I must say that I never intended for any of these posts to be quite so long. In regard to that, I am intentionally going to make this one short and sweet.
I am learning that God wants us to see things His way. This is difficult for us because all of our experiences have been filtered through human perception. How do we let human perception go, and begin to see what God desires for us? I'm sure that a book could be written on this subject. I promised you however, at the beginning of this post, that I wouldn't write one. Let me give you what I believe is the first step.
II Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Unless we are willing to abandon human reason, logic, personal experience, reasonableness, and worldly wisdom, we will not achieve what God has for us. In order to abandon these things, we need to replace them with a steady diet of God's word. Do you believe in the sufficiency of scripture? Can you apply it to every area of your life? Are you willing to let go of your plans and really look to see what God is doing?
Do you honestly believe that God is doing something?
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
I urge you, open your spiritual eyes to see what God is doing, then support it!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Deer me
I recently had a good friend ask me if I ever just talk about the lighter side of things anymore. I think that every time we get together I want to pick his brain, as he is a mature believer, and I am wearing him out. In response to that, I am posting this recap of a recent hunt.
Shotgun season for deer comes around once a year. This is practically a holiday time for me. I try to set aside the week so that I can focus my entire attention on claiming the prize. This year however, due to circumstances in the lives of others, (other people don't always plan their lives around my schedule) I have really had difficulty in finding time to hunt. Special church services, weddings, and family Christmas parties have conspired to keep me out of the woods. Yesterday though, I managed to eke out what was supposed to be a 2 hr hunt. This was to happen between getting our house ready for my wife's Ladies Christmas Party, and taking my girls out to dinner while Christmas shopping.
Emily (my 12 yr old daughter) and I hit the timber at 2:15 pm. I had her all set up and comfortable by 2:25 pm. At 2:28 pm I decided that things were a little too slow. After all, we had been sitting silently (except for the occasional sniffle, and some light conversation) for 3 minutes. I stood up and told Em that I was going for a walk. I would try and scare some deer her way. We had a layer of ice on the snow, and every step I took made it sound like an elephant was walking in my shoes. I tried to make my steps sound like an overgrown squirrel by scampering a few steps at a time and then pausing, sometimes for up to 5 minutes.
After 20 minutes of this I was approaching the top of a hill from which I fully expected to see deer lurking on the other side. As I crested the hill, I was rewarded with the magnificent view of four deer (2 bucks and 2 does) gazing my way. They were apparently placing bets on just how big this squirrel was going to be. I did not have a good shooting lane at the bigger of the two bucks, but the smaller, (a nice 3x5) was standing broadside trying to intimidate me. I put my sights behind his front shoulder and squeezed the trigger.
Unknowingly, I had just shot the toughest buck in the state of Iowa. I watched as he careened to the bottom of the valley and started up the hill on the other side. He ran about 20 yards up the hill, slowed to a stop, then stumbled backwards five steps before falling to the ground. I watched his lifeless body for several minutes before turning my attention to the larger buck. He had moved out of gun range at this point, but was looking back at me with a smirk. I watched him for a few minutes through binoculars before he slowly turned away and ambled out of sight. 3 O'clock. Perfect. I started thinking about how to handle the situation. I needed to gut my deer, stop by and brag about my hunting prowess to my little girl, drag the deer to our truck, and then we could pack up and go to dinner.
I looked back at my dead deer. I looked harder. I put my binoculars to my eyes. Hmm, they must be broken. I could not find him through the lenses. Maybe he slid farther down the hill and was behind a tree. I walked to the spot he had died. Yep, blood all over the snow. His tracks led to his vacant impression in the snow. No deer. That's funny I thought, dead deer can't walk. Neither can they fly. Where did he go? I started the painstaking methodical search for clues by running in circles, wildly looking for evidence to help me uncover this mystery. Finally I found it. Spots of blood along the tracks ascending the hill. I took three steps in that direction before I heard him up ahead. He had lain down near the crest of a ridge in order to watch me abandon the search. When he saw the dogged determination etched in my face however, he decided it was time to move on.
I watched him stumble over the top of the ridge and out of sight. I had come to a crossroads. What to do. Should I go find my daughter and tell her what's going on? I decided I'd probably better not do that. I mean, she knows I'm the best hunter she'll ever meet. If I go back without my deer and ask for her help, I'll destroy what she holds most dear in this world, my reputation. For her own sake I decided to leave her cold and alone, hoping that with all of the commotion, a curious deer would come by to check out the noise, and in doing so, would walk right into her waiting gun barrel. Lest you think I am a bad father, let me assure you, she is an experienced hunter. Her uncle had taken her hunting once before.
I scrambled to the top of the ridge and paused to catch my breath. Sure enough, blood and tracks cut across the ridge and down the hill. I cautiously followed at a dead run. When I finally got winded after 30 brutal yards, I stopped and looked around. No deer. I decided to take a more moderate approach. I started walking. Two hundred yards (and two ridges) later we again encountered one another. I saw him lurch to his feet in an effort to cross another ridge. I brought my 50 caliber Thompson Center muzzle loader to my shoulder and put another round into him. He stumbled, regained his footing, and cleared the daunting hill. Well, I thought, at least he's heading back to where my Emily is waiting. I crossed the hill and found him in a small patch of timber. He was laying down with his head in the air and his eyes closed. I reloaded the gun and sat down to wait as he died. We were 10 feet apart.
Five minutes later found me still waiting. It was at this point that something totally unexpected happened. He opened his eyes, shook his head, looked right at me, and sprung to life. He heaved himself to his feet and hurled himself toward me. Being a grown man, and feeling perfectly at home in the wild, I panicked and pulled the trigger. He turned broadside and headed down the hill. I coolly walked after him. He crossed a clearing and stumbled into the woods ahead of me. As I neared the center of the clearing it occurred to me that I had carefully orchestrated the events of the afternoon to help my daughter shoot her first deer. Sure, I may have walked 2 miles already, but I was back to within sight of Emily; and remember, I had told her that I was going to scare some deer her way. I raised my hand and called to her.
As Emily covered the last few feet (of her uphill 200 yard walk through 8" of snow) I informed her that I had strategically planned a way for her to get a big buck. I took some time to explain that I had painstakingly corralled him in her direction. She responded by asking me what all the shooting was about.
We walked into the woods together with me in the lead. I was trying to protect her in case the monster buck decided to have another go at grinding me into the dust. He lay 20 feet into the woods with his back to us but very much alive. "Okay, I told her, this is your chance to let me try again. Give me your gun." She is a very obedient girl.
When I turned back to the buck, he jumped up and ran another 50 yards before laying down in some thick brush. We approached together as I prepared to shoot. When we were within 20 yards I carefully placed the cross hairs on his shoulder and pulled the trigger. This was one tough deer! He didn't even flinch. I decided I must have hit an invisible branch. I've encountered those a lot while bow hunting.
Emily didn't have any way to reload her 54 caliber Knight, so I pulled out my last 50 caliber sabot. I reloaded the Thompson Center and walked up the hill. When I was within ten yards I raised that gun for the last time and squeezed the trigger. Again, no reaction from the buck. (I am sure the dead log on the ground in front of deer will not run off again though.)
There we stood, my daughter and I, as I carefully explained to her that my sights must have gotten bumped as I beat my way through the brush pursuing this bruiser. She nodded in agreement. There is no other way her papa could miss such a simple shot.
We devised a plan in which she would wait by the deer as I trudged a half mile back to the truck to get my "just in case" shotgun. Thirty minutes later I was back, minus two muzzle loaders, but weilding a 12 gauge shotgun loaded with six slugs. We talked for a few minutes and decided that it would be best if I could hit the deer before dark. (It was dusk at this point). When I looked back at our quarry he was gone.
To make a long story shorter, we followed him for another half mile and six more shots before we had to walk back to the truck for more ammunition. My sixth shot went through his front shoulder but he hadn't seem to care. (In my defence, after the fifth shot with the Winchester 12 gauge we learned that the rifled slugs were hitting 4 feet right and 3 feet high at just 15 yards)
At seven pm we were again with the deer. I was two hours late at this point from picking up my other two daughters from their Nana's house so that we could embark on our shopping spree. When Emily and I approached the deer with our recently reloaded, but highly inaccurate shotgun, he once again sprung to life. (I should mention at this point that I had reservations about shooting him again because I didn't want to destroy the meat, and it was well past legal shooting light.) He pulled himself almost erect as he tried to sprint for cover. He had already been shot through the left lung, the left rear leg, and the front right shoulder. His body though contorted almost immediately and he fell to the ground with his head facing downhill. Upon impact he slid toward me on the icy snow. I brought my gun to my shoulder as his antlers dug into the earth. This acted as an emergency brake for his head, yet his body continued to plummet downhill. In a split second his body slammed the top of his head into the snow before it catapulted sideways and snapped his neck.
Emily looked over at me as if to question what we had just witnessed. As a dad who has vowed to be completely honest with my girls, I answered her inquiring look.
"Honey, the Lord apparently doesn't trust my shooting anymore so he decided to finish this himself!"
Shotgun season for deer comes around once a year. This is practically a holiday time for me. I try to set aside the week so that I can focus my entire attention on claiming the prize. This year however, due to circumstances in the lives of others, (other people don't always plan their lives around my schedule) I have really had difficulty in finding time to hunt. Special church services, weddings, and family Christmas parties have conspired to keep me out of the woods. Yesterday though, I managed to eke out what was supposed to be a 2 hr hunt. This was to happen between getting our house ready for my wife's Ladies Christmas Party, and taking my girls out to dinner while Christmas shopping.
Emily (my 12 yr old daughter) and I hit the timber at 2:15 pm. I had her all set up and comfortable by 2:25 pm. At 2:28 pm I decided that things were a little too slow. After all, we had been sitting silently (except for the occasional sniffle, and some light conversation) for 3 minutes. I stood up and told Em that I was going for a walk. I would try and scare some deer her way. We had a layer of ice on the snow, and every step I took made it sound like an elephant was walking in my shoes. I tried to make my steps sound like an overgrown squirrel by scampering a few steps at a time and then pausing, sometimes for up to 5 minutes.
After 20 minutes of this I was approaching the top of a hill from which I fully expected to see deer lurking on the other side. As I crested the hill, I was rewarded with the magnificent view of four deer (2 bucks and 2 does) gazing my way. They were apparently placing bets on just how big this squirrel was going to be. I did not have a good shooting lane at the bigger of the two bucks, but the smaller, (a nice 3x5) was standing broadside trying to intimidate me. I put my sights behind his front shoulder and squeezed the trigger.
Unknowingly, I had just shot the toughest buck in the state of Iowa. I watched as he careened to the bottom of the valley and started up the hill on the other side. He ran about 20 yards up the hill, slowed to a stop, then stumbled backwards five steps before falling to the ground. I watched his lifeless body for several minutes before turning my attention to the larger buck. He had moved out of gun range at this point, but was looking back at me with a smirk. I watched him for a few minutes through binoculars before he slowly turned away and ambled out of sight. 3 O'clock. Perfect. I started thinking about how to handle the situation. I needed to gut my deer, stop by and brag about my hunting prowess to my little girl, drag the deer to our truck, and then we could pack up and go to dinner.
I looked back at my dead deer. I looked harder. I put my binoculars to my eyes. Hmm, they must be broken. I could not find him through the lenses. Maybe he slid farther down the hill and was behind a tree. I walked to the spot he had died. Yep, blood all over the snow. His tracks led to his vacant impression in the snow. No deer. That's funny I thought, dead deer can't walk. Neither can they fly. Where did he go? I started the painstaking methodical search for clues by running in circles, wildly looking for evidence to help me uncover this mystery. Finally I found it. Spots of blood along the tracks ascending the hill. I took three steps in that direction before I heard him up ahead. He had lain down near the crest of a ridge in order to watch me abandon the search. When he saw the dogged determination etched in my face however, he decided it was time to move on.
I watched him stumble over the top of the ridge and out of sight. I had come to a crossroads. What to do. Should I go find my daughter and tell her what's going on? I decided I'd probably better not do that. I mean, she knows I'm the best hunter she'll ever meet. If I go back without my deer and ask for her help, I'll destroy what she holds most dear in this world, my reputation. For her own sake I decided to leave her cold and alone, hoping that with all of the commotion, a curious deer would come by to check out the noise, and in doing so, would walk right into her waiting gun barrel. Lest you think I am a bad father, let me assure you, she is an experienced hunter. Her uncle had taken her hunting once before.
I scrambled to the top of the ridge and paused to catch my breath. Sure enough, blood and tracks cut across the ridge and down the hill. I cautiously followed at a dead run. When I finally got winded after 30 brutal yards, I stopped and looked around. No deer. I decided to take a more moderate approach. I started walking. Two hundred yards (and two ridges) later we again encountered one another. I saw him lurch to his feet in an effort to cross another ridge. I brought my 50 caliber Thompson Center muzzle loader to my shoulder and put another round into him. He stumbled, regained his footing, and cleared the daunting hill. Well, I thought, at least he's heading back to where my Emily is waiting. I crossed the hill and found him in a small patch of timber. He was laying down with his head in the air and his eyes closed. I reloaded the gun and sat down to wait as he died. We were 10 feet apart.
Five minutes later found me still waiting. It was at this point that something totally unexpected happened. He opened his eyes, shook his head, looked right at me, and sprung to life. He heaved himself to his feet and hurled himself toward me. Being a grown man, and feeling perfectly at home in the wild, I panicked and pulled the trigger. He turned broadside and headed down the hill. I coolly walked after him. He crossed a clearing and stumbled into the woods ahead of me. As I neared the center of the clearing it occurred to me that I had carefully orchestrated the events of the afternoon to help my daughter shoot her first deer. Sure, I may have walked 2 miles already, but I was back to within sight of Emily; and remember, I had told her that I was going to scare some deer her way. I raised my hand and called to her.
As Emily covered the last few feet (of her uphill 200 yard walk through 8" of snow) I informed her that I had strategically planned a way for her to get a big buck. I took some time to explain that I had painstakingly corralled him in her direction. She responded by asking me what all the shooting was about.
We walked into the woods together with me in the lead. I was trying to protect her in case the monster buck decided to have another go at grinding me into the dust. He lay 20 feet into the woods with his back to us but very much alive. "Okay, I told her, this is your chance to let me try again. Give me your gun." She is a very obedient girl.
When I turned back to the buck, he jumped up and ran another 50 yards before laying down in some thick brush. We approached together as I prepared to shoot. When we were within 20 yards I carefully placed the cross hairs on his shoulder and pulled the trigger. This was one tough deer! He didn't even flinch. I decided I must have hit an invisible branch. I've encountered those a lot while bow hunting.
Emily didn't have any way to reload her 54 caliber Knight, so I pulled out my last 50 caliber sabot. I reloaded the Thompson Center and walked up the hill. When I was within ten yards I raised that gun for the last time and squeezed the trigger. Again, no reaction from the buck. (I am sure the dead log on the ground in front of deer will not run off again though.)
There we stood, my daughter and I, as I carefully explained to her that my sights must have gotten bumped as I beat my way through the brush pursuing this bruiser. She nodded in agreement. There is no other way her papa could miss such a simple shot.
We devised a plan in which she would wait by the deer as I trudged a half mile back to the truck to get my "just in case" shotgun. Thirty minutes later I was back, minus two muzzle loaders, but weilding a 12 gauge shotgun loaded with six slugs. We talked for a few minutes and decided that it would be best if I could hit the deer before dark. (It was dusk at this point). When I looked back at our quarry he was gone.
To make a long story shorter, we followed him for another half mile and six more shots before we had to walk back to the truck for more ammunition. My sixth shot went through his front shoulder but he hadn't seem to care. (In my defence, after the fifth shot with the Winchester 12 gauge we learned that the rifled slugs were hitting 4 feet right and 3 feet high at just 15 yards)
At seven pm we were again with the deer. I was two hours late at this point from picking up my other two daughters from their Nana's house so that we could embark on our shopping spree. When Emily and I approached the deer with our recently reloaded, but highly inaccurate shotgun, he once again sprung to life. (I should mention at this point that I had reservations about shooting him again because I didn't want to destroy the meat, and it was well past legal shooting light.) He pulled himself almost erect as he tried to sprint for cover. He had already been shot through the left lung, the left rear leg, and the front right shoulder. His body though contorted almost immediately and he fell to the ground with his head facing downhill. Upon impact he slid toward me on the icy snow. I brought my gun to my shoulder as his antlers dug into the earth. This acted as an emergency brake for his head, yet his body continued to plummet downhill. In a split second his body slammed the top of his head into the snow before it catapulted sideways and snapped his neck.
Emily looked over at me as if to question what we had just witnessed. As a dad who has vowed to be completely honest with my girls, I answered her inquiring look.
"Honey, the Lord apparently doesn't trust my shooting anymore so he decided to finish this himself!"
Friday, December 14, 2007
Jesus as human
This post has been prompted by some recent messages that I have heard, as well as a few sermons that I have read in GARBC circles. As you read this post, please do so with an open mind regardless of what preconceived notions or opinions you may have. As always, comments and insight are welcome!
There have been a surge of messages, possibly because of the season, about the incarnation of Christ. During these messages Pastors have stated repeatedly that Jesus was 100% God and 100% man. Any grade school child can tell you that if something is already 100% of any quality there is no room left for any other quality, or the percentage must change. This is mathematical and scientific fact. Before you berate me for this, let us consider what the Bible asserts on this matter. I know as well as you that with God all things are possible, but is this a 100% thing a claim that the Bible itself makes, or is it the invention of man?
Let me also say that I recognize how popular this assertion has become. Men that I greatly respect (some of whom I will leave unnamed) have been making this assertion for years. Some of these men are quite thorough in supplying verses to their claim. We will take a few minutes to examine these.
Jesus’ Human Body
It is clear enough from the New Testament that Jesus has a human body. John 1:14: “The Word became flesh.” Jesus’ humanity is one of the first tests of orthodoxy (1 John 4:2; 2 John 7). Jesus was born (Luke 2:7). He grew (Luke 2:40, 52). He grew tired (John 4:6) and got thirsty (John 19:28). He got hungry (Matthew 4:2) and was physically weak (Matthew 4:11; Luke 23:26). He died (Luke 23:46). And he had a real human body after his resurrection (Luke 24:39; John 20:20, 27).
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus clearly displays human emotions. When Jesus heard the centurion’s words of faith, “he marveled” (Matthew 8:10). He says in Matthew 26:38 that his “soul is very sorrowful, even to death.” In John 11:33-35, Jesus is “deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled” and even weeps. John 12:27 says, “Now is my soul troubled,” and in John 13:21, he is “troubled in his spirit.” The author to the Hebrews writes that “Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears” (Hebrews 5:7) John Calvin memorably summed it up: “Christ has put on our feelings along with our flesh.”
Jesus also has a human mind. Two key texts make this undeniable:
Luke 2:52: “Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.”
Mark 13:32: “Concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
Those are the statements of John Piper on his website. http://www.desiringgod.org/ Those were an excerpt from his message on Jesus being fully human. I am not disagreeing with any of John's claims here, however, his conclusion is suspect. You cannot make the jump from Jesus having a human body, emotions (which John never proves are human - God has emotions), and a human brain to the idea that Jesus was fully human. (or 100% human as others claim). The reason for this is that the Bible teaches us that man is more than just flesh and blood.
In I Thess. 5:23 Paul tells us what being human comprises. "23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
From this verse we can clearly see that being human requires three human parts. The spirit returns to God upon death. Ecc. 12:7 "Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it." This also tells us that the body goes to the grave. What about our soul? Well we all know the answer to that, some go to heaven, some to hell. You can refer to Luke 16:19-31 to see where those were when Christ was on earth.
What else does the Bible say about being human? Genesis 4:1 "And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD." The Bible teaches that it takes a man and a woman to make a human child. Who was the father of Jesus? Luke 1:35 teaches that it was the Holy Ghost. And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. We could spend some time talking about the sin nature here as I believe it is passed down through the fathers. Jeremiah 32:18 Thou showest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts, is his name, Exodus 20:5 and 34:7 as well as Num. 14:18 and Deut. 5:9 all address this same thing.
We know that Christ had no sin nature, no earthly father, and the Bible never ascribes Him with a human soul. How, after all this, can we teach that He was 100% human? I believe that when we teach this doctrine, we are bordering on heresy!
Philippians 2:6-11 " 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
The Bible says that He took on the "likeness of men." He was "in fashion as a man,"
This is critical. Christ had to take on human form to be the sacrifice. God doesn't bleed. Hebrews 9:22 "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission." The Bible also says in Hebrews 10:4-5 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 5Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
Jesus having a human body in no way teaches that he was "100%" or "fully" human. If this has been your teaching I would ask that you reconsider in the light of clear scriptural evidence to the contrary. With loving respect, Jon
There have been a surge of messages, possibly because of the season, about the incarnation of Christ. During these messages Pastors have stated repeatedly that Jesus was 100% God and 100% man. Any grade school child can tell you that if something is already 100% of any quality there is no room left for any other quality, or the percentage must change. This is mathematical and scientific fact. Before you berate me for this, let us consider what the Bible asserts on this matter. I know as well as you that with God all things are possible, but is this a 100% thing a claim that the Bible itself makes, or is it the invention of man?
Let me also say that I recognize how popular this assertion has become. Men that I greatly respect (some of whom I will leave unnamed) have been making this assertion for years. Some of these men are quite thorough in supplying verses to their claim. We will take a few minutes to examine these.
Jesus’ Human Body
It is clear enough from the New Testament that Jesus has a human body. John 1:14: “The Word became flesh.” Jesus’ humanity is one of the first tests of orthodoxy (1 John 4:2; 2 John 7). Jesus was born (Luke 2:7). He grew (Luke 2:40, 52). He grew tired (John 4:6) and got thirsty (John 19:28). He got hungry (Matthew 4:2) and was physically weak (Matthew 4:11; Luke 23:26). He died (Luke 23:46). And he had a real human body after his resurrection (Luke 24:39; John 20:20, 27).
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus clearly displays human emotions. When Jesus heard the centurion’s words of faith, “he marveled” (Matthew 8:10). He says in Matthew 26:38 that his “soul is very sorrowful, even to death.” In John 11:33-35, Jesus is “deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled” and even weeps. John 12:27 says, “Now is my soul troubled,” and in John 13:21, he is “troubled in his spirit.” The author to the Hebrews writes that “Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears” (Hebrews 5:7) John Calvin memorably summed it up: “Christ has put on our feelings along with our flesh.”
Jesus also has a human mind. Two key texts make this undeniable:
Luke 2:52: “Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.”
Mark 13:32: “Concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
Those are the statements of John Piper on his website. http://www.desiringgod.org/ Those were an excerpt from his message on Jesus being fully human. I am not disagreeing with any of John's claims here, however, his conclusion is suspect. You cannot make the jump from Jesus having a human body, emotions (which John never proves are human - God has emotions), and a human brain to the idea that Jesus was fully human. (or 100% human as others claim). The reason for this is that the Bible teaches us that man is more than just flesh and blood.
In I Thess. 5:23 Paul tells us what being human comprises. "23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
From this verse we can clearly see that being human requires three human parts. The spirit returns to God upon death. Ecc. 12:7 "Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it." This also tells us that the body goes to the grave. What about our soul? Well we all know the answer to that, some go to heaven, some to hell. You can refer to Luke 16:19-31 to see where those were when Christ was on earth.
What else does the Bible say about being human? Genesis 4:1 "And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD." The Bible teaches that it takes a man and a woman to make a human child. Who was the father of Jesus? Luke 1:35 teaches that it was the Holy Ghost. And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. We could spend some time talking about the sin nature here as I believe it is passed down through the fathers. Jeremiah 32:18 Thou showest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts, is his name, Exodus 20:5 and 34:7 as well as Num. 14:18 and Deut. 5:9 all address this same thing.
We know that Christ had no sin nature, no earthly father, and the Bible never ascribes Him with a human soul. How, after all this, can we teach that He was 100% human? I believe that when we teach this doctrine, we are bordering on heresy!
Philippians 2:6-11 " 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
The Bible says that He took on the "likeness of men." He was "in fashion as a man,"
This is critical. Christ had to take on human form to be the sacrifice. God doesn't bleed. Hebrews 9:22 "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission." The Bible also says in Hebrews 10:4-5 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 5Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
Jesus having a human body in no way teaches that he was "100%" or "fully" human. If this has been your teaching I would ask that you reconsider in the light of clear scriptural evidence to the contrary. With loving respect, Jon
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Apostolic authority
As I have been preparing for a special emphasis month in January at our church, I have been studying out several passages on prayer. When we leave behind the epistles and just look at verses where Jesus talked to His disciples about prayer, I worry that we sometimes misinterpret certain passages. As an example (and I may be preaching on this Jan. 6th) in the 14th chapter of John we find Jesus talking to his disciples...
6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 8Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
Here we find Philip asking to see the Father. He wants more PROOF of who Jesus is
9Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? 10Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. 11Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.
Jesus is saying to Philip, if you don't believe my words then believe because of the works!
12Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
This is prophecy. When will it be fulfilled? Jesus goes on to tell them...
13And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
I believe this was a specific promise to the disciples. After Christ died and rose again the church was instructed by the apostles. Christ did signs through the apostles. This was to PROVE the validity of the message. What if the apostles did something in the name of Christ and it didn't happen? This was a promise for the apostles that we can't claim. We have qualifications for our prayers...
I John 5:14And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
I think it is common that we teach both verses together. We teach John 14 with the qualification mentioned in I John 5. I don't believe that was the case for the apostles.
Let me say this as well, nowhere in the Bible do we see a succession of apostolic authority. There are only twelve mentioned in Rev. 21. (the 12th is Paul, not Matthias). Paul was an apostle born out of due time because the time of the apostles was ending. It was never meant to continue into this current church age. With the completion of the Word, the apostolic miracles are no longer necessary.
Before you dismiss this, look at Acts 9:36-42 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 37And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. 39Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. 40But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
Why did the believers need Peter? Why couldn't they have just asked in Christ's name?
Jon
6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 8Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
Here we find Philip asking to see the Father. He wants more PROOF of who Jesus is
9Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? 10Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. 11Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.
Jesus is saying to Philip, if you don't believe my words then believe because of the works!
12Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
This is prophecy. When will it be fulfilled? Jesus goes on to tell them...
13And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
I believe this was a specific promise to the disciples. After Christ died and rose again the church was instructed by the apostles. Christ did signs through the apostles. This was to PROVE the validity of the message. What if the apostles did something in the name of Christ and it didn't happen? This was a promise for the apostles that we can't claim. We have qualifications for our prayers...
I John 5:14And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
I think it is common that we teach both verses together. We teach John 14 with the qualification mentioned in I John 5. I don't believe that was the case for the apostles.
Let me say this as well, nowhere in the Bible do we see a succession of apostolic authority. There are only twelve mentioned in Rev. 21. (the 12th is Paul, not Matthias). Paul was an apostle born out of due time because the time of the apostles was ending. It was never meant to continue into this current church age. With the completion of the Word, the apostolic miracles are no longer necessary.
Before you dismiss this, look at Acts 9:36-42 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 37And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. 39Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. 40But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
Why did the believers need Peter? Why couldn't they have just asked in Christ's name?
Jon
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
The Body
On previous posts I have talked about plurality in the church. I will once again address this topic using another familiar passage. This is a passage that we all know, yet we don't always look at it from the standpoint of church leadership.
1 Corinthians 12
1Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 2Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
We established in the church polity post that elders were to be elected by qualifications and were to serve by gifts. As we begin this chapter we will see that Paul tells the Corinthians that previously they had been "led" to dumb idols. This clues us in to the fact that Paul will be addressing the idea of how they should be "led".
3Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Now Paul is still referring to how they are being taught. In other words, if a teacher does not recognize that Jesus is Lord, he is not of God.
4Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
Paul makes it clear that it is not the "style" of the ministry that evidences truth.
8For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
I understand that their are differences of interpretation on this word severally. Personally I believe that Paul is saying "individually as he will". Having said that, I do believe that the Lord can and often does give people seversl gifts as he chooses.
12For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
Even Christ is part of three. The Trinity.
13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 14For the body is not one member, but many. 15If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 17If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
Paul says all gifts need to be operational in the church.
18But now hath God set ( see verse 28) the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 19And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20But now are they many members, yet but one body.
Do not be misled here. He is not saying that there can only be one of each part. Parts make up the members. For the head to operate it needs many parts.
21And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
If I haven't lost you yet, watch how he finishes out.
27Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
As we get to the last four verses we should notice several things. First of all, the church is singular and the parts are plural. I know that some will argue for the "universal church" here, but I don't believe that arguement holds merit as we examine the context of the passage. For lack of a better illustration let me say this; Paul is comparing the church to a body, and the eyes are both in the head. You do not take an eye from one body and move it to another. You also won't find one eye in Florida and another in Iowa. God puts them in proximity.
Secondly, several of the gifts listed here have to do with leadership and let me reiterate, ALL are plural.
Finally, I'd like to point out the word "set" again. God put them where they're at. He doesn't say that we may need a transplant.
28And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 31But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.
I do not want this post to be too didactic, so I am leaving a little for you to study out. I hope that you do that.
Until next time, Jon
1 Corinthians 12
1Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 2Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
We established in the church polity post that elders were to be elected by qualifications and were to serve by gifts. As we begin this chapter we will see that Paul tells the Corinthians that previously they had been "led" to dumb idols. This clues us in to the fact that Paul will be addressing the idea of how they should be "led".
3Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Now Paul is still referring to how they are being taught. In other words, if a teacher does not recognize that Jesus is Lord, he is not of God.
4Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
Paul makes it clear that it is not the "style" of the ministry that evidences truth.
8For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
I understand that their are differences of interpretation on this word severally. Personally I believe that Paul is saying "individually as he will". Having said that, I do believe that the Lord can and often does give people seversl gifts as he chooses.
12For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
Even Christ is part of three. The Trinity.
13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 14For the body is not one member, but many. 15If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 17If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
Paul says all gifts need to be operational in the church.
18But now hath God set ( see verse 28) the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 19And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20But now are they many members, yet but one body.
Do not be misled here. He is not saying that there can only be one of each part. Parts make up the members. For the head to operate it needs many parts.
21And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
If I haven't lost you yet, watch how he finishes out.
27Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
As we get to the last four verses we should notice several things. First of all, the church is singular and the parts are plural. I know that some will argue for the "universal church" here, but I don't believe that arguement holds merit as we examine the context of the passage. For lack of a better illustration let me say this; Paul is comparing the church to a body, and the eyes are both in the head. You do not take an eye from one body and move it to another. You also won't find one eye in Florida and another in Iowa. God puts them in proximity.
Secondly, several of the gifts listed here have to do with leadership and let me reiterate, ALL are plural.
Finally, I'd like to point out the word "set" again. God put them where they're at. He doesn't say that we may need a transplant.
28And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 31But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.
I do not want this post to be too didactic, so I am leaving a little for you to study out. I hope that you do that.
Until next time, Jon
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Plurality continued
As I have been studying through 1 Corinthians, the Lord has again brought further evidence to my mind that His model of the church was never to be left to the leading of one man.
Being a Baptist you may think it strange that the verses I will use to demonstrate these ideas come from a passage about the gifts. I want you to know however that I believe the gifts were up to God, not the individual. The reason I say that is that even as a Baptist I do not believe that God is no longer necessary (as many christians believe that the gifts are). I'll stop there because this post is not about gifts or signs, but about the model of the New Testament Church.
In 1 Cor 14 Paul is very clear that he is writing to encourage the believers to demonstrate their gifts in ways that edify the church. When we get to verse 19 Paul says" Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue."
Paul then says in verse 26 " How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying". Verse 29 " Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
Maybe I should first say that I believe the prophets here are men of understanding. The men that had a "revelation" in verse 26. These are the men that preach the doctrines of the church. Remember at this time they did not have the completed word like we do today. Today these men would be the men in the church that teach or preach the completed Word. After these men speak verse 30-33 says "If anything be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first (the first other verse 29) hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy (two or three vs 29) one by one, that all may learn, (the whole church) and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. (the prophets may choose not to speak) For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
Lest you think I'm done, verse 37 says "If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord."
When Paul wrote to the Corinthian church he stated in Chapter 1:2 "with all that in every place" . He was speaking to the church today.
I recognize that this would take an entire sermon to try and explain, especially to a lifelong Baptist who doesn't understand the word prophet, but I am only trying to point out that the Lord wanted plurality in the church in order to protect doctrine. If the Lord allows, I will speak to the plurality of church leaders in regard to the church being a "body" at another time. The Lord bless, Jon
Being a Baptist you may think it strange that the verses I will use to demonstrate these ideas come from a passage about the gifts. I want you to know however that I believe the gifts were up to God, not the individual. The reason I say that is that even as a Baptist I do not believe that God is no longer necessary (as many christians believe that the gifts are). I'll stop there because this post is not about gifts or signs, but about the model of the New Testament Church.
In 1 Cor 14 Paul is very clear that he is writing to encourage the believers to demonstrate their gifts in ways that edify the church. When we get to verse 19 Paul says" Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue."
Paul then says in verse 26 " How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying". Verse 29 " Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
Maybe I should first say that I believe the prophets here are men of understanding. The men that had a "revelation" in verse 26. These are the men that preach the doctrines of the church. Remember at this time they did not have the completed word like we do today. Today these men would be the men in the church that teach or preach the completed Word. After these men speak verse 30-33 says "If anything be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first (the first other verse 29) hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy (two or three vs 29) one by one, that all may learn, (the whole church) and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. (the prophets may choose not to speak) For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
Lest you think I'm done, verse 37 says "If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord."
When Paul wrote to the Corinthian church he stated in Chapter 1:2 "with all that in every place" . He was speaking to the church today.
I recognize that this would take an entire sermon to try and explain, especially to a lifelong Baptist who doesn't understand the word prophet, but I am only trying to point out that the Lord wanted plurality in the church in order to protect doctrine. If the Lord allows, I will speak to the plurality of church leaders in regard to the church being a "body" at another time. The Lord bless, Jon
Friday, November 9, 2007
Education and the Church
I believe we have come to an unfortunate place as the church today. We have neglected the biblical model for the church in many areas, and seemingly with no harm, yet it makes one wonder what could be..., if we alter our model. I know that I had previously posted on Elders in the church, but I posted with no mention of educational requirements. I did that for a reason.
College used to be a way for one to specialize his/her education. Typically this was for white collar professionals. Doctors, attorneys, scientists, and the like. When one left high school and went on to college they immediately began studying for their career field. This education was obviously necessary for those professions. In those days however, one did not need 2yrs of general education classes, general education was received in high school. After all, public education was paid for with property tax dollars.
Over the years more employers began desiring additional education. Colleges and universities were becoming profitable. Requirements to earn degrees for certain occupations began to increase. Schools began to require general education classes before a student even began to take classes in their chosen field. This resulted in longer schooling, older graduates, and more money. My impression is that many of the general education classes are classes that, in the past, one received in high school. Now they are being taught at the college level for upwards of $15,000 per year. This means that the average student is $30,000 in debt before beginning his education in his desired field.
Now we find ourselves where we are at today. College education is a necessity for almost every field outside of manual labor. Many of the job postings in the paper require a Bachelor of Science degree, yet the starting pay is only a few thousand dollars a year more than the cost of a year of education. How can this be?
I've said a lot to say this...
As a society we have begun to place undue emphasis on advanced education. People are earning their degrees, but many receive jobs outside of their specialized education. Many employers teach their employees after they are hired, yet the degrees are still mandatory regardless of what the degree was for.
This philosophy is affecting the church!
We expect a man at the age of 18 to choose his occupation. If he feels led to the ministry, we send him off to school and saddle him with a tremendous amount of debt. Then he begins searching for a church that wants to pay someone to minister to them. He has a degree, but no knowledge of the flock; he has a degree, but no love for the people; he has a degree, but no experience; he has a degree, but what are his gifts?
There is an alternative. Discipleship. After all, even in a secular job, one is taught by their employer. As the body of Christ we need to be raising up and discipling pastors and teachers within the flock. We don't need to send them out to be taught by others. We don't need to send them out so that we can bring others in. We need to be stewards of what (and whom) God has given us.
We no longer raise up Elders within the Baptist church because we are fooled by the world into thinking that Elders need degrees.
1 Cor. 2:5 "That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."
1 Cor 2:12-13 "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which mans wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual."
I've read about Pastors that have been in the ministry for two decades and are thinking that by going back to school and getting their masters degree, their ministry will be more effectual. I feel sorry for them. That is peer pressure!
1 John 2:20 "But ye have an unction (annointing) from the Holy One, and ye know all things."
1 John 2:27 "But the annointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same annointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him."
Don't discount the Holy Ghost. Don't discount discipleship.
Ephesians 4:8,11-17.
College used to be a way for one to specialize his/her education. Typically this was for white collar professionals. Doctors, attorneys, scientists, and the like. When one left high school and went on to college they immediately began studying for their career field. This education was obviously necessary for those professions. In those days however, one did not need 2yrs of general education classes, general education was received in high school. After all, public education was paid for with property tax dollars.
Over the years more employers began desiring additional education. Colleges and universities were becoming profitable. Requirements to earn degrees for certain occupations began to increase. Schools began to require general education classes before a student even began to take classes in their chosen field. This resulted in longer schooling, older graduates, and more money. My impression is that many of the general education classes are classes that, in the past, one received in high school. Now they are being taught at the college level for upwards of $15,000 per year. This means that the average student is $30,000 in debt before beginning his education in his desired field.
Now we find ourselves where we are at today. College education is a necessity for almost every field outside of manual labor. Many of the job postings in the paper require a Bachelor of Science degree, yet the starting pay is only a few thousand dollars a year more than the cost of a year of education. How can this be?
I've said a lot to say this...
As a society we have begun to place undue emphasis on advanced education. People are earning their degrees, but many receive jobs outside of their specialized education. Many employers teach their employees after they are hired, yet the degrees are still mandatory regardless of what the degree was for.
This philosophy is affecting the church!
We expect a man at the age of 18 to choose his occupation. If he feels led to the ministry, we send him off to school and saddle him with a tremendous amount of debt. Then he begins searching for a church that wants to pay someone to minister to them. He has a degree, but no knowledge of the flock; he has a degree, but no love for the people; he has a degree, but no experience; he has a degree, but what are his gifts?
There is an alternative. Discipleship. After all, even in a secular job, one is taught by their employer. As the body of Christ we need to be raising up and discipling pastors and teachers within the flock. We don't need to send them out to be taught by others. We don't need to send them out so that we can bring others in. We need to be stewards of what (and whom) God has given us.
We no longer raise up Elders within the Baptist church because we are fooled by the world into thinking that Elders need degrees.
1 Cor. 2:5 "That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."
1 Cor 2:12-13 "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which mans wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual."
I've read about Pastors that have been in the ministry for two decades and are thinking that by going back to school and getting their masters degree, their ministry will be more effectual. I feel sorry for them. That is peer pressure!
1 John 2:20 "But ye have an unction (annointing) from the Holy One, and ye know all things."
1 John 2:27 "But the annointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same annointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him."
Don't discount the Holy Ghost. Don't discount discipleship.
Ephesians 4:8,11-17.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Church polity
Having grown up in a "Baptist" church the question of church polity was never an issue for me. After all, Baptists have two offices - Pastor and Deacon.
I still agree with the two offices. I just view them a little differently. The Bible is pretty clear that the church (Timothy and Titus specifically) was commanded to appoint or ordain elders in every city (church). In every example of the new testament church, we see a plurality of elders. These elders were also called bishops (Titus 1:5-8).
The responsibility of the elders was to "feed the flock". When the apostles felt that they could no longer keep up with every area of ministry they brought up deacons (Acts 6) to fulfill the service role so that they could devote themselves to the Word and prayer.
So far there has been little disagreement on this subject. Yet in traditional Baptist circles we do not operate with a plurality of elders unless the church has hired more than one Pastor. This second pastor is usually called an "associate" or "youth" Pastor. He is not equal to the Pastor but serves under him.
In this traditional model, all the responsibility of the ministry is laid at the feet of one man. Christ didn't even operate this way. He trained twelve. Having multiplicity in leadership is invaluable in accountability, but it also serves other important purposes as well. In 1 Cor. 12 we see the gifts of the Spirit. The Word is clear that these gifts were given to every man "severally" as God (or the Spirit) willed. Acts 20:28 tells us that elders are "made" by the Holy Ghost. Titus was told to ordain ANY man that met the qualifications. Where am I headed?
This is the model I propose...
As the Holy Ghost impresses on men of the church the responsibility of leadership (Acts 20:28), and they serve "not by constraint, but willingly" (1 Peter 5) , It is the churches responsibility to ordain them as Elders. (Titus 1). In this ordination (decree) the church should follow the qualifications as listed in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. These men will be gifted differently (1 Cor. 12), but the elders that "rule well" and are gifted in the areas of ministry that require full time service should be "worthy of double honor" (1 Timothy 5:17-18). In other words, they ought to be supported {financially} by the church.
Do you see the difference? Men from within the church, pastoring the church. This would be a combination of lay elders and paid elders. Ordained by qualifications, serving by gifts. How have we missed this for so long? Even as Baptists we need to follow the Bible as close as we can. Our tradition should not supercede biblical models or commands.
My prayer for my church (as we are currently without a Pastor) is that we not only consider this biblical model, but embrace it as well! My prayer for your church is the same. This may mean that you will have to step up your discipleship ministries in order to find qualified men, but if we are faithful, the Lord will be as well.
This has been a dissertation by no means, but food for thought. In His service, Jon
I still agree with the two offices. I just view them a little differently. The Bible is pretty clear that the church (Timothy and Titus specifically) was commanded to appoint or ordain elders in every city (church). In every example of the new testament church, we see a plurality of elders. These elders were also called bishops (Titus 1:5-8).
The responsibility of the elders was to "feed the flock". When the apostles felt that they could no longer keep up with every area of ministry they brought up deacons (Acts 6) to fulfill the service role so that they could devote themselves to the Word and prayer.
So far there has been little disagreement on this subject. Yet in traditional Baptist circles we do not operate with a plurality of elders unless the church has hired more than one Pastor. This second pastor is usually called an "associate" or "youth" Pastor. He is not equal to the Pastor but serves under him.
In this traditional model, all the responsibility of the ministry is laid at the feet of one man. Christ didn't even operate this way. He trained twelve. Having multiplicity in leadership is invaluable in accountability, but it also serves other important purposes as well. In 1 Cor. 12 we see the gifts of the Spirit. The Word is clear that these gifts were given to every man "severally" as God (or the Spirit) willed. Acts 20:28 tells us that elders are "made" by the Holy Ghost. Titus was told to ordain ANY man that met the qualifications. Where am I headed?
This is the model I propose...
As the Holy Ghost impresses on men of the church the responsibility of leadership (Acts 20:28), and they serve "not by constraint, but willingly" (1 Peter 5) , It is the churches responsibility to ordain them as Elders. (Titus 1). In this ordination (decree) the church should follow the qualifications as listed in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. These men will be gifted differently (1 Cor. 12), but the elders that "rule well" and are gifted in the areas of ministry that require full time service should be "worthy of double honor" (1 Timothy 5:17-18). In other words, they ought to be supported {financially} by the church.
Do you see the difference? Men from within the church, pastoring the church. This would be a combination of lay elders and paid elders. Ordained by qualifications, serving by gifts. How have we missed this for so long? Even as Baptists we need to follow the Bible as close as we can. Our tradition should not supercede biblical models or commands.
My prayer for my church (as we are currently without a Pastor) is that we not only consider this biblical model, but embrace it as well! My prayer for your church is the same. This may mean that you will have to step up your discipleship ministries in order to find qualified men, but if we are faithful, the Lord will be as well.
This has been a dissertation by no means, but food for thought. In His service, Jon
Monday, April 2, 2007
Sunday, the Lord's day
| Is Sunday still the Lord's day? We have been struggling at church to see even the deacons commit to Sunday evening service. The excuse most commonly used is that Sunday is a family day. I remember not too many years ago when those were my sentiments as well. The early church met everyday. We have crammed it into Sunday and Wednesday. Now we are saying that Sunday is a family day. Why not pick another day to be the family day so that on Sundays at least we can focus on others. That is what the church should be about. That is what we should be modeling to our kids. If you have been fooling yourself into rationalizing a drop in church attendance, I beg you to reconsider. For the sake of your family, reconsider. After all, it is better to model the life of an active believer for your children than to spend time with them just talking about it! If the leadership doesn't want to attend, maybe it would be better just to cancel it. At least that way they wouldn't be portraying a poor example. |
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Samson
I have been teaching through Samson on Wed. eve. at church. The biggest question has been "Why does God not correct Samson when he violates the Nazarite vow?"
We can see many instances in Judges 14-16 where Samson is obviously not following the law yet with seemingly no consequences. He is even instructed by the Lord to pursue a Philistine wife . It isn't until Samson reveals to Delilah that he cannot cut his hair that the Spirit leaves him.
It appears to me that God was looking at Samsons heart long before the law was fulfiiled in Christ. God seemed to be more concerned with Samson's spirit in regard to the law rather than the letter.
Where does this leave the dispensationalists?
We know that Samson is compared to Christ in many ways, is this why the spirit mattered more than the letter?
If Samsons life is not a reminder that God deals with us as individuals, and that it is impossible to judge anothers heart, I don't know how we will learn it.
We can see many instances in Judges 14-16 where Samson is obviously not following the law yet with seemingly no consequences. He is even instructed by the Lord to pursue a Philistine wife . It isn't until Samson reveals to Delilah that he cannot cut his hair that the Spirit leaves him.
It appears to me that God was looking at Samsons heart long before the law was fulfiiled in Christ. God seemed to be more concerned with Samson's spirit in regard to the law rather than the letter.
Where does this leave the dispensationalists?
We know that Samson is compared to Christ in many ways, is this why the spirit mattered more than the letter?
If Samsons life is not a reminder that God deals with us as individuals, and that it is impossible to judge anothers heart, I don't know how we will learn it.
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