Why Did You Come? May 26^th 2002

Introduction: The Bible is to be interpreted and applied. Jesus spoke these words to Judas in the Garden of Gethsemane. Judas had betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Now that is the interpretation of this text.

I would like to apply this verse to us who are here in this church building today. I am not calling anyone a Judas. Let’s take the words of the LORD and bring them to bear in our own lives today.

Every week, at every service, we see the return of the members of Toronto Baptist Church. Every week, for months we are blessed to have new visitors. I want to ask a question this afternoon: Friend, wherefore art thou come?

If you are here today let me assure you that it is not by accident. God has a plan for your life. If you are a Christian, God wants you in church. If you have been praying for God’s will concerning a church, and you find yourself here today, take heed. I often counsel people to pray and ask the Lord to reveal to them whether T.B.C. is where He wants them. (Do not pray if you do not plan to obey Him.)

Why do some people stay and some leave, never to return? Why is it that some get into a Scriptural church and go on for the Lord, while others never seem to get grounded.

Let me say, in the strongest possible terms, that if this is the place that God has led you, and you leave today and never come back, you are in for a difficult road ahead.

You need a church that will teach you to observe all things!

Come with me to my side of the pastor’s desk for a moment and see first hand what I see. I know of a woman, who shall remain nameless, who was saved under the ministry of this church. She was counselled to be baptized into the membership of T.B.C.

(Have I said anything to offend you yet! Is anything that was said to this woman unscriptural?!)

We have a lot of the brethren who are stuck in the Book of Acts, let’s see what God says in the Book of Acts.

Why don’t we just make sure that I’m not a heretic:

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart,(conviction) and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? (open to the truth and the counsel of the preacher) [38] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, (salvation) and be baptized (Scriptural baptism by the authority of the church in Jerusalem, given to the church by Christ Himself in Matt. 28:18-20 as opposed to baptism by a false authority[a self-styled follower of John the Baptist] in Acts 19:1-5) every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, ("for" in this context is defined as "because of" –as in "He went to jail for murder.") and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. [39] For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. [40] And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

[41] Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: (it is those who balk at the word that refuse baptism) and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. (notice that you are added to the church by baptism see I Corinthians 12:13 with I Corinthians 12:27) [42] And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. [43] And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. [44] And all that believed were together, and had all things common; [45] And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. [46] And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, [47] Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

This was quite a mouthful. How important is baptism. That is the next step after salvation. She refused godly counsel and her life is a mess. She was a nurse, she was young but after refusing her pastor’s advice she made other foolish decisions. She has a restraining order against her husband, she has lost her children (her last child was still born), last winter she was living in her car in the parking lot of a 22 million dollar church building whose people have no time for her but where she attends faithfully.

There is so much to preach and teach. Sadly, many attend once and judge the whole church by one message. I could not possibly present an accurate picture of our beliefs in one afternoon. What does God say about this kind of hasty decision?

Once again, Friend, wherefore art thou come?

Are you here to be a,

1) Vagabond or a Volunteer? We have a lot of wandering stars out there today. When we get the privilege of a rare cameo appearance, it is usually for the purpose of gathering enough information to pass on to the next church they show up in. Do you know that even the world knows a "rolling stone gathers no moss". You’ll never do anything for God until you settle in to where God would have you -not where you feel comfortable!

God is looking for some volunteers who will get down to business for the LORD! Men and woman who will volunteer for His will. Are you a vagabond or a volunteer? Friend, wherefore art thou come?

2) Vacant or Valuable? Will you be here next week? If you are here next week are you planning to be empty and void and dull to the things of God. Dare I say it but we have had dozens of vacant Christians in these pews. The preaching of the Word means nothing to these listless, lifeless, vacant souls. Would you not rather be valuable to the LORD? You will never be used of the LORD to your full potential apart from your identification with the local church. If not this church, which? Will you be vacant or valuable? Friend, wherefore art thou come?

3) A Victim or Victorious? There are a lot of folks who have been victimized by others. Many Christians have been burned by unscriptural churches or pastors. Are you going to live as a victim all your life? Will you allow those in your past to affect you today? Will they be victorious in your unhappiness and misery. Don’t let the devil dictate the present.

The Bible also says:

God is able to give you the victory. You are meant to live in victory over the past. The devil will use the past to rob you of your victory in Jesus Christ. You will choose either to be a victim or you will choose to be victorious.

4) A Viewer or Vigilant? Are you a spectator? Do you watch a church like a TV set? Christianity is not a spectators sport.

*ILL. People watch sports and TV to be entertained and they expect the same in church.

Matthew 26:41,

God wants alert, vigilant Christians.

6) Vexatious or Versatile? There are those that are a hindrance to the work because it may not be done the way you like or the way you are used to.

Cf. Look at Daniel in Babylon; he served under three kings.

Are you able to adapt to a new church? Has the church been judged by the name on the door. Yes, we are Baptists. Have you taken the time to find out why? Friend, wherefore art thou come?

We want to be a help to you. We want to see you grow in the grace of our LORD Jesus Christ.