Category: Bulletin Articles

The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, [11] Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:10-11)

In the beginning of the Revelation, John wrote, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things that are written therein: for the time is at hand” (1:3). Despite the blessing promised, there are many that are afraid to tackle Revelation and thus they miss this wonderful blessing. Two of my favorite chapters in the book are chapters 4 and 5, which are thrilling to the heart of those that desire to worship Christ. The scene in these chapters is heaven where an untold multitude of men and angels bow before the throne reverently chanting, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power…”

One of the most interesting aspects of these chapters is understanding the identity of the elders that are first mentioned in verse 4: “And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.” We could spend a good deal of time exploring the many different ideas of who these elders are and what they represent. I believe they are representative of the saints of God of all time. Twelve of these elders represent the Old Testament and refer to the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve represent the apostles of the church in the New Testament era. Thus, God’s program for the world prior to the first advent of Christ and after the first advent is represented. This scene in heaven is a sure guarantee that everyone that places their faith in Christ will be in heaven.

Another interesting aspect is the crowns of gold that are worn by these elders. Verse 4 says they sit on “seats” which in the original language is the same as “thrones.” This indicates ruling authority. However, we notice in verse 10 these crowns are cast at the feet of Jesus. This means they recognize His supreme authority and are under His dominion. From this verse, many have mistakenly thought our crowns of reward will be given back. These are not crowns of reward but represent the merits of Christ that are freely given through the imputation of His righteousness. They are much like the white robes that represent the perfections of Christ. Rewards for faithful service to the Lord are not given back. They are ours to keep and will increase our joy in heaven.

Surely as we read this portion of scripture today, you must think about your own relationship to Christ. Have you submitted to His authority? Do you love Him with all of your heart, soul, and mind? If a painting could be made of this scene in heaven, would you be in the picture? Those that will not bow their knee to Him on earth will never have opportunity to bow to Him in heaven. A relationship with Jesus Christ requires trust in and reliance upon Him as Saviour and Lord. God’s wonderful promise is that all who receive Christ now will be accepted by Him and will live forever in this beautiful place He has prepared for them. Trust Him today and learn why He is worthy to receive, glory, honor, and power.

Pastor V. Mark Smith

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20)

Today in our scripture reading we end the third chapter of Revelation and the messages Christ gave to the seven churches of Asia. The last church on the list is the church of the Laodiceans which was a church in the worst condition of the seven. Some deny this was a true church but was rather a group of people much like many groups today that name Christ but do not have a true gospel or any semblance to New Testament Christianity. I believe this was still a church of Christ but it was barely hanging on by a thread and was in imminent danger of losing its status as true church.

This was a church that was mired in complacency. Some commentators have noted the method of address to this church as Christ calls it the church of Laodicea rather than the church in Laodicea. This means the church had taken on the characteristics of the surrounding culture and had become a church of the world rather than in the world. “Of the world” is a phrase often used by Jesus and the apostles to describe people that have lifestyles and practices of ungodliness. It characterizes the lost. However, true Christians have been called out of the world as Jesus says in John 15:19: “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” John wrote in his first epistle: “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” (1 John 2:16). Although we must live in the world our lives should not be of the world.

Perhaps the most telling remark concerning the character of this church is the statement Jesus made in verse 20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” Clearly, He was on the outside of this church. They carried on business as usual without the head and founder of the church. They carried on without His power and authority. They were self-sufficient and never called on Him for strength to do His work. Scripture teaches the only way we can work for Christ is by God’s power (2 Cor. 3:5). They were a self-sufficient church as evidenced by verse 17 in which they claimed to be “rich, increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” No wonder Jesus said, “I am on the outside. Hear my voice and let me in.”

This is the danger we face when we try to forge ahead with our own plans and do not stop to pray and ask God where He would have us go. As a church, we must be sure that we are not Christ-less. He must be on the inside of our church in the person of the Holy Spirit directing every move we make. As the hymn writer said in the old hymn Take Time to Be Holy: “Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul; each thought and each motive beneath His control; Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love, thou soon shall be fitted for service above.”

Jesus Christ is eager to be a part of our lives now and to prepare us for eternal service in heaven. We desire to be a part of this church as the author of Hebrews says: “But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect…” (Hebrews 12:22-23). If Christ is outside of our church, we will be left outside of His church.

Pastor V. Mark Smith

“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” (Revelation 3:10)

Our congregational reading today takes us to the third chapter of Revelation. There are three churches mentioned in this chapter. The first church is the church at Sardis which had a very peculiar reputation. They were known as the church that lived and yet was actually dead. The third church mentioned is the church at Laodicea. They were a wishy-washy stand for nothing and fall for anything church that disgusted our Lord. Sandwiched between these two is the church at Philadelphia, a church that received high praise for their faithful works, their steadfastness to obey God’s word, and their refusal to deny Christ in times of persecution.

The Philadelphian church is a good model for our church. I like the promise Jesus gave them in verse 10, “Because thou has kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation…” This is great encouragement because we know that when we are faithful to trust the Lord completely, He will keep Satan from discouraging us in the work. The words of Christ to this church fit well with the message I will bring this week and next concerning the faith Jesus built in the disciples by walking on water and calming a raging storm.

Jesus purposely put the disciples in a boat on the Sea of Galilee during a storm to teach them a lesson about faith and bring them to the place of recognition that He is truly God. In the end of the story, the disciples for the first time worshipped Him as God saying, “Of a truth thou art the Son of God” (Matt.14:33). This is a very good way for us to look at the many trials we face both as a church and in our individual lives. Each difficulty gives us greater opportunity to see how the Lord can take care of us and give us peace in the midst of our storms.

The church at Philadelphia was promised they would not be overtaken by increasing tribulation. They stood the test at first and because they did they grew stronger in their faith. In their time, martyrdom was always a looming possibility, but the thought of losing all including their lives did not stop the faithful witness of this church. God’s promise was to bring them into the New Jerusalem, the city that God is preparing for the bride of Christ which is the church.

We would do well to remember this. We are to live for the eternal; no matter how difficult things become here, we will not fail to reach the heavenly city. God will never leave us or forsake us. The storm does not rattle Jesus and neither should it discourage us. Hold out! Keep the faith! As the song writer said, “I know the Master of the wind. I know the maker of the rain. He can calm the storm, make the sun shine again. I know the Master of the wind.”

Pastor V. Mark Smith

Today we welcome everyone to the Berean Baptist celebration of Christmas. We sincerely hope you enjoy this Christmas season as you spend it with friends and family. We are especially thankful that you have chosen to spend this part of the season with us as we sing hymns of praise and proclaim the good news of God’s gift to the world.

Although Christians today place much emphasis on Christmas, this was not the case with early Christians. Today a good part of the year is spent in preparation for the Christmas season with many churches beginning their planning in the summer months. However, you will notice that when the disciples began to preach the wonderful salvation we have in Christ there is no mention of His birth. The focus is always the death and resurrection as these are the two key factors in the plan of redemption. Christ had to die to pay the penalty of our sins and He had to arise from the grave to seal the victory over sin and death. The apostles preached this message faithfully after Pentecost without mentioning the birth of Christ. The earliest recording of Christ’s birth was by Matthew which is traditionally placed about A.D. 37 or about 4 to 10 years after Christ’s death depending upon the correct dating chronology. Matthew’s details are a little sketchy as his intent was more to prove the kingship of Christ and His link to Old Testament prophecies rather than to present a Christmas pageant. Mark does not mention the birth of Christ at all and neither does John. Luke gives the most complete account, but he wrote more than 30 years after the death of Jesus. The lack of emphasis on Christmas in early gospel preaching is remarkable when compared to the extreme focus that is put on it today.

Are we to conclude from this that we need not spend time with Christmas? Is it better for us to downplay it and give it little emphasis? I think not because this season affords us a great opportunity to tell the truth of what Jesus came into this world to do. Early Christians did not have a holiday for the celebration of Christ’s birth, and neither was the world caught up in today’s revelry and mockery of Christmas. Since we do have the holiday now and people are at least somewhat aware of the reason we celebrate Christmas, why not use this time to the advantage of the gospel?

While some may think they are pristine in their apostolic practices by refusing to celebrate Christmas, it was the apostle Paul that said, “To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you” (1 Cor. 9:22-23). Paul gladly used whatever methods he could to win people to Christ as long as they did not conflict with scriptural teachings. The facts are that Christ was born; His birth is recorded; it was attended by angels, and celebrated by commoners like shepherds and also by the rich astute wise men called the magi. God expects us to be wise in our methods of gospel presentation. We are unwise not to use the season effectively for the cause of Christ. I must hasten to add, however, we are sinful if we engage in the same types of Christmas practices as the world. The cause of Christ is hurt not helped by Christians that partake in the shamefulness of liquor at office parties and the kind of evil talk and decadence that takes place. This kind of celebration should be Xmas not Christmas.

We sincerely encourage you to remember the chief end for all Christians. Our cause is to magnify and glorify Jesus Christ. Make sure you use Christmas for Christ.

Pastor V. Mark Smith

…These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges…(Revelation 2:12b)

In the 2nd chapter of Revelation verse 12, Jesus addressed the pastor of the church in Pergamos. Pergamos was a city much like others in the Roman world. It was filled with idols and temples that were built in homage to a multitude of false gods. The wickedness found in each of these cities would meet or exceed the worst vice and corruption found in any city of today’s world. Pergamos, however, had a special designation; it was the place where “Satan’s seat is” (v.13). The word for seat is thronos the same from which we get “throne.” Many believe “Satan’s seat” has reference to emperor worship which gave the Roman Caesar status as a god along with the hundreds of mythological gods they worshipped. Pergamos, then, was the center for this diabolical practice of worshipping the emperor.

The 13th verse has reference to another horrible practice that has afflicted Christianity since the beginning, which is martyrdom. Any Christian that would not concede that Caesar was a god to be worshipped and would not say “Caesar is Lord” was put to death, often by the cruelest ways imaginable. The church in Pergamos was commended because in the face of this terrible persecution they had remained faithful to the Christian mantra which says “Christ is the only Lord.”

Several times in the Revelation we are reminded of the sword that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Obviously the reference is not literal, but symbolizes the power of the words that are spoken by God. The emperors of Rome imposed their will through strong armies fighting physical battles. God has no need of physical weapons since He is able to bring the world into submission by the spoken word. “…He doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?” (Dan. 4:12). The assurance that God will overthrow the wicked is encouragement for His people to remain faithful and not fear martyrdom. He has the power to judge and destroy the wicked and the power to raise His dead saints to life.

Although the majority of the Revelation concerns future events, there is real application for Christians today. It is very easy to be discouraged when it appears we are making little to no headway against the increasing wickedness of our generation. It is best to remind ourselves that God does not live in the past or the future; He is the God of the eternal present. Are we waiting for God to come with the sword of His mouth? We need not wait because we possess the sword in the present. Hebrews says: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). The reason Christians have not made more of an impact on our culture is because churches have abandoned the means by which we conquer. We have the double-edged sword which is the Bible, the powerful living word of God.

How do we make a difference in a place where it appears Satan has his throne? Know the word, live in the word, and most importantly share the word. The Holy Spirit uses it to convict sinners and change their hearts. People are born again “by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever” (1 Pet. 1:22).

Pastor V. Mark Smith

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. (Revelation 2:4)

The second chapter of Revelation begins with high commendation for the church at Ephesus. This church was organized by Paul at the end of his second missionary journey, and then Paul returned to Ephesus on the third journey spending more than two years teaching the people the Word of God. The strength of this church is noted by the difficult doctrine Paul addressed them with in the letter to the Ephesians. As we read about this church in Revelation, we notice the people were still committed to these good doctrines and were contending for the faith that had been taught by Paul. They were especially strong in refuting the theological errors of false teachers.

At the time of the Revelation, about 40 years had passed since this church was founded and about 30 years since Paul wrote his highly doctrinal epistle to them. In the first chapter of the epistle, Paul made this comment: “Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers…” Paul specifically mentions the “faith” of the church and also their “love.” A grounded faith made it possible for Paul to write the epistle which contains doctrines on which the best of theologians differ in interpretation. Evidently, this church was grounded enough to understand what Paul wrote and properly interpret and apply the instruction.

When Christ addressed the church in the Revelation, the faith was still there; the doctrines were still maintained, but love had become the missing ingredient. It seems a cold, dead orthodoxy had overtaken the church while a real heart for Christ and others was missing. They had left their first love which is Christ, and whenever this occurs love for others will be impossible to maintain. Our love for others flows out of our love for Christ. Joseph Parker wrote: “The head may be right while the heart is going in a wrong direction. I am indeed anxious that we should maintain a Scriptural theology, that we should ‘hold fast the form of sound words’; at the same time we must remember that a technical theology will never save a soul; and that a mere verbal creed will never protect and increase our love for the Lord Jesus Christ.”

As pastor of Berean, I too am anxious that we should “hold fast the form of sound words.” I am anxious that we should “earnestly contend for the faith.” But I am also anxious that our doctrine does not mask a cold heart that is never really as near to Christ as it should be. I believe if Jesus wrote a letter to our church we would be commended for the stand we take on His Word. We would be commended for teaching scripture and not giving in to the modern church growth movement that says we need something more personally appealing to captivate the senses of today’s church (or unchurched) crowd. However, I am concerned that He would not commend us for our love for Him. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). I encourage each of you to examine your lives for obedience to Christ. How do you live? If Jesus spoke to you today would he say, “Good job sticking to your doctrines, nevertheless I have somewhat against you?”

Pastor V. Mark Smith

His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; [15] And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. (Revelation 1:14-15)

What did Jesus look like? This is an interesting question and one I am sure any reader of scripture has wondered. I believe my experience with reading novels and other types of stories is similar to that of most people. If the book is fiction, we don’t have any way of knowing what the characters look like except for the image the author is able to put in our minds by his descriptive and imaginative use of language. We visualize the person in our minds as we think they would appear, but if we were good artists and were asked to make a painting of the characters I am sure the pictures would be quite different. Sometimes novels are made into movies and the actors that play the parts often become our permanent visualization of the characters.

Although Jesus was real (and still is!), there were no portraits made of Him. Neither is there a detailed description of Him in the Bible or from any other source. Still, if you ask what Jesus looked like, there is nearly unanimous agreement. Many have pictures on their walls that supposedly represent Him. These pictures need no labels because they are immediately recognized. These are the imagination of men and have become ingrained in our minds over a few centuries.

Many good Christian people own these portraits, but they steadfastly maintain they represent the man only and they would never consider them to be an image of worship. However, these same people treat the picture in a different way than other pictures. They would never think of defacing it because do so would be to treat Jesus with irreverence. There is one word that describes this feeling: IDOLATRY.

Any picture, statue, or other likeness of God is forbidden by scripture. Likewise, any images made of other people living or dead or of any angelic beings or creatures that are used in churches or other places as a part of worship is forbidden. We could go to the Ten Commandments and easily rule these out, but we can also apply the simple test that is applied to portraits of Jesus. Could you as easily disfigure, break apart, and/or dispose of the image as you would any other item? If not, the image has become your idol. We are to carefully avoid these representations because of the spiritual danger that is involved. Idol worship is satanic and was a major sin to which Israel succumbed even while Moses was receiving the Ten Commandments on Sinai. In the New Testament, the scriptures broadened the interpretation of idolatry to include sins like covetousness. This means anything that takes first place in your life above God is an idol. If idolatry is possible without an actual physical image, how serious is a real image?

What did Jesus look like? No one knows. We only know there was nothing physically attractive about Him. People were not drawn to Him for His good looks and manly physique. He could have passed for any normal person on the street. The most important question is not “What did Jesus look like?” The most important question is, “What did He do for sinners like me?”

Pastor V. Mark Smith

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (Revelation 1:8)

Today’s congregational reading takes us to the first chapter of the book of Revelation. Recently, we finished nearly four years of study in this book which is one of the most interesting in the Bible. Previous to our study, I had more questions about Revelation and more interest in beginning a study in this book than in any other. At that time, I warned everyone that usually more people are interested in the Antichrist and what he will do rather than in the real Christ who is the subject of the book.

The first chapter piques the interest of God’s people almost immediately as John writes there is a blessing for everyone that reads and hears the words of this prophecy (v. 3). Despite this promised blessing, many Bible teachers have avoided Revelation because it seems so mysterious. As we learned, much of Revelation is demystified by taking a literal approach to the material rather than making nearly every verse a symbol for something else. For example, the climax of the book is in the 19th chapter in which Jesus Christ appears as the rider on a white horse. He is called faithful and true (19:11) and the name written on His garments is KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS (19:16). This appearance of Jesus is the beginning of His millennial kingdom on the earth.

This kingdom is a literal kingdom that will be a golden age in which Christ will reign over the entire earth in perfect righteousness. He will sit on the throne of David as Israel’s last and greatest King. This is the kingdom promised in the Old Testament and is not to be confused with the church, or the time we are living in now. It is a real future event and cannot be explained away as being merely a spiritual kingdom.

As redeemed, born again believers in Christ, we live in anticipation of this kingdom. If we are living when Christ returns, we shall be immediately changed to receive a glorified body (1 Cor. 15:51-53). If we have died and our spirit is in heaven, our bodies will be resurrected to rejoin our spirit in a glorified body (1 Thess. 4:14-17). At that time, we can accurately predict the beginning of Christ’s kingdom on earth. After seven years of purging the earth through a terrible time of tribulation, Jesus will establish His authority as the Almighty King.

We love to read and study Revelation because it comforts us in the assurance that God has a predetermined plan for the final exaltation of Christ. There is no need to fear the wickedness of the world or be distraught when it seems the demons of hell have control. Revelation tells us how all believers will triumph in the victory of Christ. The earth is His and the fullness thereof (Psalm 24). He is the “Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending…which is, which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”

Pastor V. Mark Smith

And of some have compassion, making a difference: [23] And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. (Jude 1:22-23)

Last week in my comments on the epistle of Jude, I spoke of Jude’s encouragement for believers to stand firm in the faith. “The faith” is the whole body of Christian doctrine that has been given to us through the pages of the Holy Scriptures. We are told in verse 3 to contend for the faith and in verse 17 to remember the words spoken by Jesus and the apostles when they warned about those that mock and subvert the faith. When they reach their final stage of apostasy they are to be put out of the church (Titus 3:8-11).

Jude follows numerous verses of warning about subversives with an interesting comment in verse 22. He asks for compassion in dealing with them because there are some that can be brought back when they are handled with loving care. Some have been deceived without realizing it and if they are treated correctly the Holy Spirit can use us to bring them back to the truth.

As I read this passage, my eyes were fixed on the word compassion. This is a word that means we are affected deeply within. If I could put it in another way, it is the willingness to show mercy from the deepest, kindest affections. The word is applied in these verses toward the wayward that we desire to see come back to the faith, but I also thought how it can be applied to those that are helpless and hurting and suffering. We have a few people in our congregation that are going through some really tough physical illnesses. We place their names on the prayer page, but I wonder how many of us really feel their suffering as if it was happening to us? Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 12 that members of the church should have such care for one another that when one member suffers all the members suffer with him.

It is easy for members of the same church to forget the problems of others especially when so many people are consumed with self. Many times we are just “acquaintances” of people at church and there is no feeling of closeness to them. There is no sense of family which would lead us to genuine care and concern for others. This is part of the function of the church. Our church should be a place of camaraderie, of people that are going to the same place and are living with the same desires. When you see words like compassion, forgiveness, and love in scripture, remember these are words that are also applied to God. When we are told to have compassion, it means as “God is full of compassion” (Ps. 86:15). Forgiveness is to forgive “as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Eph.4:32). To love others is as “Christ also hath loved us, and given himself for us…” (Eph. 5:2). These are characteristics of God that are intended to be a part of the person recreated in Christ. Colossians says we have put off the old man (old desires and way of life) “And have put on the new man, which is renewed after the image of him that created him” (Col. 3:10).

Think about God’s expectations from His people whenever you hear about another member that is hurting. Be ready to give aid with a kind compassionate heart. Jesus said “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matt. 25:40).

Pastor V. Mark Smith

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude 1:3)

Today in our scripture reading we turn to the epistle of Jude, a short letter that was written by the half-brother of Jesus. In the message today, Jude will be mentioned along with the other brothers and sisters of Jesus that were children of Mary and Joseph. Jesus was related to them through Mary but not Joseph since Mary became pregnant by the seed of the Holy Spirit while she was still a virgin. While Jesus and Jude grew up together in the same house, Jude did not believe Jesus was the Messiah until after His resurrection from the dead. As we see in the first verse of this letter, Jude became a Christian and was unwavering in his faith that Jesus was the Christ.

Although this letter is short, it is packed with encouragement for believers and with stern warnings for unbelievers. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in the faith because truth was being attacked from all sides. “Earnestly contend for the faith,” is not a command about personal faith even though it may apply, but rather a command to defend the entire body of Christian faith that was given by Jesus to the apostles. We often categorize biblical doctrines as essential and nonessential. I cannot find anything in scripture about nonessential doctrines. I know there are preferential positions that may not be concretely supported by biblical texts, but there are no doctrines of the Christian faith that are nonessential.

It is important to note that Jude believed the entire body of faith had been given. It had been given once, meaning given once for all time, which is tantamount to saying, the revelation of the faith was complete. Some of the New Testament was written after Jude wrote this letter, but no parts of it modified anything that was previously given. The faith was settled; Christian doctrine has no new parts that have been established since the completion of the New Testament canon. The scriptures are the pillar and ground of the truth and no church tradition can alter the written word of God.

Thomas Manton (1620-1677), perhaps the ablest commentator on the book of Jude, wrote the following observation about scripture: “The mercy of God appeareth in preserving it, that it may be delivered from one age to another. No doctrine so ancient as the doctrine of the scriptures; it describeth the whole history of the world from the very creation, and the original of all things. Where are there records so ancient? And yet they have been preserved even to our time. We have some ancient writings of the heathens, though nothing so ancient as scripture; but these are not contrary to men’s lusts, and have been cherished by them, and yet they have felt the tooth of time, and are in a great measure mangled; but the word of God hath been maligned and opposed, and yet it continueth; and holdeth up its head in the world: not only the main doctrine of the scriptures hath been continued, but no part of the word hath been falsified, corrupted, destroyed: the world wanted not malice nor opportunity; the powers of the world have been against it, and corrupt persons in the church have been always given to other-gospelling, Gal. 1:6,7; 1 Tim. 6:3; but still the scriptures have been wonderfully preserved, as the three children in the furnace, not a hair singed, not a jot and tittle of truth perished.” (A Commentary on Jude, Thomas Manton)

I believe part of the importance of verse 3 is that not only is God’s word preserved, but also the proper interpretations of it are kept intact by faithful “contenders.” The world will not fail to have a witness of the true gospel as long as it shall stand. God providentially protects a pure stream of gospel preaching even though at times it is very difficult to find. In times past, persecution drove the church underground, but the gospel was never lost. In our time and in our city, Christianity is mostly “Christ-less” with its emphasis on self help. A new faith has been delivered that will quickly change as soon as the church growth gurus figure a different and better method to fill the pews. And yet, Berean Baptist Church is here fighting the good fight of faith and contending for the entire body of faith that was once delivered unto the saints.

The “faith” was not popular in the time of the apostles and has never been popular since. The cross was an offense then and it still is today. We do not seek to be popular by giving people a watered down poisoned version of the gospel. We are not interested in “other-gospelling” as Manton called it. We have the “faith once delivered unto the saints” and we will preach it while hated by the world, and yet loved by God’s saints!

Pastor V. Mark Smith