The word of God is powerful. It penetrates the soul. It reveals our true nature; our attitude and disposition toward God and truth. Without it, we are totally lost. With it, we know the why of life. Let us embrace it.

We can and must make our appeal to heaven in time of need. A bold approach is required. We are to lay it all out before God, seeking His help and comfort. His throne is a throne of grace. He is not a tyrant or indifferent toward us. Rather, He loves us and is interested in our daily struggles and trials. His desire is to bless us, help us grow, draw us closer to Him and save us in the end. Let us take advantage of God’s favorable disposition and lean on Him for our needs.

On July 4, 2009, Rick Warren addressed the Islamic Society of North America. His speech included absolutely nothing offensive to Muslims. He did not rebuke them for their unbelief or even assert that they should take a hard look at Jesus as the Christ. Rather, he talked about Christians and Muslims working together on social causes. The impression he left with them is they are perfectly fine to reject the Christ and continue in their false religion.

I wrote an article about this that appeared in the September 2009 issue of Truth Magazine. One of the readers of the article sent it on to Rick Warren at Saddleback church. His Chief of Staff, David Chrzan, wrote a reply. You can find a review of one paragraph here. Another paragraph needs attention too because the preposterous claim to biblical purity is made by Chrzan on behalf of Saddleback and Warren.

The paragraph states:

Pastor Rick is Southern Baptist. While Saddleback Church may not look Southern Baptist to most casual observers, we are down the middle Southern Baptist in our theology and doctrinal statements. We are totally committed to reaching the unchurched and contemporary in our worship style, while remaining biblically pure.

“Southern Baptist” is something that cannot be found in the Bible. Never does the New Testament mention a “Southern Baptist” person or congregation. So, how can that be biblically pure?

We can read where the people of God, Christians, were referred to as the “church of God” (1 Cor. 1:2), the “churches of Christ” (Rom. 16:16), the “churches of Galatia” or “church of the Thessalonians” (Gal. 1:2; 1 Thes. 1:1). The latter designations describe churches by their geographical location. The other two describe the church with reference to ownership or headship—God and Christ. Other terms are found in the Bible to describe God’s people, both collectively and individually, but you will never find “Southern Baptist.” Again, we submit, it is impossible to be “biblically pure” and “Southern Baptist.”

Further, Warren and Saddleback are not just “Southern Baptist,” but “down the middle Southern Baptist.” That screams “moderate!” In other words, they are not conservative Sothern Baptist, but among those who are compromisers. From our perspective Saddleback is misrepresenting itself here. Since they compromise with Christ-denying Muslims, they are extremely liberal Southern Baptists, not “down the middle.”

On Saddleback’s web site, under the “What We Believe” section, it professes multiple things that are biblically impure.

This is what they say about salvation and baptism: “Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith,” and “baptism does not save you.” The Bible plainly teaches that faith alone does not save you. “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (James 2:24). It also says baptism does save you. “There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism…” (1 Peter 3:21). Rick Warren and Saddleback say baptism does not save you. The Holy Spirit and Peter say it does. Which is biblically pure?

Saddleback’s site also says, “…the believer is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian.” The Bible says we must take heed lest we fall (1 Cor. 10:12). Why the warning if it is impossible to fall? The fact is a Christian can fall from grace, as the Galatians did. “You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace” (Gal. 5:4). Too, Paul said, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12). Saddleback and Warren say you cannot lose your salvation and there is nothing you can do to keep it. The Bible teaches you can fall from grace and you must put forth effort to secure your final salvation. Who do you think is biblically pure; Warren and Saddleback or Paul and the Holy Spirit?

It is ridiculous for anyone to claim biblical purity while at the same time teaching and practicing the doctrines and commandments of men (Matt. 15:7-9). Sadly, many will not examine Warren’s teaching because of his popularity and the messages he presents are so non-offensive. This is the devil at work, getting people to drop their guard and accept error. Let us not be in that number (Acts 17:11; 1 Thes. 5:21).

Hebrews 4:1-10 centers on the “rest” for the people of God.

The promised rest was not Canaan (4:1-3; cf. Psa. 95:11) or the Sabbath (4:4-8). Rather, it is heaven (4:9, 10).

There is a rest beyond this life that far exceeds the rests of Canaan and the Sabbath. It is one into which we will enter if we are not disobedient. This promise is sure and steadfast. Nothing can keep us from it as long as we believe and obey. God is true to His word. We need to be true to Him.

In Hebrews 3:7-19, we are told what it really means to be in unbelief. It is not reserved for people who do not believe in God. Unbelief does not mean complete denial of God’s commands. Rather, denying part of what God says is just as much unbelief as atheism.

The Israelites were led out of Egypt into the wilderness. They believed God existed and followed His commands / leading to leave the land of bondage. They witnessed the miraculous plagues, saw the wonders of Sinai, and heard His voice. Still, they were disobedient when it came to entering the promised land.

The writer makes it clear that failing to heed this one command of the Lord was a failure to believe His promise. It was those who did not obey that did not believe that rebelled and paid for it with their life.

The admonition to us is: Do not follow their example! Though we may believe in God, confess Jesus as the Savior, and declare the Bible to be God’s word, we can have an evil heart of unbelief. If we deny baptism is essential to salvation, we are in rebellion (Mk. 16:16). If we doubt God gives us either the strength or ability to overcome temptation, we are in unbelief (1 Cor. 10:13). In such a state, we will suffer under the wrath of God. Let us not be in that number.

Hebrews 3:1-6 tells us three things about Christ.

1. Christ is the Apostle of our heavenly calling. He is the one sent by God to call us to redemption and heaven. Jesus is the ambassador for God.

2. Christ is the High Priest of our heavenly calling. He is the one who offered the ultimate sacrifice and the one who stands between us and God.

3. Christ is a faithful Son over the House of God. The Father has turned over authority to the Son who rules the house with complete fidelity.

We are part of the house of the Son if—big if—“we hold fast.”

Another point of interest, at least always to me, is Hebrews 3:4, “For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God.” Men understand this principle when it comes to buildings, homes, cars, towers, etc. However, too many see the infinitely more complex and diverse universe as an astronomical accident. How can this be? Willful ignorance and denial.

If I believe a log cabin in the woods was built by someone, then I must believe the home of humanity was built by Someone. If not, I am dishonest.

Ever see the child in the grocery store that won’t shut up in spite of mom telling little Johnny his behavior disappoints her? Ever want to walk over and say, “Do you want me to take care of this?” Me too.

Millions of children are being raised as selfish tyrants. They get what they want, do what they want, and will brook no opposition. The amazing thing is that many parents think this is good. Some even seemingly are not embarrassed by a temper-tantrum in the middle of the mall.

What’s wrong with this picture? God is not in it.

Parents who truly love their children and respect God will discipline. God disciplines us out of love. “For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives” (Heb. 12:6; cf. Prov. 3:11, 12). When a child goes without correction, it is as though he is illegitimate: without a father to raise him properly. So, a father may be present in the home but the child still lives as though he is illegitimate because of a lack of discipline.

Let us not be shy about the issue of how to discipline. The Bible repeatedly states that spanking is an acceptable form of correction.

“He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly” (Prov. 13:24).

“Chasten your son while there is hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction” (Prov. 19:18).

Love compels us to put the belt to the backside. We are not to be anxious that this punishment will destroy the child. Properly applied, it will not do permanent damage nor will it scar his spirit. Rather, it lets the child know the limits and instills a respect for authority.

Too many parents are committing the sin of not disciplining their children. Not only will this bring heartache and sorrow in this world, but it will also lead to eternal destruction in the next. We will lose our soul for not raising our children right as quickly as for not believing and obeying the gospel.

To all parents: teach your children the Bible (Deut. 6:6-9; Eph. 6:4); lay down the house rules, tell them your expectations, hold them to it (Eph. 6:1-4); correct early and often, rebuke and spank and they will respect you (Heb. 12:9). This is simple, but effective—because it is God’s way.

Hebrews 2:10-18, highlights the fact that Jesus has experienced what we experience. He left heaven, came to earth, lived a flesh-and-blood life. How thankful we need to be that we are of the same family; we have the same Father.

He did not face temptation to learn what it was like, but to show us how to resist it. His actions on earth were for our benefit, not His. By reading about His life, studying His teaching, and following His example, we are helped in our time of trial.

Hebrews 1 establishes the deity of Jesus. Hebrews 2, particularly verses 5-18, shows His humanity.

Hebrews 2:1-4, tells us the law given by our Lord is not something to be dismissed out of hand, treated like it is from man, or even hold it on the same level as the Old Law delivered by angels. Rather, it is the Law of Christ given by the Son of God through His hand-picked representatives. It was confirmed by miracles and is preserved for us to this day.

The Son of God, though greater than the angels, was made lower than them. He came to this earth to sacrifice Himself; “that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone” (Heb. 2:9). He died for all, not a few elect. He died to redeem us from our sins.

The writer also interweaves the idea that His humiliation led to His exaltation. He was crowned with glory and honor. All things are subject to Him; save death which will happen in the end (1 Cor. 15:22-28).

May we ever be thankful for a triumphant, self-sacrificing Savior.

For the record: We cannot fully explain how it could be that a being was both divine and human at the same time. We cannot explain how our soul dwells in our body. However, we believe both because the Bible lays out evidence for both.

Hebrews 1:1-14 focuses on Jesus Christ.

He is the One through whom God speaks to us today (1:1, 2). We are not disciples of Moses or John the baptizer…or the pope, Billy Graham, or Joel Osteen. Our devotion is to Christ alone.

Jesus is greater than the angels, contrary to the doctrine of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He is above them and has a unique relationship to God the Father; He is His Son, possessing the same nature (1:5). The angels worship Jesus; hence He is superior to them (1:6). They are His servants (1:7).

The Father referred to the Son as “God” in Psalm 45:6, 7 (1:8). With a statement like this, how can anyone deny the deity of Jesus?

The point of Hebrews 1:10-12 is that Jesus is the Creator (Jn. 1:1-3; Col. 1:15-17). It is God that created the universe (Gen. 1:1). Therefore, Jesus is God; that is, He possesses the nature, qualities, characteristics, power of deity. He was not and is not an ordinary man or an amazing being like angels. He is far greater than any and all. He is no less than God the Son.

May we be ever mindful of the One we serve—His truly awesome nature and place of honor.

Christians are soldiers of Christ. The New Testament is filled with imagery of war, battle, and fighting. It is not a carnal war, but a spiritual one (2 Cor. 10:3-5). In Ephesians 6:10-24, Paul gives a detailed description of the armor we are provided to fight and win the war.

Christians generally have done a good job of knowing about the different pieces of armor: truth, righteousness, gospel of peace, faith, word of God. These need to be understood and used.

What we have failed at more often than not—generally speaking—is prayer (Eph. 6:18). It is the element that helps us don the armor, fight the fight, receive the strength, and press on. Paul requested the prayers of the Ephesians that he may speak boldly in teaching the gospel. How often do we pray, really pray, about the battles we are fighting?

If we will put on the armor of God and pray always, there is nothing that can stand in our way or stop our final victory.