Monday, August 31, 2009

Phillips on Altar Calls

Dan Phillips writes about altar calls on the Pyromaniacs blog. I've also written that I am not a fan. (The article also shows that D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones wasn't a fan either.)

Phillips 15 points can be divided into two pieces; reasons he doesn't like altar calls, and reasons he doesn't like just critiquing altar calls:

    1. The very term altar call should give any Christian pause. We don't have an altar here. We shouldn't be calling men to an "altar," we should be calling them to Christ... and there's no way in the world I'm going to start using the phrase "Christ call." [UPDATE: btw, a few hours after writing that, something occurred to me. Premise: the only "thing" we should care about calling men to isn't a thing, it's a Person: it is Jesus Christ. Observation: but if we were to stop calling it an "altar call," and dubbed it instead a "Christ call," then it might cease immediately. Because what Biblically-instructed pastor could ever with a straight face try to connect walking somewhere on earth with meeting the Lord Jesus? But if that isn't what we're calling them to, then why are we doing it? And if they don't need to walk an aisle to do it, why make it sound as if they do?]
    2. Though it is not determinative, it certainly is significant that (A) no evangelist in most Christian history felt the need to do it, and (B) the first to popularize it was the heretic Charles Finney.
    3. I've also seen horrid, endless, manipulative altar calls (almost but not quite "anyone who loves his mother, come forward").
    4. To bid people to "come forward and receive Christ" necessarily creates the impression that Jesus is waiting for them at the front of the church (which He isn't), that there's a tractor-beam of salvation located at the front of the auditorium (which there isn't), and that to meet Him they have to relocate their bodies (which they don't).
    5. "Altar calls" with big responses may or may not puff up a preacher, but altar calls with no response make Christ and the Gospel look pathetic and powerless, though neither is either.
    6. Further, the primary purpose of assembly is not evangelism but edification.
    7. Having said all that, the fact that many Calvinists are content to leave it there isn't a happy thing, and isn't adequate. Nor is saying (literally, or in effect) "Oh just let God save them" and "Let the Word do its work" and so forth. To be more specific:
    8. Simply to say (in effect) "Altar calls are unbiblical and Finneyite, church isn't for evangelism, let people find their own way to God" simply reinforces the (God help us, it had better be) false impression that Calvinists are (A) uninterested in evangelism, (B) indifferent to seekers, (C) cerebral, and (D) arrogantly self-involved.
His proposed alternatives tomorrow.

Spurgeon on Christless Preaching--1

Recently, Tony Reinke posted six of his top Spurgeon quotes on Christless preaching. Frankly, the quotes were too good to put together, so I'm posting one a day:

The motto of all true servants of God must be, “We preach Christ; and him crucified.” A sermon without Christ in it is like a loaf of bread without any flour in it. No Christ in your sermon, sir? Then go home, and never preach again until you have something worth preaching. [Exposition of Acts 13:13-49 published in 1904]

Thursday, August 27, 2009

HFW: 1 Corinthians 5:1-13

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.


This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This final week (10), the last reading is 1 Corinthians 5:1-13. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:
    1. Should immorality be found within the church?
    2. Should we be surprised when immorality is found in the world?
    3. Should we disassociate with immoral unbelievers?
    4. How should we respond to immorality in the church?
    5. How is this an act of grace?



Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Get a Bible with All the Words

Told you I was not alone...

HFW: Galatians 6:6-10

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.


This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This final week (10), the third reading is Galatians 6:6-10. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:
    1. When we learn from the Word, what should be a part of our response?
    2. How can our actions affect our circumstances?
    3. Why is it tempting to lose heart in doing good?
    4. In what way should we sow?
    5. Who should we seek to do good for, even beyond all people?



Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Child's Marriage Could Expose Idolatry

I recently heard Danny Akin attack the sin of racism by bringing it to the level of your child's marriage. In the south (no less!), Akin asked a congregation if they would have a problem with their child marrying someone of a different ethnicity. If you could not celebrate the marriage of your child to a godly, Christ loving spouse, regardless of ethnicity, then you don't fully understand the nature of Christ's reconciliation. He was approached by the pastor later, who tried to argue that the congregation is not racist, but that his example was asking just a bit too much of people.

Akin argued that the question of who your child would marry helps expose idols and sins better than just considering our own attitude, at times. I'd agree.

Recently, Al Mohler had an excellent radio program that does the same. Though not covering the area of racism, Mohler helps show how your attitude toward your child's marriage may expose idols in your own heart. For every parent (unless their child has been given the gift of singleness) their primary goal should be for their child to be a faithful disciple to Christ as evidenced by being a godly spouse. Yet, often this goal is denied or laid aside for the sake of money, education, prestige or stability. Mohler argues the trend toward delayed marriage is not really healthy for Christians. It's a controversial issue, but I think Mohler makes some excellent points.

I've had the privilege of participating in two weddings this summer where the bride and groom are 21 or under. I was also married at 21. Sure, it's scary to watch a person make a life long commitment at such a young age--and 21 feels so much younger to me now than it did 12 years ago. But the truth of the matter is that every marriage is completely dependent upon God to preserve it, and no marriage--which involves two people who battle sin--will be able to avoid obstacles and difficulties.

So, if your child came to you with plans to marry, what would be your reservations? Do you want them to have more money, stability, education, experiences BEFORE they seek to please God by pursuing a healthy gospel-honoring Biblical marriage? If so, that may expose that your child's faithful obedience to Christ is not always your primary goal for them.

And if it's not your primary goal for them, don't be shocked if it isn't your child's primary goal either.

HFW: Hebrews 10:23-25

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.


This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This final week (10), the second reading is Hebrews 10:23-25. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:
    1. How is our faith displayed as genuine?
    2. In what ways do we show brotherly love to one another?
    3. How should we invest in one another?
    4. How should we pursue unity?
    5. How will this help us overcome evil with good?



Monday, August 24, 2009

Responsible Parenting

One parent states:

I am a failure. My child's lack of faith is my fault.

Another parent states:

Well, each kid makes their own decisions. I keep telling my spouse that we aren't to blame for where our child is.

Who is right?

Dan Phillips writes and excellent article regarding how we should view God's sovereignty in parenting. A portion:
I think it is a pan-Biblical verity that you can never be assured of drawing a straight line between cause and effect in relationships. God has a human son (Luke 3:38) who sins in spite of perfect fathering, who has a son who is saved in spite of imperfect fathering. There's your template.

My great task — whether as a husband, father, pastor, friend or neighbor — is to trust and obey. I will be judged for that, and not for what others do in response to that.

If God did not use means, the Proverbial charges to me as a father would be meaningless. If means were sovereignly effective, the charges to my son to heed, listen, receive, memorize, learn and obey would be equally meaningless.
I pray that provides comfort and motivation for all of who have the joy of parenting.

[UPDATE: Chris Anderson has an excellent, must read article on the same topic.]

HFW: Romans 12:9-21

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.


This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This final week (10), the first reading is Romans 12:9-21. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:
    1. How is our faith displayed as genuine?
    2. In what ways do we show brotherly love to one another?
    3. How should we invest in one another?
    4. How should we pursue unity?
    5. How will this help us overcome evil with good?



Saturday, August 22, 2009

HFW: 1 Peter 4:7-11

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.


This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (9), the final reading is 1 Peter 4:7-11. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:
    1. Why should we be of sound judgment?
    2. What should we pursue above all other things?
    3. How does exercising your gift show good stewardship?
    4. How should each person serve?
    5. What is the end result?



Friday, August 21, 2009

HFW: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.


This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (9), the third reading is 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:
    1. What is 1 Corinthians 12 about? What is 1 Corinthians 14 about? How should this inform the topic of 13?
    2. How can a lack of love invalidate your gifts?
    3. What doesn’t love look like?
    4. How does love show maturity?
    5. When will we know fully?



Thursday, August 20, 2009

Preaching or Counseling?--Part 4


One word answer: Yes.As I've mentioned previously, some pastors underestimate preaching, others consider it their exclusive form of ministry. However, I think it is necessary for the preacher to be involved in both.

Your counseling ministry can help apply the sermon to the hearts of the congregation. But I'd also suggest:

Counseling Improves your Preaching

I've recently finished listening to a podcast of a class on preaching by Tim Keller and Ed Clowney. As Keller was teaching on "exegeting your audience," he shared that your weekday conversations will affect your weekend sermon. Keller shares that this is the danger of a pastor speaking exclusively to pastors during the week. His sermon will--in essence--be aimed at pastors, rather than congregants. (For instance, I've read a couple of books, listened to lectures and conversed with many pastors about the "new perspective of Paul," yet no one in my congregation is asking this question. Therefore, if I address this "debate" from the pulpit, I'm primarily preaching to pastors/students who aren't even in the room.)

But the pastor who is actively engaged in Biblical counseling will be spending considerable time conversing* with those who are in his congregation on Sunday--unbelievers and believers who are struggling to overcome life issues to God's glory. Even when the pastor is reiterating points from a previous sermon, he is also able to evaluate whether his sermon was as clear as it could have been. He can flesh whether application given really hit the heart issues expressed in the passage. It can be a great evaluation tool for previous sermons.

But future sermons are affected as well. A good preacher should anticipate (and address) objections, concerns and confusion that will come to listeners during the course of his sermon. He must deconstruct the way we automatically think in the flesh as we construct spiritual thinking. By counseling others, the pastor does not have to guess what objections may come; he knows what objections come from spiritual thinking. Applying the objections/questions you face in counseling will improve your exegesis of the congregation as you prepare your sermon. (If you counsel non-believers, this is especially helpful for knowing the objections of the lost. You do not have to try to put yourselves in a non-believer's shoes, or seek to remember your philosophy as a lost person, you simply apply the objections you heard while counseling.)

Counseling will not distract or harm your preaching ministry, it will actually help it!

If you are interested in being equipped to counsel, see this post.

___________________________________________
By conversing, I want to clarify a few things. a) I do not believe the only way a pastor should converse with others (including the lost) is in a counseling situation. We should always be seeking opportunities to evangelize the lost and admonish the saints, even at a grocery store check-out. b) By conversing, I do not simply mean talking about the weather, Michael Vick or your grandchildren. I am referring to spiritual conversation; discussions that lead to enjoying the work of Christ on our behalf.

1 Corinthians 12:12-26

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.


This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (9), the first reading is 1 Corinthians 12:12-26. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:
    1. How is every believer unified?
    2. How is a physical body like the church body?
    3. How are all gifts equally valuable?
    4. What happens in a church that only values certain gifts or certain people?
    5. How can we show honor to all members and gifts?



Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Preaching or Counseling?--Part 3


One word answer: Yes.Counseling provides an excellent opportunity for a pastor to evangelize the lost. It also allows him to reinforce the message of his preaching. The ministry of the Word is most completely done both in public ministry and private situations. However, does this mean the preacher needs to be involved in both? Can't the preacher just preach and leave the counseling to others?

The Model Counseling Preacher

For years, I hesitated to participate in counseling because I didn't believe I was qualified. For years, I thought an education in psychology or behavioral science was necessary to help people in one-on-one situations. Sure, I could help point out things form the Word of God, but could that really be enough? I did not see back then that my doubts were not in myself, but in the Word of God.

I would still suggest I am far from being the model counselor. Even when the person lays out their concern and obvious Texts can be applied, I still doubt I have the right emotions/personality/gifts to be ideal in a counseling situation. Our church can certainly be better served by a number of people who are more gifted and better designed for counseling than I.

But the Pastor-Teacher is called to equip the saints to do the work of the ministry. That means that though some people in the congregation will be better at counseling than the pastor, he still has the calling to equip them for that task. Continuing to participate in counseling allows the pastor to teach and train other counselors as well. He may not be able to model the areas where their natural gifts exceed his, but such modeling is probably unnecessary anyway.

However, the pastor can model the use of the Word. The consistency between his use of the Word in the pulpit and in private counseling can encourage fellow counselors in how they handle the Word. His continued experience allows him to speak into the ministry of other saints, encouraging them in shared victories and reassuring them during apparent defeat.

The pastor may not be the best counselor in the church but he can still model counseling to those that are.

If you are interested in being equipped to counsel, see this post.

HFW: Romans 12:1-8

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.


This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (9), the first reading is Romans 12:1-8. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:
    1. How are the mercies of God central to our ability to worship?
    2. How is humility critical in the life of the church?
    3. What is our relationship to one another?
    4. Why has God given different gifts?
    5. How should one exercise his/her spiritual gifts?



Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Untwitterable Quote

Great line from Dan Phillips today in his comment thread of a recent post. I wanted to place it in twitter, but am not creative enough to figure out how:



Saying that preaching the Gospel involves telling sinners they can't do anything is like saying that Jesus should have raised Lazarus by shouting "You can't come out!"


We must not hesitate to call people to repent and trust in Christ, knowing that such a call will be made effective by God. We know they need the Holy Spirit to regenerate them, and to the elect, He will! (Though maybe not at the moment of our general call.) However, what is the benefit of telling the non-elect that they are incapable of responding? Doesn't that remain the case whether you tell them or not?

You never see the Apostles stating, "Well, if you are the elect, you should..."

Preaching or Counseling?--Part 2


One word answer: Yes.I love preaching and think too many pastors (and thus, churches) underestimate its importance. However, I've also heard from pastors who think preaching is their only task. They do not participate in counseling because they see it as unimportant or believe they are too busy for it. I believe in an ideal situation, a pastor engages in both.

Yesterday, I stated that counseling has an evangelistic effect. Today, I'd suggest:

Counseling Uniquely Provides Biblical Application

True Biblical counseling does not require a survey of Freudian history. It does not require learning "12 Step Program" initiatives. It doesn't even require you move a couch into your office. True Biblical counseling with a believer is simply discipleship motivated by a specific trial.

Again, some will protest, "But I do all my counseling from the pulpit. There is no need to counsel if you faithfully give the application from the front." While this may be true in some respects, and simply walking through a Text, or Biblically handling a series of topics, will provide multiple opportunities to exhort in application, you will not be able to hit all areas, nor every combination. Not only that, but I often find myself referencing back to previous sermons I know the counselee heard and reminding them how to apply the text to their situation.

Biblical counseling allows the preacher to address applications he did not in his sermon. Even during the most application-rich sermons, the pastor lacks the time and imagination necessary to present every possible scenario. And given the nature of our hearts, even if a sermon directly hits our situation, we'll be convinced we're an exception.

The need to provide counsel is not a sign of the weakness of a pastor's preaching, it is a form of the sermon's application. It's a privilege to minister the Word of God...from the pulpit and the counselor's desk.

If you are interested in being equipped to counsel, see this post.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Preaching or Counseling?--Part 1


One word answer: Yes.

I'm amazed how many pastors deny the need to provide counseling. Among some answers I hear are: "If you preach well, your people won't need counseling!" and "While people may need counseling, the pastor cannot be distracted from his sermon for such things. Let others do the counseling."

I don't know if you've noticed before on this blog, but I'm a big fan of preaching.

However, I believe it is necessary and beneficial (for the congregation and pastor) for the pastor to make time for counseling. One reason:

Counseling Can be Highly Evangelistic

Evangelism is so much easier when the opportunity is presented on a silver platter. Who hasn't longed to hear the question of the Philippian jailor, "What must I do to be saved?" Being available to counsel members in the community provides such "silver platter opportunities." The person is seeking counseling because something is wrong with their life. The person is in your office because they are open to hearing from the Word of God. If the pastor is faithful, it is not difficult to reveal that their problem is evidence of sin, and the most pressing issue in their life is that God must judge such sin.

Certainly, we should be prepared to give an answer for the hope within us in any situation. Also, the pastor needs to do due diligence to prepare a faithful sermon for his congregation. However, if the pastor neglects his opportunity to counsel non-believers, he forfeits a great chance for evangelism.

(Does the preacher need to be involved in counseling, or could his church simply provide it through others? While it is wonderful if a church has equipped saints to provide the counseling, I will argue in Part Three that I believe the preaching pastor should still be involved in this ministry.)

If you are interested in being equipped to counsel, see this post.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

HFW: Hebrews 5:11-14

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.


This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (8), the final reading is Hebrews 5:11-14. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:
    1. Why couldn’t the author of Hebrews share what he wanted?
    2. What is the author of Hebrews expectation for his audience?
    3. What happens to one who doesn’t grow?
    4. What must the author of Hebrews teach his readers?
    5. What will learning good doctrine equip someone to do?


Wednesday, August 12, 2009

HFW: 2 Peter 3:14-18

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.


This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (8), the third reading is 2 Peter 3:14-18. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:
    1. How does Peter say we should act?
    2. How do some people respond to Paul’s writings?
    3. Is everything Paul writes easy to understand? Does this mean we shouldn’t study it?
    4. How should we respond to false teachers?
    5. How does doctrine impact our walk?


Tuesday, August 11, 2009

HFW: 1 Timothy 4:1-6

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.


This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (8), the second reading is 1 Timothy 4:1-6. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:
    1. What is the source of the falling away?
    2. What actions come from poor theology?
    3. How can good doctrine impact the way you view God’s provision?
    4. How are things sanctified?
    5. How is Titus a good servant?


Monday, August 10, 2009

HFW: Titus 2:1-10

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.


This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (8), the first reading is Titus 2:1-10. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:
    1. How should Titus evaluate the quality of his words?
    2. What kinds of people are addressed in this passage?
    3. How can doctrine impact all of their actions?
    4. What is purity in doctrine?
    5. What should our faith reveal?


Friday, August 7, 2009

Sobering Image

This is how a soldier sleeps during war.



I know one of these soldiers pictured. I received the image via email and it has been burned into my mind ever since. It regularly calls me to prayer. Please join me.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Nouthetic Training Offered

Steve Short is offering his Nouthetic Counseling classes again this fall. He breaks his training into two parts (each part is 6 sessions), with the first session a prerequisite for the second.

Part One
September 17
October 1
October 15
October 29
November 12
December 3

If you have previously taken Part One,
Part Two will meet
September 10
September 24
October 8
October 22
November 5
November 19

Classes run from 6:00-9:00PM.

Classes cost $186 (part one) or $167 (part two) including all necessary text books.

I cannot recommend these classes highly enough!

HFW: Ephesians 5:22-33

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.


This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (7), the last reading is Ephesians 5:22-33. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:
    1. What is the Standard for a husband?
    2. What is the Standard for a wife?
    3. What is it that Christ does for His church?
    4. How does Christ cleanse us?
    5. How does our marriage impact our witness?


Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Sequential Exposition Question...


Not demanding it (our summer series does not qualify as regular sequential exposition), and not seeking to kick over the hornets' nest, but I am wondering...

If Paul wrote Ephesians 3, so as that it followed Ephesians 2, and we trust that the Spirit was moving him along in the process, doesn't it make the most sense to preach Ephesians 3 after preaching Ephesians 2?

Yes, I know the chapter and verse numbers were not added until significantly later. However, in any letter we receive, do we just pick up wherever we'd like, or do we generally start at the beginning and work our way through it? Won't the logic of the author be best preserved in this manner? Wouldn't we trust the Spirit not only to work the proper letters and words into the document, but that even their order would be guided by His hand?

If so, then why wouldn't all preachers who affirm the inspiration and inerrancy of the Scriptures prefer sequential exposition?

HfW: Galatians 2:11-21

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.


This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (7), the third reading is Galatians 2:11-21. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:
    1. How did Paul rebuke Peter?
    2. What was Peter’s sin?
    3. Why is this such a big deal?
    4. How is the gospel message affected by his actions?
    5. How should the gospel motivate the way we live?


Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Just Saying...


Hardly a theological mind (I often find myself quite frustrated by things he proclaims on the airways) but ESPN Radio host Colin Cowherd made the following analogy the other day:

A crude joke has its place. A crude joke belongs on the golf course with your buddies, but not at church on Sunday.
A couple observations:
    There is no place for a crude joke. Understandably (Sadly, I've never heard Cowherd profess anything close to Christ), Cowherd is using pagan philosophy; where some language is appropriate for locker rooms and not in other locations.
    But if he gets that such language is inappropriate in a church, why can't others? So, Cowherd would blush at church if a buddy asked him to repeat a joke told on the links the day before. Is the problem the church? A place where he cannot be authentic but feels pressure to be someone else. Or, is the problem sin.
You see, when coarse language is white-washed as "being authentic," we're really acquiescing to the world. We're not making our fellowship relevant, nor are we tearing down cultural walls. We're excusing our sin for the sake of self-righteous claims...the height of hypocrisy.

The world can spot the problem, they just don't have the right solution.

[If you have no clue what I am talking about, but are curious, check out this this link. Or this.]

HFW: Galatians 6:1-5

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.


This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (7), the first reading is Galatians 6:1-5. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:
    1. What should your attitude be if approaching a brother?
    2. How can I be especially vulnerable to pride?
    3. What is the law of Christ?
    4. How do you examine your own work?
    5. Who will ultimately answer for your walk?


Monday, August 3, 2009

Too Much Information

As I mentioned last Thursday, I can't imagine the pressure of writing/speaking to regular media. The concern that items could be edited or distorted beyond your oversight is difficult enough, let alone that the size of the audience increases scrutiny.

That said, I do think there is a lesson we can learn from a recent NT Wright article in the London Times. While several of Wright's positions concern me at times (General Anglicanism and the New Perspective on Paul, to name two), he is also perplexing because he can do some strong scholarly work on orthodox issues as well. This article is right along with the enigma that is NT, for he supports a Biblical position, yet I found one method of his support to be slightly concerning. In an article that was calling out recent Episcopalian decisions to ordain homosexuals, Wright states:

Paganism ancient and modern has always found this ethic, and this belief, ridiculous and incredible. But the biblical witness is scarcely confined, as the shrill leader in yesterday’s Times suggests, to a few verses in St Paul. Jesus’s own stern denunciation of sexual immorality would certainly have carried, to his hearers, a clear implied rejection of all sexual behaviour outside heterosexual monogamy. This isn’t a matter of “private response to Scripture” but of the uniform teaching of the whole Bible, of Jesus himself, and of the entire Christian tradition.
I appreciate Wright's willingness to refer to homosexuality as sin and as denounced in Scripture, including the words of Jesus. I also appreciate his affirmation that the pagan is going to find this perspective foolish. However, another paragraph had a comment that concerned me:
That wider tradition always was counter-cultural as well as counter-intuitive. Our supposedly selfish genes crave a variety of sexual possibilities. But Jewish, Christian and Muslim teachers have always insisted that lifelong man-plus-woman marriage is the proper context for sexual intercourse. This is not (as is frequently suggested) an arbitrary rule, dualistic in overtone and killjoy in intention. It is a deep structural reflection of the belief in a creator God who has entered into covenant both with his creation and with his people (who carry forward his purposes for that creation).
My Concern: Why make the appeal to Jewish and Muslim thought? Notice that Wright does not claim that Christianity, Islam and Judaism are the same thing, but this statement could easily be misunderstood to suggest it. (While each system believes in a Creator God, the Jews say their creator god is not the Father of Jesus, and the Muslim says their creator god chose Ismael over Isaac. We're really talking about three different gods, or a schizophrenic god, certainly not the God of Scripture.) If our appeal is to Scripture as our guide, this statement could be misunderstood to imply each tradition gives equal authority and respect to the Word of God. In reality, Islam and a Judaism that rejects Jesus as the Christ are both components of the very paganism that Wright addresses in first quote.

Again, I am not claiming that Wright is a pluralist (though his New Perspective greatly diminishes the Roman distortion of the gospel). I just think the article would have been stronger and more biblical if it had not included the second quote. Perhaps Wright's intentions was to respond to anticipated claims of narrow-mindedness and bigotry, and he was merely pointing out that we are not the only faith that sees homosexuality as sin. Perhaps he typed all that and yet an editor left that portion on the newsroom floor. But left as it is, I think it sends a confused message.

My intention is not to throw stones at NT Wright, but to point out that I can have a similar temptation. We must makes sure we appeal to the Bible as the standard not a standard. Quite frankly, it doesn't matter what the Jew or Muslim thinks of homosexuality, the Bible says it is wrong. So often I think we look to support ourselves by saying the celebrity/scientist/philosophy/other religion also believes what we proclaim. But often, these claims serve as too much information and distract the person from seeing that Scripture alone has the authority to bind the will and conscience of man.

For more important than sharing a perspective on homosexuality, we know we disagree when it comes to the gospel. Therefore, we should be cautious about appearing as bed-fellows since we disagree on the most crucial issue of life. Ultimately, all issues find their root in how we view Jesus, and if we can't agree on Jesus, then we probably don't ultimately agree on the issue either.

Praying that in God's grace He would allow me to engage others about issues while shifting their focus from the issue to our Savior. For He is ultimately who they need to know.

HFW: Matthew 18:15-20

We're working through a study this summer to celebrate Ephesians 3:10:

So that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.


This series will run from June 22-August 30, with four readings per week.

This week (7), the first reading is Matthew 18:15-20. After reading this text, answer the following questions, then you can watch the video for a 5:00 thought from the text. (I recommend you work in the text first before watching the video. However, be aware, the video is not intended to be the back of an algebra book--supplying answers to the questions--but rather, is just sharing some thoughts from the text.)

Questions:
    1. What is the reason for a loving confrontation?
    2. How should I approach the person at first?
    3. What does the passage mean by “witnesses?” Do they need to have seen the sin too?
    4. What happens if the person does not respond?
    5. What does it mean to gather in His name?