... This is all my hope and peace, Nothing but. ..." No, that's too sim­plistic, believing that Jesus' sacrifice can produce wholeness, cleansing, hope, and peace. R-r-r-i p!

"I Believe in a Hill Called Mount Calvary" dares to state that Christ "has the power to change lives today; for He changed me completely, a new life is mine, that is why by the cross I will stay." Ridiculous.

Why, there are dozens that will have to be removed! "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," "Blessed Quietness," "Where the Spirit of the Lord Is," "Jesus, What a Friend for Sinners," "Down at the Cross," "Are You Washed in the Blood?" and "It Is Well with My Soul."

Again I am reminded of Ezekiel 33:32, where we read about the foolishness of singing songs that no one believes. "Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice."

Keep in mind that I'm not arguing against singing in the church. I love music! I served as a minister of music for several years in a large metropolitan church. What I am trying to point out, however, is that for many Christians, the music of worship has become a sentimental journey with little content or conviction.

Some of the contemporary songs currently circulating are mindless ditties without a shred of doctrinal content. They are repeated over and over and over until the mind is numbed and the heart is dulled by artificial fervor in an attempt to work up an emotion often confused with worship. Some churches spend a large amount of time trying to generate an emotional spirituality with drums, swaying choirs, screaming and growling soloists, flashing lights, smoke machines and "dancing in the Spirit." If you examine many of the songs, you will find there is little bibli­cal content.

On the opposite side of the worship spectrum is the emo­tionless singing of stiffly proper liturgical hymns with barely a hint of conviction that the messages are true or have deep sig­nificance for our personal walk with God. While the songs may have content, there is a coldness more suited for a walk-in freezer than a sanctuary of worship.

A balance in worship music would seem to be in order-a balance which provides both for content and conviction, mean­ing and emotion, truth and joy. Each church must allow for its own unique personality to emerge, yet the central focus of all our music, it would seem to me, must be on our Lord Jesus and what He has accomplished for us on the cross. We need to ask ourselves, "How big is God in our music?"

How Big is God in Our Preaching?

When I was in seminary, a guest lecturer who pastored a promi­nent church in the Los Angeles area told us that he spent a min­imum of 40 hours in preparation for his sermon each week, and we were duly impressed. I have since come to realize that he was speaking evangelistically. Nonetheless, I believe that when God's people come to church, they have a right to expect a clear mes­sage from His Word.

I am not particularly concerned with homiletical perfection composed of the required introduction, the correct number of outline points, humorous illustrations, a poem, and a compelling close. I am far more interested in hearing a clear and accurate exposition of the passage of Scripture. I want to know what God is saying to us and what He expects us to do as a result.

I do not enjoy listening to a screamer who rages and pounds the pulpit, believing that volume, red complexion, and perspira­tion are a substitute for meaningful content. On the other hand, I suppose I would prefer to sit under the preaching of a screamer than a sleeper. I once had a professor who nearly fell asleep dur­ing his own sermon-I'm not kidding!

What ministers to my heart is a pastor who preaches with power and deep personal conviction the life-changing truths of the Scriptures as he explains the intended meaning and presents an accurate application for our lives.

Unfortunately, there are many pastors who have lost their confidence in the soul-cleansing power of the Scriptures. They cannot preach with conviction because they no longer believe that God means what He says nor that He has the power to deliver souls from bondage to sin.

Only eternity will reveal how many practical atheists inhabit today's pulpits. In Matthew 7 there is a sobering passage regard­ing unbelieving ministers: "Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildo­ers!"' (verses 22-23).

I wonder what the Lord will say to those who weaken the faith of their people by convincing them God is powerless to transform their lives and heal their souls. What of those nationally known radio teachers who tell their listeners that they must understand their dreams to experience inner healing? Moses writes that there are prophets and dreamers who have "tried to turn you from the way the LORD your God commanded you to follow" (Deuteronomy 13:5).

What's frightening is that the move from faith to unbelief can be so gradual and subtle we may not even notice when it happens. In Jeremiah, the Lord says, "What fault did your fathers find in me, that they strayed so far from me? They followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves. They did not ask, `Where is the LORD?"' (2:5-6). The reason they didn't ask was they didn't know He was gone. The congregations of many churches could rightly ask their pastors, "Where is your God?"

How Big Is God in Our Prayers?

We live in a day of increasing prayerlessness. Oh, there are many who pray, but not in the simple and powerful way the Lord taught us. In an admirable attempt to draw Christians' attention to prayer, some have devised "prayer concerts" and established prayer min­istries. Numerous volumes have been written on prayer, and some, no doubt, are excellent. Nonetheless, it appears that prayer has been affected by our loss of confidence in God.

The disciples, seeing Jesus' power with God, asked Him to teach them about prayer (Luke 11:1). His extended reply is found in Matthew 6, where He first tells us what not to do in prayer. "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites," who pray in order to impress others with their spirituality (Matthew 6:5-6). Second, we are not to think that longer prayers are more effective (verse 7). Then Jesus gives us a model prayer that takes all of 25 seconds to complete. Do you know why His prayer was so effective and sometimes ours are so powerless? Because He was walking moment by moment in obedience to the Father and oftentimes we are not.

I have seen people who prayed for hours at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, believing that God is present in the massive stones remaining from Herod's Temple, yet for all of their sincerity and fervor, God was not moved. Others painfully climb Roman cathedral stairs on their knees, hoping to get God's attention, yet the windows of heaven seem to remain closed.

If sincerity, desperation, and even pain would make prayer effective, then the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18 would have pro­duced the most effective prayer meeting in history. We are told that they called on Baal from morning until evening, as Elijah, in effect, asked, "Where is your God?" They danced around their altar in growing desperation and shouted even louder until they finally began slashing themselves with their swords and spears, "but there was no response" (verse 29).

In contrast, Elijah merely prayed for approximately 20 sec­onds (verses 36-37) and "the fire of the LORD fell" (verse 38). Why such a different result? It wasn't the length or volume or passion of the prayer that made it effective; it was the One to whom Elijah prayed that made the difference.

If we do not have an intimate relationship with our heavenly Father, our prayers will have little more effect than those of the prophets of Baal. We can organize prayer breakfasts, prayer con­certs, and national days of prayer, but unless we believe that God is still God, our prayers will be meaningless and futile.

Some people, however, do believe in God, and yet their prayers still seem to go unanswered. Why is that? So far as I understand, there are at least three causes for failure in prayer: sin, unbelief, and selfishness, which in effect are the same.

Sin simply short-circuits the prayer process. David wrote, "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened" (Psalm 66:18). Isaiah confirmed this truth when he wrote, "Your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hid­den his face from you, so that he will not hear" (Isaiah 59:2).

Unbelief, a root sin, also prevents successful prayer. James wrote, "When [a man] asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord" (James 1:6-7). Unbelief in God's character and power are the primary cause for all spiritual failure. That is why modern-day prayer is so weak and miserable. We simply don't believe.

The third reason prayer fails is because we ask in a selfish manner. James explained, "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures" (James 4:3). God is not a magic genie that we can command and get what we want when we want it. Jesus made that quite clear when He said that we have to pray in His name (see John 16:23)-that is, we must have His authoriza­tion. In other words, He has to sign the request, and the only way He will do that is if our prayer is in agreement with His will (1 John 5:14).

Prayer is not as mysterious as some believe. It is the simple communication of heartfelt desires between a child and his father. What God requires is a genuine heart. "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). The formulation of words, the verbal pattern, the tone of voice, and the posture of the body do not really matter. God hears the meaning of our hearts and He cannot be manipulated or deceived.

That's why He says, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14). You see, "the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16).

Do we want our prayers to be answered? Then we must turn from sin.

How Big is Our God in Our Evangelism?

When we believe God's Word, we will seek to bring others to Christ-if not because of compassion for the lost, then as a result of a sincere desire to obey our Father. Hopefully, we will be moti­vated by both.

I am challenged by the burning motivation some people have to share Christ with the world and I admire missionaries who have devoted their entire lives to taking the gospel to other lands. What confuses me, however, is that some of the very groups that work so hard to translate the Scriptures into obscure dialects do not believe what the Bible says.

One major translation organization, for instance, has done a wonderful job of taking the Bible to the nations. Yet they have stated in writing that psychology lies at the very core of their ministry and they insist that their personnel receive psychological testing to determine emotional fitness for the mission field. We have letters from former missionaries from this organization who were forced to leave because of its stand on psychology.

One missionary with another organization told us that the people he worked with were hungry for spiritual encouragement and they asked the headquarters to send a Bible teacher to the field. Imagine their disappointment when a psychologist got off the plane to help them deal with their personal dysfunctions.

I have heard reports of a major "Christian" psychiatric clinic sending psychologists to the mission field, and we have been told by various missionaries that psychology is sweeping into third­ world countries, weakening the infant church. Would you blame a native for doubting the missionary who tells him that God can give him eternal life when that very same missionary needs a psy­chologist to solve his own problems because he believes the Bible is not enough to heal his wounded heart? Wouldn't the native be justified in asking, "How big is your God?"

Aren't our neighbors, relatives, friends, and fellow workers also justified in wondering what Jesus has to offer them if He cannot give us peace of heart and mind without psychotherapy and drugs? Our unbelief has weakened our witness.

How Big is God in Our Fellowship?

Practical atheism has emptied churches all across the land. Mainline Protestant churches are dying just as they did in England when formalism and unbelief spread across the island. When attendance at church is viewed as an inconvenient oblig­ation rather than a joyful privilege, atheism has come home to roost.

Let me ask you-are you faithful in your church attendance? Do you go because you want to be with other believers, worship, and feed on God's Word, or do you go out of reluctant duty? Once again, it's all a matter of the heart, isn't it?

If we truly believe God is present when His people join together, and if we actually expect Him to speak to our hearts through His Word, and if we love Him with a depth too great for words, we will look forward to our time at church.

Perhaps the problem is that we aren't hearing His Word at the church we attend. Then maybe it is time to find a church where God's Word is faithfully delivered.

Or, maybe there is a coldness in the fellowship that repels you. Why not introduce a warm smile and loving handshake? Someone has to begin the warming trend, and it may as well be you.

When our family is away from our home church, on vacation or business, we make it a practice to be in attendance at church wherever we are. Worship is not an option for us; it is a consistent habit and pleasure. We have found warm fellowship regardless of the locale, because where Jesus is worshiped in spirit and in truth, there is an instant bond.

On our radio broadcast, callers will sometimes talk about their problems and say they just can't find a church that's warm and friendly. When I press for details, it often turns out that they have never settled in one church long enough for people to get to know them. Instead, they flit from one church to another like moths around street lights. After a while, they lose interest and stop attending altogether, blaming churches for being insensitive and uncaring.

This is, of course, another form of practical atheism. The habit of not attending church is blatant disobedience to the clear commands of Scripture. Hebrews 10:25 says, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

There is simply no valid excuse for not being in regular atten­dance in church unless you are physically bedridden. The fact that there are hypocrites in the church is no excuse, either. Though there are hypocrites in every church, you will also find some sincere believers living consistent lives if you will just take the time to find them.

Perhaps you have gone to church and found the sermons to be boring and dry. God will not accept that as an excuse for dropping out of regular worship attendance, for if we go with a heart ready to receive from God's Word we will find food for the soul. If you are not stirred by the Word of God, I encourage you to examine your own heart to see if there is a root of bitterness or spirit of criticism coming between you and God's blessing. On the other hand, if you can honestly say that you are open to Scripture and are not looking for things to criticize, and you are still left spiritually empty, then perhaps it is time to find a differ­ent church where your soul's needs can be met.

Don't leave too quickly or make the mistake of expecting your church to be perfect. You will never find such a place this side of heaven. Be patient with your pastor and the people who attend your church, and do your part to help make it the best church it can possibly be. "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3) so that the world will have no cause to ask, "How big is your God?"

How Big is God in Our Stewardship?

I've often heard that the last topic Christians want to hear about is giving, so I've placed this last on the list. Perhaps the most tan­gible sign of practical atheism is revealed by a person's checkbook. I'll be even more specific: Those who do not give generously to the Lord's work and to those in need do not trust God to supply. They prefer to trust in their own resources, and if that's the way they want it, God will step back, and they will be the poorer for it. Proverbs puts it this way: "One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty" (11:24).

God promises to bless those who are generous. "He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses" (Proverbs 28:27). And He warns that those who hoard will suffer loss: "I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner" (Ecclesiastes 5:13).

Perhaps you are thinking, I would like to give to the Lord and to others in need. I really would. But I can't afford it right now. In a year or so, I’ll give, but not now. Be honest with yourself: How many years have you been saying that?

I know a man who for more than twenty years has been promising himself that he would begin tithing as soon as things eased up a bit, and for that same length of time I have watched him suffer loss after loss. He has cheated himself and his family of years of God's blessing by his unbelief that God would meet their needs if he would only give generously to the Lord.

I believe there is a universal principle of stewardship: If we refuse to give God what He has asked, He will see to it that we do not have the money to spend on ourselves. It will be taken from us in medical bills, automobile repairs, or some other unex­pected expense. On the other hand, if we give to God willingly from our hearts, He has made another promise: "I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit" (Malachi 3:11). God will stretch your resources in ways you have never known.

The purpose in our giving, you see, is not to meet God's needs. He already owns it all. The reason He has told us to give is to draw our hearts into the spiritual realm, "for where your trea­sure is, there your heart will be also" (Luke 12:34).

Do you really trust the Lord? Do you believe He can and will provide for your every need? Then put it to the test. That is the exact invitation He gives in Malachi 3:10: "Test me in this ... and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." Try it! Begin a systematic giving plan, even though it will hurt at first. You will be surprised how the Lord will stretch what you have left over so that every need is met.

One more point about biblical giving: We need to do it will­ingly. God will still bless, even if we obey Him reluctantly, but He much prefers that we give because we love Him. Read this passage carefully as you consider whether you are a practical atheist in your giving:

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else (2 Corinthians 9:6-13).

Let's look at the passage carefully. First, another principle of stewardship: You reap in direct proportion to what you sow. Just as this is true in agriculture, so it is in the spiritual world. God has a way of returning our investment with interest if it is given unselfishly. Proverbs 19:17 says, "He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done."

As in all other areas of our relationship with the Father, the motives of our heart are of vital concern to God. Paul writes, "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). And, friend, it is not hard to be cheerful when we give if we truly love the Lord and believe that He will never remain our debtor.

The final principle in the above passage is that as we give in loving obedience, God will see to it that we have all we need and more so that we can give even more-to "enlarge the harvest of your righteousness." And look at this promise: "You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion."

Have you said, "Oh, I just wish I had more to give!"? Well, you can have more if you will begin giving from the little you have now. I am not preaching a prosperity gospel here, by the way. Our motive must not be to enrich ourselves, but to glorify the Lord and to minister to others.

It is amazing how few Christians ever learn this powerful principle of giving. Do you realize that if every believer supported his church faithfully with his tithes and offerings that every need would be met and there would be an abundance for missionary outreach as well?

But, Ed, you might be thinking, we are living in the age of grace and are not under the Law, so we don't have to tithe. I agree. God has never limited us to 10 percent. But I have never heard anyone use the "grace giving" argument to increase their giving, have you?

I'm not trying to tell you the amount you are to give, except that the Lord says we are to give to Him generously, willingly, obediently, and faithfully. What would your checkbook say about your pattern of giving?

In our praise, our preaching, our prayer, our passion to evan­gelize, our participation in attendance and fellowship, and our stewardship, much is revealed about the condition of our faith. And much is revealed about how big our God is.

Enough said about the problems. Now it's time to look into the biblical solutions for practical atheism. Move with me into the next section, and you will see how we can rebuild our personal faith for a joy-filled walk with our heavenly Father.