Prayer for faith

This week, I have been reading a book on attitudes. It is entitled, "Lord, change my attitude" by James MacDonald (I hope to review it here when I am finished). In this book, MacDonald points to a negative and sinful attitude and follows it up with a good attitude that glorifies God that must replace the sinful attitude. In the chapter on replacing doubt with faith, he gives a prayer for faith. I find this prayer for faith important as I grow in faith. Here is the prayer...

"Father, thank you for giving me Your Word. Thank You for ordaining that the way to You is by faith. Forgive me for wishing that everything about You could be seen and known as a fact. Forgive me for preferring the ways of this physical world to the spiritual realities that You have chosen to create. Teach me deeper lessons about what it means to walk by faith. Give me spiritual eyes to see this world as You do. Help me to embrace by faith the brevity of life and the nearness of eternity. Give me strength to guide those I love toward faith in You, and help me to be a good example of what it means to really trust You. Lord, my needs are great, but You are a great and faithful God. I pray that You would, by Your Word and through my witness and walk of faith, increase my capacity to rest in and trust You. Might it be said of me before my days are through that I am a man of faith. Keep this goal ever before me, I pray in Jesus' precious name. Amen".

I thought this prayer for faith was important because it includes repentance for when our faith is weak, request of stronger faith, and a desire to take our faith and touch others with it. I hope this prayer is a challenge to our faith and helps equip stronger faith. 

Parable of the Prodigal Son

Jesus was and is the perfect teaching. He would tell parables to challenge people's thinking. He preform miracles to teach important lessons. He even gave direct messages (think Sermon on the Mount) to conform and inform people what it mean to be His followers. But Jesus was always going about redefining what people thought about God, sin, salvation, and religion.

Jesus parable of the prodigal son is one instance of his teaching that redefined important truths. Jesus taught this parable to both sinners around him and Pharisees challenging him. But when Jesus taught this parable he was redefining, for all of his listeners, 3 important truths.

What is redefined? 

First, Jesus redefines God. All of the sinners and the religious leaders would have understood that Jesus was showing God as the father. But God as a father was a new concept. God as an extravagant celebratory joyful father would have been totally radical. Yet, there is Jesus, God in the flesh, showing that God is a father. We have a father who is God. We can approach him like a father. We can love him like a father. God is the perfect father. And Jesus wants us to see, understand, and be impacted by his definition of God as a prodigal father.

Second, Jesus redefines sin. Whether it is the use of the father for one’s own gain, the true nature of what sin is and its rejection of God, or the fact that those closest to the Father could be the most lost, sin is redefined by the Savior. We, like the first time listener think that sin is something that is far from God or a selfish grievous act committed against God. Jesus shows that the great sinner is the sin done by those closest to the Father. The fact that sin can be done by those who appear the most good and righteous. As I said before, sin can even be done when good and right acts are done. And Jesus makes it clear sin can take place anywhere and by anyone and if we do not realize, recognize, and humble ourselves in it, it will lead to our destruction and loss of the love of the Father.

Third Jesus redefines Salvation. We think we have salvation figured out. We might even think like the older brother we are saved. But just like the older brother we will miss it, even in our goodness. The older brothers miss the generosity of God’s grace and the true conversion of salvation. See older brothers miss salvation because they miss the fact they are really the younger son, in fact we are all the younger son every day. But in the goodness, rightness, and self-righteousness the older brothers miss the entire fact of salvation. The older brother need to see it like the younger brothers when he sees 3 things that Jesus redefines as salvation. First we need the love of God for salvation. Then we need a right repentance and frame of the heart. And last, we need to melt, move, and be humbled in our response to God…as Jesus shows in this story there are 2 ways that we can be our own savior, breaking all the moral laws and setting our own course or by keeping all the moral laws and being very, very good. Both of these ways show his redefinition of sin and salvation and the true nature of the prodigal father with his two lost sons.

Prayer of Gratitude

In preparing for Sunday's worship service, I cam across a prayer of gratitude or thanksgiving. As I was reading this prayer, I realized how much, we as Christian do not pray for a grateful heart. And that does not even include the times we never pray with gratitude  for the things God has graciously done for us or to us. A prayer asking for a grateful heart is important. And a prayer showing gratitude will be produced by a grateful heart. Here is the prayer I read. I hope it makes us all think about true gratitude to God.


Lord, thank You for Your Word. Oh, that I would give 
thanks to You, Lord, for Your wonderful works in my life. 
I thank you today for the gift of life. I thank you for air to 
breathe. For health and for strength, I am grateful. And 
for loved ones around me-not perfect people, but people 
who support me and care for me-I am grateful. I thank 
You for my church family and the joy that I find in them. 

God, thank You today for Your Word. And thank You 
for Your Holy Spirit, who pursues me so faithfully and 
brings Your truth to bear upon my behavior. Thank 
You for the life-changing experience of walking with 
Jesus Christ. Thank you for the assurance of sins 
forgiven and the promise of eternal life. 

I choose today by an act of my will to turn away from
those things that would frustrate and defeat me and to
focus upon Your goodness. I pray even now that You would
cause genuine gratitude to continuously come forth from
my lips, for You are worthy. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

God's Glory

Psalm 57:5, 11

"Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! 

Let your glory be over all the earth"!

The why question is the biggest question in life. The why question is rooted in the thought of “what’s the point”? People want a reason why things happen. The Scriptures tell us some things happen because we live in a sin filled world. But this Psalms shows there is a deeper answer to the question. Why does sin happen? Why does God ordain things to happen in life that cause heartache? I believe this Psalm teaches us the root of all. This answer is not one that will give us good feelings. This answer is not one that will make us all warm and fuzzy. We are not going to get goose bumps because the answer to the “what’s the point” will make us feel good. This answer is not even what we want to hear many times. But David in this Psalm roots everything to one purpose. Did you see it? Look at verse 5 and verse 11. Let’s read them both again. “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, let your glory be over all the earth.” The reason for everything, even sin in the world. The reason we worship while life is falling apart. I would even say, like I believe David is saying, the reason life falls apart is…So God can be exalted and His glory shine over all the earth.

God’s glory and His glory being the root of our pain, is hard for us to hear. If we are honest with ourselves. When life is falling apart we want a comforting word, telling us the outcome will be ok. This Psalm never gives a solution to David’s problem. But when David was in the cave, not sure if he was going to die or become King. It was still about the glory of God. Friends, this is the reasons we exist. To exalt God and let His glory be over all the earth. Many of us did not see the word play in this Psalm because of the translation. But if you go back to verse 8 of Psalm 57, it is there. Verse 8 says, awake my soul. The Hebrew word here is kabod. This word also appears 2 other times in this Psalm. Kabod is in verse 5 and verse 11. In those verses it is translated glory. If we translate it the same in verse 8 it would read, “awake my glory”. This word means literally; riches, heaviness, honor, reputation, importance, splendor, and testimonial. This word is given both for David’s being and the being of God. What is David actually saying in verse 8? “Awake my glory so that I can praise God”. Or “let my glory be about your glory”. Did you hear that? In verse 8 with the word play David is saying, Awake, let my glory be about the glory of God over all the earth. That means the reason we exist is to glorify God. The reason David is worshiping is to glorify God. The reason David is stuck in the hard time of life is to glorify God.

Now go back to the definition of kabod; riches, heaviness, honor, reputation, importance, splendor, and testimonial. The glory of God is a heavy topic. We are to feel the heaviness of this statement. We must feel the heaviness of God on us. Like a 50 pound bag of cement, the weight of God should press upon us. At the same time, it is simple. The glory of God is His reputation, His testimony, His importance. To worship God then; is to take his reputation, His testimony, and His importance over all the earth. Even in the midst of pain. In the middle of our hurt what are we doing for the glory of God? This Psalm shows us. This Psalm reminds us that God is of utmost importance in the middle of falling apart. We suffer, we express, we cry out, we trust, and we praise, all for the glory of God so that He will be exalted. That’s the point of it all. Everything is about the glory of God. We exist to make His name great, both in the good and in the heartache. We exist to spread His reputation over the earth, both in the good times and in the bad times. We exist to be testimonies of God. These are the actions that take our glory and align it with the glory of God.

But this is a hard lesson to learn. What we feel is still real. What we feel is very present in life’s moments. We can just wipe the pain away. We can’t just turn off the sin and its consequences. % years ago, there were moments when the sin was real, and I wished I could have imagined it away. But we can’t do that. David could not just imagine Saul and the kingdom his. But it is what we know and what we do that defines us in the pain. That was the greatest lesson I learned through that experience. I, and all of us, as God’s children, are defined by how we glorify God. This Psalm shows us that step by step process for exalting God when life is hard. Be aware and admit what we feel. Declare and hold fast to what we know. Respond with confidence and trust to God. And worship and exalt God. God is much heavier, greater, and ore powerful than any painful, broken, sinful, or hurtful situation this life can throw at us. We can and must worship God through life’s pain. 

Your Great Name

One of the new responsibilities I have in ministry, is giving input to Sunday Morning worship songs. As I have begun to explore both modern worship music and old-time hymns, a number of songs have jumped out to me, as great songs for corporate worship. One of these songs is, "Your Great Name". I wanted to post the lyrics to this blog today. As we all read them and hum the tune, think through what these words are saying to God and about God. This song is one of the few great modern worship songs.

Lost are saved, find their way, at the sound of Your great name
All condemned, feel no shame, at the sound of Your great name
Every fear, has no place, at the sound of Your great name
The enemy, he has to leave, at the sound of Your great name

Jesus, worthy is the lamb that was slain for us, son of God and man
You are high and lifted up, that all the world will praise Your great name

All the weak, find their strength, at the sound of Your great name
Hungry souls, receive grace, at the sound of Your great name
The fatherless, they find their rest, at the sound of Your great name
Sick are healed, and the dead are raised, at the sound of Your great name

Jesus, worthy is the lamb that was slain for us, son of god and man
You are high and lifted up, that all the world will praise Your great name
Oh, Your great name

Redeemer, my healer, almighty
My savior, defender, You are my king

Redeemer, my healer, almighty
My savior, defender, You are my king

Jesus, the name of Jesus 
You are high and lifted up and all the world will praise Your great name
Slain for us, son of God and man
You are high and lifted up, that all the world will praise Your great name
Your great name, yeah
Your great name, yeah

The Bible is Sufficient

Simply put, the Bible is all we need for a life of faith and worship to God. The Westminster Shorter Catechism asks and answers; what rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him?, the word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him. The Bible is sufficient for the Christian life. 

Let’s get a definition of the sufficiency of the Bible and what I mean when I say the Bible is sufficient for everything we need. The sufficiency of the Scripture means: The Bible contains all the words of God he intended his people to have at each stage of redemptive history, and it now contains all the words of God we need for salvation, for trusting Him perfectly, and for obeying Him and we do not need any new revelation from heaven for this life. 

First, the Bible being sufficient means that it has all we need for salvation. The Bible tells us everything we need to know about salvation; including election, repentance, justification, faith, and bearing fruit. The faith that is a conduit for God to save us, only comes from the hearing and knowing of God's Word. Without the Bible, no person would be saved. In a clear concise thought, the Bible is the only tool that brings salvation to men. 

Second, the sufficiency of the Bible means that it has all we need in order to obey God. When we disobey God, it is our failure to follow the Bible. What does it mean to worship God? The Bible gives the only clear answer. What does it mean to walk humbly before God's face? The Bible is all we need to be humble. What does it mean to obey God? The Bible gives both the command to obey and the delight to fulfill the command. All we need for a life (lived perfectly, if sin was not involved) comes from the Bible. As the definition states, we need no other revelation from heaven to live in this world. 

Third, I want to point out from this definition; the Bible does not make every decision for us. For example, the Bible will not tell us who to marry, it simply tells us how to be a good spouse and who would make a good spouse. The Bible will not tell us what job to take but will tell us how to be a worshipful employee. God’s Word will not make every decision, that is not sufficiency. God has given us a brain and the sufficient Word that will form and equip our brain to make wise, worshipful, and God glorifying decisions. The Bible is not a magic eight-ball that will give us a yes or no answer to all of life's decisions. The Bible, as it is obeyed and faithfully followed, forms and equips us to make the right choice. And when there are cases where there are no "right" or "wrong" choices, the Bible and a life of worship will form us to make the best decision. 

The Bible is sufficient. It is a gift to be cherished. It is a treasure to be delighted in. It is a gold mine to be dug into. The Bible is all we need for this life. The question is, do we act like it? 

God's Word does something

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work".

2 Timothy 3:16-17

In verse 16 Paul lays out the rest of what it means that God’s inspired Word is fully sufficient for the whole Christian life. Paul begins talking about sufficiency with the reason God’s Word is sufficient. It is God’s inspired Word. A big word that simple means; All Scripture is from God and God gives all Scripture from Himself. As our translations say; God breathed. Paul in the original Greek word is telling us that the Bible is the very breath of God, God breathed, God spoken, God written (with human authors), and God’s idea.

This means Paul is saying all scripture is sourced in God. God pours himself, his very essence into the Scriptures. Just like our breath is part of us, so the breath of God, the Bible, is part of who He is. If I would go and eat a lot of onions, you would tell me I have onion breath. You could tell what I ate by my breath. I am revealing something about me by the breath that comes out of my mouth. The same is even more important when it comes to the breath of God. Paul is saying with this one word, God himself pours who he is, reveals his character, tells the reader of himself, in the Bible because it comes from the very mouth of God. Paul is telling us that the Bible is God’s story of love for and to us. Paul is instructing us that this Bible is sourced from, revealed, poured out, from God into the lives and hearts of those who listen and digest it. Paul wants us to catch the nature of Scripture because this is what makes it sufficient to his godly life.

Paul begins to build up the sufficiency of God’s Word from the nature of its inspiration. Paul says that all Scripture is useful or profitable for 4 important actions. Before we jump into the 4 specific things, think about the line. All Scripture is useful. Paul in his writing, God in his breath, tells us that all of Scripture has a 4-fold purpose. All Scripture is beneficial, which means this is not a book that is to be place on his shelf and let dust grow on it. The Bible does something. It takes action. When the Bible is used, it is sufficient to accomplish its purpose from its inspired author. All Scripture has a useful purpose, which carries the truth that the Scriptures must be read, studied, learned, digested, saturated into our souls, and given a place in the godly life to form a person. Paul wants us to live a godly life, which is formed by the purpose of all of Scripture flowing from the breath of God himself into the soul of the child of God. So again, what is our relationship and dependence level with God’s sufficient Word?

One of the writing styles of Paul is to include a prepositional phrase at the end of a thought but have the prepositional phrase point back to the entire thought. Paul unpacks the 4-fold purpose of God’s breath with the thought of righteousness, looking at the end of the flow in verse 16. The idea of righteousness is a whole sermon in itself. But let me explain a little to help us understand what Paul is saying. We were created to glorify and worship God. We as God’s children, were redeemed and saved to glorify and worship God. God saved us so we could again glorify and worship Him. Glorifying and worshiping God in one sense is making the name of God right and living a right life. We could say that righteousness is making the name of God and the worship of God right by living a right life, pleasing to God. This is a basic picture of righteousness, but it helps gives us the picture of righteousness in this text.

Paul is telling us that God’s Breath is useful for teaching what is right, the first action of the four. Teaching is the first action the Word of God takes upon God’s children. The Bible teaches us what is right and what to do to live rightly. Think through that for a moment. A purpose of the Bible is to teach us to live rightly and make the name of God right in a sinful and broken world. The idea of teaching here brings with it the word, doctrine (truth that is learned). All the truth we need to learn, is made clear in the Bible. Everything we need to know about God, sin, humanity, salvation, the end-times, the Holy Spirit, or the church is made clear in the Bible. And this means, the Bible alone is sufficient for right knowledge of God. There is nothing more we need to know about doctrine, outside of God’s Word. We just need to be learners and students of the Word, because it is our perfect teacher. The Bible is our sufficient “professor”.

The second sufficient action of God’s Word is rebuking what is not right or we could say it like this, “rejects a life that does not make the name of God right”. Think about this truth of Scripture. Not only does the Bible teach us perfectly, it also disciplines us perfectly. The Bible is clear with what is sin and what is not. The Bible points out what is wrong, how the devil deceives, what it means to live an ungodly life and attitudes we need to remove from our heart. The Bible perfectly rebukes our evil desires and is the perfect rule book for life. We tend not to think of God’s Word in this way, but just as it does positive work on our lives, it also rebukes and removes the negative in our hearts.  The Bible is our sufficient “paddle”.

Paul gives another negative aspect of Scripture when he says that God’s breath is useful in correcting into becoming right. Again, we could say this as, “The Bible corrects and steers us back to a life that is right and makes the name of God right. When we lose our way or when sin takes us away”. The picture of steering something is important. Like a rudder on a ship. When we humbly submit and follow God’s Word, it both keeps us on the path to a godly life and it corrects us when we walk off the path. Not only is the Bible our rule book, it is also our guide book and map to a life worshipping God rightly. The Bible is our sufficient “compass”.

Which leads Paul into the 4^th aspect of God’s Word and its training to stay right. This aspect of Scripture is Paul’s letters to the churches in a nutshell. Paul understands that the Christian life, a life of godliness, is a battle. This is why he encourages and instructs his brothers and sisters what to do and what to say right. And Paul loves to use sports images. This image is like a coach, training schedule, or work-out app. The Bible makes and keeps us healthy. The Bible keeps our spirits and hearts strong for God. The Bible is like a blower on the fire of our hearts, aflame for God. When we run the race of the Christian life, the Bible alone is what we need to succeed in winning the race and running the Christian journey in such a way that God is pleased. The Bible is our sufficient “trainer”.

The Bible teaches us what is right, rebukes us when we do not do right, corrects us back into what is right, and will keep us in the right if we obey and follow it. Simply put the Bible helps us to perfectly make the name of God right and worship Him. That means when we have problems, are confused, sin, or do not get it, it is not the breath of God’s problem, it is our problem for not obeying and understanding God’s revealed character to us. The Bible is sufficient for everything we need as a Christian. Once more with feeling this time, what is your relationship and dependence level with God’s sufficient Word?

But Paul does not just stop with the sufficient purpose of God’s Word, he shows the results in a person’s life as they holds fast to this very Word. Paul builds off the 4-fold actions of the Bible in verse 17. Paul gives the results that will take place when the Bible is kept and held to. Paul wants us to catch that God did not give us His breath just for fun. There is a purpose in the fourfold action God’s sufficient Word takes. And what is the result that Paul gives us? The man of God will be formed, complete and equipped for the work of God.

Rejoice

Philippians 4:4

“Rejoice in the Lord, always, again, I will say rejoice”. 

The first and last of the 10 words of this command are rejoice. Rejoice is an interesting word. If we are honest for moment, I bet we can’t think of the last time we used the word rejoice, other than when we think of this verse or other verses in the Bible. This is a common word in the whole of the Bible though. Rejoice is used multiple times in this 4-chapter book. In fact, this is the 3^rd time rejoice is commanded in this letter. In the Old Testament this word is also translated; gladden, to be merry, or to be of good cheer. Rejoicing is a common picture in the Bible, but not a common word we probably use in our lives. We typically don’t say, “let us rejoice in the Eagles win, rejoice in the raise at work, or I shall rejoice when my son is born”. What does rejoice mean then? Rejoice is the expression of joy. So, what is joy and is joy different than happiness? Understanding what joy is and the difference between joy and happiness is the key to this verse. 

I think it is interesting how Webster’s dictionary defines joy; “A feeling of happiness that comes from success, good fortune, and a sense of well-being”. Joy is a state of being that is deeper than surface level stuff, which Webster’s gets a little right. But if we understand what the Bible says about joy, it goes much deeper than a feeling of happiness. Yes, joy is a state of being. Joy is a mental state. Joy is a condition of the heart. Joy is also a fruit of the Spirit. Joy is a spiritual condition of the soul. This takes it much farther than how the world defines joy. Joy is not; a season of life, a set of circumstances, a situation of goodness, a reaction to pleasure, an emotional feeling, a physical feeling (like goose bumps), or a time in our lives. 

Joy runs deep. Joy is commanded by God, which means it is something we do, control, and “put-on” rather than something dictated from the outside. Joy is rooted deep on the inside. God commands this joy always. Here is what I would define joy as then; it is something that is more than happiness. It is the deep satisfaction of the soul; believing God, obeying His will, receiving His forgiveness, participating in the fellowship of the believers, ministering to others, and sharing the gospel. We become joy.

Here is another reality of joy. Think about all the ways you can be happy. You can be happy when you get a raise at work. You can be happy when your sports team win. You can be happy when your kids obey you. You can be happy while watching a sunset on a beautiful night. You can be happy when you find a parking spot close to the door at Walmart. You can be happy on the last day of school. But when we stop and think about it, happiness comes and goes. Go back to all of those examples. We are not happy when we lose our job. We are not happy when our sports team loses. We are not happy when our kids disobey us. We are not happy on a rainy day in a flooded basement. We are not happy when we have to walk from the back of the parking lot. We are not happy on the first day of school. Happiness comes and goes based upon the life and world around us. But joy stays. 

This means we can be sad and yet joyful at the same time. As 2 Corinthians 6:10 says, “sorrowful yet always rejoicing”. We can be sad and yet still be full of joy. Happiness comes and goes but joy stays. Now let me be clear, being joyful in a sad or painful situations does not mean we put on fake actions or fake faces and grins or fake “feelings”. That is an unreasonable theology. Joy is deeper than happiness, which means happiness can leave, yet we are still joyful. This is what I mean by, “we become joy”. As someone once said, “holy joy is the chief Christian duty”.

And that brings us to the last thought on this single word. Joy is a holy joy because it is a state of being that comes from God within us. Christian joy is a basic and constant orientation of the Christen life, the fruit and evidence of a relationship with the Lord. Our joy comes from our relationship with God. As Augustine once said, “that which God commands, he also gives to His children”. Having joy in our lives is a command of God to His people. But God also empowers us with this joy because of our relationship with him, our union with Christ, and the Holy Spirit within us. Yes, this is a command. But it is a command God endows us with, deep within our hearts with the Holy Spirit. 

It demonstrates on the outside, the inward union we have with God. This is why it is called a fruit of the Spirit. Happiness is a thing the world can have. And for the world, true happiness is all they seek. But for us, as God’s children, we have something deeper, wider, more powerful, and greater than simple happiness. We have joy and we have this joy expression itself on the outside as we rejoice. And understanding this final part of joy, we begin to realize the point of the other 8 words of this simple verse. If joy is deeper, it is continuous, and it comes from our union with Christ, then it will be “in the Lord” and “it will be always”. The key to the Christ life and the key to our relationship with God, and the key to this simple imperative is “ the joy of God flowing in us”.

A Labor Day prayer

Lord, this is another day, like the day before it and the day after it.
But my calendar tells me today is a day to celebrate those who work hard.
Father I thank you that you have given me the strength to work;
Thank you for the energy and power that your grace has shown me to get up each day;
Thank you for providing employment now and in the past for me;
And Father, I know you will provide places to support my life and family in the years ahead,
So God, thank you for the blessing you have given me to work for your glory.

Lord, but I stop today and thank you for those other who work hard.
Thank you for those who work hard to keep my life safe.
God, thank you for the police and firefighters who keep my life safe at home
Thank you for those across the seas, in the military who keep my life safe abroad.
God, thank you for those who work in the medical fields and the manufacturing fields,
who help me to stay warm and keep me healthy
Thank you Lord for those who work hard in the construction and industrial fields;
And God thank you for those who make my life comfortable,
like those in the entertainment industry, like news people and actors.
God, I praise your name for all those who work hard around me in your goodness

God on this Labor day, I thank you for those who labor well for you;
I praise you for those who labor for you in churches, for the Pastors and Elders,
For those who labor well around the world as missionaries, in foreign places
And for those who labor well by volunteering in your faith communities, here at home.
And I ask, that as a laborer for you God, in the Spirit,
Help me to labor well for your glory;
So that many lives will be touched for all eternity

In your goodness, Lord, I pray today that I will continue to work for your glory.
Father, I pray that you will give me the strength to wake tomorrow and work hard for you,
Praying that you will show me grace to desire to work hard for you.
I pray that you give me the power to drive through the pain and sweat for your glory.
God, on this Labor day, I am asking for more of your goodness so I can be a light,
A light for your love, grace, holiness, comfort, and goodness
In the years ahead Lord, I pray that you will show your favor upon me,
Showing your favor so I can work and labor well for the spread of the Gospel

On this Labor day, Father make me a laborer for you,
A laborer who shines light and love so that others can see your glory and work for them
I thank you for this Labor day celebration, Father
In the name of Jesus, the perfect Laborer, Amen.

The Fear

Church growth. The topic that either excites a Pastor or causes him to loose sleep at night. Every Pastor thinks about church growth. I am no exception. Even during this transition period, as I think about past ministry and look forward to future ministry, church growth is on the mind. The Bible is very plain and clear on how churches grow. Church do not grow through kids ministry. Churches do not grow through events. Churches do not grow through fellowship activities or social activities. Churches do not grow through being relevant or being seeker friendly. Churches do not grow through great music, smoke machines, coffee booths, or engaging personalities. The Bible is clear; the church grows through the reverberation of God's Word, empowering God's people to tell others about Jesus and inviting others to know Jesus and see Jesus through His visible body, the local church.

So the question is, what stops people from sharing Christ with others and inviting them to know the Savior and see the Savior in His body? The answer is simply fear. It is fear that stops God's people from sharing their faith and extending an invitation. But it is fear in two different forms.

First, it is fear of being rejected. Every single person hates being rejected. Instead, we all have a desire to be accepted, loved, and welcomed. We all want to be loved. But when we are rejected, turned away, or worse responded to with negativity, we feel unloved and unwanted. This is the fear of being rejected. And it is the fear of rejection that stops us from preaching the Gospel and extending an invitation. We do not want Jesus to be rejected. We don't want to loose a friend. We don't want to be ridiculed, made fun of, or persecuted. So the fear of rejection holds our tongue, keeps our mouth shut, and leads us on a path around the opportunity for Gospel proclamation and invitation. The fear of rejection is the first obstacle to overcome to share our faith and invite others to know Christ.

The second reasons we don't share our faith and invite others to Christ, is the fear of failure. What if the person asks a question we don't know the answer to? What if the person says no? What if I misspeak and do not clearly articulate the message or the truth? What if I fail at actually inviting the person? The fear of failure is real. We have all experienced this in our own lives in many ways. We do not want to fail at our jobs, so we work hard and put time in. We don't want to fail for the sports team, so we compete and push ourselves to succeed. We don't want to fail at having a retirement account or a comfortable house, so we seek promotions and better paychecks. The fear of failure drives our lives. Yet it is this fear, that stops us from sharing our faith and inviting others to Christ. The fear of failure is the second obstacle that must be overcome to share our faith and invite others to know Christ.

Yes, there are multiple other reasons why we don't share our faith. But even the other reasons are tied to fear and are rooted in the fear of rejection and the fear of failure. We can't let fear stop us. Fear is sin and a lack of trust in God. Fear comes becasue we don't know God's sovereignty. And it is fear that cripples us and causes us to sin by not sharing our faith. Whichever fear is stopping us, repent and turn it over to God, because it is only through His power flowing through the Spirit in us, that will drive us to share your faith, invite others to know Jesus and His body, and grow the church that we are a part of.

Baptism by Immersion

Does the Bible teach more than one form of baptism?  If the Bible does not explicitly identify immersion as the mode, are we to assume that it was not by immersion?

The Bible is explicitly clear and teaches believer’s baptism; the water baptism of those who have made a profession of faith and belief in Jesus Christ. This is the only form of baptism the Bible teaches.

When it comes to the understanding of the mode of baptism, an important rule in correct Bible interpretation is key. When the Bible clearly showcases something, teaches on a topic, or is clear on certain actions and then arrives at an unclear, vague, or unknown situation or action; the clear passage gives implication or implied points to the unclear passage. In the case of baptism, it is clear that John the Baptist was fully immersing people (including Christ) in water, the Apostles practices immersion in water, and the Ethiopian Eunuch was immersed in water. In other stories, when the mode of baptism is not made clear, we can imply (assume) or take the implication that the mode being used to baptize is immersion.

Acts 15

What does the Acts 15 council teach about the interconnection of local congregations?

Acts 15 is an interesting story on church connection in Scripture. First, this story includes the Apostles, which we as a church do not have today. Second, this is a story of one local church (Antioch) consulting another local church (Jerusalem), which happened to be the first church and the Apostles (this is not a story of a “church council”). And lastly, this story is centered around the inclusion of Gentiles into the church, where as most of the founding members of the church where Jews (the church today is almost exclusively Gentile). Acts 15 is a tough passage to make a case for a certain type of church polity or government.

But these three points do not mean this text can’t teach us things about the interconnection of local congregations. This story is very clear on a doctrinal unity among local congregations, that ties them together. Wherever any Christian went, they would know the doctrinal stance of the church, because of this ruling on Gospel issues. The same should apply among a set of local churches today. Doctrine must connect them, especially on Gospel issues. Next, local churches can reach out to other local churches (of like mindedness) and seek council, wisdom, and advice on issues of church life, truth, and ecclesiology. There must be a support, commradery, and partnership between churches as they deal with larger issues in the church universal. Lastly Acts 15 shows a universal church that is not full of autonomous churches that live out the faith individually and isolated. Rather Acts 15 shows a universal church that has local churches tied together, supporting one another, all living under the guide and rule of God’s Word, seeking to expand the Kingdom together, while living in unity as one church.

Independence or Autonomy

How are independence and autonomy between churches different?

Webster’s dictionary defines independence as, “the state of being independent, self-governing, or self-ruling”. Webster’s defines autonomy as, “freedom from external control or influence”. When I think of autonomy, it brings the picture of “disconnectedness” and the picture of having no responsibility or ties to anything else (isolation). Where independence differs is, yes there is an individual aspect to it, but there is also a connected nature to other things and a tie to certain connected elements.

When it comes to the nature of local church, I believe autonomy is going farther than the New Testament illustrates. Autonomy (especially in the SBC) can be taken too far when there is no doctrinal unity between local churches, where there is no partnership or connection between the local church (except on missionaries and a few essentials), and when there is no responsibility or oversight to the local church. Independence on the other hand, gives the local churches space to take in members, discipline their own members, elect their own Elders, reach their own communities, all while having a doctrinal unity with other churches, having accountability to a larger network of churches, and partnering together with other local churches to expand the Kingdom of God.

On a side note, I am in favor of a denominational connection between churches. I believe a denomination should have doctrinal unity in all their churches, on issues that the Bible speaks to. I believe a denomination should connect all their local churches together under the umbrella of accountability to one another and oversight. I even believe a denomination should work together as local churches to expand the Kingdom as a denomination.

Congergational and Presbyterian Polity

What is the difference between congregational and Presbyterian polity?

The largest difference between a Congregational polity and a Presbyterian polity is the answer to the highest human (spiritual) authority. In a congregational style, the highest authority is the individual member, making up the local congregation. This means that members together as a local body, as a congregation, have the highest authority (under God) in that local church. In a Presbyterian polity, the highest authority is the General Assembly, dictating down to the Presbytery down to the Sessions. This removes the highest authority (except on the election of Elders) from the congregation and places it with Godly, wise men (Elders). This is my understanding of the largest difference on the polity issue.

For my own conviction, I believe Scripture shows a balance of the two. The Bible clearly shows a connection between local churches, unified under Godly men, unified under a set of Biblical doctrine and truth, and unified under a common cause and relationship of Kingdom expansion. But the Bible (and Jesus Himself) gives authority in many areas to each individual members in a local congregation on certain issues; such as Elder election, the Ordinances, and membership/discipline issues (along with all the physical stuff). I believe in a denominational structure of local churches but also a denominational structure that supports the local church (and members) to have authority on their own. I believe in a balance between the PCA and the SBC style polities.

Means of Grace

What is the significance of the Ordinances in the Church? 

The simple answer to what is the significance of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper is the reality that they are both a means of grace God gives to His body. God commands both of these actions to be done regularly. God does not command this because it is just a command, but because He means to show us and give us his grace through them.

Wayne Grudem states of baptism, “where there is genuine faith on the part of the person being baptized, and where the faith of the church that watches the baptism is stirred up and encouraged by this ceremony, then the Holy Spirit certainly does work through baptism, and it becomes a “means of grace” through which the Holy Spirit brings blessing to the person being baptized and to the church as well” (Systematic Theology pg. 954). Baptism is the reality of the person being identified with Christ (Rom. 6:3-4, Gal. 3:27, Col. 2:12), thus God’s grace is shown and stirs the heart of His church, in grace, as it is celebrated.

The Lord’s Supper has the same means of grace. First the gravity of the death of Jesus is celebrated and remembered. Second, Communion rehearses the good news of Jesus and remembers His death for the church, which is an act of grace of God on behalf of His people. The Eucharist is also a present reality as the grace of God is proclaimed in that moment, as the death of Christ is proclaimed and confessed through the meal (1 Cor. 11:26). Finally, the Lord’s Supper is a future celebration and remembrance, awaiting the return of Jesus for His body (1 Cor. 11:26). As David Mathis reminds us, “The Lord’s Supper is an extraordinary meal. To be sure, it is simply an ordinary means of God’s grace to His church, and it is simply ordinary bread and wine. Yet as eating and drinking go, it can be an unusually powerful experience” (Habits of Grace pg. 179).

God shows His people grace, both in the Cross and in every day life. Both of the ordinances are significant because they remind us of this grace, show us this grace, and impart God’s grace on the participants. We are saved by grace alone and these events are a means of God’s grace renewed and imparted on His people.

Ordinances

What are the Ordinances/Sacraments of the Church?

There are two ordinances in the life of a local church. These ordinances can also be called Sacraments. The two Sacraments or ordinances are baptism and the Lord’s Supper, also known as Communion or the Eucharist.

Baptism is a public testimony of a person’s faith in Christ (Acts 2:38; 41). It has no power to save. It is to be performed after one has made profession of salvation. The examples of baptism that we have in the New Testament are always after profession of salvation (Acts 2:41; 8:12-13; 10:47). Baptism is a special grace filled time in the church. Baptism is the public demonstration of a heart change of an individual. After a person confesses faith in Christ, baptism is the act they demonstrate to show the public world what God has done in them. As God's grace is demonstrated in the life of an individual through baptism, other Christians celebrate the goodness of God and the watching world sees and hears the Gospel message made known. The church should observe this sacrament anytime someone is converted to Christ and gives their life to Him in faith. This is an outward sign of an inward reality.

The primary meaning of the word baptizo is “to immerse.” In the apostles’ time, the method of baptism practiced on proselytes to Judaism was total immersion. Scripture shows immersion in the case of John the Baptist, and in a few other stories like Phillip and the Ethiopian Eunuch. Yes, there are times the Bible does not specifically say it was by immersion, but it never says it was not immersion either. Based on these facts, I believe the best mode of baptism is immersion.

The Lord’s Supper or Communion or the Eucharist is performed as a remembrance of Christ’s death (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). It is to be done regularly by believers as a testimony of what Christ did on the cross for us. It is an act of worship and thanksgiving to Christ for His act on the cross for us. It is to be done in a local church, among a faith or fellowship family as an act together of worship. Jesus Christ instituted this ordinance in the Upper Room where Jesus breaks bread and says, “this is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me”. Later Jesus takes the cup and also states, “this cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:19-21). The Lord’s Supper is the sign and seal of the new covenant relationship between God and His people, so God’s grace is shown and felt during the meal together. An attitude of remembrance, gratitude, and celebration must accompany the communion meal.

The Church Connected

What do the Scriptures teach about the organizational connection between particular churches?

Again, just as the question from yeserday, there is no clear-cut command by God, declaring how His church, universally should be connected or organized together locally as particular churches. But a study of God’s Word and a theological understanding of God’s people should lead to a consensus of belief in how local churches must be connected universally. I would call the organizational connection between particular churches to be an independent, interdependence.

First, there are clear cut issues and points in the Bible that deal with each church independently. Each church is to have their own set of Elders (1 Tim. 3:17, 5:17-25, Titus 1, Acts 20:17-38). Each local church celebrates the ordinances, within their local body. Christians must become members of a local church where spiritual oversight and “faith family” worship and the “one another’s” takes place. Each local church should have a “confession” or statement of faith, that that local body holds to. This also leads to each local church separating from false teachers and false gospels. In Scripture, each local church had their own divisions, problems, and sin, that is directly dealt with by the New Testament writers. One local church is not bound to certain decisions of other local churches because of the uniqueness of the sin problem (building decision, leadership decision, missions/evangelism decision, financial decisions). The Scriptures very clearly show a uniqueness and “independence” to the local church in each town or location.

But the Bible is also very clear that every local church has a dependence and connection to one another. There must be a unity (1 Corinthians 1:2, Ephesians 4:12-13) between the local churches. There must a universal family connection between local churches (Romans 16:16, 2 Cor. 13:13, Col. 1:4). The Bible shows local churches gathering and uniting together to support gospel workers (2 Cor. 8:18, 3 John 5-6). The Bible shows local churches supporting one another in financial aspects and crisis (Rom. 15:25-26, 1 Cor. 16:1-3). The Bible makes clear certain theological points that must connect all churches and all churches in connection must unify around (Acts 15). There is a mandate in Scripture to pray for other churches and be concerned with the well-being of other churches (Ephesians 6:18). As Jonathan Leeman states, “local congregations of the New testament were very much integrated with one another” (Baptist Foundations pg. 375).

With both of these two points clear, I believe Scripture points to a good practice of a group of local churches tied together in unity, common goals, like doctrine, working together to both expand the kingdom in their part of the world and across the world. Yet each of these local churches connected together, must function independently with their own leaders, dealing with their own sin and problems, living holy as a faith family under the preaching of the Word in that local community. To simply say, I believe the Bible pictures a loose affiliation of local churches, living independently as a faith family, yet connected and interdependent on one another to live the great commission and holiness.

Polity

What is the Scriptural form of government for a particular church?

The Bible is not explicitly clear on what the governmental form should be or is commanded to be by God. But through the hard work of studying the Bible and thinking through things theologically, the Bible makes a strong case for each local church to have the governmental form of Congregational Rule, Elder led church. The best form of church government is a local church ruling itself, led in this process by multiple Elders with the help of deacons that are chosen by the congregation.

First, the Bible is clear, every member of a local church has certain “powers” and responsibilities in their church. Jesus, when speaking and using the word “church” for the first times points to the members of the church having the keys to the kingdom (Matthew 16:13-19). Jesus and Paul also speak about the congregation as a whole (and members as part of the congregation) in having the power and requirements to discipline the sinful and unrepentant people in each local church. As part of the congregational rule and responsibility, leaders are also chosen and put in place by the local congregations. 1 Timothy 3 gives the requirements for these leaders (Elders), which the local congregation must use to chose Godly, wise leaders who use the authority of the Word of God, to lead their local church. The Bible is clear that every local congregation has a responsibility from God to worship Him, expand the kingdom, and live holy lives and they must rule themselves in doing this.

Second though, every local church must be lead and taught by a qualified group of Elders. Reading throughout the New Testament, the plurality of the Elders is continually stressed (Acts 14:23, 20:17, 1 Tim. 4:14, Titus 1:5, James 5:14, 1 Peter 5:5). These Elders are to lead the local church and have “authority” through their teaching of God’s Word. The Elders are still beneath Christ, the Head of the Church (Acts 15:22, 1 Corinthians 5:4-5, Acts 6:3-5). This means, as the Elders lead their local church, they are teaching and guiding the church through daily decisions and wisdom in the large decisions a church must make. The Elders are God’s men, guiding and steering each church and its members towards a holy life of worship and making disciples.

Practically speaking, here are some examples of how a congregational ruled, elder led church functions; the congregation would vote leaders to lead the local congregation making daily decisions and giving the congregation recommendations on large decisions, but the congregation would still have a vote in major decisions, doctrine, missions, hiring Pastors, building decisions or any aspects that impact the heart of that particular local church. The beauty of the congregational ruled, elder led church is the working together in unity of God’s people, both its members and leaders, to live as a faith family for the glory of God.

Election

On what basis does God Choose to save people?

The simple answer to this question is threefold, but it all revolves around God’s freedom to choose. God choose to save some people by His grace, in His love, for His glory. There is nothing in man, because man is a depraved, unrighteous, being with an inability to do any good (Romans 3:10-12). First, as the Reformers declared (sola gratia), salvation and God’s election of some for salvation is by God’s grace alone. There are no works, good, or any condition or ability in man that would prompt God to choose them. It is implying His unconditional grace. Second, as 1 John 4:10 declares, “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sin”. God’s love placed on the elect is also part of the basis for His election of the elect and saving them. Finally, the glory of God is not only the basis for His election of some for salvation, but it is the basis for everything that happens in the universe. As the London Baptist Confessions declares succinctly in chapter 3.3, “by the decree of God, for the manifestation of His glory, some men and angels are predestinated, or foreordained to eternal life through Jesus Christ, to the praise of His glorious grace; others being left to act in their sin to their just condemnation, to the praise of His glorious justice”. This is a great summary pointing to the truth of Ephesians 1:5-6. This statement points to the glory of God alone in the election and concludes the answer to this question nicely.

The Literal Millennium

What do the Scriptures say about the millennium?

Scripture clearly and sufficiently teaches the millennium to be a rule and reign of Jesus Christ as King, on the earth, visibly present with His people, after His second coming, for a period of time.

Christ will come to rule and reign on the earth for a thousand years. (Revelation 20:6) It will be a literal, earthly kingdom. Satan will be bound during the entire millennial kingdom. (Revelation 20:2) Following the thousand years, Satan will be loosed for a short period of time. He will mount one last opposition but will be defeated and cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-10). This is the premillennial view, to which Millard Erickson states, “we note here that there are no biblical passages with which premillennialism cannot cope, or which it cannot adequately explain” (Christian Theology pg. 1223).

When we understand Scripture to speak to the truth of Premillennialism, many other passages besides Revelation 20:1-11, teach this reality. Isaiah 65:20 speaks about a future rule of Jesus. Isaiah 11:6-11 is another future prophetic message of a future time period when the reign and rule of God, on the earth, literally, will change the way the earth exists. Psalms 72 is another Old Testament passage, that must be understood to go beyond the rule of Solomon and speak to a future time when the true King in the line of David will literally sit upon His throne in Jerusalem. And the final clear Old Testament passage speaking about Christ’s physical millennial reign is in Zechariah 14:5-17. All of these texts, which point to a unified picture from Scripture, speak about Jesus’ literal, physical, earthly reign from His throne in Jerusalem, at a future period of time, which will be His millennial reign upon this earth.

Jesus is coming back

What do the Scriptures say about the events associated with Christ's return?

The next visible action of our Savior, Jesus Christ, will be His second coming or His return to the earth. This is the events that Jesus tells his disciples about in the Upper Room Discourse when he tells them, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:3). All Christians agree that Jesus is coming again, returning for His people, but there is disagreement as to much of the details of when and how Christ will return the second time. But the Bible is clear on the important points of Christ’s second coming.

First, Christ could come back at anytime and God’s people must be ready. Matthew 24:42-44 gives a call for God’s people to watch closely for Christ coming. Mark 13:32-37 speaks about the reality that the hour of Christ’s return, no one but the Father knows and we as God’s people must be ready for his return. 1 Corinthians 16:22 is a call for God’s people to be ready because the return of Christ will come at an unexpected hour. 1 Thessalonians 5:2 speaks about the return of Christ, as if it is like a thief in the night. Hebrews 10:25 is a call for encouragement to God’s people because Jesus return is drawing near. And James 5:7-9 speaks about Christ’s return as being at hand and the judge is at the door waiting to come back.

Second, even though Christ’s return will come at an unexpected hour, there are preceding signs and events to His return. As Lois Berkhof states, “according to Scripture several important events must occur before the return of the Lord” (Systematic Theology pg. 696). The first of these events is made clear in Mark 13:10 where the Gospel must first be preached to all nations. Next there will be false teachers and prophets working miracles and signs, as told by Jesus Himself in Mark 13:22 and Matthew 24:23-24. There will also be a period of greater tribulation, both in the world and on God’s people, as demonstrated by Jesus teaching in multiple places (Mark 13:7-8, 19-20, Matthew 24:15-22, Luke 21:20-24) and the book of Revelations. Lastly, there will be signs from heaven and wonders on the earth as creation breaks down in God’s judgment (Mark 13:24-25, Matthew 24:29-30, Luke 21:25-27).

Christ’s return is made the clearest in all of Scripture in the book of Revelation. Revelation 19 shows Christ’s return is to defeat Satan and the nations (Revelation 19:11-21). Christ’s return also includes Old Testament and New Testament saints resurrection (Revelation 20:4). But most importantly, Revelation is clear that Christ will come a second time, not as a humble servant, but as a conquering King ready to judge the wicked and rule His kingdom. As Christians, we must agree on what is clear, Christ is coming a second time and we must be waiting and ready to join our Savior and King in His new Kingdom.

Jesus as the God-Man

What is the relationship between Christ's humanity and deity?

Jesus Christ is unique. He is a divine-human being. This is called the Hypostatic Union of Christ. There has never been another like Him nor will there ever be. The Bible is His story of redeeming His people. He came to earth to die for our sins so that we might have eternal life. For Jesus Christ to be a complete and perfect Savior, He thus had to be fully God and fully man.

The first aspect of Jesus humanity and deity in their relationship is the truth that they are both fully in Christ. Christ was 100% God and 100% man. Without diminishing either His perfect deity or His complete humanity He lived in one body on this earth as both God and man. As the Athanasian Creed states, “Although he is God and human, yet Christ is not two, but one. He is one, however, not by his divinity being turned into flesh, but by God's taking humanity to himself. He is one, certainly not by the blending of his essence, but by the unity of his person. For just as one human is both rational soul and flesh, so too the one Christ is both God and human”. Nestorius taught that Jesus’ divinity must be shielded from His humanity. He declared Jesus to be two distinct separate people. That is not what the Bible makes clear about the relationship of Christ two natures.

The second aspect of Christ’s two natures in His one being, is the truth that they were united natures, being they were unified in Christ. Christ never once contradicted Himself. What His deity did, His humanity also did. What His humanity did, His deity also did. Christ was unified within Himself, as John Calvin so helpfully points to in his Institutes 14.1, “He who was the Son of God became the Son of man, not by confusion of substance, but by unity of person”.

The Gospel of John begins, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the word was God”. Jesus Christ is fully God. But John continues in verse 14, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as the only Son from the Father”. Jesus Christ was also fully human at the incarnation. This means Jesus contained two perfect, yet fully distinct natures, unified in His one person, all for His glory to bring salvation to the elect for the glory of the Father.

Jesus is Human

What is meant by the statement, "Jesus Christ is human"?
When the statement is made, “Jesus is human”, we are speaking to the truth that; Jesus, being yet fully God, was also fully man and human. Jesus had to be fully human, so He could substitute Himself for humans and take the sin of His elect upon Himself, as a full human. As the Nicene Creed declares, “Who [Jesus] for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man”.

First, even though Jesus Christ was fully God, He was also fully man. The one exception is that He was without sin. Jesus was 100% human, in His body, yet he lived a perfectly righteous life before God, to His glory, so as to be the perfect human and perfect Savior to save His human elect from their sin.

Jesus Christ’s humanity began at His birth. Jesus was born of a virgin by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35). He had no earthly father yet had an earthly mother (Matthew 1:16). This is the blessed union whereby Jesus was fully human in His nature, yet also fully divine in His being. Jesus was fully human, in that He experienced a human birth with a human parent.

The Bible gives many proofs of Christ’s humanity. He had a human body (Luke 2:52, Matthew 1:18). He experienced the physical needs of a human being. He got hungry (Matthew 4:2). He got thirsty (John 19:28). He got tired (John 4:6). He experienced the emotions of a human being. He felt compassion (Matthew 9:36). He expressed love (John 15:12-13). He felt temptation (Hebrews 4:15). He performed human activities. He prayed (Mark 1:35). He talked (Luke 21:29). He had human names. Jesus of Nazareth (Acts 2:22). Son of David (Mark 10:47). All of these proofs show that Jesus was fully human in His being and fully complete in His nature to save His elect.

Finally, Jesus was fully human, even through many heretics taught otherwise. Apollinarius wrongly taught that Jesus was only divine in His mind, and His human nature was the larger part of Him. Yes, Jesus was fully human, but he was also fully God. His human nature existed equally and fully with His divine nature, in His being. Eutyches taught that Jesus was a new kind of human. The Scriptures speak to the truth that Jesus was fully human, like His brothers in every way. Jesus was like every other human that has ever existed (except without sin). Both of these false teachings diminish Christ’s humanity and claim He was less than fully human. The Bible (and the orthodox Creeds that summarize the Bible) speaks to the truth that Jesus was fully human. So, when we declare that Jesus is human, we are celebrating the fact we have a Savior who is like us in every human way, yet without sin, was the complete and perfect sacrifice to save us humans from our sin.

Jesus is God

What is meant by the statement, "Jesus Christ is the Son of God"?

When the statement is made, “Jesus Christ is the Son of God”, it is a declaration to the truth stated clearly in Scripture, that Jesus Christ, our Savior, was fully 100% divine. Jesus being fully God, equal with God, and a member of the Trinitarian Godhead, is critical for the salvation of man. As the Nicene Creed states, “Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made”.

First, Jesus being fully God, is eternal and has always existed. Jesus Christ existed as God before His own birth. “’ I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” John 8:58. Jesus was in a beautiful, glory filled relationship with God the Father and God the Spirit before creation and in eternity past, as part of the equal Godhead, made the covenant with the other persons of the Trinity to redeem a people to themselves.

Next, as part of the plan to redeem a people to Himself, Christ, yet fully God, humbled Himself and took upon flesh and walked the earth. This action of the fully divine Son of God is called the Kenosis of Christ. In Philippians 2:5-8, Paul explains that Jesus, who was equal with God, humbled himself to become a man. Jesus did not give up the attributes of His deity. He gave up the unlimited expression of those attributes to become fully man. Even thought Jesus became fully man, He remained yet fully God, as the Son of God. Jesus remained fully God, equal with the father in all glory, majesty, and power, so He could remain the Savior of His people.

The Bible gives many proofs to Jesus full divinity. Jesus asserted His own deity. “I and my Father are one” John 10:30 (John 5:18). The writers of Scripture asserted His deity (John 1:1, Romans 9:5, Philippians 2:6). He forgave sins, like only God can (Mark 2:5). He had the power to raise people from the dead (John 5:25-26). He was involved in creation (John 1:3). He was worshipped (Philippians 2:11-13, Hebrews 1:6). He was given names of deity (Hebrews 1:8, Revelation 19:16). He was sinless (2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 4:15). The Bible is clear, Jesus was and is fully God.

Finally, Jesus being fully God is a critical truth that must remain central to the Gospel. Many heresies have come before that refute Jesus as fully God. Marcion pointed a loving Jesus against a vengeful Father. Jesus and the Father are one God, equal in glory and in character, so Marcion was wrong to speak of Jesus’ divine nature in this light. Sabellius taught that Jesus was simply another mode of God. Again, the Bible is clear, Jesus and the Father are two members of the Godhead, not the same person. Jesus was in a unified loving relationship with His Father, remaining yet fully God but separate in person. Arius taught that Jesus was created by the Father. Jesus refutes this claim, Himself by declaring He and the Father are one, God. Jesus has always existed as God. The Bible is clear. Jesus, as the Son of God, is fully God, complete in His divine nature and was, is, and will be always 100% Divine. This alone is what we mean when we rightly declare, “Jesus is the Son of God”.

O.T. vs. N. T.???

What is the relationship of the teaching of the Old Testament to the teaching of the New Testament?

The Bible is not only the best-selling book in history, it is also the most beautiful story every told. The Bible is a unified, cohesive collection of 66 books, yet with differences and changes between the two Testaments. Thus, the relationship between the Old Testament and the New Testament and their teaching is one of unified beauty yet with different aspects, for each part.

First, the Bible is one unified story of God redeeming a people to Himself through His Son Jesus Christ. Whether it is God creating through His Word or the elect at the end of time falling before the lamb that was slain, the Bible is a story about Jesus, showcasing his majesty, glory, and nature. AS the word “canon” implies, the whole of the Bible is the “rule” for God’s people to know and submit to. The whole Bible is God’s inspired Word (2 Timothy 3:16), so it contains His whole authority on all matters. This means both Testament’s teaching is equal, of the same value, impotence, and authority. All of Scripture must be taught because all of Scripture is a beautiful revelation of God, His Son Jesus, and their plan, throughout the ages to save the elect.

Secondly, there are differences in the Testaments, especially since one is called the Old and the other is called the New. Yes, both Testaments reveal a covenant God who is redeeming a people through His covenant relationship. But there are differences in the covenants and how they are communicated and what they accomplish. As Augustine rightly helps, in this discussion, “the new is in the old concealed; the old is in the new revealed”. The Old Testament and the New Testament act as counterparts, pointing to each other, with clear distinctions. The Old Testament points forward to Christ through types (Ark of the Covenant), shadows (The ark with Noah), figures (Boaz), places, events (day of atonement), and laws. The New Testament reveals Christ in the flesh, telling both about his life and then explaining how God’s elect live in light of Christ’s life and death. This means the Old Testament helps illustrate the New, while the New Testament helps illuminate the Old. Thus, their teaching has the same authority yet can be communicated in different manners. No, many of the Laws or commands of God, from the Old, do not apply to us today, because Christ perfectly fulfilled them. Yet there are New Testament implications that require a holy life of God’s people, living under the same Word of God.

The Bible is the whole counsel of God, showing His heart and will for His people. Yes, the Bible is made of up of different genres of writing and different books and Testaments. So, there are clear differences that must be handled correctly. But the whole Bible is God’s inerrant, inspired Word, so it all must be taught, applied, and humbly followed by God’s people.

Illumination

What is illumination?

Jesus teaches his disciples in John 14:26, “[the Holy Spirit] will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you”. He later added, “He will guide you into all truth. Illumination is the work of the Holy Spirit, in teaching, brining back to memory, and imparting the truth of God’s Word (the very Word he inspired) to God’s people. Illumination is the work of the Holy Spirit in helping God’s people understand the very Word He wrote. Illumination is the supernatural working of the Holy Spirit where He opens the eyes, ears, and hearts of God’s people to be empowered, transformed, and sanctified through the word of God (Psalm 119:18). Illumination is one of the greatest works the Holy Spirit does while He indwells a believer after they are regenerated and come to Christ.

On a side note, as the Holy Spirit illuminates His Word for His people, they must also do the hard work of correct interpretation and hermeneutics. I believe scripture should be interpreted grammatically, historically, rhetorically, theologically. (2 Timothy 2:15) When a Christian interprets the Bible he should be careful to seek the illumination of the Holy Spirit to accurately interpret the Scripture. (John 16:13-14, John 14:26). Yet as the Christ does the hard work of correctly interpreting the Word of God, the Spirit illuminates and blesses the work by transferring and blessing the child of God.

Inspiration

What does "Inspiration" mean, when it comes to God's Word? 

The Bible is God’s Special Revelation because it is God’s inspired Word given to man as a blessing, gift, and act of His grace.

First, the word inspiration means “God-breathed.” “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” 2 Timothy 3:16. Peter says, “For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21, Acts 1:16, Hebrews 1:1, 1 Corinthians 2:13, Mark 12:36). Man was not a passive agent. Inspiration does not mean passive dictation. The character and personality of each author and each audience was used in inspiration (2 Peter 3:15-16). As the LBC states, “the authority of the Holy Scriptures, for which it ought to be believed, depends not upon the testimony of any man or church, but wholly upon God, the author thereof”. Inspiration means God is the author of His word, but He used men to write His Word in their own character, personality, style, language, and context.

Second, inspiration was both verbal (every word) and plenary (whole). “I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” Matthew 5:18. “Every word of God is pure…” Proverbs 30:5. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…” 2 Timothy 3:16 (Galatians 3:16, Revelation 22:18-19). God is the author of every word written, which means every word has significance and important, yet He is also the author of the whole Bible as one, which means the Bible is a succinct, perfect, story from beginning to end making clear one large narrative (God redeeming a people to Himself).

The inspiration of Scripture is the backbone of the Bible. All of the other characteristics flow out of inspiration; authority, clarity, sufficiency, and inerrancy. The verbal-plenary nature of inspiration is the key to a correct view of inspiration. Verbal-plenary does not emphasize the transcendence of God, like the neo-orthodox understanding does. Neo-orthodox inspiration is not even inspiration at all because it leaves humans completely devoid of playing a key role in God’s Word. Verbal-plenary inspiration does not fall trap to the dictation inspiration. Dictation leaves the personality, languages, and authors void of playing a key role in God’s Word. Verbal-plenary inspiration is not even limited, like some scholars think, because inspiration is clear, God is the author of His Word and where His word originated. Being the true backbone of the Bible, inspiration and the verbal-plenary method it was inspired in, keeps God as the author, yet has the beauty, character, and context of human authors with personalities, languages, and the human element in the process. The inspiration of God’s Word is what makes God’s Word special, sufficient for salvation, clear for understanding of truth, and free from error.

Revelation

I like the question and answer format. Asking a question, and then answering it from what the Bible teaches, is a great tool and method for growing in the faith. So in that vein, I am going to ask questions this week, and then answer them.

What is the doctrine of revelation?

Revelation is the act and method which the God of the Universe chooses to reveal, tell, and make clear, He exists, His character, and His plan of salvation. Revelation consists of two parts; General Revelation and Special Revelation. The Westminster’s Larger Catechism helpfully explains the revelation of God in its second question and answer when it states, “The very light of nature in man, and the works of God, declare plainly that there is a God; but His Word and Spirit only do sufficiently and effectually reveal Him unto men for their salvation.

First, general revelation is that which can be known about God by observing creation and in a general way in human conscience. One of the clearest passages on the general revelation of God is Psalms 19, where in verse one, it declares, “ the heavens declare the glory of God and the sky above proclaims His handiwork”. Even through Atheists try to claim there is no God, both creation and the human nature showcase that God exists and He exists to be known. According to Romans 1:18-20, it renders man without excuse concerning the wrath of God (Acts 14:16-17, Romans 2:14-16). General revelation makes God known and knowable and puts the responsibility on humans to know God deeper from His special revelation.

Second, Special Revelation is God’s revelation of Himself in His Word, the Bible or through other means in a special way to His creatures. The majority of God’s special revelation come in the form of His written Holy Word. God’s Word is the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments which is the Closed Canon of Scripture. The London Baptist Confession clearly defines special revelation in its opening sentences where it reads, “The Holy Scripture is the only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience. Although the light of nature and the works of creation (general revelation) and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable; yet they are not sufficient to give that knowledge of God and His will which is necessary unto salvation”. The Special Revelation of God is an act of His grace in that He gives His people His Word so they know salvation, His Will, and what obedience and affections look like towards God. The Bible, being special revelation from God, is special based upon its character and make-up, which leads into the second point.

Perseverance of the Saints

After answering her question on God's election of His saints and their responsibility, she then asked about eternal security and the idea of "once saved, always saved". Here was her question and my answer. 

What is meant by the perseverance of the saints?

The perseverance of the saints is the term, that came out of the Reformation and is used in the Canons of Dort, that speaks to the sovereign power and grace of God that secures and completes the salvation of His elect until the end of time and their glorification in Heaven. This doctrine consists of two parts’ eternal security and the believers assurance.

First, eternal security in the power of God to secure and preserve His elect to the salvation He elects them to. Eternal security refers to God’s power to keep those whom He has saved (John 10:28). This also includes the sealing of the Spirit and the fact that those God has chosen and called cannot lose the calling and choice of God in salvation (1 Peter 5:10). The eternal security of the believer is a mix of the preservation of God in those whom he loves and the perseverance of the believer in killing sin, bearing fruit, and delighting in God.

The second part of perseverance of the saints is the full assurance of the elect of their salvation and grace of God. Assurance describes the peace that a believer feels in knowing that his sins have been forgiven and that he is a child of God (1 John 5:13). Assurance comes from the Holy Spirit in the believer, as they bear good fruit, delight in God, and are encouraged by a local body of saints. As someone once said, “we are justified by faith alone but a faith that saves is never alone”.

As R.C. Sproul quotes in the final chapter of his book, “Chosen by God”, “once in grace, always in grace. Another way of stating it is, ‘if you have it [salvation] you never lose it; if you lose it, you never had it’” (2010 pg. 253). Yes, the Bible consists of many warning passages to the Elect. But these are their to remind the elect to be diligent and persevere in their walk with God. Because God is sovereign over salvation and His elect, those whom He chose in His grace, for His glory, in His good pleasure for salvation, He will keep until that salvation is finished and the elect persevere until glory.

God's Election and Human responsibility

Yesterday I posted a question a friend of mine recently asked me. I also posted the answer I gave to the question. That question and answer was the beginning of a longer conversation with many more questions and answers. Over the next few posts, I will continue to gives the question asked and the answer I gave. I pray these questions and answers are helpful, because they were extremely helpful for me, as I thought through what was asked and how the Bible answered the question.

What is the relationship between the electing work of God and the responsibility of man?

If I was to describe the relationship between election and human responsibility, I would turn to the illustration C.H. Spurgeon gave. This relationship is like standing on train tracks. Clearly, right at our feet, is two separate rails that are tied together by wood planks. This is how the Bible points to salvation. God clearly has His sovereign hand over His salvation and elects those unto salvation. Without the election of God, man would never be saved. But there is also a second rail in human responsibility. The Bible is clear with man’s responsibility and points to what man must do to be saved. Spurgeon then point to the fact, that if we look down the track towards the horizon, the two rails meld into one train track seen. This is how salvation works when looking at it from a distance. Salvation is not found apart from the election of God, yet humans are clearly responsible to do something.

God’s part in salvation, is made clear all throughout the Bible, specifically in the act of regeneration or “new life”. God the Holy Spirit regenerates people. Without the work of regeneration, no human would be saved. Regeneration produces faith, belief, and a new life full of new desires and affections in God. Regeneration is an act of God, that is part of the salvation process, which is also being born again (John 3:3-8). As R.C. Sproul so helpfully reminds us, in his book, Chosen by God, “dead men cannot make themselves come alive. Dead men cannot create spiritual life within themselves” (Ephesians 2:1-3) As he states later, “He [God] regenerates us; we cannot do it ourselves or even help Him with the task” (2010 pg. 220). Regeneration is an essential act of God in the salvation of His elect. God elects those whom he will regenerate (Titus 3:5). This is one, of multiple acts, that God alone will preform in the salvation of His elect. Regeneration, along with justification, adoption, election, redemption, propitiation, and reconciliation, showcase God’s sovereign hand over His salvation.

But the Bible is also clear, man is responsible to believe and have faith in God. The Bible repeatly calls man to repent of his sin. To repent is to “change your direction.” A sinner comes to the point of seeing his sin as God sees it. He turns from his sin to embrace salvation from sin in Christ (Acts 3:19, Acts 26:20). Repentance is part of the human responsibility. The Bible also is clear, man needs faith in God for salvation. Saving faith is an active trust in the redemptive work of Christ (Acts 16:31). It operates exclusively apart from works or the keeping of the law (Romans 3:28), because it is a free gift of God in regeneration. Faith is a response to the conviction of the Holy Spirit as described in John 16:8-11. Saving faith is the only means for salvation (salvation by faith alone) and is also a daily part of the life of a believer. Finally, the Bible is very clear on the good works that must be produced in the life of one who believes in Jesus. After the acts of repentance and saving faith, a person must bear fruit as they are now grafted into the vine of Life. As James teaches, faith without works is dead (2:14-26). John the Baptist shows the connection between repentance and bearing fruit as the assurance of salvation (Luke 3:1-14). I am not stating by this that you can know for sure a person is saved by the bearing of fruit in their lives, but that works along with the claim of faith is a good indicator. Works are simply the fruit of God’s salvation in the life of a person. The Bible is clear, humans are clearly responsible.

The relationship between God’s election in salvation and human responsibility will never be fully or perfectly understood. As Ephesians 2 states, “we are saved by grace through faith, but this is a gift from God”. As Sproul shows, “when God regenerates a human soul, when He makes us spiritually alive, we make choices. We believe. We have faith. We cling to Christ. Go does not believe for us. Faith is not monergistic” (2010 pg.222). The Bible is clear. God is sovereign over salvation and without his work, we would be lost. But we are also responsible to believe and have faith and without belief and faith in God, we stand condemned. Oh, what a beautiful things salvation is as God works in us for His good will and pleasure.