# 4 January 25, 2010
Part 1
SC is "First in the Nation" in a number of categories, most not admirable and some utterly shameful. Unless you have been marooned on a island or engaged in a boycott of the media (I would not hold that against you) you are probably aware that one of our more recent 'egg on our face' trophies was claimed by our Governor, Mark Sanford.
He claimed to be hiking the Appalachian Trail. In fact, he was in Argentina seeking to convince his 'soul mate' (his description) that she should continue their adulterous affair. He was recently censored by the Legislature for this sinful and irresponsible behavior.
This is not the first time such behavior has been exhibited by a public figure and sad to say, it will not be the last. Having stated this, it should not surprise us because people, including the writer, are flat out sinners. Sinners sin. This is my point.
Part 2
When initially confronted in the Atlanta airport, he vigorously denied the facts. That is, until the reporter showed him a folder full of emails detailing in graphic terms what had been going on in the land of Evita! There was a very descriptive photo posted shortly after Tiger Woods was expsoed for his violation of the covenant of marriage. The photo showed Tiger standing by a rocky ledge and his ball lay precariously close to the edge. The caption said simply "IT IS WHAT YOU DO NEXT THAT MATTERS!"
What the Governor did in his final State of the State address was to offer his 'final apology'. Rather than coming to terms with his behavior, he chose to engage what I have come to label "The Nixon Syndrome". This makes clear that it is not the offense that brings you down, it is the cover up or attempt at same.
In his 'apology' (the issue is confession and repentance, not apology), he dismissed his conduct by saying:
1. He was human.
2. He messed up.
It is not our humanity that causes our departure from Truth and fidelity, it is our sin. Not just our acts of sin, but our sin nature which came to all at the fall. Sin is defined by the text of Scripture and we can engage in honest and accurate exegesis to discover exactly what this action is and what must be done to bring correction, forgiveness and cleansing. The NT norm is confession, repentance and restitution.
Euphemizing Truth produces an additional blight on the family of mankind. As Christians we should hold the line on such sloppy speech and imprecise verbiage.
So, the next time you sin, DO NOT apply "The Nixon Syndrome". What you do next really is important. Confess, Repent, Restore and be cleansed by a merciful loving God. He created language. He gave us the text. He honors our fidelity to His Word and His person.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Worldview
# 3 January 18, 2010
Part 1
Presuppositions are crucial. Where you go in is where you come out. Weltanschauung.
Which Coach would you rather listen to?
Part 1
Presuppositions are crucial. Where you go in is where you come out. Weltanschauung.
This week I read a BLOG Post concerning Leadership Development and coaching for those in the twenty-something post-modern generation. The following is a brief description of the individual under the microscope and his world-view.
Age 23. College graduate. Works in a coffee shop, lives with his parents because that is more economically feasible. He has no particular direction in life. No goals. Utterly no sense of Purpose or direction. He lives day to day and draws a paycheck. In short, this is a kayak adrift on the oceans of life. He has no concerns about arrival destination or time. He isn't going anywhere so any road he takes will get him there. He has no aspirations that will benefit himself much less those around him. If his boat gets hit by a storm I assume Mom & Dad will serve as The Red Cross. It gets worse.
The individual writing the BLOG article tells the reader that we must understand this world-view. If we are to coach this young man, we must accommodate his perspective. Rather than compare his preferences and life style to the postulates of of Scripture, we apparently should rub our chin, occasionally offer an audible grunt and keep listening. This will lead us to an understanding of where he is. And that accomplishes exactly what?
Part 2
Where to begin. Lets begin with Purpose. The text says - Obey all that Jesus Commanded (Matt. 28:18-20). This includes understanding God's revelation of Himself, integrating this revelation into a personal world-view and applying this to life. Paul's Epistle to the Romans turns the corner from orthodoxy to orthopraxy in Romans 12:1-2. The command is to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. This young man has apparently embraced the "whatever" philosophy of post-modernism. His life has no purpose, no focus and no direction. Will he still be living with Mom & Dad when he is 43?
In Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians he sounds a crystal clear blast on the trumpet of reality - - Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of time, because the days are evil (Eph. 5:15). He prefaced these words with a wake up call.
As a Coach and CEO of a Leadership Development Ministry, I hold and articulate a very different world-view. Life is shaped by Purpose. God created His people to serve and honor Him by fulfilling His purpose through them. That is not even remotely possible with a "whatever" approach to life. Working in a coffee shop may well be a very honorable way to serve the LORD (I appreciate STARBUCKS). To do so with no idea of why you are here, where you are going or what you will do to honor the King of Kings strikes me as irresponsible, derelict and just plain nonsense.
Age 23. College graduate. Works in a coffee shop, lives with his parents because that is more economically feasible. He has no particular direction in life. No goals. Utterly no sense of Purpose or direction. He lives day to day and draws a paycheck. In short, this is a kayak adrift on the oceans of life. He has no concerns about arrival destination or time. He isn't going anywhere so any road he takes will get him there. He has no aspirations that will benefit himself much less those around him. If his boat gets hit by a storm I assume Mom & Dad will serve as The Red Cross. It gets worse.
The individual writing the BLOG article tells the reader that we must understand this world-view. If we are to coach this young man, we must accommodate his perspective. Rather than compare his preferences and life style to the postulates of of Scripture, we apparently should rub our chin, occasionally offer an audible grunt and keep listening. This will lead us to an understanding of where he is. And that accomplishes exactly what?
Part 2
Where to begin. Lets begin with Purpose. The text says - Obey all that Jesus Commanded (Matt. 28:18-20). This includes understanding God's revelation of Himself, integrating this revelation into a personal world-view and applying this to life. Paul's Epistle to the Romans turns the corner from orthodoxy to orthopraxy in Romans 12:1-2. The command is to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. This young man has apparently embraced the "whatever" philosophy of post-modernism. His life has no purpose, no focus and no direction. Will he still be living with Mom & Dad when he is 43?
In Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians he sounds a crystal clear blast on the trumpet of reality - - Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of time, because the days are evil (Eph. 5:15). He prefaced these words with a wake up call.
As a Coach and CEO of a Leadership Development Ministry, I hold and articulate a very different world-view. Life is shaped by Purpose. God created His people to serve and honor Him by fulfilling His purpose through them. That is not even remotely possible with a "whatever" approach to life. Working in a coffee shop may well be a very honorable way to serve the LORD (I appreciate STARBUCKS). To do so with no idea of why you are here, where you are going or what you will do to honor the King of Kings strikes me as irresponsible, derelict and just plain nonsense.
Which Coach would you rather listen to?
Monday, January 4, 2010
The Authority of Scripture
#2 January 11, 2010
Several years ago (2003) I wrote an article in which I stated that the "Big Enchilada", the primary foundational challenge for the evangelical church in America is the Nature and Character of Scripture, Special Revelation. My conviction on that topic has only solidified.
Moses said to the people of Israel - - Did any people ever hear the voice of god speaking out of the midst of the fire, as you have heard, and still live? (Deut. 4:33). Jesus said - - The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day (Jn. 12:48). Paul wrote - - for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized (1 Cor. 11:19).
I have never encountered anyone who claims to be an evangelical and simply denies the authenticity and authority of Scripture as a principle of doctrine (orthodoxy). However, I encounter almost daily people and circumstances in which the application of Scripture as the infallible guide for faith and practice (orthopraxy) is disregarded with impunity. Integrated or Applied Theology is the test of orthodoxy. Jesus said - Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock (Matt. 7:24).
A. Areas of Challenge in the evangelical church regarding the Authority of Scripture
1. Sufficiency - many who profess an evangelical faith insist on extra-biblical revelation. They treat 'private revelations' as the equivalent of recorded Scripture.
2. Divorce and Remarriage - These two very distinct issues are lumped together. If you get a divorce it is assumed you may remarry.
3. Gossip - If it is sex related or includes the consumption of alcohol, we will bust em. Failure to observe the protocol regarding communication and speech is ignored with impunity.
4. Gluttony - You better not even smell a can of beer but you may be 100 pounds over-weight and still be a "pastor in good standing".
5. Justification - Have we been 'wrong' since the Reformation or is Wright right?
B. Focus on historic orthodoxy.
1. David Wells The evangelical world, in fact, is now coming apart because its central truths, what once held it all together, no longer have the binding power that they once had and, in some cases are rejected outright with no following outcry.
2. Although Scripture alone was the Reformer's position in the sixteenth century, today critical methods (aka Bart Erhman-tcf) are placed above Scripture by some Protestant scholars like the Magisterium is placed above Scripture in Catholicism (Ministry Magazine, Jan. 2010, p. 20).
C. Application
I recently attended a meeting at which the Scripture was read. The speaker ask everyone to stand in honor of God's Word. Like the Scribes & Pharisees, this has become mere ritual without substance or power. Those standing will depart to ignore the content of Scripture in areas as referenced above.
Honoring God's word as measured by Jesus is to obey ALL He has commanded and do what he said.
Several years ago (2003) I wrote an article in which I stated that the "Big Enchilada", the primary foundational challenge for the evangelical church in America is the Nature and Character of Scripture, Special Revelation. My conviction on that topic has only solidified.
Moses said to the people of Israel - - Did any people ever hear the voice of god speaking out of the midst of the fire, as you have heard, and still live? (Deut. 4:33). Jesus said - - The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day (Jn. 12:48). Paul wrote - - for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized (1 Cor. 11:19).
I have never encountered anyone who claims to be an evangelical and simply denies the authenticity and authority of Scripture as a principle of doctrine (orthodoxy). However, I encounter almost daily people and circumstances in which the application of Scripture as the infallible guide for faith and practice (orthopraxy) is disregarded with impunity. Integrated or Applied Theology is the test of orthodoxy. Jesus said - Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock (Matt. 7:24).
A. Areas of Challenge in the evangelical church regarding the Authority of Scripture
1. Sufficiency - many who profess an evangelical faith insist on extra-biblical revelation. They treat 'private revelations' as the equivalent of recorded Scripture.
2. Divorce and Remarriage - These two very distinct issues are lumped together. If you get a divorce it is assumed you may remarry.
3. Gossip - If it is sex related or includes the consumption of alcohol, we will bust em. Failure to observe the protocol regarding communication and speech is ignored with impunity.
4. Gluttony - You better not even smell a can of beer but you may be 100 pounds over-weight and still be a "pastor in good standing".
5. Justification - Have we been 'wrong' since the Reformation or is Wright right?
B. Focus on historic orthodoxy.
1. David Wells The evangelical world, in fact, is now coming apart because its central truths, what once held it all together, no longer have the binding power that they once had and, in some cases are rejected outright with no following outcry.
2. Although Scripture alone was the Reformer's position in the sixteenth century, today critical methods (aka Bart Erhman-tcf) are placed above Scripture by some Protestant scholars like the Magisterium is placed above Scripture in Catholicism (Ministry Magazine, Jan. 2010, p. 20).
C. Application
I recently attended a meeting at which the Scripture was read. The speaker ask everyone to stand in honor of God's Word. Like the Scribes & Pharisees, this has become mere ritual without substance or power. Those standing will depart to ignore the content of Scripture in areas as referenced above.
Honoring God's word as measured by Jesus is to obey ALL He has commanded and do what he said.
Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. (Matt. 7:24).
Friday, December 25, 2009
BLOG Polity & Practice
#1 - January 4, 2010
Happy New Year
This is the first of what I have planned as 52 posts at this site. To get us off to a good start I am posting this material with the intent that it serve as credible guidelines for our deliberations. It is my thesis that there is far too much polemic discussion and not enough exegesis. For example, what is a credible and accurate resolution for these two passages of Scripture:
Resources:
Exegetical Fallacies, D. A. Carson
Integrative Theology, Gordon R. Lewis & Bruce A. Demarest
Happy New Year
This is the first of what I have planned as 52 posts at this site. To get us off to a good start I am posting this material with the intent that it serve as credible guidelines for our deliberations. It is my thesis that there is far too much polemic discussion and not enough exegesis. For example, what is a credible and accurate resolution for these two passages of Scripture:
And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. (Mark 11:25) ESV.
Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' you must forgive him (Luke 17:3-4) ESV.
These two passages APPEAR to say that forgiveness is unconditional (Mark 11:25) and conditional (Luke 17:3-4). Which is it? The way we resolves such issues is a powerful commentary about our spiritual maturity and faith. I propose the following as one profile for resolution. This is the kind of exegetical protocol I believe we MUST bring to the table if we are to be credible, honorable, effective theologians and servants of the LORD Christ. I pray that we will apply this method through the course of our deliberation here in 2010. There are a multitude of ratty and thorny issues we need to address. Should be challenging, beneficial and just plain fun. Engage the Truth - honor Christ. For additional challenges in this realm follow this link http://www.crosswalk.com/spirituallife/11536806/
Anyone who engages theological discourse in any Public Forum has been excoriated, abused or just plain trashed. Who perpetrates this abuse? The minions of Satan? The atheist that abound? The 'lunatic fringe'? None of the above.
Tragically it is often other professed believers who would also wish to be considered capable Christian Scholars. How sad. I address this topic with the motive and purpose of launching a MOVEMENT.
What will this require? Nothing more or less than 'Life in Community'.
Here are some characteristics I propose. These are the bare minimum that must shape acceptable communication that honors Christ and promotes open and honest consideration of the text of Scripture and the application of that text to life - Applied Theology.
1. Logical non-contradiction. (God is not schizophrenic and neither is His revelation of Himself).
2. Empirical Adequacy (exegetical substance/accuracy that supports the thesis I am promoting).
3. Existential Viability (what we are deliberating really matters in the real world).
4. Humility (if it is demonstrated that I am in error, I submit graciously to the Truth and modify my position to harmonize with Truth).
5. Civility (if we cannot agree on a position that is clearly preferable to others, we accept the impass and do not engage in immature and unkind exchanges).
6. Contact with the Principal (I address the issue with the primary participants, not through a circuitous collection of others to whom I disparage the other Principal in that exchange).
7. Collaborative Consultation (Both parties are receptive to the larger Christian Community and are willing to consider their contribution to the issue being deliberated).
8. Historic Orthodoxy (I acknowledge the historic perspective embraced through the centuries of church and draw effectively on the fruit of that history).
9. Exegesis not Polemics (Most exchanges are heavy on polemics and light on exegetical substance. The issue is 'what does the text say?').
I am praying earnestly that this profile becomes an operative and beneficial addition to understanding and applying Truth to life - - A MOVEMENT. Join this effort. Hold one another accountable. Remember Joshua & Caleb (Num. 14:36-38). They were true Leaders. The other ten were impostors. Together we can do this. God is honored by this endeavor and He will bring it to pass!
I close this post with the exhortation of Paul to Timothy. These words capture the heart of this process. If applied, Truth will reign supreme, God will be honored and we as His servants will benefit.
Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. (2 Tim. 2:23-26; ESV).
Anyone who engages theological discourse in any Public Forum has been excoriated, abused or just plain trashed. Who perpetrates this abuse? The minions of Satan? The atheist that abound? The 'lunatic fringe'? None of the above.
Tragically it is often other professed believers who would also wish to be considered capable Christian Scholars. How sad. I address this topic with the motive and purpose of launching a MOVEMENT.
What will this require? Nothing more or less than 'Life in Community'.
Accountability is - - each one helping the other keep the commitments they have made to GOD on the basis of loving relationships.Believers have a commitment to the NEW COVENANT. That covenant contains a very explicit communication protocol. When I write something that violates this covenant, you, ALL of you, bring that to my attention with precision and a call to repentance. You cite the error (sin) that I am guilty of and call me to confess and repent. It is a violation of our union with Christ to merely shrug and say - - "Oh, that is just Tom". Not acceptable. People who engage in ad-hominem attacks, shoddy scholarship and just plain ineptitude do so because the 'body' remains silent. This kind of abusive communication is the "Funny Uncle" in our living room. No more! Expose him and shine the light of Truth on his abominable abusive behavior.
Here are some characteristics I propose. These are the bare minimum that must shape acceptable communication that honors Christ and promotes open and honest consideration of the text of Scripture and the application of that text to life - Applied Theology.
1. Logical non-contradiction. (God is not schizophrenic and neither is His revelation of Himself).
2. Empirical Adequacy (exegetical substance/accuracy that supports the thesis I am promoting).
3. Existential Viability (what we are deliberating really matters in the real world).
4. Humility (if it is demonstrated that I am in error, I submit graciously to the Truth and modify my position to harmonize with Truth).
5. Civility (if we cannot agree on a position that is clearly preferable to others, we accept the impass and do not engage in immature and unkind exchanges).
6. Contact with the Principal (I address the issue with the primary participants, not through a circuitous collection of others to whom I disparage the other Principal in that exchange).
7. Collaborative Consultation (Both parties are receptive to the larger Christian Community and are willing to consider their contribution to the issue being deliberated).
8. Historic Orthodoxy (I acknowledge the historic perspective embraced through the centuries of church and draw effectively on the fruit of that history).
9. Exegesis not Polemics (Most exchanges are heavy on polemics and light on exegetical substance. The issue is 'what does the text say?').
I am praying earnestly that this profile becomes an operative and beneficial addition to understanding and applying Truth to life - - A MOVEMENT. Join this effort. Hold one another accountable. Remember Joshua & Caleb (Num. 14:36-38). They were true Leaders. The other ten were impostors. Together we can do this. God is honored by this endeavor and He will bring it to pass!
I close this post with the exhortation of Paul to Timothy. These words capture the heart of this process. If applied, Truth will reign supreme, God will be honored and we as His servants will benefit.
Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. (2 Tim. 2:23-26; ESV).
Resources:
Exegetical Fallacies, D. A. Carson
Integrative Theology, Gordon R. Lewis & Bruce A. Demarest
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The Unexamined BLOG
I’m sure you’ve read this quote before: “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Socrates said that at his trial for heresy. He was on trial for encouraging his students to challenge the accepted beliefs of the time and think for themselves. The sentence was death but Socrates had the option of suggesting an alternative punishment. He could have chosen life in prison or exile, and would likely have avoided death.There are a few investments that always pay significant dividends. One of those for me has been to utilize the last week of the year for evaluation. What did I do that was fruitful and effective? What did I do that was a bust? Where should I invest my time and energies in the new year? This BLOG is one area that I believe has significant potential.
But Socrates believed that these alternatives would rob him of the only thing that made life useful: Examining the world around him and discussing how to make the world a better place. Without his “examined life” there was no point in living. So he suggested that Athens reward him for his service to society. The result, of course, is that they had no alternative and were forced to vote for a punishment of death.
Let me be quick to add that I do not believe my reward will be death as it was for Socrates. Some may desire that I die, but, they do not exercise fiat autonomy to execute that sentence so I will press on!
My life focus has been and is the Reformation & Renewal of the Evangelical Church in America. My focus will be toward accomplishing that objective. Only God can do this. However, He has chosen to use means. He has graciously permitted sinful mortals to participate in this glorious reality called "The Church". She is the Bride of Christ. He blesses efforts to adorn and beautify this Bride. I consider this a holy and honorable focus in which one may invest life's resources. So, we will do just that.
My profile will be to publish a weekly article on the Evangelical Church. Each article will feature an issue that I believe needs modification and/or correction for the church to be healthy and effective. In that same post I will include an antidote for that issue. My desire is that this BLOG not become a simple rant, always citing what is wrong but never offering any solutions. However, it is also true that if the issues are not defined and addressed, the slide into the abyss will continue. That statement is not hyperbole. Consult the work of David Olson www.theamericanchurch.org for a wealth of data that substantiates this thesis - - we are in a tailspin.
Finally, I quote from the work of Gary Johnson and Reginald Gleason, Reforming or Conforming:
The first priority of the church is not mission but confession. Any emphasis on being missional that is not already clear on what it means to be confessional will misrepresent the person and work of Christ and hinder the work of the church (p.235)I plan to post this data each Monday. My prayer is that as you read these fifty-two posts on the church in 2010 that the insights offered are beneficial, exalt Christ and equip Shepherds (Andy Stanley not withstanding) to lead courageously and effectively. “ecclesia reformata, semper reformanda.” The church reformed and always reforming.
In Grace,
tcf
IgniteUS, Inc.
www.igniteus.net
info@igniteus.net
803 776 5282
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Exegesis and Polemics
Recently the Evangelical world was rocked by the publication of the Manhattan Declaration http://manhattandeclaration.org/. The responses ranged from white hot affirmation to "what a crock". In recent years there also appeared a similar document titled The Evangelical Manifesto. The response to that publication was similar.
The focus of this post is not the examination of either of these documents. It is my purpose to address the methodology of such endeavors. We have become 'giants' in the realm of Polemics and 'midgets' in the realm of Exegesis. The former depends on eloquence and well crafted argumentation to achieve 'victory'. The latter depends on the accurate and precise exegesis of the special revelation God has graciously given and preserved for our well-being and walk of obedience. The former is transitory and fleeting. The latter is eternal and lasting.
The first and primary evidentiary case in Polemics is "Who signed it?" If a significant collection of "Evangelical Luminaries" have signed on, then it must be orthodox, accurate and binding upon the conscience and conduct of all Evangelicals. Right? WRONG!
The first and primary evidentiary case in Exegesis is,'does my conclusion(s) constitute agreement with the text of Scripture'? If it does, then it matters not whether the "Luminaries" agree.
I am well aware that exegesis is tedious, time consuming and difficult. This task cannot be engaged by the casual Apologist. It is for those who have invested years of preparation and study. It is for the diligent. It is for the plodder not the 'flash in the pan' participant.
The Reformation was birthed and continues to exist on the labors of serious exegetes. The fruit of that historical movement continues to this very day. My appeal is that we return to this profile. It matters not who signed on. It matters for all eternity whether or not my postulates and conclusions are "rooted and grounded" (Col. 1:23) in the words and their relationships in the text which give meaning to language and to our theology. This alone is the plumb line of orthodoxy and orthopraxsis.
Join me in this quest. It really does matter!
The focus of this post is not the examination of either of these documents. It is my purpose to address the methodology of such endeavors. We have become 'giants' in the realm of Polemics and 'midgets' in the realm of Exegesis. The former depends on eloquence and well crafted argumentation to achieve 'victory'. The latter depends on the accurate and precise exegesis of the special revelation God has graciously given and preserved for our well-being and walk of obedience. The former is transitory and fleeting. The latter is eternal and lasting.
The first and primary evidentiary case in Polemics is "Who signed it?" If a significant collection of "Evangelical Luminaries" have signed on, then it must be orthodox, accurate and binding upon the conscience and conduct of all Evangelicals. Right? WRONG!
The first and primary evidentiary case in Exegesis is,'does my conclusion(s) constitute agreement with the text of Scripture'? If it does, then it matters not whether the "Luminaries" agree.
I am well aware that exegesis is tedious, time consuming and difficult. This task cannot be engaged by the casual Apologist. It is for those who have invested years of preparation and study. It is for the diligent. It is for the plodder not the 'flash in the pan' participant.
The Reformation was birthed and continues to exist on the labors of serious exegetes. The fruit of that historical movement continues to this very day. My appeal is that we return to this profile. It matters not who signed on. It matters for all eternity whether or not my postulates and conclusions are "rooted and grounded" (Col. 1:23) in the words and their relationships in the text which give meaning to language and to our theology. This alone is the plumb line of orthodoxy and orthopraxsis.
Join me in this quest. It really does matter!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Those Who Did Not Believe
Though you already know this, I want to remind you that the Lord delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe (Jude 5).
Who are these people today? Who are 'those who do not believe?' Scripture is timeless in its application. Jude had reference to specific people when he wrote. There are those today that would be identified as 'not believing' just as those in that first century.
The church has lost the capacity to discern and to act in the midst of such tragedy. She is not able to identify the culprits. When there is an identification, there is utterly no will to act and discipline such people. Worse, and repeatedly, the Leader with discernment who has the integrity and courage to identify those who have 'taken the way of Cain' (Jude 11) are maligned and labeled as rabble. They are set aside and denied any role in leadership of that assembly. How sad.
The church has lost the capacity to discern and to act in the midst of such tragedy. She is not able to identify the culprits. When there is an identification, there is utterly no will to act and discipline such people. Worse, and repeatedly, the Leader with discernment who has the integrity and courage to identify those who have 'taken the way of Cain' (Jude 11) are maligned and labeled as rabble. They are set aside and denied any role in leadership of that assembly. How sad.
Truth is:What about the church in which you worship. Is there discernment? Is there the capacity to act with wisdom, compassion and according to sound exegesis of the text? If so, rejoice! If not, take immediate steps to begin a process of correction to this malaise. Secure a copy of Alexander Strauch's Biblical Eldership. Implement the identification, selection and affirmation of men qualified to serve in this role. Pray for them. Encourage them. Ask God to restore integrity to His church through this process.
1. Revealed
2. Absolute
3. Transcendent
4. Propositional
5. Incarnate
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
