Where’s Your Bible?
Kevin Shrum
Christians often claim that they are a ‘people of the book.’ Yet, it appears there is widespread biblical illiteracy among God’s people. How often have I heard someone say, ‘I know it says so-and-so somewhere in the Bible,’ yet could not locate the Scripture reference if their life depended on it. They think they know it says it but aren’t quite sure that it actually says it and, even if what they say is in the Book is actually in the Book, they have no clue where to find it in the Book. So, are we really a people of the Book?
Are we like those noble Bereans, “examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so?” (Acts 17:11)
Let me ask three questions that may help us return to the Book.
Where’s the Book? A question of physical location!
Like it or not, being ‘a people of the Book’ requires that we actually own one, that we read it and that we meditate on it daily. I believe that every person should have a Bible whose cover is stained with the oil from its owners hands. I believe that it is important to be physically familiar with a Bible’s pages, the location of its content and even its study helps. There is something about having a Bible that is familiar to its owner.
There are many factors that have led to a physical distance between the believer and his/her Bible. For example, the trend these days is to display Scripture verses in worship service on video screens. The result is that the attendee is not required to bring his/her Bible to worship service. The excuses I have heard for this trend are: 1) there is no longer a singularity of a dominate Bible translation and 2) looking at one’s Bible actually hinders listening to the sermon. To the first rationale, I would agree to a degree. In any given service you will find numerous translations of Scripture. The day of the 'homogeneous translation' is gone. This can make it a challenge to preach through a text with everyone on the same page grammatically and textually. However, I would rather struggle with this challenge than to not have the attendee bring his/her Bible at all.
To the second rationale, I would say that even if looking at the Bible is a distraction to listening to the preacher it’s a very good distraction.
Don’t misunderstand me. The church I pastor uses screens, media shout, power point and other forms of visual aid. We often visually display Scripture. My point is that anything that causes distance between me and the text should be minimized. When I’m not required to handle the Bible I will not handle the Bible.
In summary, too many Christians find too many excuses to be physically separated from the Book. As a result, many Christians play guessing games about the location of particular texts, spiritual ideas and theological concepts. This is why ‘a people of the Book’ read Scripture, pray over Scripture, meditate on Scripture, etc.
Where’s the Book? A question of spiritual authority!
‘A people of the Book’ also know the spiritual location of the Bible. That is, God’s people understand that the Bible is the authority for their faith and practice. The Bible is not a suggestion Book; it is command central for God’s people. To answer the question of the spiritual authority of the Bible is to ask the question of obedience (John 8:31-32). If I am a Christian, do I operate under the authority of the Bible? So, where is the Bible in my life when it comes to operating under its authority?
Where’s the Book? A question of estimation!
Finally, where’s the Bible in my intellectual framework? Do I see it for what it is – God’s Word? Or, is it just another book?
The Christian believes that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. It is not a word about God; it is the Word of God. Jesus affirmed it (Mt. 5:17-20), the Spirit inspired it (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:16-21) and God has established it (Ps. 19 & 119). The first two questions of physical location and spiritual authority are more easily answered when this third question of estimation is answered. To believe that the Bible is God’s Word settles a great number of questions in the mind of the believer and secures the Bible’s estimation in the life of the believer.
May we be a people of the Book!
Monday, August 20, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
Things that Go Together
Things That Go Together
Dr. Kevin Shrum
There are many things that should never be put together – they never should be mixed, i.e. water and oil, gas and a flame, fire and ice, etc. However, there are many things that must never be separated without impeding one of the ingredients. This is true in the spiritual dimensions of life. What things belong together and should never be separated?
· Faith and works go together and must never be separated. While we are not saved by works (Eph. 2:8), our works demonstrate our faith and trust in God. Pastor James (2:14-26) addressed this issue when he wrote that the believer should demonstrate his/her faith in God by his/her work for God. On the other hand, anything that happens without the motivation of faith is sin (Rom. 14:23) Faith without works is dead; works without faith is pagan religiosity. Faith and works together produces a life that expresses God’s grace and mercy in holy activity.
· Truth and time are essential partners. Time has a way of exposing the truth; truth, if given enough time, will bubble to the surface. Paul used this argument in 2 Corinthians 13:5-14 in defending his ministry. Some were accusing Paul of either not being an apostle at all or of abusing his apostolic power. In verse 8 Paul states, “For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.” He wrote this after having stated that every person should examine themselves to see if they pass the test of faith. Be careful. Making rash judgments about a person or a situation may get one in trouble. Wisdom gives truth enough time to emerge.
· Missions and evangelism must not be separated. Matthew 28:16-20 and Acts 1:7-8 address the issues of Jesus command to preach the gospel to every person in every tongue on every continent. In general, we use the term missions to describe the larger scope of God’s redemptive plan, while we use the term evangelism to describe individual responsibility to share the good news of Jesus Christ. While this distinction may be artificial, it may be helpful in practical terms in holding together the corporate and individual responsibilities of reaching a lost world with the gospel.
· Here and there are two things that must go together. Some in the church would argue that we need to take care of things ‘at home,’ diminishing the need of missions away from home. Others emphasize the ‘there’ to the neglect of the ‘here at home.’ This distinction is petty and is killing the church. Too many churches have no global vision at all. And, too many in the local church only show up for the mission trip but can’t be found the rest of the year. Jesus never made this distinction. For example, Acts 1:8 notes that we are to be “…witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” So, it’s not here or there; rather, it’s here and there when it comes to missions and evangelism.
· Change and the unchanging must be held together. For example, God never changes. Malachi 3:6 declares, “For I the Lord do not change.” Hebrews 13:8 adds, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Some things never change – God, His gospel and His Word. And yet the gospel message itself is about change. 2 Corinthians 5:17 emphatically states, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Some will say they do not like change. I think I know what they mean by this, but we had better hope change is possible because change is the very essence of the gospel itself. To deny the fact and necessity of change is to deny the very gospel we preach. Ironic isn’t it! The unchanging gospel we preach calls for change.
· Citizenship here and citizenship there are two things that must be held together. The Christian must remember that he/she has dual-citizenship. Romans 13:1 reminds us that we are to be “subject to the governing authorities” and 1 Timothy 2:1 notes, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” On the other hand, Philippians 3:20 reminds us, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” In brief, as Christian citizens we are to respect the laws of the land insofar as is possible, acting as salt and light in a tasteless and dark world. However, we must not become too attached to this world as we look forward to the “city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” (Heb. 11:10) We live in one country by the rules of another.
· Already and not yet must be held together, as well. We are already children of God, made holy and righteous in God’s sight, forgiven, graced, redeemed, reconciled and secure. Yet, each day we are becoming more like Christ because we are not yet complete, mature and finished. Paul held these two concepts together in Philippians 3:12-16 notes, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.” We are becoming what God has already made us to be in Christ!
So, while some things do not need to be mixed, some things should never be separated. This is my short list. What about yours?
Dr. Kevin Shrum
There are many things that should never be put together – they never should be mixed, i.e. water and oil, gas and a flame, fire and ice, etc. However, there are many things that must never be separated without impeding one of the ingredients. This is true in the spiritual dimensions of life. What things belong together and should never be separated?
· Faith and works go together and must never be separated. While we are not saved by works (Eph. 2:8), our works demonstrate our faith and trust in God. Pastor James (2:14-26) addressed this issue when he wrote that the believer should demonstrate his/her faith in God by his/her work for God. On the other hand, anything that happens without the motivation of faith is sin (Rom. 14:23) Faith without works is dead; works without faith is pagan religiosity. Faith and works together produces a life that expresses God’s grace and mercy in holy activity.
· Truth and time are essential partners. Time has a way of exposing the truth; truth, if given enough time, will bubble to the surface. Paul used this argument in 2 Corinthians 13:5-14 in defending his ministry. Some were accusing Paul of either not being an apostle at all or of abusing his apostolic power. In verse 8 Paul states, “For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.” He wrote this after having stated that every person should examine themselves to see if they pass the test of faith. Be careful. Making rash judgments about a person or a situation may get one in trouble. Wisdom gives truth enough time to emerge.
· Missions and evangelism must not be separated. Matthew 28:16-20 and Acts 1:7-8 address the issues of Jesus command to preach the gospel to every person in every tongue on every continent. In general, we use the term missions to describe the larger scope of God’s redemptive plan, while we use the term evangelism to describe individual responsibility to share the good news of Jesus Christ. While this distinction may be artificial, it may be helpful in practical terms in holding together the corporate and individual responsibilities of reaching a lost world with the gospel.
· Here and there are two things that must go together. Some in the church would argue that we need to take care of things ‘at home,’ diminishing the need of missions away from home. Others emphasize the ‘there’ to the neglect of the ‘here at home.’ This distinction is petty and is killing the church. Too many churches have no global vision at all. And, too many in the local church only show up for the mission trip but can’t be found the rest of the year. Jesus never made this distinction. For example, Acts 1:8 notes that we are to be “…witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” So, it’s not here or there; rather, it’s here and there when it comes to missions and evangelism.
· Change and the unchanging must be held together. For example, God never changes. Malachi 3:6 declares, “For I the Lord do not change.” Hebrews 13:8 adds, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Some things never change – God, His gospel and His Word. And yet the gospel message itself is about change. 2 Corinthians 5:17 emphatically states, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Some will say they do not like change. I think I know what they mean by this, but we had better hope change is possible because change is the very essence of the gospel itself. To deny the fact and necessity of change is to deny the very gospel we preach. Ironic isn’t it! The unchanging gospel we preach calls for change.
· Citizenship here and citizenship there are two things that must be held together. The Christian must remember that he/she has dual-citizenship. Romans 13:1 reminds us that we are to be “subject to the governing authorities” and 1 Timothy 2:1 notes, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” On the other hand, Philippians 3:20 reminds us, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” In brief, as Christian citizens we are to respect the laws of the land insofar as is possible, acting as salt and light in a tasteless and dark world. However, we must not become too attached to this world as we look forward to the “city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” (Heb. 11:10) We live in one country by the rules of another.
· Already and not yet must be held together, as well. We are already children of God, made holy and righteous in God’s sight, forgiven, graced, redeemed, reconciled and secure. Yet, each day we are becoming more like Christ because we are not yet complete, mature and finished. Paul held these two concepts together in Philippians 3:12-16 notes, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.” We are becoming what God has already made us to be in Christ!
So, while some things do not need to be mixed, some things should never be separated. This is my short list. What about yours?
Friday, July 13, 2007
The Doctrine of Salvation
The Doctrine of Salvation
Kevin Shrum
There is a God who is God all by Himself and is unique as the One true God in Three persons. Out of the perogatives of His own will and eternal counsel, He created all things for His glory, is in control of all things and is not suprised by anything because all things occur within the mystery of the counsel of His own will.
Every human is wonderfully made (Jer. 1:5) , yet fatally flawed by sin (Rom. 3:23). We are dead in our sin (Eph. 2:1), unable and unwilling to help or redeem ourselves in God-honoring, God-glorifying ways.
God, in His infinite wisdom, justice, love and mercy, has decided to save a people for Himself out of the masses of sinful, hell-bound humanity, a people upon which He can pour out His great grace and mercy and through whom He can bear witness to all people from every nation, tribe and tongue (Deut. 7:6; Isa. 45:4; John 6:44; Acts 14:48; Romans 8:29; 9:11) .
God, then, is able to save and redeem His people through the vicarious and substitutionary atoning death of Jesus Christ and His subsequent resurrection (1 Cor. 15:1-11). Through Jesus Christ, God the Father imputs and grants His righteousness to sinners by faith through grace (Romans 3:21-31; 2 Cor. 5:16-21).
Through the means of preaching, teaching, praying, ministering and witnessing, God draws sinners to Himself through the power of the Holy Spirit, awakening them, convicting them, overcoming their resistance, convincing them of the truth of the gospel, re-birthing them into the kingdom of God (John 14: 15-21; John 6:44).
God is able, then, to preserve and keep His people through His enabling grace and sealing Spirit (Jude 24-25). God works in and through His people so that they might bear witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ as on mission people as God continues to call out His people from every nation, tribe and tongue (Rev. 7:9-10).
Kevin Shrum
There is a God who is God all by Himself and is unique as the One true God in Three persons. Out of the perogatives of His own will and eternal counsel, He created all things for His glory, is in control of all things and is not suprised by anything because all things occur within the mystery of the counsel of His own will.
Every human is wonderfully made (Jer. 1:5) , yet fatally flawed by sin (Rom. 3:23). We are dead in our sin (Eph. 2:1), unable and unwilling to help or redeem ourselves in God-honoring, God-glorifying ways.
God, in His infinite wisdom, justice, love and mercy, has decided to save a people for Himself out of the masses of sinful, hell-bound humanity, a people upon which He can pour out His great grace and mercy and through whom He can bear witness to all people from every nation, tribe and tongue (Deut. 7:6; Isa. 45:4; John 6:44; Acts 14:48; Romans 8:29; 9:11) .
God, then, is able to save and redeem His people through the vicarious and substitutionary atoning death of Jesus Christ and His subsequent resurrection (1 Cor. 15:1-11). Through Jesus Christ, God the Father imputs and grants His righteousness to sinners by faith through grace (Romans 3:21-31; 2 Cor. 5:16-21).
Through the means of preaching, teaching, praying, ministering and witnessing, God draws sinners to Himself through the power of the Holy Spirit, awakening them, convicting them, overcoming their resistance, convincing them of the truth of the gospel, re-birthing them into the kingdom of God (John 14: 15-21; John 6:44).
God is able, then, to preserve and keep His people through His enabling grace and sealing Spirit (Jude 24-25). God works in and through His people so that they might bear witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ as on mission people as God continues to call out His people from every nation, tribe and tongue (Rev. 7:9-10).
Second-Hand Religion Not Allowed
Second-Hand Religion not Allowed - Answering ‘Who are You?’:
Moving from Second-hand Religion to First-Hand Christianity
Dr. Kevin Shrum
Second-hand stuff is in vogue these days. Many students and adults alike love to shop at the Goodwill Store or a thrift store of some type, where the racks are filled with second-hand clothing and second-hand stuff. Most of us have no problem buying a used, second-hand car. Most of us live in second-hand houses that we did not build. And we’re highly interested in second-hand living. We love survivor shows where we watch someone else vicariously do what we would love to do in reality. In essence, our lives are filled with second-hand experiences.
But this cannot be true when it comes to Christianity. Second-hand experience doesn’t count when it comes to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. God doesn’t have any grandchildren, He only has children; He doesn’t want leftovers, He wants first course; God doesn’t honor spectators only participants. God desires first-hand love and devotion.
Sadly, many in the church hear of what God is doing across the world and in the lives of other believers, yet so rarely experience such power and life in their own lives. Consequently, many Christians become satisfied with left-over Christianity, second-hand spirituality and used experiences.
Acts 19:11-20 records a very interesting episode in the life of the early church that exposes how dangerous second-hand religion can be. The text reads: “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. 13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, "In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.' 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 [One day] the evil spirit answered them, ‘Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?’ 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. 17 When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. 18 Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. 19 A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. 20 In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.”
The context of this text is very interesting. Paul had moved into the region of Ephesus (19:1) and had been renting the great hall of Tyrannus for two years, preaching and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ (19:9-10). As a result, God began to move in mighty and miraculous ways (19:11-12).
· Mighty miracles – “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.” God began to move among the people who were hearing and believing the gospel. God desires to move among His people as they respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Often, God uses miracles to accompany preaching in order to establish the good news.
Second-hand Religion on Display
· Copy-cats – “Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, ‘In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.’” Some who had been listening to Paul and observing God’s power in and through him attempted to do the same types of miracles, yet without the power of God. Notice that verse 13 states that these false prophets were saying, “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches…” That is, these copy-cat preachers were attempting to do second-hand what Paul was doing first-hand. This means that there have always been wave-riders or people who want to get on the band wagon of the latest spiritual movement, yet without knowing the real power of God.
· Second-hand religion – “Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief (high) priest, were doing this. One day, the evil spirit answered them, ‘Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?’” When these copy-cat believers attempted to do what Paul was doing, they exposed their true motivation. In fact, there is no historical record of a high priest by the name of Sceva. Some scholars suggest that Sceva had taken on the title to impress the people of the city. The demon could not say to these false leaders – Jesus I know, Paul I know and you I know. Even the demon knew the real deal. This demon knew of the power of God in the life of Jesus and Paul, but he did not recognize the power of God in these copy-cat, second-hand peddlers of the gospel. In 2 Timothy 3:7 Paul warned Timothy of false believers and preachers who were “…always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.” In other words, there would be church-goers and preachers who are not a part of the family of God, not true believers and not part of God’s kingdom.
· Dangerous results – “Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.” Those who attempt to live out Christianity without the power of God will be overpowered and pummeled. Living a life of second-hand religion is dangerous and will lead straight to hell.
When this happened people in the city began to compare and contrast Paul’s ministry with that of the copy-cat, second-hander preachers. As a result, something wonderful and interesting happened. When false religion is rampant danger is everywhere. But when first-hand Christianity is prevalent, then mighty and moving things take place. Acts 19:17-20 reminds us of what happened in the city: “When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. 18 Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. 19 A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. 20 In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.”
What happens when first-hand, authentic Christianity is on display?
· Word spreads about what God is doing! When word got out that the false preachers had been exposed the word spread about what God was doing. The text notes that both Jews and Greeks were made aware of what had happened. This simple truth ought to remind us that the best way to grow a church and expand the ministry of the kingdom is by word of mouth. Let there be an outbreak of authentic, real Christianity and people will flock.
· Fear falls! Not only did the word spread, but fear fell on the city: “…they were all seized by fear…” The word for fear in this passage is ‘phobos’ from which we derive a multitude of phobia terms. Amazing! God’s power evoked fear. If there is not an element of fear involved in what we may term a ‘movement of God’ then it may not be of God. Second-hand religion may be dangerous, but it doesn’t strike fear in the heart of a person. However, let God show up in all of His glory among His people and a certain awe and fear will fill the hearts of the people (Isa. 6:1-8).
· Jesus is exalted! Verse 17 notes that not only did fear fall on the city, but “…the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.” Maybe the single, most important sign that God is at work is when Jesus is exalted. If someone says that there is a movement of God, yet a man is exalted, or a certain kind of music is lifted up, or we set unbiblical standards as to how God can and will move – maybe in a way that we do not like or are accustomed to – then it may not be God at work. Jesus must be exalted above all else!
· Sinners come clean! When authentic Christianity is on display sinners come clean about their sin. Verse 18 states, “Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds.” This is amazing! The interesting thing about this phrase is that it was believers who were coming clean about the sin that had dominated their lives. This means that salvation is part of God’s plan, while the process of sanctification (being set apart unto God’s holiness) is important, as well. While being found in Christ makes us positionally righteous (Rom. 5:1-2), we are also called to be progressively righteous by living a life worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:27).
· Costly discipleship takes place! Not only were saved sinners coming clean about the sin in their life, but costly commitments were being made. Verse 19 records this amazing scene, “A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas (pieces of silver).” I find this almost unbelievable! A drachma was worth one day’s wages. Go figure! If an individual made this kind of costly commitment it would mean – if the average worker works 247 days a year (minus the two day weekend and a two week vacation), a person would have to work 202 years to equal the amount this group of people expended as they burned the old signs and possessions of their previous life before coming to Christ!
· The Word of God flourishes! The ultimate sign that real, first-hand Christianity is at work is that God’s Word grows in its power and effect. Verse 20 notes, “In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.” When the Word of God spreads then the power of God prevails. When real Christianity is on display word spreads, fear falls sinners come clean, costly commitments are made and the Word of God grows in effect and power.
Every person must ask themselves the question, "Who am I?" If we don't ask it, someone will, some situation will expose it and some life circumstance will raise the issue. Being authentic is not enough. Being authentic in Christ is! Jesus is the most real person in existence. And the closer we move toward Him the more real we become.
Moving from Second-hand Religion to First-Hand Christianity
Dr. Kevin Shrum
Second-hand stuff is in vogue these days. Many students and adults alike love to shop at the Goodwill Store or a thrift store of some type, where the racks are filled with second-hand clothing and second-hand stuff. Most of us have no problem buying a used, second-hand car. Most of us live in second-hand houses that we did not build. And we’re highly interested in second-hand living. We love survivor shows where we watch someone else vicariously do what we would love to do in reality. In essence, our lives are filled with second-hand experiences.
But this cannot be true when it comes to Christianity. Second-hand experience doesn’t count when it comes to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. God doesn’t have any grandchildren, He only has children; He doesn’t want leftovers, He wants first course; God doesn’t honor spectators only participants. God desires first-hand love and devotion.
Sadly, many in the church hear of what God is doing across the world and in the lives of other believers, yet so rarely experience such power and life in their own lives. Consequently, many Christians become satisfied with left-over Christianity, second-hand spirituality and used experiences.
Acts 19:11-20 records a very interesting episode in the life of the early church that exposes how dangerous second-hand religion can be. The text reads: “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. 13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, "In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.' 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 [One day] the evil spirit answered them, ‘Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?’ 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. 17 When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. 18 Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. 19 A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. 20 In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.”
The context of this text is very interesting. Paul had moved into the region of Ephesus (19:1) and had been renting the great hall of Tyrannus for two years, preaching and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ (19:9-10). As a result, God began to move in mighty and miraculous ways (19:11-12).
· Mighty miracles – “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.” God began to move among the people who were hearing and believing the gospel. God desires to move among His people as they respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Often, God uses miracles to accompany preaching in order to establish the good news.
Second-hand Religion on Display
· Copy-cats – “Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, ‘In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.’” Some who had been listening to Paul and observing God’s power in and through him attempted to do the same types of miracles, yet without the power of God. Notice that verse 13 states that these false prophets were saying, “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches…” That is, these copy-cat preachers were attempting to do second-hand what Paul was doing first-hand. This means that there have always been wave-riders or people who want to get on the band wagon of the latest spiritual movement, yet without knowing the real power of God.
· Second-hand religion – “Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief (high) priest, were doing this. One day, the evil spirit answered them, ‘Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?’” When these copy-cat believers attempted to do what Paul was doing, they exposed their true motivation. In fact, there is no historical record of a high priest by the name of Sceva. Some scholars suggest that Sceva had taken on the title to impress the people of the city. The demon could not say to these false leaders – Jesus I know, Paul I know and you I know. Even the demon knew the real deal. This demon knew of the power of God in the life of Jesus and Paul, but he did not recognize the power of God in these copy-cat, second-hand peddlers of the gospel. In 2 Timothy 3:7 Paul warned Timothy of false believers and preachers who were “…always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.” In other words, there would be church-goers and preachers who are not a part of the family of God, not true believers and not part of God’s kingdom.
· Dangerous results – “Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.” Those who attempt to live out Christianity without the power of God will be overpowered and pummeled. Living a life of second-hand religion is dangerous and will lead straight to hell.
When this happened people in the city began to compare and contrast Paul’s ministry with that of the copy-cat, second-hander preachers. As a result, something wonderful and interesting happened. When false religion is rampant danger is everywhere. But when first-hand Christianity is prevalent, then mighty and moving things take place. Acts 19:17-20 reminds us of what happened in the city: “When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. 18 Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. 19 A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. 20 In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.”
What happens when first-hand, authentic Christianity is on display?
· Word spreads about what God is doing! When word got out that the false preachers had been exposed the word spread about what God was doing. The text notes that both Jews and Greeks were made aware of what had happened. This simple truth ought to remind us that the best way to grow a church and expand the ministry of the kingdom is by word of mouth. Let there be an outbreak of authentic, real Christianity and people will flock.
· Fear falls! Not only did the word spread, but fear fell on the city: “…they were all seized by fear…” The word for fear in this passage is ‘phobos’ from which we derive a multitude of phobia terms. Amazing! God’s power evoked fear. If there is not an element of fear involved in what we may term a ‘movement of God’ then it may not be of God. Second-hand religion may be dangerous, but it doesn’t strike fear in the heart of a person. However, let God show up in all of His glory among His people and a certain awe and fear will fill the hearts of the people (Isa. 6:1-8).
· Jesus is exalted! Verse 17 notes that not only did fear fall on the city, but “…the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.” Maybe the single, most important sign that God is at work is when Jesus is exalted. If someone says that there is a movement of God, yet a man is exalted, or a certain kind of music is lifted up, or we set unbiblical standards as to how God can and will move – maybe in a way that we do not like or are accustomed to – then it may not be God at work. Jesus must be exalted above all else!
· Sinners come clean! When authentic Christianity is on display sinners come clean about their sin. Verse 18 states, “Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds.” This is amazing! The interesting thing about this phrase is that it was believers who were coming clean about the sin that had dominated their lives. This means that salvation is part of God’s plan, while the process of sanctification (being set apart unto God’s holiness) is important, as well. While being found in Christ makes us positionally righteous (Rom. 5:1-2), we are also called to be progressively righteous by living a life worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:27).
· Costly discipleship takes place! Not only were saved sinners coming clean about the sin in their life, but costly commitments were being made. Verse 19 records this amazing scene, “A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas (pieces of silver).” I find this almost unbelievable! A drachma was worth one day’s wages. Go figure! If an individual made this kind of costly commitment it would mean – if the average worker works 247 days a year (minus the two day weekend and a two week vacation), a person would have to work 202 years to equal the amount this group of people expended as they burned the old signs and possessions of their previous life before coming to Christ!
· The Word of God flourishes! The ultimate sign that real, first-hand Christianity is at work is that God’s Word grows in its power and effect. Verse 20 notes, “In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.” When the Word of God spreads then the power of God prevails. When real Christianity is on display word spreads, fear falls sinners come clean, costly commitments are made and the Word of God grows in effect and power.
Every person must ask themselves the question, "Who am I?" If we don't ask it, someone will, some situation will expose it and some life circumstance will raise the issue. Being authentic is not enough. Being authentic in Christ is! Jesus is the most real person in existence. And the closer we move toward Him the more real we become.
I'm Back!
I'm Back!
Kevin Shrum
After a month off for vacation, travel and camps I am back with new posts, fresh ideas and a renewed sense that there is a 'stirring' taking place among God's people. See you on the blog!
Kevin Shrum
After a month off for vacation, travel and camps I am back with new posts, fresh ideas and a renewed sense that there is a 'stirring' taking place among God's people. See you on the blog!
Thursday, June 14, 2007
The New Southern Baptist Convention Tug of War
The New Southern Baptist Convention Tug of War
Dr. Kevin Shrum
Since 1979 the Southern Baptist Convention has been in a process of reclamation and reformation – reclaiming a conservative orthodoxy that marked its origins and reforming its agencies and seminaries in view of that reclamation. Phase one of this process focused on such issues as biblical inerrancy and sound, conservative theology.
During this process, most of the moderate agency heads and presidents who were leaders during from the late 50’s until the late 70’s were replaced by more conservative, biblically orthodox leaders. It is fair to say that as of this writing all mission and denominational agency heads and all six seminary presidents are self-avowed conservatives. Phase one, led by Page Patterson and Judge Paul Pressler, was a resounding success.
Now, a new phase of reformation is taking place within the Southern Baptist Convention. Led by younger leaders, bloggers and cutting edge innovators, phase two brings with it a focus on methodology, style, openness and innovation. This new generation of leaders, while claiming to be conservative, is highly interested in breaking up what they perceive to be the ‘good ole boy’ system that elected SBC leaders and controlled convention activities over the past twenty-five years.
Whereas the conflict of the early 80’s was theological in nature, the emerging conflict now developing is generational and institutional. The older leaders who fought to reclaim a convention that was theologically adrift do not understand the newer leaders who, while they claim to be as conservative, either do not want the institutions the older leaders ‘saved’ in lieu of new systems of denominational structure and/or want to operate those reclaimed entities under a new paradigm. The current conflict is as intense as the earlier conflicts of the 80’s.
The concern of the older generation is that the newer leaders may not comprehend what is at stake structurally and missionally. With one of the largest religious publishing houses in LifeWay, the (WMU) Women’s Missionary Union, the (ERLC) Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, six of the largest seminaries in the world, 7,500+ full-time international and national missionaries, along with 15,000+ volunteer, short-term missionaries each year sent through two mission sending agencies the Southern Baptist Convention forms one of the most effective and efficient denominational structures in the history of the world.
Does this new generation of leaders understand what’s at stake as they take on new leadership roles? If they dismantle the current structure what will take its place? And what will happen to the missionaries that depend on SBC support for their mission work?
In addition, Southern Baptists have one of the most effective and envied methods of financial support known as the Cooperative Program where local church monies are pooled and distributed, avoiding the old societal method of raising money where each organization had to raise its own funds. Will this system be jeopardized by the newer leaders?
The younger generation is convinced that the system that was useful in reclaiming the SBC is inadequate to move the convention forward into a post-modern future. They want to open up the system, allowing more flexibility and theological nuance than did previous leaders, while maintaining the best of the past. Some suggest that the new leaders are no different than previous leaders – one fundamentalist era for another.
Most, however, see this for what it is – the passing of the baton from one generation of leaders to the next, along with the struggles and conflicts that process produces. It’s too early to tell if the new leaders are as orthodox as those of the previous generations. Needless to say, the SBC will look different in the coming generations. Only God knows if we will reclaim our heritage in evangelism and missions, having already reclaimed our theological heritage.
Dr. Kevin Shrum
Since 1979 the Southern Baptist Convention has been in a process of reclamation and reformation – reclaiming a conservative orthodoxy that marked its origins and reforming its agencies and seminaries in view of that reclamation. Phase one of this process focused on such issues as biblical inerrancy and sound, conservative theology.
During this process, most of the moderate agency heads and presidents who were leaders during from the late 50’s until the late 70’s were replaced by more conservative, biblically orthodox leaders. It is fair to say that as of this writing all mission and denominational agency heads and all six seminary presidents are self-avowed conservatives. Phase one, led by Page Patterson and Judge Paul Pressler, was a resounding success.
Now, a new phase of reformation is taking place within the Southern Baptist Convention. Led by younger leaders, bloggers and cutting edge innovators, phase two brings with it a focus on methodology, style, openness and innovation. This new generation of leaders, while claiming to be conservative, is highly interested in breaking up what they perceive to be the ‘good ole boy’ system that elected SBC leaders and controlled convention activities over the past twenty-five years.
Whereas the conflict of the early 80’s was theological in nature, the emerging conflict now developing is generational and institutional. The older leaders who fought to reclaim a convention that was theologically adrift do not understand the newer leaders who, while they claim to be as conservative, either do not want the institutions the older leaders ‘saved’ in lieu of new systems of denominational structure and/or want to operate those reclaimed entities under a new paradigm. The current conflict is as intense as the earlier conflicts of the 80’s.
The concern of the older generation is that the newer leaders may not comprehend what is at stake structurally and missionally. With one of the largest religious publishing houses in LifeWay, the (WMU) Women’s Missionary Union, the (ERLC) Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, six of the largest seminaries in the world, 7,500+ full-time international and national missionaries, along with 15,000+ volunteer, short-term missionaries each year sent through two mission sending agencies the Southern Baptist Convention forms one of the most effective and efficient denominational structures in the history of the world.
Does this new generation of leaders understand what’s at stake as they take on new leadership roles? If they dismantle the current structure what will take its place? And what will happen to the missionaries that depend on SBC support for their mission work?
In addition, Southern Baptists have one of the most effective and envied methods of financial support known as the Cooperative Program where local church monies are pooled and distributed, avoiding the old societal method of raising money where each organization had to raise its own funds. Will this system be jeopardized by the newer leaders?
The younger generation is convinced that the system that was useful in reclaiming the SBC is inadequate to move the convention forward into a post-modern future. They want to open up the system, allowing more flexibility and theological nuance than did previous leaders, while maintaining the best of the past. Some suggest that the new leaders are no different than previous leaders – one fundamentalist era for another.
Most, however, see this for what it is – the passing of the baton from one generation of leaders to the next, along with the struggles and conflicts that process produces. It’s too early to tell if the new leaders are as orthodox as those of the previous generations. Needless to say, the SBC will look different in the coming generations. Only God knows if we will reclaim our heritage in evangelism and missions, having already reclaimed our theological heritage.
Monday, June 11, 2007
An Emerging Hunger for the Word
An Emerging Hunger for the Word
Kevin Shrum
Yet I believe that the ‘emergent’ or ‘emerging’ talk is misguided. True, many of the criticisms of the church are on the mark. The church has become stuck, unwieldy and culturally disengaged. However, I believe what is emerging is something very old – a desire for the eternal that is rooted in a biblical orthodoxy that confronts sin, redeems the bound and reconciles the divided.
This means that biblical theology doesn’t need to be re-created; Scripture simply needs to be taught, unleashing it on the world in the power of the Spirit. In other words, I am seeing a desire to cut through the ecclesiastical red-tape in order to get to God and the truth of His Word. Ministries that meet this need, whether they be traditional, contemporary or innovative in structure will meet the need of a generation that is tired of the fluff and wants to get to God straight away! This is what is emerging!
Kevin Shrum
(I have been out of town - I'm glad to return to posting!)
Talk these days of an ‘emergent’ or ‘emerging’ church dominates the ecclesiastical landscape. Much of this ‘talk’ has to do with style, post-modern processes and cultural engagement. The desire to be conversationally engaging and culturally relevant with post-moderns has led to a quasi-reformation in the church. The new and the innovative are the mantras of the day.Yet I believe that the ‘emergent’ or ‘emerging’ talk is misguided. True, many of the criticisms of the church are on the mark. The church has become stuck, unwieldy and culturally disengaged. However, I believe what is emerging is something very old – a desire for the eternal that is rooted in a biblical orthodoxy that confronts sin, redeems the bound and reconciles the divided.
This means that biblical theology doesn’t need to be re-created; Scripture simply needs to be taught, unleashing it on the world in the power of the Spirit. In other words, I am seeing a desire to cut through the ecclesiastical red-tape in order to get to God and the truth of His Word. Ministries that meet this need, whether they be traditional, contemporary or innovative in structure will meet the need of a generation that is tired of the fluff and wants to get to God straight away! This is what is emerging!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Missionally Minded
Missionally Minded - Seeing What God Sees
Kevin Shrum
Question! Are you a mission-minded person? Or, are you a missional person? What’s the difference? New terminology is making its way through church life these days. Churches are being challenged to ask themselves – are we mission-minded? Or, are we missional? Again, what’s the difference?
· Being mission-minded is defined as praying about missions and for missionaries; it is defined as supporting missions with our financial resources; and, it is defined as occasionally participating in a short-term mission trip.
· Being missionally-minded is defined as viewing all of life as being on mission. Southern Baptists used to call it ‘lifestyle evangelism,’ but the term missional has replaced that previous term. Being missional means that my entire life, all my relationships, my work, my play and my entire focus is being on mission for the Lord. It means that I see in every day living opportunities to love God, love people and serve others.
· We must be both – mission-minded and missional. The mission causes of the kingdom need our prayers, our financial support and our occasional participation. But even further, God needs our entire life to be one of mission.
· No matter what you call it, every member is a minister!
(1 Peter 3:15-16) “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”
I know what you’re thinking. Missions? How boring! How old-fashioned! How wasteful of a worthy life! Let me respond by saying that as a believer you will have no greater joy than to be an active part of God’s kingdom mission. All other occupations pale in comparison to the thrill that is gained by seeing God use your life to reach another life with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Matthew 9:35-38 records a poignant description of the ministry of Jesus Himself. In it is a description not only of Jesus’ ministry, but the qualities of a god-honoring, Christ-exalting, Word-saturated life lived for the glory of God. If you want to live your life as a missional person here are a few of the things that must characterize your life just as they did the life of Jesus!
(Matthew 9:35-38) “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'”
Go! “Jesus went through all the towns and villages…”
There’s no other way to be on mission than to go get them. They will not automatically come. In fact, the chances of the lost coming to us because we have a building on a prominent street corner is remote. Those days are gone. We must go get them. Recall Jesus’ parable of Luke 14:12-24 sometimes referred to as the parable of the ‘great Invitation’ or the ‘great banquet?’ Those first invited found excuses, Jesus said in Luke 14:21, 23, “Go quickly to the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame…” and “Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full.”
Teach “…teaching in their synagogues…”
A missional person is always teaching. To teach means to communicate the truth of God’s Word in a way that can be understood so that the sinner can hear and respond. We do not teach ourselves as the authority, but God’s Word as the life-giving truth of God (1 Cor. 2:1-5).
Preach “…preaching the good news of the kingdom…”
In addition, a missional person proclaims the good news of the kingdom. And what is the good news of the kingdom? It’s 2 Corinthians 5:19, “…that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them.” The good news is 2 Corinthians 5:21, “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God!”
Care “…healing every disease and sickness.”
Jesus cared not only for their souls, but for their well-being. This is why He was always touching, healing, ministering to people. We may not have the gift of healing, but we can care about those God has put into our sphere of influence.
Look “He saw the crowds...harassed, helpless…”
Jesus had vision. When He looked at people He saw their sin and their soul; He saw not only what was, He saw what could be! When He saw the people of His day He envisioned them as “harassed, helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Rather than disgust at their sin, Jesus saw them as they were – without hope, direction, as sinners in need of a Savior.
Love “…He had compassion on them.”
As a result, Jesus had compassion on the people He saw. The term for ‘compassion’ here is not the usual term for love or sympathy such as ‘agape.’ Rather, Luke uses a visceral term – ‘splagchizomai’ – and it literally refers to a gut-level feeling. Jesus’ was emotionally moved to the point that it moved Him to the very core of His physical being. There is a visceral response to people that is repulsive and that drives us away from people. Instead, Jesus had a visceral, gut-level response to people that moved Him toward people. Do you love this way? Does the sin of the sinner repulse you so that you are driven away from them; or does the sin of sinners draw you to them in redemptive love? The mission-minded, missional person loves like Jesus loved.
Believe “The harvest is plentiful…”
As Jesus walked through the cities of His day He turned to His disciples and said the most interesting thing, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” I believe this is a statement of belief articulated by Jesus. There are three implications in Jesus’ statement for what we must believe as God’s missionaries:
1. We must believe that ‘they’re ready!’ That is, sinners are ready to be saved. Too often, we doubt their readiness. Jesus said they’re ready now! All they need is someone to share the good news with them and let God take care of the results.
2. We must believe that God will save them. The implication of the phrase “The harvest is ready…” is that if we go, and they’re ready, God will save some.
3. We must believe that it’s up to us! The missionary can’t save a sinner. But God has ordained that He would use His people to declare the good news so that sinners will hear the gospel, the Spirit will awaken the dead heart of sin and draw them to Himself, enabling them to believe. God uses us as a means in His redemptive plan. This is why He laments the scarcity of workers – “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.”
Pray “the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest…to send”
Pray is the mechanism God uses to draw people out of their comfort zones and into the mission fields. Pray is attuning ourselves to the will of God; it is aligning ourselves with God’s purposes. We are to pray for others to attune their heart to the great missionary God we serve.
Go! “…to send out workers into His harvest field.”
Again, we must go. Going is not optional, it is optimum. Matthew 28:19 begins the Great Commission passage, “Therefore go…” And Acts 1:8 puts our commission this way, “…you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” He sends, we go and that’s the way it works. The word for “send out” is rather interesting – it is ‘ekballo’ and comes from two words, ‘ek’ which means ‘out’ and ‘ballo’ which means ‘to throw.’ It is a rather violent term.
Jesus is serious about missions. He is literally asking us to pray that God will throw out, thrust out, pitch out, kick out workers into the mission field. So, if you sense a kicking, convicting sensation in your head and your heart right now it is God responding to the prayers of a faithful servant of God as He kicks you out of your comfort zone and into the lives of those who need a Savior. This is the way God sees missions!
Kevin Shrum
Question! Are you a mission-minded person? Or, are you a missional person? What’s the difference? New terminology is making its way through church life these days. Churches are being challenged to ask themselves – are we mission-minded? Or, are we missional? Again, what’s the difference?
· Being mission-minded is defined as praying about missions and for missionaries; it is defined as supporting missions with our financial resources; and, it is defined as occasionally participating in a short-term mission trip.
· Being missionally-minded is defined as viewing all of life as being on mission. Southern Baptists used to call it ‘lifestyle evangelism,’ but the term missional has replaced that previous term. Being missional means that my entire life, all my relationships, my work, my play and my entire focus is being on mission for the Lord. It means that I see in every day living opportunities to love God, love people and serve others.
· We must be both – mission-minded and missional. The mission causes of the kingdom need our prayers, our financial support and our occasional participation. But even further, God needs our entire life to be one of mission.
· No matter what you call it, every member is a minister!
(1 Peter 3:15-16) “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”
I know what you’re thinking. Missions? How boring! How old-fashioned! How wasteful of a worthy life! Let me respond by saying that as a believer you will have no greater joy than to be an active part of God’s kingdom mission. All other occupations pale in comparison to the thrill that is gained by seeing God use your life to reach another life with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Matthew 9:35-38 records a poignant description of the ministry of Jesus Himself. In it is a description not only of Jesus’ ministry, but the qualities of a god-honoring, Christ-exalting, Word-saturated life lived for the glory of God. If you want to live your life as a missional person here are a few of the things that must characterize your life just as they did the life of Jesus!
(Matthew 9:35-38) “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'”
Go! “Jesus went through all the towns and villages…”
There’s no other way to be on mission than to go get them. They will not automatically come. In fact, the chances of the lost coming to us because we have a building on a prominent street corner is remote. Those days are gone. We must go get them. Recall Jesus’ parable of Luke 14:12-24 sometimes referred to as the parable of the ‘great Invitation’ or the ‘great banquet?’ Those first invited found excuses, Jesus said in Luke 14:21, 23, “Go quickly to the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame…” and “Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full.”
Teach “…teaching in their synagogues…”
A missional person is always teaching. To teach means to communicate the truth of God’s Word in a way that can be understood so that the sinner can hear and respond. We do not teach ourselves as the authority, but God’s Word as the life-giving truth of God (1 Cor. 2:1-5).
Preach “…preaching the good news of the kingdom…”
In addition, a missional person proclaims the good news of the kingdom. And what is the good news of the kingdom? It’s 2 Corinthians 5:19, “…that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them.” The good news is 2 Corinthians 5:21, “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God!”
Care “…healing every disease and sickness.”
Jesus cared not only for their souls, but for their well-being. This is why He was always touching, healing, ministering to people. We may not have the gift of healing, but we can care about those God has put into our sphere of influence.
Look “He saw the crowds...harassed, helpless…”
Jesus had vision. When He looked at people He saw their sin and their soul; He saw not only what was, He saw what could be! When He saw the people of His day He envisioned them as “harassed, helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Rather than disgust at their sin, Jesus saw them as they were – without hope, direction, as sinners in need of a Savior.
Love “…He had compassion on them.”
As a result, Jesus had compassion on the people He saw. The term for ‘compassion’ here is not the usual term for love or sympathy such as ‘agape.’ Rather, Luke uses a visceral term – ‘splagchizomai’ – and it literally refers to a gut-level feeling. Jesus’ was emotionally moved to the point that it moved Him to the very core of His physical being. There is a visceral response to people that is repulsive and that drives us away from people. Instead, Jesus had a visceral, gut-level response to people that moved Him toward people. Do you love this way? Does the sin of the sinner repulse you so that you are driven away from them; or does the sin of sinners draw you to them in redemptive love? The mission-minded, missional person loves like Jesus loved.
Believe “The harvest is plentiful…”
As Jesus walked through the cities of His day He turned to His disciples and said the most interesting thing, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” I believe this is a statement of belief articulated by Jesus. There are three implications in Jesus’ statement for what we must believe as God’s missionaries:
1. We must believe that ‘they’re ready!’ That is, sinners are ready to be saved. Too often, we doubt their readiness. Jesus said they’re ready now! All they need is someone to share the good news with them and let God take care of the results.
2. We must believe that God will save them. The implication of the phrase “The harvest is ready…” is that if we go, and they’re ready, God will save some.
3. We must believe that it’s up to us! The missionary can’t save a sinner. But God has ordained that He would use His people to declare the good news so that sinners will hear the gospel, the Spirit will awaken the dead heart of sin and draw them to Himself, enabling them to believe. God uses us as a means in His redemptive plan. This is why He laments the scarcity of workers – “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.”
Pray “the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest…to send”
Pray is the mechanism God uses to draw people out of their comfort zones and into the mission fields. Pray is attuning ourselves to the will of God; it is aligning ourselves with God’s purposes. We are to pray for others to attune their heart to the great missionary God we serve.
Go! “…to send out workers into His harvest field.”
Again, we must go. Going is not optional, it is optimum. Matthew 28:19 begins the Great Commission passage, “Therefore go…” And Acts 1:8 puts our commission this way, “…you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” He sends, we go and that’s the way it works. The word for “send out” is rather interesting – it is ‘ekballo’ and comes from two words, ‘ek’ which means ‘out’ and ‘ballo’ which means ‘to throw.’ It is a rather violent term.
Jesus is serious about missions. He is literally asking us to pray that God will throw out, thrust out, pitch out, kick out workers into the mission field. So, if you sense a kicking, convicting sensation in your head and your heart right now it is God responding to the prayers of a faithful servant of God as He kicks you out of your comfort zone and into the lives of those who need a Savior. This is the way God sees missions!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Guilty Until Proven Innocent
Guilty Until Proven Innocent
Kevin Shrum
It is a Tuesday morning after a Monday night Deacons meeting. Auuuuug! Once again, at least at the church I pastor, some of the deacons operate with the philosophy that staff members are guilty until proven innocent, rather than innocent until proven guilty. What joy! What a way to live, knowing that there’s a bulls eye on your back all the time – you’re the target! What this means is that any decision, any proposal, any action is viewed with suspicion.
I understand now why Paul spent an inordinate amount of time defending his own apostleship against false accusation. Just read his letters and from time to time you will see him digressing into a personal defense of his ministry. So, I suppose if Paul had to defend himself against false accusation I shouldn’t be surprised if I have to, as well.
Those who operate with this philosophy – guilty until proven innocent – are the worst offenders. Where are they when it comes time for evangelism training, mission outreach, and general ministry in the church? Where are they when positive resolutions and/or problem solutions are needed? They are critics, white-washed tombs filled with dead men’s bones. Such men will go out of their way to make other people one of their own, but will not love the brethren with a heartfelt love.
My heart is clean, my conscience is clear and my motives are pure. Let God be judge!
Kevin Shrum
It is a Tuesday morning after a Monday night Deacons meeting. Auuuuug! Once again, at least at the church I pastor, some of the deacons operate with the philosophy that staff members are guilty until proven innocent, rather than innocent until proven guilty. What joy! What a way to live, knowing that there’s a bulls eye on your back all the time – you’re the target! What this means is that any decision, any proposal, any action is viewed with suspicion.
I understand now why Paul spent an inordinate amount of time defending his own apostleship against false accusation. Just read his letters and from time to time you will see him digressing into a personal defense of his ministry. So, I suppose if Paul had to defend himself against false accusation I shouldn’t be surprised if I have to, as well.
Those who operate with this philosophy – guilty until proven innocent – are the worst offenders. Where are they when it comes time for evangelism training, mission outreach, and general ministry in the church? Where are they when positive resolutions and/or problem solutions are needed? They are critics, white-washed tombs filled with dead men’s bones. Such men will go out of their way to make other people one of their own, but will not love the brethren with a heartfelt love.
My heart is clean, my conscience is clear and my motives are pure. Let God be judge!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Speaking in Tongues, Part II
Speaking in Tongues, Part II
Kevin Shrum
Let me add to what I have already said about the priority and place of the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues. Paul helps us in 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 by reminding us to 1) pursue love above all else, 2) to desire spiritual gifts, 3) especially the spiritual gift of preaching, vs. 1.
He further adds that to speak in tongues is to edify the self, while preaching edifies the entire church, vs. 2. Edifying the body is preferable to edifying the self. Tongues is speaking to God in a way that no one can understand because it speaks mysteries and secrets that do not edify the body of Christ, vs. 2, 4. Preaching, on the other hand, edifies all believers because of its clarity and power to strengthen, encouragement and comfort, vs. 3, 5.
One interesting note in these five verses is the use of the singular and the plural form of ‘language.’ Paul uses the singular form of language in vs. 2, 4, 13, 14, 19 and 27. Some scholars believe that this is a reference to the counterfeit use of tongues. He uses the plural form of language in vs. 6, 18, 22, 23 and 39 as he references the proper use of tongues.
If ‘speaking in tongues’ is the gift of speaking known languages that one may not personally know for the purpose of gospel proclamation, i.e. Greek, Arabic, etc., then the proper term would be the plural form of language – tongues. The singular form – a tongue – may refer to the gibberish that was often used in pagan worship services.
Ultimately, the clear communication of the gospel is at stake.
Kevin Shrum
Let me add to what I have already said about the priority and place of the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues. Paul helps us in 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 by reminding us to 1) pursue love above all else, 2) to desire spiritual gifts, 3) especially the spiritual gift of preaching, vs. 1.
He further adds that to speak in tongues is to edify the self, while preaching edifies the entire church, vs. 2. Edifying the body is preferable to edifying the self. Tongues is speaking to God in a way that no one can understand because it speaks mysteries and secrets that do not edify the body of Christ, vs. 2, 4. Preaching, on the other hand, edifies all believers because of its clarity and power to strengthen, encouragement and comfort, vs. 3, 5.
One interesting note in these five verses is the use of the singular and the plural form of ‘language.’ Paul uses the singular form of language in vs. 2, 4, 13, 14, 19 and 27. Some scholars believe that this is a reference to the counterfeit use of tongues. He uses the plural form of language in vs. 6, 18, 22, 23 and 39 as he references the proper use of tongues.
If ‘speaking in tongues’ is the gift of speaking known languages that one may not personally know for the purpose of gospel proclamation, i.e. Greek, Arabic, etc., then the proper term would be the plural form of language – tongues. The singular form – a tongue – may refer to the gibberish that was often used in pagan worship services.
Ultimately, the clear communication of the gospel is at stake.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Speaking in Tongues, Part 1
Speaking in Tongues, Part 1
Kevin Shrum
The subject of speaking ‘in tongues’ has always been controversial and divisive. In recent days, tongues as a viable spiritual gift has once again surfaced in the Southern Baptist Convention. My next several posts will deal with this subject.
I want to begin by asking the question: Where should the spiritual gift of tongues be placed on the church’s priority scale? At this point, never mind if tongues is even a viable gift for the modern day church and/or believer. I’ll argue that point in a later post. I’m assuming, for the sake of making a point, that it is a viable gift – what priority should it take in the life of the church and/or believer?
If it is of first priority then we must focus on it with great energy. If it is of lesser importance then we may need to take another look at how much we allow this gift, and the controversy surrounding it, to consume our time and energy. Is it a priority gift? Or, has it become a distracting doctrine: “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because they are unprofitable and useless.” (Titus 3:9)
My answer to this question is that tongues should be viewed as a second-tier priority. Why? Because the spiritual gift of tongues in Scripture was never viewed as an ends, it was always viewed as a means. For example, on the day of Pentecost “each one (the visitors to the city Jerusalem) heard them speaking in his own language.” (Acts 2:6) God supernaturally enabled the early believers to speak languages that they didn’t know but that were the known languages of those visiting the city so that the gospel – I repeat – the gospel could be heard by every person in every tongue from every nation and people group (Acts 2:8-12).
The focus in Acts was on the work of the Spirit using a means by which to accomplish the preaching of the gospel. The focus was not on tongues as an end; the focus was on the gospel (Acts 2:14-41) as the end, accompanied by the salvation of sinners and the glory of God.
This kind of second-tier perspective can be observed in Paul’s argument on this subject: “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy (preaching).” (1 Cor. 14:1) Rather than press the Corinthians to seek the spiritual gift of tongues, he encourages them to preach and speak God’s Word.
My second question is: If the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues is a second-tier gift used as a means for gospel preaching when it first appeared at Pentecost, is such a gift needed in our day when language is less of a barrier than in previous generations? This is the question at the heart of the question!
When we elevate the spiritual gift of tongues as a first-tier gift we tend to get ourselves in trouble, misconstruing the means God uses from time to time with the ultimate ends of His purposes – the preaching of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ so that sinners might be saved and God might be glorified. Stated tuned for more to come…!
Kevin Shrum
The subject of speaking ‘in tongues’ has always been controversial and divisive. In recent days, tongues as a viable spiritual gift has once again surfaced in the Southern Baptist Convention. My next several posts will deal with this subject.
I want to begin by asking the question: Where should the spiritual gift of tongues be placed on the church’s priority scale? At this point, never mind if tongues is even a viable gift for the modern day church and/or believer. I’ll argue that point in a later post. I’m assuming, for the sake of making a point, that it is a viable gift – what priority should it take in the life of the church and/or believer?
If it is of first priority then we must focus on it with great energy. If it is of lesser importance then we may need to take another look at how much we allow this gift, and the controversy surrounding it, to consume our time and energy. Is it a priority gift? Or, has it become a distracting doctrine: “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because they are unprofitable and useless.” (Titus 3:9)
My answer to this question is that tongues should be viewed as a second-tier priority. Why? Because the spiritual gift of tongues in Scripture was never viewed as an ends, it was always viewed as a means. For example, on the day of Pentecost “each one (the visitors to the city Jerusalem) heard them speaking in his own language.” (Acts 2:6) God supernaturally enabled the early believers to speak languages that they didn’t know but that were the known languages of those visiting the city so that the gospel – I repeat – the gospel could be heard by every person in every tongue from every nation and people group (Acts 2:8-12).
The focus in Acts was on the work of the Spirit using a means by which to accomplish the preaching of the gospel. The focus was not on tongues as an end; the focus was on the gospel (Acts 2:14-41) as the end, accompanied by the salvation of sinners and the glory of God.
This kind of second-tier perspective can be observed in Paul’s argument on this subject: “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy (preaching).” (1 Cor. 14:1) Rather than press the Corinthians to seek the spiritual gift of tongues, he encourages them to preach and speak God’s Word.
My second question is: If the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues is a second-tier gift used as a means for gospel preaching when it first appeared at Pentecost, is such a gift needed in our day when language is less of a barrier than in previous generations? This is the question at the heart of the question!
When we elevate the spiritual gift of tongues as a first-tier gift we tend to get ourselves in trouble, misconstruing the means God uses from time to time with the ultimate ends of His purposes – the preaching of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ so that sinners might be saved and God might be glorified. Stated tuned for more to come…!
Book Review of Hitchens, Dennett, Harris and Dawkins Books
Book Review of Hitchens, Dennett, Harris and Dawkins Books
Kevin Shrum
Here is my singular book review for the atheistic offerings of the quaternity Christopher Hitchens’, God is Not Great, Daniel Dennett’s, Breaking the Spell, Same Harris’, The End of Faith and Richard Dawkins’, The God Delusion:
“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” (Ps. 14:1) because “men…suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools.” (Romans 1:18-22)
I would like to acknowledge the sources for my review, the Old Testament hymn book, Psalms and the New Testament theology book, Romans. Both books are authored by? God!
Kevin Shrum
Here is my singular book review for the atheistic offerings of the quaternity Christopher Hitchens’, God is Not Great, Daniel Dennett’s, Breaking the Spell, Same Harris’, The End of Faith and Richard Dawkins’, The God Delusion:
“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” (Ps. 14:1) because “men…suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools.” (Romans 1:18-22)
I would like to acknowledge the sources for my review, the Old Testament hymn book, Psalms and the New Testament theology book, Romans. Both books are authored by? God!
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Francis Beckwith, I Just Don't Get Your Return to Catholicism
Francis Beckwith, I Just Don’t Get Your Return to Catholicism
Kevin Shrum
I am married to a former Catholic. My wife is a faithful follower of Jesus Christ who came to Christ on a school bus when someone opened the Scriptures to this ‘good Catholic girl’ for the very first time. In the Scriptures – not in incense, ceremony, protocol – she found the Lord seeking her. As her husband, I have been attending Mass off and on for the past twenty-seven years out of respect for my in-laws, whom I love very much.
While I have a small modicum of respect for the RCC for her moral positions on some ethical issues, I have never understood the attraction of the RCC. I have watched the Mass, the pomp and ceremony, smelled the incense, attempted to sing Gregorian styled hymns and have willingly prayed during the Mass whatever prayers I could pray without violating my conscience. I have read Catholic authors and theology. And I still don’t get it.
I don’t get the mystery, the intrigue, the ‘hidden-ness’ of the sacrament, the symbolism, the mediated gospel. Personally, I believe there is in the heart of every man, woman and child a desire to know God; but I also believe that there is in the heart of every man, woman and child the seeds of idolatry that causes us to dress up God with symbolism, mystery, pomp, procedure once He is found.
I believe that the RCC is just this – a man-made institution that has dressed God up in such a way as to make God even more mysterious than He already is. Catholicism allows some people to satisfy their need for God and their need for idolatry by wrapping the gospel in a fabric of symbolism that ends up cloaking and trumping the gospel itself.
And now comes the news of Francis Beckwith’s return to the Catholic church. What makes this return so illustrative is 1) Beckwith was a childhood Catholic and converted to Protestantism as a young adult, so his return is a return to what he once was and maybe never stopped being and 2) he is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society – in fact, he is the President of the ETS, although he has resigned this position as of May ’07.
Beckwith states his arguments in an e-mail posted May 5th, 2007.
1) He says that ‘I can in good conscience, as a Catholic, affirm the ETS doctrinal statement, I do not intend to resign as a member of ETS.’ This is amazing. If Beckwith can do this either evangelicalism means nothing or Catholicism means nothing – it can’t be both.
2) He notes, ‘There is a conversation in ETS that must take place, a conversation about the relationship between Evangelicalism and what is called the ‘Great Tradition,’ a tradition from which all Christians can trace their spiritual and ecclesiastical paternity.’ He, I take it, is referring to the early church Fathers. I also take this to be a reference to Beckwith’s ascent to ‘Tradition’ being co-equal with Scripture.
3) He says that he has read ‘more sophisticated works on justification by Catholic authors.’ I take it that by this admission he had previously been reading ‘unsophisticated’ Catholic authors on justification.
4) His conclusion is: ‘I became convinced that the Early Church is more Catholic than Protestant and that the Catholic view of justification, correctly understood, is biblically and historically defensible.’ Why does he add the caveat, ‘correctly understood?’ Is there something about Catholic teaching that is easily misunderstood when it comes to the doctrine of justification – how a person is saved?
5) Beckwith follows up this statement with, ‘Even though I also believe that the Reformed view is biblically and historically defensible.’ Paul, Peter, James, Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, and Spurgeon must be turning over in their graves.
6) Beckwith notes his acceptance of the catholic creeds and understanding of the Scriptures as grounds for accepting tradition as co-equal to Scripture.
7) Finally, Beckwith states: ‘Given these considerations, I thought it wise for me to err on the side of the Church with historical and theological continuity with the first generations of Christians that followed the Apostles.’
I am stunned, considering that Beckwith is such a celebrated Christian philosopher. Beckwith’s re-conversion carries with it a major assumption – that ‘the first generations of Christians that followed the Apostles’ always got it right when it came to doctrine. While many of the early creeds are laudable and even essential, soon after the first Apostles died off, as I noted earlier, the manmade desire to dress up the gospel with symbolism, pomp and ceremony, incense, papal systems, etc. burst on to the scene. In fact, it was already happening in the church at Galatia. Beckwith is not the first to get it wrong and he won’t be the last. I would like to personally ask Beckwith:
· What do you think of papal authority?
· How can you simultaneously affirm the Catholic view of justification and the evangelical/biblical view of justification? I knew you were a good philosopher, but…
· Will you give homage to Mary? Is she to be venerated? Did Catholics get her right?
· And what about the Mass where Jesus Christ is crucified afresh each time, a practice specifically forbidden by Scripture? (Hebrews 6:6 and 10:29)
· And what about the Catholic view of the co-equal nature of Scripture and tradition? Doesn’t it seem obvious to you that when it comes down to it for the Catholic tradition always seems to trump Scripture?
Beckwith’s assumptions are like any assumptions – when you assume it always makes an ‘ass’ out of ‘u” & ‘me.’
Kevin Shrum
I am married to a former Catholic. My wife is a faithful follower of Jesus Christ who came to Christ on a school bus when someone opened the Scriptures to this ‘good Catholic girl’ for the very first time. In the Scriptures – not in incense, ceremony, protocol – she found the Lord seeking her. As her husband, I have been attending Mass off and on for the past twenty-seven years out of respect for my in-laws, whom I love very much.
While I have a small modicum of respect for the RCC for her moral positions on some ethical issues, I have never understood the attraction of the RCC. I have watched the Mass, the pomp and ceremony, smelled the incense, attempted to sing Gregorian styled hymns and have willingly prayed during the Mass whatever prayers I could pray without violating my conscience. I have read Catholic authors and theology. And I still don’t get it.
I don’t get the mystery, the intrigue, the ‘hidden-ness’ of the sacrament, the symbolism, the mediated gospel. Personally, I believe there is in the heart of every man, woman and child a desire to know God; but I also believe that there is in the heart of every man, woman and child the seeds of idolatry that causes us to dress up God with symbolism, mystery, pomp, procedure once He is found.
I believe that the RCC is just this – a man-made institution that has dressed God up in such a way as to make God even more mysterious than He already is. Catholicism allows some people to satisfy their need for God and their need for idolatry by wrapping the gospel in a fabric of symbolism that ends up cloaking and trumping the gospel itself.
And now comes the news of Francis Beckwith’s return to the Catholic church. What makes this return so illustrative is 1) Beckwith was a childhood Catholic and converted to Protestantism as a young adult, so his return is a return to what he once was and maybe never stopped being and 2) he is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society – in fact, he is the President of the ETS, although he has resigned this position as of May ’07.
Beckwith states his arguments in an e-mail posted May 5th, 2007.
1) He says that ‘I can in good conscience, as a Catholic, affirm the ETS doctrinal statement, I do not intend to resign as a member of ETS.’ This is amazing. If Beckwith can do this either evangelicalism means nothing or Catholicism means nothing – it can’t be both.
2) He notes, ‘There is a conversation in ETS that must take place, a conversation about the relationship between Evangelicalism and what is called the ‘Great Tradition,’ a tradition from which all Christians can trace their spiritual and ecclesiastical paternity.’ He, I take it, is referring to the early church Fathers. I also take this to be a reference to Beckwith’s ascent to ‘Tradition’ being co-equal with Scripture.
3) He says that he has read ‘more sophisticated works on justification by Catholic authors.’ I take it that by this admission he had previously been reading ‘unsophisticated’ Catholic authors on justification.
4) His conclusion is: ‘I became convinced that the Early Church is more Catholic than Protestant and that the Catholic view of justification, correctly understood, is biblically and historically defensible.’ Why does he add the caveat, ‘correctly understood?’ Is there something about Catholic teaching that is easily misunderstood when it comes to the doctrine of justification – how a person is saved?
5) Beckwith follows up this statement with, ‘Even though I also believe that the Reformed view is biblically and historically defensible.’ Paul, Peter, James, Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, and Spurgeon must be turning over in their graves.
6) Beckwith notes his acceptance of the catholic creeds and understanding of the Scriptures as grounds for accepting tradition as co-equal to Scripture.
7) Finally, Beckwith states: ‘Given these considerations, I thought it wise for me to err on the side of the Church with historical and theological continuity with the first generations of Christians that followed the Apostles.’
I am stunned, considering that Beckwith is such a celebrated Christian philosopher. Beckwith’s re-conversion carries with it a major assumption – that ‘the first generations of Christians that followed the Apostles’ always got it right when it came to doctrine. While many of the early creeds are laudable and even essential, soon after the first Apostles died off, as I noted earlier, the manmade desire to dress up the gospel with symbolism, pomp and ceremony, incense, papal systems, etc. burst on to the scene. In fact, it was already happening in the church at Galatia. Beckwith is not the first to get it wrong and he won’t be the last. I would like to personally ask Beckwith:
· What do you think of papal authority?
· How can you simultaneously affirm the Catholic view of justification and the evangelical/biblical view of justification? I knew you were a good philosopher, but…
· Will you give homage to Mary? Is she to be venerated? Did Catholics get her right?
· And what about the Mass where Jesus Christ is crucified afresh each time, a practice specifically forbidden by Scripture? (Hebrews 6:6 and 10:29)
· And what about the Catholic view of the co-equal nature of Scripture and tradition? Doesn’t it seem obvious to you that when it comes down to it for the Catholic tradition always seems to trump Scripture?
Beckwith’s assumptions are like any assumptions – when you assume it always makes an ‘ass’ out of ‘u” & ‘me.’
Monday, May 7, 2007
The Southern Baptist Convention in Trouble?
The Southern Baptist Convention in Trouble?
Kevin Shrum
Is the Southern Baptist Convention in trouble? While mission giving has increased in the past several years, overall membership has only slightly increased failing to keep pace with national population increases. Baptisms are not what they should be and statistics show that nearly 70% of SBC churches have plateaued or are in decline. Add to this a newly emerging segment of SBC voices, i.e. McKissic and Burleson, who are much more worried about personal liberty and private prayer languages and it makes for a rudderless ship with a lack of focus on evangelism, missions and dynamic Christian living.
The SBC remains a viable mechanism for accomplishing kingdom goals. With its two – unparalleled in church history – mission-sending agencies and ingenious mechanism of denominational support known as the Cooperative Program, Southern Baptists could be positioned to initiate a new wave of missions and evangelism. There are a few things that Southern Baptists can do to re-focus this convention ship.
First, we must stay true to a core of orthodox convictions and avoid peripheral issues such as speaking in tongues as a measure of spiritual maturity and alcohol as ‘the’ sign of Christian liberty. The Baptist Faith and Message is a worthy stab at this core. But let me further reducer that core to a ‘core within a core’ – the worship and glory of the triune nature of a sovereign, holy and loving God; the supremacy and authority of the Bible for the faith and practice of the church; the deity and exclusivity of Jesus Christ as the only redeemer; the sinful nature of man; the gospel of Jesus Christ encapsulated in Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection; and, the mission mandate of the church to infiltrate the world in living and preaching the gospel to all the nations. There are many other ‘doctrines’ worthy of consideration, but I would suggest that these are the ‘bread and butter’ issues of the church.
Second, we must believe that every man is dead in his sins and bound for a Christ-less eternity and we must believe that ‘we’ are commanded to preach the gospel so that God might save these dead sinners. In other words, we must be convinced that sin is ‘real,’ the consequences of sin are dire and that unless we preach the gospel sinners will not be saved. It is not a job that can be left to another; it is every Christian’s job to share the gospel.
Third, we must understand that America, while still largely friendly to religious belief, is fast-becoming not only post-Christian (after the golden era of the 50’s to present), but anti-Christian. Such an understanding is ‘good!’ Christianity does well when it is pressed, pressured and persecuted; Christianity wanes when it is comfortable and convenient. If every believer developed a ‘foreign mission attitude’ or a ‘behind enemy lines’ attitude holiness would increase, along with baptisms and church attendance. I would not suggest that we pray for persecution; but I would suggest that we need not be afraid of persecution that comes as a result of authentic Christian living. We seemed to be so worried about not offending unbelievers that we fail to see that nothing can take the offensive edge off the gospel itself. You and I don’t need to be offensive – we are to be loving, winsome and gracious. Yet, even gracious living does not lessen the utterly offensive nature of a gospel that not only declares God’s love in Christ, but that tells the sinner he is a damned and without remedy for his condition apart from Christ.
Finally, we must be brutally honest with ourselves by recognizing that we have become spiritually fat, intellectually dense, evangelistically indifferent, personally and corporately unholy and culturally captive. In addition, while we are as doctrinaire as ever, we have become practical atheists, making us no different in how we live than how pagans live.
We must come alive by God’s Spirit. We must not only say we believe Scripture, but we must seek holiness guided by Scripture. Maybe then Southern Baptists will re-focus their efforts in preaching the gospel, penetrating culture as salt and light and separating ourselves as true believers in an unbelieving world.
Kevin Shrum
Is the Southern Baptist Convention in trouble? While mission giving has increased in the past several years, overall membership has only slightly increased failing to keep pace with national population increases. Baptisms are not what they should be and statistics show that nearly 70% of SBC churches have plateaued or are in decline. Add to this a newly emerging segment of SBC voices, i.e. McKissic and Burleson, who are much more worried about personal liberty and private prayer languages and it makes for a rudderless ship with a lack of focus on evangelism, missions and dynamic Christian living.
The SBC remains a viable mechanism for accomplishing kingdom goals. With its two – unparalleled in church history – mission-sending agencies and ingenious mechanism of denominational support known as the Cooperative Program, Southern Baptists could be positioned to initiate a new wave of missions and evangelism. There are a few things that Southern Baptists can do to re-focus this convention ship.
First, we must stay true to a core of orthodox convictions and avoid peripheral issues such as speaking in tongues as a measure of spiritual maturity and alcohol as ‘the’ sign of Christian liberty. The Baptist Faith and Message is a worthy stab at this core. But let me further reducer that core to a ‘core within a core’ – the worship and glory of the triune nature of a sovereign, holy and loving God; the supremacy and authority of the Bible for the faith and practice of the church; the deity and exclusivity of Jesus Christ as the only redeemer; the sinful nature of man; the gospel of Jesus Christ encapsulated in Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection; and, the mission mandate of the church to infiltrate the world in living and preaching the gospel to all the nations. There are many other ‘doctrines’ worthy of consideration, but I would suggest that these are the ‘bread and butter’ issues of the church.
Second, we must believe that every man is dead in his sins and bound for a Christ-less eternity and we must believe that ‘we’ are commanded to preach the gospel so that God might save these dead sinners. In other words, we must be convinced that sin is ‘real,’ the consequences of sin are dire and that unless we preach the gospel sinners will not be saved. It is not a job that can be left to another; it is every Christian’s job to share the gospel.
Third, we must understand that America, while still largely friendly to religious belief, is fast-becoming not only post-Christian (after the golden era of the 50’s to present), but anti-Christian. Such an understanding is ‘good!’ Christianity does well when it is pressed, pressured and persecuted; Christianity wanes when it is comfortable and convenient. If every believer developed a ‘foreign mission attitude’ or a ‘behind enemy lines’ attitude holiness would increase, along with baptisms and church attendance. I would not suggest that we pray for persecution; but I would suggest that we need not be afraid of persecution that comes as a result of authentic Christian living. We seemed to be so worried about not offending unbelievers that we fail to see that nothing can take the offensive edge off the gospel itself. You and I don’t need to be offensive – we are to be loving, winsome and gracious. Yet, even gracious living does not lessen the utterly offensive nature of a gospel that not only declares God’s love in Christ, but that tells the sinner he is a damned and without remedy for his condition apart from Christ.
Finally, we must be brutally honest with ourselves by recognizing that we have become spiritually fat, intellectually dense, evangelistically indifferent, personally and corporately unholy and culturally captive. In addition, while we are as doctrinaire as ever, we have become practical atheists, making us no different in how we live than how pagans live.
We must come alive by God’s Spirit. We must not only say we believe Scripture, but we must seek holiness guided by Scripture. Maybe then Southern Baptists will re-focus their efforts in preaching the gospel, penetrating culture as salt and light and separating ourselves as true believers in an unbelieving world.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
The Dangerous Book
The Dangerous Book
Kevin Shrum
Renown historian, Philip Jenkins, is at it again. He has followed his monumental book, The Next Christendom, with another striking volume, The New Faces of Christianity: Believing the Bible in the Global South. Jenkins has written a great deal on the increasing influence and power of the new global South (for the parochial, this is not Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, etc.). The global South is a term used to describe those nations in Africa and South America, even those of Asia, where Christianity is aflame with passion and power, unlike evangelical Christianity in America where it is lethargic, self-centered and myopic.
In The New Faces of Christianity, Jenkins notes that believers in the global South are more akin to the early believers than they are their American counter-parts. And what is the impetus of this difference? People in the global South read, study, believe and obey the Bible.
In a Books and Culture (May/June 2007) book review written by Joel Carpenter, Director of the Nagel Institute for the Study of World Christianity at Calvin College, Carpenter captures Jenkins spirit and the spirit of the global south when he writes,
I love this! Yet, we have Americanized the Bible to a degree where we treat it in a compartmentalized fashion. We use the parts that bolster and support our ambitious lifestyles and ignore the more difficult passages, labeling them politically incorrect, harsh, outdated and narrow, too doctrinaire. In essence, while believers in the global South have had the Bible unleashed in their lives, Christians in the West have chained the Bible with our erudite opinions and sophisticated spiritual prerogatives. May God allow us to re-discover what we already have – a book that is flammable, transformative, powerful.
May we be like the Berean believers of Acts 17:11, “Now the Bereans were of more noble character (holy) than the Thessalonians, for they received the message (ideas/concepts) with great eagerness (passion) and examined (diligence) the Scriptures (God’s Word) every day (faithfulness) to see if what Paul said (judgment/discernment) was true (truth).”
Kevin Shrum
Renown historian, Philip Jenkins, is at it again. He has followed his monumental book, The Next Christendom, with another striking volume, The New Faces of Christianity: Believing the Bible in the Global South. Jenkins has written a great deal on the increasing influence and power of the new global South (for the parochial, this is not Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, etc.). The global South is a term used to describe those nations in Africa and South America, even those of Asia, where Christianity is aflame with passion and power, unlike evangelical Christianity in America where it is lethargic, self-centered and myopic.
In The New Faces of Christianity, Jenkins notes that believers in the global South are more akin to the early believers than they are their American counter-parts. And what is the impetus of this difference? People in the global South read, study, believe and obey the Bible.
In a Books and Culture (May/June 2007) book review written by Joel Carpenter, Director of the Nagel Institute for the Study of World Christianity at Calvin College, Carpenter captures Jenkins spirit and the spirit of the global south when he writes,
“A recently rediscovered religious text is making huge waves in the world today. With stunning power, it is driving the largest religious change in human istory. This book is subversive, revolutionary, and transformative in its approach to good and evil; spirituality; politics; wealth and poverty; race, ethnicity, and social status; gender and sexuality; and health and healing. It also reveals long-hidden truths about Jesus of Nazareth. What is this book? Is it the Gospel of Thomas? No. how about The Da Vinci Code? Hardly.
It’s the Bible. All over the global South – in Africa, Asia, and to a large extent in Latin America as well – people are reading, believing, and living out of the Bible in ways that make it a very different book from the one known in the North Atlantic realms. Not only that, but because
of unprecedented migration, this new Christianity is close at hand in the North as well. In The New Christendom, historian Philip Jenkins sets out to take a much closer look at the Christianity of the global South. What he finds is a deeply biblical faith that understands the Scriptures in strikingly different ways than are common in the global North.”
I love this! Yet, we have Americanized the Bible to a degree where we treat it in a compartmentalized fashion. We use the parts that bolster and support our ambitious lifestyles and ignore the more difficult passages, labeling them politically incorrect, harsh, outdated and narrow, too doctrinaire. In essence, while believers in the global South have had the Bible unleashed in their lives, Christians in the West have chained the Bible with our erudite opinions and sophisticated spiritual prerogatives. May God allow us to re-discover what we already have – a book that is flammable, transformative, powerful.
May we be like the Berean believers of Acts 17:11, “Now the Bereans were of more noble character (holy) than the Thessalonians, for they received the message (ideas/concepts) with great eagerness (passion) and examined (diligence) the Scriptures (God’s Word) every day (faithfulness) to see if what Paul said (judgment/discernment) was true (truth).”
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