Doctrine Divides

  The phrase in the above title is a common one in US Christian circles. Oftentimes it is used to prevent meaningful discussion for fear of division. Yet the truth is that our personal "theology" strongly influences how we live. For example, there is a vast difference between an understanding of grace as the God given power to live a life of obedience to Christ or as a rationale for doing what we personally desire to do.
   In 1 Timothy 3:14-15 Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, writes, "I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth." (ESV)
    Jesus says that the words that He speaks are "spirit and life." (John 6:63b ESV) The writers of the epistles are very concerned with false teaching. In some of the strongest language of the entire New Testament, Paul writes, " "But even if an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed." (Gal. 1:8-9 ESV) What we believe does matter. We short-circuit this when we throw the word "legalism" or the phrase "religious spirit" around. Most of the time these simply deflect our need to obey God.
     "But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed." (Romans 6:17)
     "For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience-by word and deed." (Romans 15:18)
    The author of Hebrews speaks of the "author of eternal salvation to those who obey Him." (Heb. 5:9)
What we do or do not do is of great significance. And what we do is ultimately based on what we believe. So does doctrine divide? Yes, into two kingdoms.

February 24, 2014 Reflections

  Will try to capture some swirling thoughts today. One is the amazing diversity of worship practice in the Body of Christ, and ideas about how to do things "decently and in order." ( 1 Corinthians 14:40) Related to this is the reality that after listening to and singing worship songs in English for over forty years there are always ones that i do not know.
    Another is revisiting a concept that i refer to as the 3 A's, namely attention, approval and affection. I believe that God has created us with these needs which, oftentimes, only He can satisfy although sometimes He allows other people to participate in the process.
    In reading through the Bible again I came today upon David's prayer of blessing during the preparation for the building of Solomon's temple. This is a passage that i had memorized twenty some years ago. It reads,
     "Therefore David blessed the Lord in the presence of all the assembly. And David said; 'Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head over all. Both riches and honor  come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name." ( 1 Chronicles 29:10-13 ESV)
    Among other things this passage expresses God's ownership of everything including the kingdom. God owns everything, is head over all, rules over all and gives strength to all.
    Finally, a true disciple of Jesus Christ is governed by His Word.

Daniel Plan

     A friend of mine named Ed called me last week, and among other things, told me about an approach to prayer that he, his adult son Nathaniel, and their respective wives have started based on Daniel 6:10. Daniel was the highest official of the land under a pagan king. The other officials wanted to get rid of them but could find nothing wrong with his actions. They decided to enact a law that no one could pray to anyone except the king, which he approved. In Daniel 6:10 we read, "When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open towards Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously." (ESV) The Scripture goes on to tell of a miraculous deliverance from a night in the lion's den.
     The idea that Ed shared was to make a commitment to pray 3 times each day, and to have accountability by e-mailing someone else at the close of the day to confirm success. Those who read this blog on a regular basis are aware that the Lord has convicted me of the necessity for greater human accountability. I believe that our surrender to the Lordship of Christ is too subjective and theoretical if we refuse to be accountable to another believer. The other advantage of the three times a day for a minimum of fifteen minutes ( one can always pray longer or more often) is the regular refocusing on God. Praying faithfully once a day is great but as humans we can drift a long way before the next day arrives. Praying three times each day as Daniel did helps to prevent this.
     "For he is the living God, enduring forever
his kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end.
He delivers and rescues; he works signs and wonders in heaven and earth,
he who has saved Daniel from the power of the lions."
(Daniel 6:26b-27 ESV)
    A word to the wise is sufficient.
   

Patriot's History of the Modern World Vol.II

Larry Schweikart and Dave Doughery return with the second volume of their conservative history covering the period from the end of the Second world War in 1946 through the Age of Entitlement in 2012. Once again they hammer home the tragic reality that the US has flushed the four primary pillars of our former exceptionalism down the toilet. "The pillars of property rights and the Christian religion were also under unrelenting attack..." (pg. 582)
   Just a few examples should suffice. In 1960 the Democrats stole the Presidential election from Richard Nixon with massive vote fraud because he was more concerned about the effect on the country of a prolonged electoral fight than for his own desires, integrity sadly lacking in 2000.
    The Great Society programs initiated by LBJ in 1965 where the Federal government took over from families, private charities, local and state governments the "mandate" of helping the poor has been a colossal failure, waste of trillions, and destruction of millions of families. Yet the government continues to demand ever more money from its more economically productive citizens.
    The total absurdity, irrationality, and destructiveness of these and all other liberal, leftist, statist policies can be traced to the one whom Jesus said came to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10) There is no other reasonable explanation than deception on a grand scale. The Bible says "The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness." ( 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)
    The team of Schweikart and Doughery merely document the process.

Looking to Jesus

     Hebrews 12:2a (ESV) reads, "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith." Oftentimes when we look at ourselves and our situation, or that of others with whom we are connected, it is easy to get discouraged. Conflict and contention can arise. We need to be reminded of why we follow Jesus, and why we get together with others who do also. We need to remember who Jesus is.
    One passage that speaks powerfully of  Him is Colossians 1:15-20. "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities- all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from among the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."
    Reflect on the grandeur of the exalted Christ who created everything, and whose love for us compelled him to atone for our independence and rebellion on the cross.
   The author of Hebrews by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit writes of Jesus, "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you?...'
     But of the Son he says, "Your throne , O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom." (Hebrews 1:3-5a, 8 ESV)
    So let us lay aside every weight, and sin, and run with endurance (Hebrews 12:1para). Let us fix our eyes on the glory, beauty, and truth of the Lord. He is the One whom we follow and why we fellowship with others.

All Those Who Live Godly

Second Timothy 3:12 reads, "All those who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." This isn't one of our favorite promises as Christians yet it does contain hope for us. Genuine persecution indicates that we are living in a God pleasing way. American Christians are informed about persecution even to death by organizations like Voice of the Martyrs but we don't usually consider it happening here. For some time I have been convinced that persecution is at the door, and the door is open. Strong prejudice especially in elite and media circles has been normal for decades. Four primary pillars of our society- free market capitalism, property rights, common law emanating from the consent of the governed, and strong Christian faith that produces a morality accepted by the surrounding culture are largely lost.
     As a life long student of history parallels to the Roman republic and the Weimar republic are eerie. While the Roman republic took longer to fall both eventually accepted dictators with dire consequences for themselves and the world. Advances in technology makes it possible for ever smaller numbers of people to control the rest.  Faith in the world political or economic systems is unwise. God can pull the plug on both at any time.
     How is a Christian to respond to ever greater pressure to surrender to the world? Matthew 5:39 tells us "Do not resist (physically, in context) the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." The author of Hebrews writes, "But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward." (Hebrews 10:33-35 ESV) May this be our attitude.

This Little Church Had None: A Church in Search of Biblical Truth

     One of the best books that i have read in recent years is "This Little Church Had None," by Gary Gilley, and co-author Jay Wegter. Gilley writes two of the three sections, with Wegter contributing the third. Part One, labeled 'Obstacles to Truth' examines the infatuation of many American churches with seeker-sensitivity where the emphasis is on the person rather than on God; the emergent church and its descending into heresy; paganism under various guises; the prosperity "gospel;" pragmatism, and the onslaught of atheism. While many people would not label themselves in these ways, their thinking, and resultant actions show differently.
    The second portion speaks of the foundational importance of the Word of God, and pastoring people who have been heavily influenced by the world.
   The final section shows how to present a more Biblical gospel through antithesis, the process of using leading questions to confront unbelievers with the inadequacy of their worldviews. Questions include:
Where did we come from? Who made us?
Who are we? What is our worth and value?
What has gone wrong with the world?  Evil, suffering, death, injustice
What can we do to fix it?
    As people respond we must present the Biblical worldview. People must come to grips with the utter hopelessness of their sinful state, and desperate need for a Savior before we give them the "good news."
     God willing, i hope to purchase a copy and read it again.
"In the course of effective evangelism, we steer the conversation to a point at which there is an irreconcilable clash between sources of authority. (God or self)"
     "The Christian apologist must always be aware that sinners will not be satisfied with the answers we give until they give up their rebellion against God." (pg. 204)

Ponzi/Pyramid Schemes

Recently somehow whom i know, and who appears to have financial acumen, told me about an opportunity to augment my income. It involved placing Internet ads, which could be done through an "app." What made it more strange was the admission that selling an  actual product or service was counter-productive to making money. The best way was to enlist others to join your "organization" at almost fifteen hundred dollars a whack. The company, which has a virtual office in the US, has been outlawed in another major country, and is being investigated in others, promises to pay $100 minimum a week for one year, effectively tripling your original investment. The more people whom you sponsor, and every new person requires a sponsor, the more you can make. One person whom we know has quit their job and is making over $2,000 a week.
    Although there is a technical difference between a Ponzi scheme (named after Charles Ponzi in the beginning of the last century) and a pyramid scheme, the above description suffices. Both require an ever growing number of people willing to plunk down their  money ( in this case almost $1500)to pay the earlier entrants. Eventually there is insufficent people to do this and the whole thing collapses. Those who got in early make something while the latecomers lose all or most of their "investment."
   The sad thing is that "Christians," despite the warning of the Scriptures, get involved in this and the Name of the Lord Jesus is dishonored.
"And he (Jesus) said to them, 'Take care, and be on your guard against all kinds of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." (Luke 12:15 ESV)
"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs." ( 1 Timothy 6:9-10 ESV)
   "Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one." ( 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 ESV)
     Ironically, what is immoral and often illegal for private citizens to do, is legal for governments, as in Social Security, where promises have been made to an ever growing number of people, which cannot possibly be met without huge amounts of inflation.

Say What You Will

A friend sent me a photo of a sign that reads, "Say What You Will About the South, but no one retires and moves up north." ( For international readers the southern part of the US is usually warmer than the north) Thanks for the chuckle, Rob.
    This reminds me of my all time favorite bumper sticker, "Eschew Obfuscation." (Note for those who first language may not be English. Eschew is an old English word no longer used that means not to do something. Obfuscation is rarely used and means to confuse and makes things more difficult on purpose. In other words the bumper sticker is doing the exact opposite of what it says to do,)
   All seriousness aside, it is snowing vigorously here. We are expected to get 6- 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) today, and more later in the week.
    I will take a little humor wherever i can find it, especially in light of the book reviewed in my last post. Last night I began the sequel, which confirmed that the US has discarded all four of the interlocking pillars that had given hope to so many from so many lands. While I put my ultimate trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, and understand that pain, suffering, and persecution are part of the normal Christian life, I still find it lamentable to see the ongoing destruction of American society.
     "And he (Jesus) will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." (Matthew 24:31 ESV)

A Patriot's History of the Modern World Part I

   "A Patriot's History of the Modern World," is a sequel to the NY Times best-selling Patriot's History of the United States. The earlier volume covered the time period from Columbus to the War on Terror, while the current volume confines itself from the Spanish-American War of 1898 to the end of the Second World War in 1945. The principal author, Larry Schweikart, a rare example of a conservative university history professor, details the struggle between "Progressives," those who want ever increasing government control of all aspects of society ostensibly for the common good, and "constitutionalists," who desire a limited government. and individual responsibility. Schweikart and his co-author Dave Dougherty also examine four pillars of American exceptionalism which they state do not exist in any other country of the world.
    These pillars are a heritage of common law, a Christian and predominantly Protestant religious tradition; a free market economy, and property rights, especially land rights. More explicitly common law comes from the people upward in contrast to civil law, which flows downward from a monarch or comparable authority. Protestant Christianity teaches individual relationship with God, and thus the importance of each person studying the Bible for himself which leads to a reliance on morality rather than coercion to obey laws and harmonize with others. American capitalism relied on individual entrepreneurs rather than state run industry. Property rights promoted self reliance. Tragically all of these pillars have been repeatedly attacked and diminished. Only a diluted semblance remains.
     In actuality much of the book centers around events in Europe particularly the two World Wars, and the example of Calvin Coolidge"s administration, who did more to push back the growth of government than any other of the past hundred plus years, is barely mentioned. The authors should have devoted more time to explicit evidence of the importance of the four pillars rather than reciting events in other countries.  Nonetheless they provide a seldom written perspective that aids to counter the prevailing leftist revisionism and castigating of the US as the source of all the problems in the world.

Building a Culture of Discipleship

     Jesus said that He would build His church (Matthew 16:18). His followers are commanded to make disciples. ( Matthew 28:19) His definition of a disciple is someone who is taught and does His commands. (Matthew 28:20)  The underlying Greek word for disciple is "mathetes," someone who is a learner. In order to learn one must be teachable. And we need someone to teach us how to live in a Christ honoring way. This requires mutual commitment, and accountability on the part of the disciple to the discipler.
    I can say that i am submitted to the Lordship of Christ. If someone is deeply involved in my life that claim can be verified or not. In practice very little of this discipleship is happening in the US. Part of the reason is that the Church has not forged a culture of discipleship.
     If we can accept the premise that pastors are the best equipped to disciple people (possible) then most have no vision for this, have no time after their other duties, and could not personally disciple very many even if convinced that this was the will of God.
     Americans are culturally opposed to the idea of being accountable to anyone. God is raising up pioneers; the challenge is great. How to persuade someone that merely going to a good evangelical church, and being a nice person is not what Jesus requires but rather a transformation of one's whole life. Prayer, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and denial of self from those who are receiving the call to discipleship are crucial. May God have mercy on us. Jesus says about those who would be His disciples
John 8:31-32   They will know the truth of the Word of God
John 13:34-35 They will love one another
John 15:8  They will bear much fruit  (other disciples)
Luke 14:25-35  They will renounce all that they have