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

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

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

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.

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