Standing Firm: The Call to Gospel Purity

 

Summary

In reflecting on the past decade, it is crucial to understand the significance of the British Evangelical Council's formation and its ongoing mission. The call to action is rooted in Psalm 149:5-6, which exhorts believers to have the high praises of God in their mouths and a two-edged sword in their hands. This dual exhortation is a reminder of the need to both celebrate God's glory and engage in spiritual warfare. The past ten years have seen significant shifts within the evangelical community, particularly concerning the relationship with mixed denominations and the broader ecumenical movement. The British Evangelical Council was established to stand firm on the truth of the Gospel, separate from the compromises seen in other alliances.

The historical context of the Evangelical Alliance's decision to adopt a position of benevolent neutrality towards the World Council of Churches marked a turning point. This neutrality was seen as a compromise, leading to the formation of the British Evangelical Council. The past decade has justified this decision, as the need for a clear, uncompromised stand on the Gospel has become more evident. The Council's task is to fight for the purity of the church and the truth of the Gospel, resisting the pressures to conform to a diluted version of Christianity.

The call to fight is not just for ministers but for every church member. The battle is against liberalism, modernism, and any form of unbelief that undermines the authority of Scripture and the core tenets of the Christian faith. The shift in evangelical circles, particularly among Anglican evangelicals, towards a more liberal interpretation of Scripture and a closer relationship with Roman Catholicism and other traditions, is a cause for concern. This shift has blurred the lines between evangelical and Anglo-Catholic beliefs, leading to a need for a renewed commitment to the foundational truths of the faith.

In this battle, it is essential to maintain the high praises of God in our mouths. Despite the challenges and opposition, believers are called to rejoice in the Lord, to praise Him for who He is and what He has done. This joy and praise are not dependent on circumstances but are rooted in the eternal truths of God's Word and His promises. As we wield the sword of truth, we must also be a people of praise, reflecting the joy and hope that come from knowing Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- The British Evangelical Council was formed to stand firm on the truth of the Gospel, separate from compromises seen in other alliances. This decision has been justified over the past decade as the need for a clear, uncompromised stand on the Gospel has become more evident. [08:32]

- The call to fight is not just for ministers but for every church member. The battle is against liberalism, modernism, and any form of unbelief that undermines the authority of Scripture and the core tenets of the Christian faith. [10:21]

- The shift in evangelical circles, particularly among Anglican evangelicals, towards a more liberal interpretation of Scripture and a closer relationship with Roman Catholicism and other traditions, is a cause for concern. This shift has blurred the lines between evangelical and Anglo-Catholic beliefs. [24:53]

- Despite the challenges and opposition, believers are called to rejoice in the Lord, to praise Him for who He is and what He has done. This joy and praise are not dependent on circumstances but are rooted in the eternal truths of God's Word and His promises. [58:47]

- As we wield the sword of truth, we must also be a people of praise, reflecting the joy and hope that come from knowing Christ. The high praises of God should be in our hearts and on our lips, living to His praise and glory. [01:04:33]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction and Context
- [00:35] - Psalm 149:5-6
- [01:21] - The Double Exhortation
- [02:28] - Historical Background
- [04:58] - Formation of the British Evangelical Council
- [06:28] - Justifying the Council's Existence
- [08:11] - The Call to Fight
- [10:21] - Responsibility of Every Believer
- [11:22] - Identifying the Enemy
- [13:15] - The Sphere of Our Fight
- [15:14] - Changes in Evangelical Circles
- [19:18] - Departures from Traditional Denominations
- [24:53] - Shifts in Anglican Evangelicalism
- [30:08] - Changes in Doctrine and Relationships
- [38:59] - The Battle for the Bible
- [58:47] - The High Praises of God
- [01:04:33] - Rejoicing in the Lord

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Psalm 149:5-6: "Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud upon their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand."

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the two exhortations given in Psalm 149:5-6, and how do they relate to the believer's life? [01:21]
2. According to the sermon, what historical event led to the formation of the British Evangelical Council? [04:58]
3. What are some of the shifts in evangelical circles that the sermon highlights as concerning? [24:53]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of every church member in the spiritual battle? [10:21]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon interpret the "two-edged sword" mentioned in Psalm 149:6, and what does it symbolize in the context of the British Evangelical Council's mission? [09:08]
2. What does the sermon suggest is the danger of a "benevolent neutrality" towards other denominations, and how does this relate to the authority of Scripture? [03:48]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that joy and praise are essential in the life of a believer, even amidst spiritual battles? [58:47]
4. How does the sermon view the relationship between evangelical and Anglo-Catholic beliefs, and what concerns does it raise? [24:53]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the dual call to praise and spiritual warfare in Psalm 149:5-6. How can you incorporate both praise and vigilance in your daily spiritual life? [01:21]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of standing firm on the truth of the Gospel. What are some practical ways you can ensure that your faith remains uncompromised in today's world? [08:32]
3. Consider the shifts towards liberal interpretations of Scripture mentioned in the sermon. How do you personally discern and uphold the authority of Scripture in your life? [24:53]
4. The sermon calls for every church member to be involved in the spiritual battle. What specific role do you feel called to play in your church community, and how can you actively engage in it? [10:21]
5. Despite challenges, believers are encouraged to rejoice in the Lord. What are some specific ways you can cultivate a heart of praise and joy, regardless of your circumstances? [58:47]
6. The sermon warns against the blurring of lines between different Christian traditions. How can you maintain clarity in your beliefs while engaging with Christians from other traditions? [24:53]
7. Reflect on the importance of community in spiritual warfare. How can you support and encourage fellow believers in your small group to stand firm in their faith? [10:21]

Devotional

Day 1: Standing Firm on the Gospel Truth
The British Evangelical Council was formed to uphold the truth of the Gospel, distinct from the compromises seen in other alliances. Over the past decade, this decision has been validated as the need for a clear, uncompromised stand on the Gospel has become increasingly apparent. The Council's mission is to maintain the purity of the church and the truth of the Gospel, resisting pressures to conform to a diluted version of Christianity. This commitment is crucial in a time when many alliances have chosen a path of compromise, leading to confusion and a weakening of the church's witness. [08:32]

2 Timothy 1:13-14 (ESV): "Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively guard the truth of the Gospel in your daily interactions and decisions today?


Day 2: The Call to Spiritual Battle
The call to fight is not just for ministers but for every church member. The battle is against liberalism, modernism, and any form of unbelief that undermines the authority of Scripture and the core tenets of the Christian faith. This fight requires vigilance and a commitment to the truth, as believers are called to stand against the cultural and theological shifts that seek to erode the foundation of their faith. Every believer is equipped with the spiritual armor needed to engage in this battle, and it is a collective responsibility to uphold the truth of Scripture. [10:21]

Ephesians 6:13-14 (ESV): "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness."

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you feel challenged to stand firm in your faith. How can you equip yourself with God's armor to face this challenge today?


Day 3: Navigating Shifts in Evangelical Circles
The shift in evangelical circles, particularly among Anglican evangelicals, towards a more liberal interpretation of Scripture and a closer relationship with Roman Catholicism and other traditions, is a cause for concern. This shift has blurred the lines between evangelical and Anglo-Catholic beliefs, leading to a need for a renewed commitment to the foundational truths of the faith. It is essential for believers to discern these changes and remain steadfast in their commitment to the authority of Scripture and the core tenets of their faith. [24:53]

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (ESV): "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."

Reflection: How can you ensure that your understanding of Scripture remains rooted in truth and not swayed by popular or liberal interpretations?


Day 4: Rejoicing in the Lord Amidst Challenges
Despite the challenges and opposition, believers are called to rejoice in the Lord, to praise Him for who He is and what He has done. This joy and praise are not dependent on circumstances but are rooted in the eternal truths of God's Word and His promises. In the midst of spiritual battles and cultural shifts, maintaining a heart of praise is essential for sustaining faith and hope. This joy is a testimony to the world of the transformative power of knowing Christ. [58:47]

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."

Reflection: What are three specific things you can praise God for today, regardless of your current circumstances?


Day 5: Living as People of Praise
As we wield the sword of truth, we must also be a people of praise, reflecting the joy and hope that come from knowing Christ. The high praises of God should be in our hearts and on our lips, living to His praise and glory. This dual focus on truth and praise empowers believers to navigate the complexities of the world while maintaining a vibrant and authentic faith. It is through this balance that the church can effectively witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. [01:04:33]

Psalm 34:1-3 (ESV): "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!"

Reflection: How can you incorporate praise into your daily routine, ensuring that it becomes a natural and continual expression of your faith?

Quotes

I want particularly to deal with the double exhortation in that sixth verse let the high praises of God be in their mouth and a two-edged sword in their hand. It seems to be the fashion at the present time to make a review of the events of the past 10 years, and as we believe in being in the fashion, it's not a bad thing for us to do the same thing. [00:01:21]

The Evangelical Alliance decided to adopt a position of what they described as benevolent neutrality to the World Council of churches, and that to me was the real turning point. I felt that I could no longer belong to that body nor function in connection with it. It was an anomalous position to take, of course, because the Evangelical Alliance has almost from the beginning been governed by the Anglican Church. [00:03:48]

Can we justify what we did at that time? Can we really justify this British Evangelical Council? I think it's necessary that we should do so because there are some people still who, as Mr. Bender Samuel said, regard this as being divisive and feel that we should all be together who claim to be Evangelical in any sense. [00:05:49]

We are actually commanded to do this in the scripture, Old Testament and New, and I want to emphasize this, that we're all involved in it. This is not merely something for preachers or for ministers; it is the responsibility of every church member. I ask my friend Dr. Kendall, the minister of this church, to read that portion of scripture because the Apostle there is reminding those churches at Colos and elsewhere that they were involved in this. [00:10:08]

We must know exactly what we've got to fight, what exactly we are confronted by, and this is something I deeply regret to have to say. Whatever you may think of me, I am not a natural fighter. I'm a man of peace. My greatest defect is that I'm too patient with people, so I would much prefer not to be saying this kind of thing, but we are here to face facts because the times are evil. [00:14:32]

The Evangelical Alliance is an Evangelical Anglican body. They have a few stragglers, but in its essence, it is an Anglican body governed by Anglicanism. So of necessity, I shall have to deal mainly with what has been happening in those circles, for it represents also the position of the Evangelical Alliance. What has taken place? Well, what has taken place is that certain books have been published. [00:21:50]

There has been a real change and a definite shift in the whole position of Anglican evangelicalism. It is, I say, almost incredible. Where is the shift taking place? First, it's taken place in their view of scripture. At the KE conference in 1967, in dealing with the authority of scripture, their concern was with regard to the meaning of the scripture. [00:24:47]

We are back, and this is the most amazing thing. We are back exactly where our forefathers were a hundred years ago. This same fight had to be fought when the higher criticism came into this country from Germany in the 1860s and thereabout. It's the same as the downg movement that was led by The Immortal Charles Haden Spurgeon. We are back in the same position. [00:39:01]

We are not interested in ecclesiastical politics. We don't go around saying that we've got the ball at our feet and we're going to be the controlling party in a mixed enough domination. We're not interested in positions and power. We are not content to be an Evangelical Wing in a mixed Community. We are not prepared to recognize all who call themselves Christians as being Christians. [00:45:01]

We are Fighters, yes, but we are not negative. We are not defensive. We are not apologetic. Still less are we frightened, and we should be depressed. We have no business to be mourning in Zan. It's not for us to say like those poor captives in Babylon who began to hang their hars on the Willows to say, "How can we sing the Lord's song in a Strange Land?" [00:58:47]

Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice. But you say, how can you rejoice when you're being persecuted? How can you rejoice when you bet a small company of people and the big battalions are on the other side, and when you may be persecuted and everything is against you and you're getting no results? Well, the Apostle doesn't tell us to rejoice in the lack of results. [01:03:45]

We are standing for the truth. We are fighting for the truth, but are we rejoicing? Are we such people as these early Christians were that make people long to have what we've got? The high praises of God in our hearts and on our lips, living to his praise and to his glory. How can you do this, say people, when everything is against you? [01:04:33]

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Transcript
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