1 Corinthians 3 - A summary illustration.
Picture a building (the “growth” in v7); also referred to as the “field” in v9; the “temple” in v16).
The foundation of the building is Christ (v11). See also Eph.2:20-22.
There is servant workers (vss 6-9; i.e., the teachers; those who are doing the “building”).
Apostle Paul is the appointed foreman (v10 – “wise master builder”). He has the blueprint given to him from the Master Architect.
Different materials are available to build (or hold) the building together (v12 – “gold, silver,
precious stones, wood, hay, straw”; i.e., figurative for doctrines (teachings); some good, some not so good, some worthless).
THE CAREFUL BUILDER - Some workers are more careful than others in the building materials they use (v10 – “be careful” i.e., in what they teach. cp. James 3:1, “Be not many teachers…”)
Fire will test the “work” (the material; the teaching; and the motivations behind their labor) used to build (v13). The “fire” of God’s judgment at the last Day, when all men will give an account of
their “works” to God (Romans 2:2-11; 2 Cor.5:10). Not something to be feared by the worker who
is following the foreman’s instructions (1 Thess.2:13 “…that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it, not as the word of men, but as it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.”
A careful worker will carefully teach the doctrine delivered to us. “If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the
Lord’s commandment. But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.”
(1 Cor.14:37-38)
Quality material (sound teaching) will withstand the test and prove worthy (v14). cp 1Peter1:7, “that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus
Christ.”
Those workers (“if any man’s work…remains…”) who have used quality material (sound teaching) “he will receive a reward” i.e., the joy of seeing the fruit of their labors; cp.1Cor. 9:1, “are
you not (the result of) my work in the Lord?” also 1Thess.2:19-20, “For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation, is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?” The quality of the work is dependent upon how it relates to the foundation – Christ. (v14).
THE CARELESS BUILDER - Those workers (“if any man’s work is burned up…”) who, through ignorance or negligence, are careless in “how he builds”, will see their material (careless teaching) burned up (v15) but they themselves, by grace, “shall be saved”. The Day of Christ’s return will reveal the true interpretation of all biblical controversies. Careless teaching will be burned up, thereby showing its lack of quality – even uselessness (v15) cp. Phil.3:8, “…I have suffered the loss (same usage as in v15) of all things and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ”).
THE ONE WHO IS OUT TO DESTROY - In contrast to the careful and careless teacher, there are those workers (“if any man destroys…”) whose intent is to destroy the building (the “temple of God” in v17). Yet they will be destroyed.
These are false teachers. cp. 2Cor.11:13, “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers…” also Phil.3:2,“…Beware of the evil workers…”
Summary - “Let no man deceive himself” (v18) i.e., to the false teachers, who believe the wisdom of the world will protect them from the judgment of God. “So then let no one boast in men.”(v21) i.e., boasting in the teaching of mere men without the authority of God’s Word.
Cp. 1Tim.4:16, “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.”
Friday, April 13, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
The Law of Christ - Traveling in Freedom
This short paper was written as a follow up to the previous post titled "The Treasure Hunt".
Hopefully it helps us understand the difference between living under the Law of Moses and the Law of Christ.
The Law of Christ – Traveling in Freedom
A practical illustration for us, as believers, to help us understand the Law of Christ in relationship to the Law of Moses, is to see ourselves as travelers on roadways with traffic laws
(i.e., the Law of Moses), yet always traveling in conscious awareness of “loving our neighbor as ourselves.” (i.e., The Law of Christ) (Lev.19:18; Matt.5:43)
This translates into our exhibiting, by the grace of God working within us, the fruit of the Spirit
(Gal.5:22-23) to our fellow travelers in ways that, if our intent was merely to obey the traffic laws, we would not experience the joy of loving our neighbor as ourselves.
Traffic laws are observable. There are signs and regulations that are readily seen. But the Law of Christ is not observable in the sense that we can point to signs posted along the way and be
satisfied we have met, or are meeting, the requirements of these laws.
As an example - a sign saying, “Do not stop on shoulder of road” might justify us from helping a fellow traveler who has inadvertently driven into a ditch on the side of the road. Some might continue driving on, because, as their argument might go, they have kept their obligation to the posted law. The Law of Christ however, would enable us to see beyond the “letter” of the law (which was to prevent thoughtless parking on the side of the road) and give us liberty to help out our fellow traveler.
In another instance, obeying the posted 10 mile an hour speed limit in a subdivision where we observe children are playing may not get you a ticket, but may still endanger a child who runs unawares into the street. The Law of Christ, not the posted speed limit, will cause us to slow down even more, and to be watchful for one of these “little ones”.
But believers coexist with an unbelieving world. There is a good purpose for traffic laws. There is a reason for the Law of Moses also. Both laws attempt to keep the disobedient orderly (1 Tim.1:8-11). Without laws, the unbeliever would have no self-justifying reason or obligation to refrain from doing as they please.
Traffic laws hold people accountable, under threat of punishment, and protect us from careless or purposeful lawlessness. In the same way, The Law of Moses holds even those who profess they keep that law accountable. At best, those laws create order. At their worst, no one can claim to have kept them perfectly (Romans 3:19-20).
The freedoms we believers have in traveling in a world of laws, yet set free to ultimately obey the Law of Christ, are expressed by our concern for the well being of our fellow travelers. There is no limitation to the amount of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control (the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5) we might display to
others while traveling. This is why Galatians 5:23 ends with, “against such there is no law.”
Imagine traveling the country on roads where there is no traffic laws to be enforced, yet everyone is looking out for each other!
While we need laws to protect ourselves from those who desire to live recklessly, what laws would be needed to restrict us from loving and serving each other?
Merely obeying traffic laws, or the Law of Moses, can result in a joyless, loveless journey. The freedom to do more than the law requires, as the Law of Christ enables us to, makes every
detour, hill, valley, and encounter with others, only another opportunity to express the love of Christ.
For believers, the Law of Christ is written on our hearts and cannot be taught,
only revealed to us as an act of God in salvation. As we read the Word of God and contemplate
the example of Jesus Christ, we will see more clearly how to manifest the Law of Christ in our lives.
Hopefully it helps us understand the difference between living under the Law of Moses and the Law of Christ.
The Law of Christ – Traveling in Freedom
A practical illustration for us, as believers, to help us understand the Law of Christ in relationship to the Law of Moses, is to see ourselves as travelers on roadways with traffic laws
(i.e., the Law of Moses), yet always traveling in conscious awareness of “loving our neighbor as ourselves.” (i.e., The Law of Christ) (Lev.19:18; Matt.5:43)
This translates into our exhibiting, by the grace of God working within us, the fruit of the Spirit
(Gal.5:22-23) to our fellow travelers in ways that, if our intent was merely to obey the traffic laws, we would not experience the joy of loving our neighbor as ourselves.
Traffic laws are observable. There are signs and regulations that are readily seen. But the Law of Christ is not observable in the sense that we can point to signs posted along the way and be
satisfied we have met, or are meeting, the requirements of these laws.
As an example - a sign saying, “Do not stop on shoulder of road” might justify us from helping a fellow traveler who has inadvertently driven into a ditch on the side of the road. Some might continue driving on, because, as their argument might go, they have kept their obligation to the posted law. The Law of Christ however, would enable us to see beyond the “letter” of the law (which was to prevent thoughtless parking on the side of the road) and give us liberty to help out our fellow traveler.
In another instance, obeying the posted 10 mile an hour speed limit in a subdivision where we observe children are playing may not get you a ticket, but may still endanger a child who runs unawares into the street. The Law of Christ, not the posted speed limit, will cause us to slow down even more, and to be watchful for one of these “little ones”.
But believers coexist with an unbelieving world. There is a good purpose for traffic laws. There is a reason for the Law of Moses also. Both laws attempt to keep the disobedient orderly (1 Tim.1:8-11). Without laws, the unbeliever would have no self-justifying reason or obligation to refrain from doing as they please.
Traffic laws hold people accountable, under threat of punishment, and protect us from careless or purposeful lawlessness. In the same way, The Law of Moses holds even those who profess they keep that law accountable. At best, those laws create order. At their worst, no one can claim to have kept them perfectly (Romans 3:19-20).
The freedoms we believers have in traveling in a world of laws, yet set free to ultimately obey the Law of Christ, are expressed by our concern for the well being of our fellow travelers. There is no limitation to the amount of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control (the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5) we might display to
others while traveling. This is why Galatians 5:23 ends with, “against such there is no law.”
Imagine traveling the country on roads where there is no traffic laws to be enforced, yet everyone is looking out for each other!
While we need laws to protect ourselves from those who desire to live recklessly, what laws would be needed to restrict us from loving and serving each other?
Merely obeying traffic laws, or the Law of Moses, can result in a joyless, loveless journey. The freedom to do more than the law requires, as the Law of Christ enables us to, makes every
detour, hill, valley, and encounter with others, only another opportunity to express the love of Christ.
For believers, the Law of Christ is written on our hearts and cannot be taught,
only revealed to us as an act of God in salvation. As we read the Word of God and contemplate
the example of Jesus Christ, we will see more clearly how to manifest the Law of Christ in our lives.
The Treasure Hunt
I wrote this short paper in 2007 in order to clear up any misunderstanding of my teaching on the difference between law and grace. Nearly every time I was teaching on this passage, I would hear someone complain, "The ten commandments are not ten suggestions!".
Hopefully this helps clear some things up.
The Treasure Hunt – regarding Matt.5:17 “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law
or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.”
An analogy: There is a treasure hidden and for many years’ men have had a map that contains the clues to finding the treasure, yet the location of the treasure has remained a mystery. A man
finally comes along who understands the meaning behind the clues that lead to the treasure. It can be said afterward, that this man did not "abolish" or reject the clues that lead him to the treasure, but that he “fulfilled” the intended purpose of the clues.
In a similar way, Jesus took the clues (the mystery) of the Old Testament law and prophecies and revealed to us that it was He Himself that these clues were speaking of. Jesus was
the "fulfillment" (i.e., completion) of the Law and Prophets.
Jesus did not come to destroy or “abolish” the Law of Moses or the prophecies, but He
came to show that the treasure was now found, "completed" in Himself.
Jesus is the Treasure!
We can now look back at the clues in the
OT and realize, in hindsight, that although the answer was right in front of
us, failing to see Christ, we fail to find the Treasure.
For example, the clues regarding the Sabbath day are now seen to be, not a "day” (24 hours as such) of rest, but were only a shadow (a clue) that the "Sabbath rest" was speaking of our eternal rest in Christ (“For we who have believed enter that rest…” Heb.4:3,10). If we continue to
see the Sabbath (or Sunday) as a 24 hour period where no physical work is allowed, we fail to see Christ as the Treasure already revealed and will find ourselves restlessly searching for something that has already been given to us.
This same truth may be applied to understanding such things as the Passover in Egypt (“For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed…” (1Cor.1:7), or the holy sacrifices (…"But as it is, He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself” Heb. 9:26), and countless other examples in the Scriptures.
Jesus said "These are My words which I spoke to you
while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the
Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled. Then He
opened their minds to understand the Scriptures" (Luke 24:44,45).
"Fulfilled" is the same word as in Matt.5:17. Not meaning "to continue", but "made
complete".
Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:17 are not to be understood that the Law is to continue in the same manner as previously understood, but that Jesus Himself is the fulfillment of the Law.
Pray that God would open our minds to better understand the shadows, types and patterns in the OT that picture our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us not be like the Israelites, “But their minds were
hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.” (2 Cor. 3:14-16)
Hopefully this helps clear some things up.
The Treasure Hunt – regarding Matt.5:17 “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law
or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.”
An analogy: There is a treasure hidden and for many years’ men have had a map that contains the clues to finding the treasure, yet the location of the treasure has remained a mystery. A man
finally comes along who understands the meaning behind the clues that lead to the treasure. It can be said afterward, that this man did not "abolish" or reject the clues that lead him to the treasure, but that he “fulfilled” the intended purpose of the clues.
In a similar way, Jesus took the clues (the mystery) of the Old Testament law and prophecies and revealed to us that it was He Himself that these clues were speaking of. Jesus was
the "fulfillment" (i.e., completion) of the Law and Prophets.
Jesus did not come to destroy or “abolish” the Law of Moses or the prophecies, but He
came to show that the treasure was now found, "completed" in Himself.
Jesus is the Treasure!
We can now look back at the clues in the
OT and realize, in hindsight, that although the answer was right in front of
us, failing to see Christ, we fail to find the Treasure.
For example, the clues regarding the Sabbath day are now seen to be, not a "day” (24 hours as such) of rest, but were only a shadow (a clue) that the "Sabbath rest" was speaking of our eternal rest in Christ (“For we who have believed enter that rest…” Heb.4:3,10). If we continue to
see the Sabbath (or Sunday) as a 24 hour period where no physical work is allowed, we fail to see Christ as the Treasure already revealed and will find ourselves restlessly searching for something that has already been given to us.
This same truth may be applied to understanding such things as the Passover in Egypt (“For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed…” (1Cor.1:7), or the holy sacrifices (…"But as it is, He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself” Heb. 9:26), and countless other examples in the Scriptures.
Jesus said "These are My words which I spoke to you
while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the
Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled. Then He
opened their minds to understand the Scriptures" (Luke 24:44,45).
"Fulfilled" is the same word as in Matt.5:17. Not meaning "to continue", but "made
complete".
Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:17 are not to be understood that the Law is to continue in the same manner as previously understood, but that Jesus Himself is the fulfillment of the Law.
Pray that God would open our minds to better understand the shadows, types and patterns in the OT that picture our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us not be like the Israelites, “But their minds were
hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.” (2 Cor. 3:14-16)
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Are the church's problems related to culture?
Can we really say that we need to adjust our beliefs according to the culture we find ourselves in?
No - not really.
Here is a man I am proud to call my friend.
http://lifeabroadathandong.blogspot.com/2012/02/people-of-yangon-i-perceive-that-in.html
I'm reminded again that love without truth creates a vacuum in the church.
"Sanctify them in the truth; Thy Word is truth." John 17:17
"But speaking the TRUTH in LOVE, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, Who is the head, even Christ." Ephesians 4:15
"And put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH, Each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members of one another." Ephesians 4:24-25
Love appeals to our emotions. The Apostle Paul goes further and appeals to our understanding, our knowledge, what we have been taught.
Whenever someone stresses that "all we need is love" in the church, red flags go up all over my mind.
Ephesians Chapter 4 really addresses this.
Take a moment to read the chapter.
No - not really.
Here is a man I am proud to call my friend.
http://lifeabroadathandong.blogspot.com/2012/02/people-of-yangon-i-perceive-that-in.html
I'm reminded again that love without truth creates a vacuum in the church.
"Sanctify them in the truth; Thy Word is truth." John 17:17
"But speaking the TRUTH in LOVE, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, Who is the head, even Christ." Ephesians 4:15
"And put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH, Each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members of one another." Ephesians 4:24-25
Love appeals to our emotions. The Apostle Paul goes further and appeals to our understanding, our knowledge, what we have been taught.
Whenever someone stresses that "all we need is love" in the church, red flags go up all over my mind.
Ephesians Chapter 4 really addresses this.
Take a moment to read the chapter.
Friday, February 24, 2012
What we as men should value
Here's a link to Ray Ortlund's blog.
His son Dane spoke at Cornerstone a few years back.
I remember being very impressed.
What's the saying - the apple doesn't fall far from the tree?
I mean that in the best sense.
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/rayortlund/2012/02/24/what-kind-of-men-does-god-use/
While teaching 2 Corinthians this quarter in Sunday School, I am painfully reminded how far our lives are from reflecting the labor and suffering of the early apostles. Hear the Apostle Paul in 2 Cor. 11:24-33.
"Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?
30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. 32 At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in order to seize me, 33 but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands."
As I read so much material in the Christian internet world - of mission statements, vision, leadership roles, and church growth boasts - I am reminded from Paul's letters, that service to our Lord Jesus Christ most likely will result in suffering, both mentally and physically.
1 Thess.3:1 "Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, 3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain."
The early Apostles, the Reformers like Luther, the leaders of the Great Awakening, all of them did not look forward to the suffering. In fact, just like Paul in Damascus, they did everything they could, for the most part, to escape suffering. But suffering followed them.
We live in strange times. I will turn 58 tomorrow. Married 30 years this June. Saved by grace for almost 34 years. The Christian churches seem to have lost direction. Our country seems to have lost it's moral compass also. Our economy is the worst in my lifetime. The world and it's wars are endless and evil seems to have the upper hand.
I'm reminded of the old hymn - "...and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace."
Strangely dim indeed.
Maybe we should take Paul's words to the Thessalonians more to heart today. We WILL suffer affliction if we choose to serve Jesus. It might mean suffering in our wallet, our marriage, our relationships, our body, our psyche. But read again #2 from Ray Ortlund's blog:
2. They are bent on success: “As warriors, they set their hearts on victory and fought with the believing anticipation of triumph, under the guidance of such a Captain as their head.”
This blog post is a reminder to myself -
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
And I give permission to anyone reading this blog post to remind me of it again and again as necessary.
His son Dane spoke at Cornerstone a few years back.
I remember being very impressed.
What's the saying - the apple doesn't fall far from the tree?
I mean that in the best sense.
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/rayortlund/2012/02/24/what-kind-of-men-does-god-use/
While teaching 2 Corinthians this quarter in Sunday School, I am painfully reminded how far our lives are from reflecting the labor and suffering of the early apostles. Hear the Apostle Paul in 2 Cor. 11:24-33.
"Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?
30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. 32 At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in order to seize me, 33 but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands."
As I read so much material in the Christian internet world - of mission statements, vision, leadership roles, and church growth boasts - I am reminded from Paul's letters, that service to our Lord Jesus Christ most likely will result in suffering, both mentally and physically.
1 Thess.3:1 "Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, 3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain."
The early Apostles, the Reformers like Luther, the leaders of the Great Awakening, all of them did not look forward to the suffering. In fact, just like Paul in Damascus, they did everything they could, for the most part, to escape suffering. But suffering followed them.
We live in strange times. I will turn 58 tomorrow. Married 30 years this June. Saved by grace for almost 34 years. The Christian churches seem to have lost direction. Our country seems to have lost it's moral compass also. Our economy is the worst in my lifetime. The world and it's wars are endless and evil seems to have the upper hand.
I'm reminded of the old hymn - "...and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace."
Strangely dim indeed.
Maybe we should take Paul's words to the Thessalonians more to heart today. We WILL suffer affliction if we choose to serve Jesus. It might mean suffering in our wallet, our marriage, our relationships, our body, our psyche. But read again #2 from Ray Ortlund's blog:
2. They are bent on success: “As warriors, they set their hearts on victory and fought with the believing anticipation of triumph, under the guidance of such a Captain as their head.”
This blog post is a reminder to myself -
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
And I give permission to anyone reading this blog post to remind me of it again and again as necessary.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Can't buy me love
I love the story of Martin Luther.
What I like best about him was his willingness to stand up for what he believed the bible teaches and to courageously face opponents - even to the point of being threatened with death.
Here's an excerpt from an article in Christianity Today:
In his seminal Luther: Man Between God and the Devil (English edition Yale, 1989), Reformation scholar Heiko Oberman renders Luther's speech like this:
"Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Holy Scriptures or by evident reason-for I can believe neither pope nor councils alone, as it is clear that they have erred repeatedly and contradicted themselves-I consider myself convicted by the testimony of Holy Scripture, which is my basis; my conscience is captive to the Word of God. Thus I cannot and will not recant, because acting against one's conscience is neither safe nor sound. God help me. Amen."
Being threatened with death for our biblical beliefs is not something we face in America today. At worst, we risk being slammed on the internet for posting our beliefs on a blog. Or a courageous athlete risks being made fun of in the media for expressing publicly his or her's faith in the Lord Jesus.
But this link isn't about that aspect of Martin Luther, it's about how he lived his life as a leader of the church.
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2012/02/16/hospitality-and-generosity-in-the-luther-home/
Martin and Katie Luther - you gotta love em!
What I like best about him was his willingness to stand up for what he believed the bible teaches and to courageously face opponents - even to the point of being threatened with death.
Here's an excerpt from an article in Christianity Today:
In his seminal Luther: Man Between God and the Devil (English edition Yale, 1989), Reformation scholar Heiko Oberman renders Luther's speech like this:
"Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Holy Scriptures or by evident reason-for I can believe neither pope nor councils alone, as it is clear that they have erred repeatedly and contradicted themselves-I consider myself convicted by the testimony of Holy Scripture, which is my basis; my conscience is captive to the Word of God. Thus I cannot and will not recant, because acting against one's conscience is neither safe nor sound. God help me. Amen."
Being threatened with death for our biblical beliefs is not something we face in America today. At worst, we risk being slammed on the internet for posting our beliefs on a blog. Or a courageous athlete risks being made fun of in the media for expressing publicly his or her's faith in the Lord Jesus.
But this link isn't about that aspect of Martin Luther, it's about how he lived his life as a leader of the church.
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2012/02/16/hospitality-and-generosity-in-the-luther-home/
Martin and Katie Luther - you gotta love em!
Friday, February 10, 2012
Why is there a basket under my chair at church anyway?
Here's an interesting article.
http://religiousaffections.org/articles/hymnody/thanks-but-ill-keep-my-printed-hymnal/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+ReligiousAffectionsMinistries+(Religious+Affections+Ministries)
I like how the author expresses both his love for truth, and a love for the history of music in the church.
Aaron G had a class with the youth on teaching the hymns. I'm sure it was helpful. An old guy like me questions the benefit of our youth never having held a hymnal in their hands.
I still remember the first hymn that affected me. God revealed Himself to me while I was working in Milwaukee in the mid 70's. The church I visited sang, Have Thine Own Way, Lord. Remains a favorite of mine to this day.
And here is a hymn that I have for years hoped would be sung at my funeral. This isn't morbid thinking - just a desire that such truth as found in the hymn would be heard by those who have never heard the gospel.
Be Still, My Soul
By: Catharina von Schlegel
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on your side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to your God to order and provide;
In every change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; your best, your heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul; your God will undertake
To guide the future as he has the past.
Your hope, your confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and wind still know
His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.
Be still, my soul; though dearest friends depart
And all is darkened in the vale of tears;
Then you will better know his love, his heart,
Who comes to soothe your sorrows and your fears.
Be still, my soul; your Jesus can repay
From his own fullness all he takes away.
Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
http://religiousaffections.org/articles/hymnody/thanks-but-ill-keep-my-printed-hymnal/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+ReligiousAffectionsMinistries+(Religious+Affections+Ministries)
I like how the author expresses both his love for truth, and a love for the history of music in the church.
Aaron G had a class with the youth on teaching the hymns. I'm sure it was helpful. An old guy like me questions the benefit of our youth never having held a hymnal in their hands.
I still remember the first hymn that affected me. God revealed Himself to me while I was working in Milwaukee in the mid 70's. The church I visited sang, Have Thine Own Way, Lord. Remains a favorite of mine to this day.
And here is a hymn that I have for years hoped would be sung at my funeral. This isn't morbid thinking - just a desire that such truth as found in the hymn would be heard by those who have never heard the gospel.
Be Still, My Soul
By: Catharina von Schlegel
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on your side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to your God to order and provide;
In every change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; your best, your heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul; your God will undertake
To guide the future as he has the past.
Your hope, your confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and wind still know
His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.
Be still, my soul; though dearest friends depart
And all is darkened in the vale of tears;
Then you will better know his love, his heart,
Who comes to soothe your sorrows and your fears.
Be still, my soul; your Jesus can repay
From his own fullness all he takes away.
Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
C'mon people now, smile on your brother...
I received a phone call this week from a very nice lady. She was interested in knowing if we had a woman minister in our church who would like to attend a monthly meeting with other women clergy to discuss race relations in our community. We only spoke for a short time, but what I remember most was that she indicated the meetings were not designed to discuss doctrine.
It got me to thinking about something that I experienced years ago.
Remember Promisekeepers? I was invited to a PK meeting many years ago at a large local church. The place was packed with people. One of the speakers was encouraging the men at the meeting to reconcile with our black brothers. I remember thinking, "No kidding.!?"
I mean, should this really be a novel idea for Christian men to be told to love our neighbors, black OR white? The Apostle John put it very straightforward in his first epistle. "If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother who he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him; whoever loves God must also love his brother." (1 John 4:20-21).
This doctrine of loving each other trumps any reason some careless brother could come up with for justifying bigotry of any sort.
As believers, receiving doctrine is our daily bread. If we place more emphasis on our experiences and community instead of biblical doctrine, we will become discouraged when our experience and community doesn't live up to our expectations. But when we place our trust in what God has said in His Word ("Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17)), we can have confidence we are on the right path.
Hatred towards others is evidence that we are against God. It is also evidence that we aren't Christians if we persist in this hatred without repentance. This isn't what I say - it's what God says in the bible.
I'm sure the woman I spoke with means well, and I believe any dialogue is probably better than none. But shouldn't a Christian discussion of how we treat our neighbor begin with "Let's see what God has instructed us from His Word..." rather than, "What's your opinion?"
How willing are we to accept God's Word as truth instead of trying to figure out ways to justify our sin? Let's not claim to have the Scriptures as our authoritative guide and then choose to defy it, especially when it comes to loving our neighbor as ourselves.
Perhaps more to come soon on this topic later.
It got me to thinking about something that I experienced years ago.
Remember Promisekeepers? I was invited to a PK meeting many years ago at a large local church. The place was packed with people. One of the speakers was encouraging the men at the meeting to reconcile with our black brothers. I remember thinking, "No kidding.!?"
I mean, should this really be a novel idea for Christian men to be told to love our neighbors, black OR white? The Apostle John put it very straightforward in his first epistle. "If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother who he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him; whoever loves God must also love his brother." (1 John 4:20-21).
This doctrine of loving each other trumps any reason some careless brother could come up with for justifying bigotry of any sort.
As believers, receiving doctrine is our daily bread. If we place more emphasis on our experiences and community instead of biblical doctrine, we will become discouraged when our experience and community doesn't live up to our expectations. But when we place our trust in what God has said in His Word ("Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17)), we can have confidence we are on the right path.
Hatred towards others is evidence that we are against God. It is also evidence that we aren't Christians if we persist in this hatred without repentance. This isn't what I say - it's what God says in the bible.
I'm sure the woman I spoke with means well, and I believe any dialogue is probably better than none. But shouldn't a Christian discussion of how we treat our neighbor begin with "Let's see what God has instructed us from His Word..." rather than, "What's your opinion?"
How willing are we to accept God's Word as truth instead of trying to figure out ways to justify our sin? Let's not claim to have the Scriptures as our authoritative guide and then choose to defy it, especially when it comes to loving our neighbor as ourselves.
Perhaps more to come soon on this topic later.
Monday, January 23, 2012
For all things are for your sakes
The Apostle Paul went from being a persecutor of Christians to being a persecuted Christian. Even a cursory look at his life as we read the New Testament reveals that Paul lived a life of extraordinary hardship. In 2 Corinthians Chapter 4 Paul writes, "we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake" (v 11).
It would be easy to wallow in self pity under these circumstances, but Paul reminds himself that the same God who raised Jesus from the dead, "will raise us also with Jesus and will present us WITH YOU." (v 14).
This is a common theme to Paul's epistles.
"I do all things for the sake of the gospel that I may become a FELLOW PARTAKER of it." (1 Cor. 9:23).
"For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even YOU, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? For YOU are our glory and joy." (1 Thess. 2:19-20).
That is why the ending of chapter 4 in 2 Corinthians is so astounding. Paul writes, after acknowledging the suffering and affliction the preachers of the gospel are experiencing, "For all things are for YOUR sakes, that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God." (v 15).
So many Christians are waiting for others to minister to them, rather than looking for opportunities to minister to others. It's not always easy to do. For Paul it was more death than life.
This morning was the first Men's Monday Morning Meeting (mmmm...). Breakfast was good and we had a perfect turnout. I'm looking forward to getting to know my brothers better over a cup of coffee and conversation. I'd like to think the Apostle Paul would feel comfortable meeting with us. I wonder how he would interact with us over breakfast and coffee. How would our lives change as a result?
It would be easy to wallow in self pity under these circumstances, but Paul reminds himself that the same God who raised Jesus from the dead, "will raise us also with Jesus and will present us WITH YOU." (v 14).
This is a common theme to Paul's epistles.
"I do all things for the sake of the gospel that I may become a FELLOW PARTAKER of it." (1 Cor. 9:23).
"For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even YOU, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? For YOU are our glory and joy." (1 Thess. 2:19-20).
That is why the ending of chapter 4 in 2 Corinthians is so astounding. Paul writes, after acknowledging the suffering and affliction the preachers of the gospel are experiencing, "For all things are for YOUR sakes, that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God." (v 15).
So many Christians are waiting for others to minister to them, rather than looking for opportunities to minister to others. It's not always easy to do. For Paul it was more death than life.
This morning was the first Men's Monday Morning Meeting (mmmm...). Breakfast was good and we had a perfect turnout. I'm looking forward to getting to know my brothers better over a cup of coffee and conversation. I'd like to think the Apostle Paul would feel comfortable meeting with us. I wonder how he would interact with us over breakfast and coffee. How would our lives change as a result?
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Men's Monday Morning Meeting (otherwise known as mmmm...)
Beginning this coming Monday (1-23-12), we will have a men's breakfast in the Church kitchen beginning at 8 am. We will attempt to continue this meeting every following Monday for as long as there is an "appetite" or interest.
Hope you can join us.
Contact Rich C if you have any questions.
Hope you can join us.
Contact Rich C if you have any questions.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
For this is why I wrote...
In our 2 Corinthians Sunday School class, we have noticed that Paul refers to his writing of the letter often. In Chapter 2 he writes, "And I wrote as I did..." (2:3); "For I wrote to you..." (2:4); "For this is why I wrote..." (2:9).
The church at Corinth had a few problems. Interestingly, Paul says he desired to come to them but decided that a letter might hopefully accomplish the same result.
So Paul writes this letter, sends it to the church, and indeed, the church reads the letter, the Spirit of God applies the truth Paul writes to their hearts, and we read later on (in Chapter 7) that it had a profound affect in the way they treated each other. Paul's letter produced repentance, "For see what earnestness this Godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves..." (2 Cor.7:11).
God's Word is meant to produce good fruit in our lives. It is especially provided to us for this purpose. But we have to read it!
This is the beauty of what God accomplished through the Apostle Paul. Paul knew he couldn't be everywhere to straighten out the problems of all the churches. What Paul wrote to the Corinthians way back then, is also God's Word to us today.
But the crux of the matter is whether we believe what is written in the Scripture is actually the Word of God - or the word of men.
It has been my observation that many men struggle with this point. Once they have convinced themselves (sometimes by other men), that the Scripture is suspect (too complicated, not written for our day and age, offers an opinion only, etc), then Satan takes advantage of this unbelief and our lives do not reflect the truth of God's Word.
If this is where you are at, or headed, Paul writes, "For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything." (2 Cor. 2:9).
The word "test" is better understood as "prove". Obeying the Word of God "proves" our salvation.
The Corinthians found great joy in being obedient to what was written to them. I hope that our church, and the individuals within it, can also live in that joy.
The church at Corinth had a few problems. Interestingly, Paul says he desired to come to them but decided that a letter might hopefully accomplish the same result.
So Paul writes this letter, sends it to the church, and indeed, the church reads the letter, the Spirit of God applies the truth Paul writes to their hearts, and we read later on (in Chapter 7) that it had a profound affect in the way they treated each other. Paul's letter produced repentance, "For see what earnestness this Godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves..." (2 Cor.7:11).
God's Word is meant to produce good fruit in our lives. It is especially provided to us for this purpose. But we have to read it!
This is the beauty of what God accomplished through the Apostle Paul. Paul knew he couldn't be everywhere to straighten out the problems of all the churches. What Paul wrote to the Corinthians way back then, is also God's Word to us today.
But the crux of the matter is whether we believe what is written in the Scripture is actually the Word of God - or the word of men.
It has been my observation that many men struggle with this point. Once they have convinced themselves (sometimes by other men), that the Scripture is suspect (too complicated, not written for our day and age, offers an opinion only, etc), then Satan takes advantage of this unbelief and our lives do not reflect the truth of God's Word.
If this is where you are at, or headed, Paul writes, "For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything." (2 Cor. 2:9).
The word "test" is better understood as "prove". Obeying the Word of God "proves" our salvation.
The Corinthians found great joy in being obedient to what was written to them. I hope that our church, and the individuals within it, can also live in that joy.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
How do we receive wisdom?
Here's a link from a website I find interesting.
http://www.thirstytheologian.com/2012/01/04/intelligent_discipline.php
http://www.thirstytheologian.com/2012/01/04/intelligent_discipline.php
Monday, January 2, 2012
What's the story behind the blog title?
Truth is divisive.
Pilate states, "What is truth?" and then releases Barabbas to the Jews and Jesus to the cross (John 18). Jesus had just told Pilate that He was a witness to the truth and that everyone who is of the truth will hear His voice. Pilate wanted unity - at the expense of truth. Give the people what they want, my hands are clean (Matt. 27:24).
The Apostle Paul understood that truth is divisive. In Romans 16:17, he warns the brethren to, "keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching you have learned, and turn away from them." True unity was found in coming together (keep your eye on those who cause dissensions) for the purpose of withdrawing (and turn away from them).
Truth is a line in the sand.
As Christians, this seems contrary to the commandment to love one another. Rather than turn away from false teaching, we become indifferent towards it. As a man once stated in our Sunday School class a while ago - tolerance can soon lead to acceptance.
This brings to mind Paul's 1st letter to the Corinthians. In Chapter 5, Paul has heard that the church was negligent in pronouncing judgment on a member who was living with his father's wife. The Corinthians were actually boasting of their tolerance. But Paul insists that this man be removed from fellowship. Paul likens this evil to leaven, that will eventually permeate the whole church. Their boasting was misplaced. Paul writes, "Let us therefore celebrate the festival (i.e., of Christ's sacrifice), not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." (1 Cor. 5:8).
While this is one extreme example, it is a significant passage towards an understanding of
1 Corinthians 13:6 which states, "Love... does not rejoice in unrighteousness but rejoices with the truth."
Love and Truth are not at odds with each other. They are in perfect harmony with each other.
Unfortunately, our application of the two are sometimes inbalanced. Love without truth can lead to indulgence or leniency. Truth without love can lead to harshness or severity towards others. Keeping a proper balance of the two requires wisdom and discernment.
I love the truth of God's Word.
I love to see how the understanding of His Word allows us to properly love God and each other.
And that's my story behind the title of the blog.
Perhaps the title has a different meaning for you. Let me know.
Pilate states, "What is truth?" and then releases Barabbas to the Jews and Jesus to the cross (John 18). Jesus had just told Pilate that He was a witness to the truth and that everyone who is of the truth will hear His voice. Pilate wanted unity - at the expense of truth. Give the people what they want, my hands are clean (Matt. 27:24).
The Apostle Paul understood that truth is divisive. In Romans 16:17, he warns the brethren to, "keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching you have learned, and turn away from them." True unity was found in coming together (keep your eye on those who cause dissensions) for the purpose of withdrawing (and turn away from them).
Truth is a line in the sand.
As Christians, this seems contrary to the commandment to love one another. Rather than turn away from false teaching, we become indifferent towards it. As a man once stated in our Sunday School class a while ago - tolerance can soon lead to acceptance.
This brings to mind Paul's 1st letter to the Corinthians. In Chapter 5, Paul has heard that the church was negligent in pronouncing judgment on a member who was living with his father's wife. The Corinthians were actually boasting of their tolerance. But Paul insists that this man be removed from fellowship. Paul likens this evil to leaven, that will eventually permeate the whole church. Their boasting was misplaced. Paul writes, "Let us therefore celebrate the festival (i.e., of Christ's sacrifice), not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." (1 Cor. 5:8).
While this is one extreme example, it is a significant passage towards an understanding of
1 Corinthians 13:6 which states, "Love... does not rejoice in unrighteousness but rejoices with the truth."
Love and Truth are not at odds with each other. They are in perfect harmony with each other.
Unfortunately, our application of the two are sometimes inbalanced. Love without truth can lead to indulgence or leniency. Truth without love can lead to harshness or severity towards others. Keeping a proper balance of the two requires wisdom and discernment.
I love the truth of God's Word.
I love to see how the understanding of His Word allows us to properly love God and each other.
And that's my story behind the title of the blog.
Perhaps the title has a different meaning for you. Let me know.
Why have I become a blogger?
A couple of months ago, Aaron and I were approached by an elder at the church to talk about men's ministries. He asked us, "Would we be willing to host the next men's breakfast?" Well, of course we would, but we also started thinking that it would be great to come up with a way for men to encourage each other more often than every few months.
Now, we both love meeting up with friends for coffee in the morning (not too early mind you). Fellowship around a meal or coffee is a great way for getting to know people. But you can't meet for coffee, with everyone you'd like to, every day. We began kicking around ideas of how we could express our heart for studying and discussing Scripture to the other men. Outside of reading Scripture, we both enjoy reading good Christian blogs. Since a blog can be read anytime, we thought this might be one way to keep in touch.
So after the "hard" work of creating the blog itself (thanks Aaron!), we hope to keep your interest by posting a variety of subject matter to get (and keep) us thinking of what it means to rejoice in the truth of God's Word.
We hope that you will have time to check in occasionally. We look forward to continuing the conversation in person as the Lord allows.
As this is a new endeavor for us, be patient as we try to pull it all together for God's glory.
Thanks,
Rich C
Now, we both love meeting up with friends for coffee in the morning (not too early mind you). Fellowship around a meal or coffee is a great way for getting to know people. But you can't meet for coffee, with everyone you'd like to, every day. We began kicking around ideas of how we could express our heart for studying and discussing Scripture to the other men. Outside of reading Scripture, we both enjoy reading good Christian blogs. Since a blog can be read anytime, we thought this might be one way to keep in touch.
So after the "hard" work of creating the blog itself (thanks Aaron!), we hope to keep your interest by posting a variety of subject matter to get (and keep) us thinking of what it means to rejoice in the truth of God's Word.
We hope that you will have time to check in occasionally. We look forward to continuing the conversation in person as the Lord allows.
As this is a new endeavor for us, be patient as we try to pull it all together for God's glory.
Thanks,
Rich C
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