PP2010-25
IS JESUS IN THE HOUSE? OR
SUPPOSING JESUS TO BE PRESENT!
Lu 2:41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. (KJV)
INTRODUCTION: This is a very strange happening – “….supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey;….” I can’t really imagine that happening. They took for granted that Jesus was in their presence. What a startling incident. They looked around and discovered that Jesus wasn’t with them. Jesus was missing. He wasn’t in their company. They supposed He was with them. All of their suppositions did not bring Him to them. He was miles back in Jerusalem and Joseph and Mary supposed He was with them.
I am aware that this church is not guilty of most of the things I am preaching about tonight, but it is just a warning, or maybe a confirmation of what you already do.
The word “supposing” has to do with ones imagination. Imagining a certain reality. Assuming a certain thing is true.
Many Baptist churches, many homes, and many individuals are in the same predicament of supposition today as was Joseph and Mary. Churches open their doors on Sunday morning to conduct religious services “supposing” Jesus will be in their midst. Yet there has been no agonizing prayer made for the services. There has been no sacrificial preparation – there is no expectation – no fasting - most just take for granted that Jesus will be there. If He was present most would be startled and surprised.
Many homes never conduct anything that is based on the Lord Jesus, yet they suppose Jesus to be in their home. The same is true with many individuals. Daily traveling through life “supposing Jesus to be in their company”.
He is miles and miles away from them. The sad thing most of these churches never discover that Jesus is not present. They go right on like He was there assuming that He is in their midst. That says that most churches do not need Jesus’ presence to conduct services. What a sad, sad awakening to not know that Jesus is in the house – or maybe I should say – to know that He isn’t in the house.
What are some things that would keep Jesus from being in the company of any given church?
I. THE WRONG MOTIVE
A. Our Motive Or Purpose Must Be To Glorify God.
We come to make the Lord Jesus the center part of the service. The service is not for you and I, but for Christ. Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (KJV) That means that if He isn’t here then we are wasting our time.
Some churches and some Christians look at church as a place to ONLY meet new people and enjoy fellowship with them. That is the wrong reason. I didn’t say it was wrong to make friends at church – it is wrong to make that the reason for going to a certain church.
Some look at church as a nice ornate building with stained glass windows and a huge magnificent steeple. That’s also the wrong concept of church.
One Sunday morning, when we were in the store front building, a man called and asked where the church was located. I told him where it was, and a few minutes later he called back again asking again for the address. I told him again. After a few minutes he called the third time and I gave more detailed directions. I then watched out the front door thinking I could see him and let him know he was in the right place. Soon a car drove by and stopped. I went out to meet him and he asked me if I knew where BHBC was. I told him he was here. He looked around at the store front and said, “This ain’t no church”, and got in his car and drove off. He had the wrong conception of what a church is.
It’s not the stained glass windows, nor the $100,000 dollar organ that qualifies a church to be a church. When the motive is to go to a church for the pleasure, or even the satisfaction then that is the wrong motive. I was a member of a church for 14 years that I didn’t enjoy, but God wanted my family and me at that church. It was a time of learning for me. It was part of the will of God for my life that I be in that church.
B. Our Motive Or Purpose Must Be To Edify The Saints.
1Th 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. (KJV)
Edify means: “To confirm – to build”. All that we do is to be done to help the saints of God grow and become better saints.
How can we edify the saints if the Lord is not present? Jesus said, Mt 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (KJV) Church is not determined by the place, rather the Person. If Jesus is not in our presence then it matters not what we do in our services, it will not be a real church service, because He wasn’t in our company. It matters not how much “supposing” we may do it will not bring Him in. That which we say and do in each service must be for the edification of the saints of God.
Mary and Joseph for one whole day were travelling along “supposing” that Jesus was some where in the crowd of people. They never considered that He wasn’t with them. We must take this warning and be sure that He is in our company. How dreadful to think that even one service to be conducted without Him in our company. Yet Sunday after Sunday thousands of Baptist churches go through the whole day on Sunday and Jesus is no where near them.
Let’s go back to the time you got saved, and suppose He had not been in that service – you would have missed salvation. That may have been the only opportunity you had.
We can’t have church without Jesus. No matter how worshipful the song service may be, if He is not in our company then all is in vain.
It matters not how moving the sermon may be, if He is not in our company then all is in vain.
It matters not how much the offering may be, if He is not in our company then we did not have church.
Mt 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. (KJV) Notice the word “honoureth me”. They were saying things with their mouth that would have brought honor to the Lord had there motive been right.
We can say all of the right things in the wrong way. Let’s say that my wife had wanted a new dress for our anniversary and I forgot it. When I came home without the new dress she started crying. So, the sensitive husband that I am realized why she was crying and I hurry out to the store and buy the dress. When I come home she in still in the bed room crying. I go in and throw the dress on the bed and say, “There, is the ole dress you wanted now stop crying.” Guess what? She started crying more. I said the right thing – but I said it in the wrong manner.
Just because some churches may say the right words doesn’t mean Jesus is in the company. You can’t ignore Him in practice and effort and expect Him to be present.
The Lord is sensitive as to how we say things. He won’t be anywhere He is not wanted. Rev. 3:20. He couldn’t go into the house unless He was invited.
The Wrong Motive Will Keep Him Away.
Here is the main key:
II. PREACHING THE WRONG MESSAGE
He will not hang around where the message of the church is contrary to the Bible. A Social Gospel will not bring Him to the service.
Many, many churches are preaching the wrong message today. Just because the church doors are unlocked, and the lights are turned on on Sunday, and the temptature is comfortable, does not guarantee that Jesus will be in the house. The church must preach the correct message – else Jesus will not be present.
The message of any Baptist Church is multi-faceted.
A. Must Be The Message Of Salvation.
1. The Gospel Message is a personal message.
Salvation is not in a plan. Salvation is not in a prayer. You don’t have to pray a certain prayer. Salvation is not just in a promise. Salvation is not just a presentation of scripture. Salvation is not in ordinances or theology. SALVATION IS A PERSON – THE PERSON JESUS CHRIST. HE IS SALVATION. John 3:16 says it so clearly. Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (KJV)
He is not just part of salvation – He is salvation. Without Him you don’t have salvation. If He is not present then we are empty and vain.
Salvation must be preached as coming from and through Christ only. Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (KJV) Many, Many churches preach a works salvation. Baptism is added – a godly life is part of salvation for some churches. Every Christian should live a godly life, but doing so does not bring salvation. Church membership does not bring salvation. Being identified with any certain religious group does not guarantee salvation. Salvation is in Christ and Christ alone.
2. The Gospel message is a powerful message.
Ro 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (KJV)
Many years during my early ministry I was on staff of a fairly large church. I helped in Jr. Church every Sun. We had 300-400 children in Jr. Church each week. In that group of children was a young teenage girl that had down syndrome. She couldn’t talk at all. She just made grunting noises and sounds.
After the message was preached I would take those children that had responded to the invitation to another room and there several workers would deal with them and their decision. Every Sunday this young teenage girl would come for counseling. Every week I would send her back into Jr. Church without anyone counseling her. Her name was Rachel.
One Sun. AM several kids had responded to the invitation and as I looked around the faces there stood Rachel again. The Lord seemed to say to me, “Don’t ignore Rachel”. As I looked at Rachel’s face that morning she looked different. I took her into another room. I didn’t know what to do. I was frightened. The Lord told me tell her how to be saved. I honestly thought it was a waste of time. But I took my Bible and begin to tell her how to be saved. After a few minutes I gave her Ro 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (KJV) I said to her, “Rachel will you call upon the Lord right now?” Just as clear and plain as any of you could say it, she said, “Lord Save me!” After that as I talked more with her she diverted back to her grunting and utterances. It’s a powerful message. It can save the most vilest of sinners – it can save the most ignorant of soul – I’m an example of that.
3. The Gospel Message is a perfect message.
Ps 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. (KJV)
B. Must Be The Message Of Repentance.
Someone has mentioned this already this week – repentance is being omitted in most churches today.
Ac 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV)
Ac 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: (KJV)
Repentance is as much part of salvation as is faith.
When the wrong message is preached Jesus Christ is not within a thousand miles of that place. The people may suppose He is in their company, He won’t be. The wrong message will prevent Jesus from being in the house.
C. Must Be The Message Of Doctrine.
A lot of churches are afraid of and avoid doctrine. They don’t want to be labeled as a Bible believing church. There must be doctrinal preaching to keep the church strong and scriptural.
1. Biblical baptism. Emersion. No acceptance of alien baptism.
2. Church member expectation. Every organization has expectations of the membership. Unions have requirements – lodges and fraternities have requirement. There is membership fees and attendance expectation from each of these. But when we name the expectation of a Baptist church many get hot under the collar. We expect them to be faithful to all areas of church function.
I remember in our country church – every Sunday morning the church clerk called the roll of membership – each member answered with “Present” – this was a Baptist Church. If one was absent then an “X” was placed by their name for that Sunday. I have forgotten now, but a certain number of Sunday’s of absence and the name was dropped from the membership roll. The roll was kept so there wouldn’t be any question about the matter.
3. Stewardship – financially – physically – morally – socially.
4. Holiness. When we start talking about expectation of membership living holy lives many will start crying “legalism – legalism. Nope – it just holiness. Holy because He is holy.
Doctrine defined is: The doctrines of the gospel are the principles or truths taught by Christ and his apostles.
Another definition: The truths of the gospel in general. Mr 4:2 And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine, (KJV)
The one main reason that so many Baptists waver or are led off into some false church is they do not know Bible Doctrine. Every Pastor should teach doctrine often. The more the better. When a Christian is well grounded and informed concerning the truths of the Bible the less possibility there will be that he will be confused and led away captive.
This church was founded on those same biblical doctrines.
The JW’s and the Mormons thrive on those who are uniformed doctrinally. So many churches are “Supposing Him to be in their company” and as a result they waste a lot of miles in their work.
The basic message of any church must be that, “This our song of victory: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!”
The wrong motive will keep Jesus away.
The wrong message will keep Him away.
Here’s a good point.
III. SINGING THE WRONG MUSIC 1 Cor. 14:8
I would say today, one of the greatest battles we have besides the false bibles, and false doctrine, is that of what kind of music shall we have in our church.
The music in this church is right. I love the music. The ladies that sang last night and the Carter family – that was good - The Nelson family will be here later in the week.
(The Flock That Rocks – right across from our church)
1Co 14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? (KJV)
If, when the soldier should prepare himself for the battle, the trumpet should give a different sound to that which is ordinarily used on such occasions, the soldier is not informed of what he should do, and therefore does not arm himself; consequently, that vague, unintelligible sound of the trumpet, is of no use.
If during the command to charge the trumpet played retreat – what would happen? There would be no charge.
When I was in the Army – Floyd Archaneau played the trumpet and blew reveille every morning. One morning Floyd was ill and couldn’t blow reveille – the 1st Sgt blew a whistle – we all looked at each other and asked, “What’s that? Where’s Archaneau? What are we supposed to do?” It was an uncertain sound, and the people didn’t know what to do. The right musical sound instructed us.
The same is true when we gather to worship and the trumpet gives the sound of the world and the social music how will we know when and how to worship? Sometimes during our song service – these old hymns that we sing just squeezes the tears right out of my heart.
A. Worldly Music In Church Services.
1. Contemporary music. I have never seen a clear definition of the term “Contemporary Music”. I don’t think there is one. However, I do know that it is not the kind of music that God wants to be sung in N.T. Churches today.
2. Gospel Rock - ???? I have never understood that term – “Gospel Rock”. Rock music cannot be gospel music. Some use the term “Christian Rock”. That is a misnomer. That’s like saying a Christian Bartender or Christian prostitute. How can that be?
a. Rock music defines a certain culture and not a type of music. Every culture has its own music. The music always defines what the purpose and mission of that particular culture is.
b. Rock music lends itself to rebellion, drugs, open sex, and anti-God.
c. There is no gospel in rock music.
The music industry has tried to tell us that they can take music that is of the world and make it acceptable unto God by renaming it. Renaming sin does not make it acceptable to God. That is demeaning to God. You can’t make sin fashionable by changing its fashion.
Back in the 1960’s Baptists accepted the music of the hippies – consequently we lost a whole generation of teenagers, and for the most part it is still happening. We took a sinful culture and blended in with them and they changed Baptists rather than Baptist changing the culture.
Music affects the emotional system. When you hear a sad song about a loved one being killed or a home going through divorce your emotional system will react to the message of that song. When you hear a happy and joyous song you will rejoice in that song. Society has learned to control the temperament of people with music. Shopping centers will play soft gentle music that causes the people to move and react slow. Thus they will spend more time in the shopping aisles, and buy more product. They even choose songs with certain words that will speak to the sub-conscience telling you that you must buy that product.
If it is a situation where they want the people to move on fast then music with a more upbeat sound will be played, and the people will exit the area much faster. An example of this is in the exercise places. The music that is played during exercise is fast and jumpy thus causing the people to exercise faster. If the music was slow and restful the people would go to sleep while exercising. Music will affect your emotional center either for the cause and purpose of God or against God and His cause.
Many years ago some of the Dairy companies experimented with music while milking the cows. They found that when soft, gentle, and slow music was played the cows would produce more milk than when fast, loud, jumpy music was played. Babies, when nursing while loud jumpy music is being played will have the stomach ache more than when soft gentle music was played. You can’t go to sleep with rock music playing. It will keep your nervous system in action and you will lay awake for hours. On the contrary, a gospel song that is soft, slow, with the message of Christ and you will be asleep in no time.
B. Music In A Church Service Is To Prepare The Soul For Worship.
If non-worship music is used in a church service how can the congregation prepare themselves for worship? They can’t. Therefore there will be no worship happening. That’s one reason why contemporary music is wrong. None of it really promotes worship. When I hear many of the “Old Time Gospel Hymns” my heart is stirred and I feel the presence of God and I can worship Him whether I am in church, in my car, or setting in my office. Hymns like “He Hideth My Soul” – “It Is Well With My Soul” – “The Old Rugged Cross” – “I Must Tell Jesus All Of My Sorrow” – “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” – “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine” just to name a few. Music will either take you closer to God, or distance you from Him.
There is some music today that is used in the church services that if a person was in a worship spirit and then heard that music, the worship spirit would depart. When I enter a church auditorium and see electric guitars, amplifiers, drum sets all over the platform I know that there will be no worship in that service.
2Ch 5:13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, (they were in harmony – they were in the right spirit) to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; (KJV) There was a certain sound of the trumpets and the singers that brought about this worshipful experience among the people. Notice when this sound was right; “….that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD” Notice that the word “LORD” is all capital letters. That is Jehovah God. He is to be the object of our worship. And the right kind of music brought Him to the service. God was present when the music was right. Much of the music that is used in many churches would not cause God to come within ten miles of that place. You can tell when God is present or not.
It matters what kind of music is played in the worship of the Lord.
IV. FOLLOWING THE WRONG METHOD
I must hurry –
If we gather together and do so without faith then we have sinned. Ro 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. (KJV)
Ga 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. (KJV) Four times in the Bible the Lord gives us this statement. “The just shall live by faith”. Faith living is not popular today. When the preacher stands behind the pulpit and tells the congregation that they should be living by faith – many will leave.
Any other means of a church existing is to have the wrong method. Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (KJV) Just supposing that He is reality is not enough. We must believe it with all our being. We must worship Him in spirit and in truth.
Look at the word “IS”. We must believe that He is. Is what? That He is God - Believe that He is everything. All things. He told Moses, “I AM THAT I AM.” IS is an identity word. It tells who God IS. God is! He is everything that He claims to be.
“….must believe that He is….” – that is present tense. He is today – He has always been throughout all eternity past. He was existent before the world was created. He was existent before man was created. He IS and always has been. He IS and always will be.
He is eternal, unoriginated, and self-existent; the cause of all other being; on whom all being depends; and by whose energy, bounty, and providence, all other beings exist, live, and are supplied with the means of continued existence and life.
We don’t come to see or be seen – we come to worship and to bring glory to God. He is the reason for us having church. He is the center of our service.
We must believe that He exists. This is the first thing required in worship. Obviously, we cannot come to him in an acceptable manner if we doubt his existence. We do not see him, but we must believe that he is; we cannot form in our mind a correct image of God, but this should not prevent a conviction that there is such a Being.
You can’t worship Him in the flesh. Joh 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (KJV)
Isa 29:13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: (KJV)
To come to church only because you enjoy the service is not reason enough.
To come to church only because you want to see and fellowship with friends is not reason enough.
To come to church only because you feel it is your duty is not reason enough.
We must come with the right motive – the right message – the right music – the right method.
If you come to church for any other reason than to worship the living and true God and because He IS would be a wrong reason, and God will not be honored nor glorified.
De 31:12 Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law:
13 And that their children, which have not known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it. (KJV)
Make sure He is always in your company every time you meet here – or where ever you meet. You can be assured of His presence if you come prayed up, and confessed up and expect Him to show up.
Let’s pray.
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