VIOLATING THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT – Exodus 20:8-11

Berean Baptist on May 13, 2019

            The fourth commandment may well be one of the most neglected and least convicting of all the commandments in the Decalogue. This is not because of lack of seriousness in what God demands, but because the modern Christian has become so complacent about reserving time for God. I also believe the modern pulpit holds much culpability for this unhappy phenomenon. The interpretation that the fourth commandment is not a part of the moral law written on the heart is the major contributor to the problem. Many preachers who are otherwise stellar in their interpretation of scripture tell us this command is not binding on Christians today. They teach there is no such thing as a Christian sabbath which seems from my research of historical positions not to be the consistent teaching of Baptists or others.

            To be fair, these preachers do not teach you are not obligated to give time to God, but rather they say there is no special day to for it. Sunday is more of a convenience based on Christian agreement that it is a good easy time for us to get together. It is by mutual consent rather than a commanded time. I fear that when the observance is taught this way it is much easier for the individual to say Sunday is not convenient for them, and since there is no command there is no need to concern themselves. We see the convenience card played too much as churches offer Friday night services for those whose weekend plans are too much encumbered to accommodate what they don’t much like doing anyway. It is not exaggeration that many Christians treat church as if they need only a light dose to assuage their conscience. After all, they do claim to be Christians, don’t they? They go to church for the minimum time to put in their appearance, and while they are there it is not worship they think of. Boating, fishing, football, shopping or a hundred other plans run through their minds. In all fairness, most of the time the Friday night churches are not giving anything worth thinking about anyway.

            If we have a hard time keeping Christians on track when we have a command, what happens when there is none? Evidently church attendance has been a problem from the beginning. Scripture in Hebrews warned early Christians not to forsake the assembly. No doubt some of this was advice for Christians who were fearful of persecution and thus would not come, but surely there has to be at least a modicum of instruction for Christians who were lax and lazy about attending. Some of them did what many of us do—seek other venues to spend our Sunday time.

            We are determined to get the exposition right, and so we will follow the historical interpretation that God has not changed the principle of the sabbath. The New Testament did nothing other than change the day. If we argue there must have been some change because we don’t follow the rigid requirements of the Jews and that Jesus chastised the Pharisees for their abuses, we only need concede their practices were wrong. This does not mean there isn’t a sabbath and a right way to keep it.

            The important point to realize is its status as a command. Arguably because it comes at the end of the first table of the law, it stands in a special place of importance. There should be more conviction over its violation. We will not tolerate repeat offending adulterers nor repeat thieves and certainly not mass murderers. Where is the censure of Christians over repeat violations of this command? Baptists surely need more contrition because of it.

                                                                        Pastor V. Mark Smith

Every Day Is for God’s Glory

Berean Baptist on June 4, 2018

In the text of Revelation 21, the glory of God is depicted in the Bible’s consistent manner which is its connection with light. The New Jerusalem is a place of brilliant light because of the unveiled presence of God. That same light would blind us if God were not hidden from us by a spiritual veil.

Glory is an expression of God’s holiness which is essentially the aggregation of all God’s attributes. Everything God is can be summed up with glory which is why we consistently teach that all of creation exists for God’s glory. The creation is an extension of God which helps us understand why God is intent to restore the world to its original perfection.

In this article, I want to speak about how we glorify God. Fundamentally, the method is worship. Since we are created for the glory of God, everything we do must be centered on worship. You may think it is not possible or necessary to worship in everything because only church is the place of worship. However, the scripture says, “whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). This means your work, your school, your home—wherever you are, is a place of worship.

I think we would all agree that of all places church is not a place for sin. Generally, we treat others better at church. We are friendlier at church. We are less likely to be angry at church, and we act like we care more at church. We pray, we sing, we read the Bible at church; and most of you will be sure to check your bad language at the door. I have pastored for a long time and although I have heard some bad language at times in church, I have yet to hear that anyone sat in the church service watching smutty videos on a smart phone. Why do we think God is only at church? More pointedly, why must worship be confined to church? I would submit if church is the only place you worship, the quality of your worship when you get here is very poor. We never have a pass on the glory of God and thus we do not have one on worship.

The biblical mindset for a Christian is to be alert, to be vigilant, to be holy, and to be ready. A song of praise or an utterance of worship should never be more than an instant thought away. Too often we think of church as the fulfillment of duty. We come to worship and get it over with and to finish our obligation. When the last amen is said at 12:30 on Sunday afternoon, we are through until next week.

This attitude is wonderfully changed when we get to heaven. It is objectionable to some because it seems far too boring to spend eternity in perpetual worship. And yet, heaven is the perfection of what we should be doing already. A perfect mind in heaven is locked on God’s purpose for us. When sin is completely removed, the mind can go nowhere else but to the glory of God. Perhaps this will help you understand that not worshiping at all times is sin. When you pat yourself on the back for the occasional good deed, are you really all that good? When we have done the best we can do, we’ve done nothing more than what we were told to do and what we were created for. There is no special commendation for the occasional good deed. You should always do the right thing.

This week think about worship. You don’t have to break out in song when you punch the time clock. You don’t have to preach a sermon at break. You just need to live in the light of God’s presence. Think on Christ and you will glorify God.

A Providential Preaching Plan

Berean Baptist on November 7, 2016

 

Psalm 66

On many occasions, I am simply amazed at the numbers of times our congregational readings will interface with the subjects of Sunday morning sermons. Rarely do I choose a reading that purposely corresponds, since we are reading through the psalms each week taking them in order. I find the same coincidences (?) when teaching the Fundamentals Class on Wednesday evenings. I find myself constantly telling the class I do not want to divulge Sunday morning material, but we often tread the same ground without purposely arranging it. I would relegate this to mere coincidence if I did not believe the Holy Spirit is in charge of the entire ministry of Berean. If you wonder who plans these services—God does!

Some years ago, I was speaking with another pastor who was surprised our preaching schedule is planned more than one week at a time. He said he preferred to be “fresh” so the Spirit could speak immediately to the needs at the moment. I would maintain that a God who is omniscient and who chose us and planned our salvation before the foundation of the world is well capable of seeing a month or two in advance. He knows this congregation’s needs and the timing of them without consulting with me!

This be as it may, Psalm 66 crosses over into today’s sermon territory, because I believe it speaks of the praise that will be offered in the millennial kingdom. Our subject for today’s message is the reasons we believe there will be an actual Messianic kingdom on the earth. It delves into the citizens of the kingdom and the criteria of judgment for their permission to enter.

As I read this Psalm, I was reminded of Isaiah 53. This great chapter is perhaps the most well-known in the Old Testament, aside from Psalm 23, and is about redeemed Israel in the millennium as they contemplate the great crime of crucifying Christ in the first advent. They did not realize the wounds they inflicted were for their own salvation. Having come to this understanding and having trusted Him as their only redeemer, they can only reflect with amazement at His willingness to suffer so much for them when they shamefully despised Him and put Him to grief.

Psalm 66 steps beyond this as now they think back to the former days when God showed His mercy to Israel. He performed countless miracles on their behalf to ensure their survival. How sweet are the words of verse 9: “Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.” How different will Israel’s attitude be towards the Messiah when He brings them through the Tribulation and gives them the glorious kingdom promised to their father David: “For thou hast confirmed to thyself thy people Israel to be a people unto thee for ever: and thou, LORD, art become their God.” (2 Samuel 7:24)  In the first advent, He was not their God: “But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.” (Luke 19:14)  It will be different in the kingdom age when they look on the one they pierced and recognize Him as Messiah King (Zech. 12:10).

It blesses the heart of the preacher when the Holy Spirit so skillfully blends the worship with appropriate songs, readings, and sermons. Praise God He controls the service, and we worship according to His plan, not ours. Give all the glory to Him!

Pastor V. Mark Smith

 

 

 

 

“Fear not I am with thee…”

Berean Baptist on May 16, 2016

Psalm 44

Have you ever felt that God has abandoned you and you have no real discernible reason why? Have you examined your heart for sin and found you are doing your best to serve God, and yet despite your best efforts it seems God is nowhere to be found? If this is how you feel, you have just hit upon the gist of this psalm.

We do not know the author of the psalm although we do know he was a descendant of Korah. This means it could have been written anytime over a period of 1400 years. Apparently, Israel had just suffered a stunning military defeat and the psalmist did not understand why God had not come to their aid. There were times in the past when it was very clear why Israel had been defeated. Those times were connected to obvious sins, usually the sin of idolatry when Israel fell into the worship of false gods. This was not one of those times which makes the defeat all the more puzzling.

The psalm is divided into three time periods. The first eight verses are about the past as the psalmist remembers the stories told by his forefathers about the miraculous deliverances from their enemies by the Almighty God. This section ends with the admission that each victory won was because of God, not because of Israel’s military might.

The next section (vv. 9-22) is about the present. This is the psalmist’s lament as he tries to understand why they were defeated and why it seemed God did not care. The third section (vv. 23-26) is about the future as the psalmist is sure that God had not forgotten them. He cries out for God to awaken from sleep—a metaphor for God’s supposed inattention. How much this reminds us of that fearful night when the disciples were tossed about by the boisterous waves on the Sea of Galilee. While they rowed and worried, Jesus was asleep in the boat. The tumult of the sea did not bother Him. He was awakened to the disciples’ pleas for help. A hymnist expressed their words this way: “Carest thou not that we perish? How canst Thou lie asleep, when each moment so madly is threatening a grave in the angry deep?” There was no trouble for Jesus. He awoke and said, “Peace be still.”

The explanation for God’s refusal to help Israel is not given in this psalm. However, we know the character of God. He said He would never leave us or forsake us. If it appears He has, we know it must be for His divine purposes. Sometimes trials come upon us simply because we have been called upon to suffer for Christ. Peter wrote: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13).  Paul also often mentions the sufferings of Christians, even his own as the divine providence of God. This is often hard for us to understand just as it was for Christians in the early centuries that suffered so much persecution. We notice, however, they always held on. They were firm and steadfast and waited for God’s deliverance. Sometimes the deliverance was death—but death is no problem when the destination is the glories of heaven.

Christians today need to do what the psalmist did. Look back to the past and remember the victories you have won in Christ. Examine yourself in the present to make sure sin is not your problem. Consider the future because you know God will never abandon you. When it seems God is not there, be sure He is. He is closer to you than in your boat—He is in your heart. Peace comes when you are fully dependent upon Him. Another hymnist related the sentiments of God’s heart: “Fear not, I am with thee, oh, be not dismayed, for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid; I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand.”

Pastor V. Mark Smith

Do You Fear God?

Berean Baptist on November 30, 2015

Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. (Psalms 33:8)

 In the past few Sunday night services, we have discussed worship and how God has mandated His whole creation to worship Him. Worship is the natural response of a heart cleansed by the blood of Christ. In salvation our minds are renewed so that we see more clearly the majesty of God. A heart compliant to God’s will always craves worship for worship is the top priority of God’s will. The Westminster Catechism states this wisely in its first question, “What is the chief end of man?” In other words, “Why was man created? Why did God make man?” The answer is, “To glorify Him and enjoy Him forever.”

In the 33rd Psalm, the psalmist reflects upon the creation God has made with the understanding that such power is to be greatly feared. It seems Old Testament reflection upon the power of God always evoked this type of response. The rest of the psalm issues a warning to nations that no counsel against God shall stand. Faith in any other power is empty because logically and experientially nothing overcomes the power of the one who created all. In this psalm, fear equates to reverence and reverence is an equivalent expression of worship.

However, we were careful to point out in our study of worship that fear is too often not our response to the power of God. Though we may sing in the words of the psalmist, “Our God is an awesome God,” there is very little understanding of what the psalmist meant by “Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.” This means to back up and back down and understand your place. Know where you stand in relationship to God. Though we strive to be like Him in kindness, benevolence, justice, and even in righteousness, we will never be like Him in the breadth of His power. Though one day we shall see God and be made in His likeness and will reflect His holiness, yet we shall never cease to be awed by His power. Eternity will be bliss for believers, but never will we be equal to God.

When I say we no longer fear God, I think the reason is because of weak-kneed preaching that constantly harps such themes as “God loves you.” No matter what you have done or will do God still loves you. He accepts you just the way you are and you need not fear Him because He is a kindly, gentlemanly old codger who is all but toothless and would never hurt a fly. In other words, God is happy with anything and anybody. It sounds good for the selfish unrepentant who must have his way, but unfortunately for them, this is not the God of the Bible.

The God of the Bible has one way—His way. He is not tolerant of nor sensitive to your desires and your way. God cares little for what you think because sinful minds think sinfully. God is not happy with our ways and is only happy when we fulfill our chief end which is to glorify Him. Absolute obedience glorifies Him and anything less brings a response of wrath. You had better well learn to respect God’s wrath.

You might expect that living in fear of God would be unpleasant, but it is not. In the same psalm in which we find fear, we also read these words in verse 5: “The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.”  Fear does not mean that it and kindness cannot go hand in hand. After all, it was in our rebellion and disobedience that God sent His Son to die for us. So, let us see if we can learn to respect Him. Let us stand back and marvel at His wonderful works—but let us not mistake who we are and who He is.

Pastor V. Mark Smith

Worship in the Beauty of Holiness

Berean Baptist on October 24, 2015

Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. (Psalms 29:2)

 Several years ago, the church went through a study of the Tabernacle which is the Old Testament’s most complete and vivid picture of Jesus Christ. Every part of the Tabernacle had a corresponding relationship to some aspect of the person and work of our Saviour. It is clear from the Bible’s first institution of public worship that Jesus Christ was to be the focus of the scriptures.

In the Tabernacle, this focus is shown in a variety of ways. One of the most interesting is the golden lamp-stand that was placed inside the Tabernacle. This lamp-stand was the only source of light since the Tabernacle was a tent like structure with no windows. There was no natural light that shined into the structure. When the priest entered and let the heavy curtain door fall shut behind him, the place was completely dark—nothing could be seen. But when the wicks in the oil in the lamp-stand were touched with a flame, the interior of the Tabernacle became visible, and what a beautiful sight it was! The light danced off of the walls that were lined with gold. The intricate embroidery of the ceiling and of the holy veil became visible. The exquisite beauty of the golden table of shewbread and the golden altar of incense marvelously shined before him. Though the Tabernacle was plain on the outside, it belied the beauty that was on the inside. How was the beauty seen? The priest had to go in and have the light illumine it to him. This is emblematic of the beauty of Christ. He is not attractive nor understood until one is “in Christ.” His beauty is not visible until the Holy Spirit shines the light upon Him. This is when He is revealed in the beauty of His holiness.

The Old Testament worship of the Tabernacle was dependent upon a lot of work by priests and others to make worship possible. There were rituals to be performed, and each head of the family was responsible to bring a sacrifice and to pay the tax of the sanctuary. Many such rituals were done and God was very particular that every detail was done right.

Today, we are not asked to bring sacrifices. The all sufficient sacrifice of Christ has been made. We are not asked to wear priest’s garments or wave odorous censors. God does not require holy water to be sprinkled as in Old Testament times. Nonetheless, He still requires that Christ be worshiped in the beauty of holiness.

In this age, our sacrifices are spiritual and are concerned chiefly with the heart. David had amazing spiritual insight when he wrote: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Psalms 51:17). He knew the rites and rituals of Israel’s worship foreshadowed a much more important principle. God was looking for clean hearts and a right spirit (Psalms 51:10). Why is this important at this point? It is because we have gathered to worship and yet many of you cannot. You believe you are as you sing the songs, pray the prayers, and give your tithes. You do, therefore you worship. “Not so,” says God. The preparation for worship is not made here. It is made in your heart before you ever entered this building.

God still demands holiness for worship. He is an immutable God which tells us this requirement will not and cannot change. Whether Tabernacle, Temple, the church, or your heart, “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.”

 Pastor V. Mark Smith

 

 

 

Christ in Psalm 21

Berean Baptist on August 3, 2015

For thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head. (Psalms 21:3)

Robert Hawker was an English pastor born a few years before the beginning of the Revolutionary War. He was a favorite of King George III who used to attend his popular weekly sermons that drew thousands of other worshipers to his church in Plymouth, England.

Hawker had a real passion for teaching the Bible in a way the common man could easily understand. He wrote a four volume set of commentaries called The Poor Man’s Commentary so titled because it was published to be affordable to the poorest in his congregation. His exposition of scripture is not known for its depth, but for its engaging style that helped poorly educated people understand the word of God. This was Hawker’s gift. He was deeply compassionate about the poor, and the name of his commentaries reflects his personal desire to give the poor bread for their lives, but more importantly the bread of life for their souls.

Hawker’s commentaries have an interesting trait, especially those on the Psalms. He believed Christ could be found in every Psalm, which sometimes led him down strange interpretive paths. However, there is much to commend in his writings when he did correctly see Christ as the Holy Spirit’s main intent. On the 21st Psalm, he wrote, “Reader, here is so much of Jesus, our glorious triumphant King, in this Psalm, that I do entreat you to be looking up for grace, and on the lookout through every portion of it, that we may not overlook or miss any of the precious things which are here recorded concerning him.” To this, we would whole heartedly agree as we see the stamp of the work of Christ in this beautiful Psalm.

As I read this Psalm, I am reminded of the constant parallels between David’s physical experiences and the Saviour’s spiritual experiences. We should not wonder that Christ and David are so closely allied in the Psalms because the Lord Jesus is the final heir to the throne established in David. The scripture says David was a man after God’s own heart, which is testified on many occasions in the Psalms that speak of his deep reverence for God and his desire to be in close fellowship with Him. David’s psalms are considered to be the best examples in scripture of how we may give true acceptable worship to our great God. The last verse of this psalm reads, “Be thou exalted, Lord, in thine own strength: so shall we sing and praise thy power.”

Robert Hawker was truly insightful in seeing Jesus as the real object of this text. In commenting on verse 3, Hawker remarks that Jehovah had set a crown of gold upon the head of Jesus and proclaimed Him as King of Zion. Hawker’s observation is good, as the text is prophetic, but like so many others in scripture the prophecy is so sure it is spoken of as already done. Who can miss the surety of Bible passages that encourage us to wait and look for the coming of Heaven’s King? This is a promise that cannot fail and for which our hearts cannot help but sing praises as David’s did so long ago.

One last comment I want to note concerning Hawker’s interpretation. Verse 4, says Hawker, silences any critic who would argue the psalm applies to any earthly monarch. Jesus asked for the power of an endless life and it was granted when He arose from the grave. Since Jesus is our mediator, He not only asks for life for Himself, but as our representative He asks for us as well. We stand in Christ, so whatever promises are His are also ours. What a wonderful thought this is! When the Father sees His Son, He also sees all of us that were given to the Son as a precious gift.

Read this psalm with Christ in mind. Sing praises to Him and rejoice in His salvation!

Pastor V. Mark Smith

Exalt Christ in Song

Berean Baptist on August 14, 2013

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. (Revelation 15:3)

Each Sunday morning when our services begin the choir calls the church to worship. Our current song selection is the short chorus He is Exalted which is a good choice because as our first act of worship our attention is immediately focused on Jesus Christ the one who is worthy of worship. Revelation 5:12 declares, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.” Singing praises that acknowledge the right of our Lord to receive worship is well pleasing to God. Scripture commands us to sing spiritual songs and make melody in our hearts which in turn makes the song service an integral part of our worship.

It is very important that we worship God with songs that have words and music that honor Him. When the apostle John was allowed to see into heaven, he was awestruck by the thousands upon thousands that sang the praises of the Lamb. Would it surprise you to learn that heaven sings a song that was first sung on earth? What kind of song could be sung here that would be a proper song for heaven? One of the songs John heard was the song of Moses. We know the lyrics of this song because they are recorded in Exodus 15.

The first stanzas of the song are very much unlike songs heard in churches today. Moses’ song began with an execution. Israel sang about the destruction of Pharaoh and his armies in the Red Sea. They were singing about the wrath of God and His vengeance upon His enemies. Would you consider it odd if we were to begin our services singing about hell rather than heaven? It might be strange but it would not be unbiblical. Deliverance from death and hell are excellent reasons for worship. Gospel presentations should begin with God’s wrath on sinners. We cannot know we need the Saviour unless we know there is something to be saved from.

If we should begin our services singing about hell, we would not want to sing four stanzas about it and then quit. Neither would we start a gospel presentation and stop with the bad news of condemnation. There is more to talk about and there is more to sing about. The good news is the salvation found in Christ. The good news is that we can be delivered from the wrath of God because Christ died to take away the cause of God’s wrath. Our sins are the cause and Christ’s death is the remedy. The penalty for sin is everlasting punishment in the fires of hell. Jesus died in our place, suffered our hell, and paid the penalty for us.

Moses’ song goes on and other stanzas speak of the glorious expectation of heaven (Exodus 15:17). The saints in heaven sing this verse because they experience this promise of God made good. The song also contains our familiar theme, the exaltation of Christ. Verse 18 says, “The Lord shall reign forever and ever.” This is also a familiar refrain in heaven: “…there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 11:15).

As you sing, pay attention to the words. Choose songs that magnify Jesus Christ. Carefully consider the words of In Christ Alone, O Magnify the Lord, And Can it Be, and My Heart Is Filled. The gospel is presented in these songs; and friends, this is worth singing about!

Pastor V. Mark Smith