We had a wonderful report Sunday morning from our team that went to Colombia for a short term mission project back at the end of 2011. It was a real blessing to hear the team, from youngest to oldest, speak of how God had taught and moved them about the real physical, emotional and spiritual needs abroad. Each team member expressed the humbling nature of going to serve and seeing in person both that there are needs worldwide and that God is moving worldwide.
Personally, the richest portion of the testimony was hearing of how the family that once was present as a local member of our body and is now a foreign member of our body, serving full time in Colombia, is impacting lives in another culture. God is receiving glory because this family is not impacting lives by pressing American culture on the people, but rather living a Godly life in the midst of these peoples and preaching Christ crucified and raised from the dead and discipling through biblical teaching applied in daily life applications. Something as simple as asking a local man to consider taking his son with him to work on a side job in a culture where boys do not interact with their fathers as they are often left to grandparents for their daily training can change a generation.
We need to teach sound doctrine, we need to preach the gospel, we need to care for the needs of the hurting, we must have the strength and ability that comes from a Sovereign God so that He is glorified in all things. I am so thankful for the testimony of faithful brothers and sisters, for those willing to serve both at home and abroad, for a loving God that turns the hearts of a sinful nature to Himself and uses those sinners to accomplish great things for His glory. May we all continue in the faith, hold fast to the Truth, love God with all our being, love one another, and live according to the purpose for which we were created, for God's glory as we proclaim the gospel and live lives according to the calling for which we have been called as God gives us strength.
Rich blessings and much love to our brothers and sisters around the world, and to our dear friends in Colombia.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
A Changed Heart and Some Persevering Men
I felt compelled to spend February in the book of Ezra and so I have been reading daily through the short 10 chapter book concerning the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem in Judah following the return from captivity in Babylon (among other things). There is a wealth of issues to cover, so i'll take them as time permits in brief and hope that you will be encouraged from the reading of them to read through Ezra yourself, and be blessed.
Just two quick points today. The first is a phrase that reaches out and slaps me across the face every time it appears in scripture. I'm speaking here of the first two verses of the book:
"In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and to put it in writing:"
Wow, it's amazing every time. Cyrus king of Persia ruled over all the exiles from Jerusalem, taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzer, and had no intentions of letting them go back home. Then something happened, no less than a miracle. God, in keeping with what He spoke through Jeremiah, moved the heart of Cyrus. Then the king sent them back home, and not only sent them back but sent with them silver and gold, goods and livestock and freewill offerings the temple in Jerusalem that was yet to be rebuilt. So we see several things here. God is not sitting up in heaven, having wound up the universe, just sitting back letting things happen as they will. He is intimately involved. You know, like what is written in Colossians 1:17 "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Not sitting back watching, but Sovereign over and in control of all things. All things that God has said will come to pass - will come to pass. Also, only God can change hearts. Many fine arguments can be made to make someone consider changing their way of thinking about a certain topic, but no amount of human effort can bring about a change in another's heart. This is a possible source of error for many people who rigorously pursue apologetics. Obviously there is nothing wrong with study, with discovering the wealth of resources and evidences of God's existence in all aspects of human existence and with making arguments for God among people who do not believe. However, we must be so very careful not to become so proficient in making arguments for God that we put ourselves in the place of God - believing that it is the argument and the arguer that turn people to God, moving to the place where we devote all our time to arguing for God that we neglect a relationship with God, spending a larger percentage of our time reading what other people say about God than we do reading what God Himself has revealed in His Word. I thank God for the surge in interest and captivation by a new generation who have the largest abundance of resources in the history of the world at their fingertips, but we can have all that and still go astray. Let us never forget that our commission from God is not to make converts, but to make disciples, and that only God can move the heart of man. So we study to show ourselves approved, we stand up for the Truth and pray that God will have mercy and extend His grace to those He places before us, that He will shine the light of Truth into their heart that they may believe and confess in the Son and be set free so that we may have the privilege of continuing the process of discipleship all for His glory.
Second, we must persevere. Paul speaks of finishing the race and keeping the faith as he implores Timothy to press on toward the prize. We see in the first few chapters here an example of this lived out and recorded for our edification. Consider Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadak:
"When the seventh month came and the Israelites had settled in their towns, the people assembled as one man in Jerusalem. Then Jeshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates began to build the altar of the God of Israel...Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation...though the foundation of the Lord's temple had not yet been laid...Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building. They hired counselors to work against them and frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia...As soon as the copy of the letter of King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum and Shimsai the secretary and their associates, they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and compelled them by force to stop. Thus the work on the house of God in Jerusalem came to a standstill until the second year of of the reign of Darius king of Persia. Now Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the prophet, a descendant of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them. Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadak set to work to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, helping them." (Ezra 3:1-5:2)
So much to say here so I will continue on this theme next time, but notice two things now. First that these two men are mentioned by name as leading the building effort based on the decree of Cyrus king of Persia, whose heart was turned by the Lord, were forced to stop by the people of Israel who petitioned the then king Artaxerxes, and resumed the effort with the proclamation by the prophets of God (Haggai and Zechariah). These two men persevered. What an encouragement to us, that although there will be times when people (even the people of God) set themselves to discouraging and frustrating God's will that ultimately what God has decreed will come to pass. It is reasonable to believe that the reason Zerubbabel and Jeshua did not lose heart and fall away is because they were not looking to their plan or their efforts. How easy it would have been when the decree came down from King Artaxerxes to have exclaimed, "Oh no, our plans have been thwarted, why oh why did you stop us, Lord. All we wanted was to rebuild your temple and worship you as you've commanded us to do. We built the altar and offered sacrifices and yet you have abandoned us!" Their confidence must have been in something beyond themselves. It is also reasonable to believe that their confidence was in their Lord, not themselves. They began building based on the decree by King Cyrus, but not because he decreed it. Cyrus decreed the people be allowed to return and rebuild the temple. Zerubbabel and Jeshua first built the altar and offered sacrifices to God, before setting the foundation for the temple. There was something beyond King Cyrus driving these men, the God that moved the King's heart. This is also why the men did not wait for another King to give them permission to return to building, the prophets of God spoke and they went back to work. They served God, they placed their confidence in God, and God was with them. More on these men and the prophets of God next time.
Just two quick points today. The first is a phrase that reaches out and slaps me across the face every time it appears in scripture. I'm speaking here of the first two verses of the book:
"In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and to put it in writing:"
Wow, it's amazing every time. Cyrus king of Persia ruled over all the exiles from Jerusalem, taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzer, and had no intentions of letting them go back home. Then something happened, no less than a miracle. God, in keeping with what He spoke through Jeremiah, moved the heart of Cyrus. Then the king sent them back home, and not only sent them back but sent with them silver and gold, goods and livestock and freewill offerings the temple in Jerusalem that was yet to be rebuilt. So we see several things here. God is not sitting up in heaven, having wound up the universe, just sitting back letting things happen as they will. He is intimately involved. You know, like what is written in Colossians 1:17 "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Not sitting back watching, but Sovereign over and in control of all things. All things that God has said will come to pass - will come to pass. Also, only God can change hearts. Many fine arguments can be made to make someone consider changing their way of thinking about a certain topic, but no amount of human effort can bring about a change in another's heart. This is a possible source of error for many people who rigorously pursue apologetics. Obviously there is nothing wrong with study, with discovering the wealth of resources and evidences of God's existence in all aspects of human existence and with making arguments for God among people who do not believe. However, we must be so very careful not to become so proficient in making arguments for God that we put ourselves in the place of God - believing that it is the argument and the arguer that turn people to God, moving to the place where we devote all our time to arguing for God that we neglect a relationship with God, spending a larger percentage of our time reading what other people say about God than we do reading what God Himself has revealed in His Word. I thank God for the surge in interest and captivation by a new generation who have the largest abundance of resources in the history of the world at their fingertips, but we can have all that and still go astray. Let us never forget that our commission from God is not to make converts, but to make disciples, and that only God can move the heart of man. So we study to show ourselves approved, we stand up for the Truth and pray that God will have mercy and extend His grace to those He places before us, that He will shine the light of Truth into their heart that they may believe and confess in the Son and be set free so that we may have the privilege of continuing the process of discipleship all for His glory.
Second, we must persevere. Paul speaks of finishing the race and keeping the faith as he implores Timothy to press on toward the prize. We see in the first few chapters here an example of this lived out and recorded for our edification. Consider Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadak:
"When the seventh month came and the Israelites had settled in their towns, the people assembled as one man in Jerusalem. Then Jeshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates began to build the altar of the God of Israel...Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation...though the foundation of the Lord's temple had not yet been laid...Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building. They hired counselors to work against them and frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia...As soon as the copy of the letter of King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum and Shimsai the secretary and their associates, they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and compelled them by force to stop. Thus the work on the house of God in Jerusalem came to a standstill until the second year of of the reign of Darius king of Persia. Now Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the prophet, a descendant of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them. Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadak set to work to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, helping them." (Ezra 3:1-5:2)
So much to say here so I will continue on this theme next time, but notice two things now. First that these two men are mentioned by name as leading the building effort based on the decree of Cyrus king of Persia, whose heart was turned by the Lord, were forced to stop by the people of Israel who petitioned the then king Artaxerxes, and resumed the effort with the proclamation by the prophets of God (Haggai and Zechariah). These two men persevered. What an encouragement to us, that although there will be times when people (even the people of God) set themselves to discouraging and frustrating God's will that ultimately what God has decreed will come to pass. It is reasonable to believe that the reason Zerubbabel and Jeshua did not lose heart and fall away is because they were not looking to their plan or their efforts. How easy it would have been when the decree came down from King Artaxerxes to have exclaimed, "Oh no, our plans have been thwarted, why oh why did you stop us, Lord. All we wanted was to rebuild your temple and worship you as you've commanded us to do. We built the altar and offered sacrifices and yet you have abandoned us!" Their confidence must have been in something beyond themselves. It is also reasonable to believe that their confidence was in their Lord, not themselves. They began building based on the decree by King Cyrus, but not because he decreed it. Cyrus decreed the people be allowed to return and rebuild the temple. Zerubbabel and Jeshua first built the altar and offered sacrifices to God, before setting the foundation for the temple. There was something beyond King Cyrus driving these men, the God that moved the King's heart. This is also why the men did not wait for another King to give them permission to return to building, the prophets of God spoke and they went back to work. They served God, they placed their confidence in God, and God was with them. More on these men and the prophets of God next time.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Honoring Church Leadership
Sure enough, we camped out in 1 Timothy 5 this week for about 40 minutes. Specifically the focus was on verses 17-20 and honoring the church leaders was the topic. Several important points came out that we can look at today. First, a plurality of elders. Any mention of leaders (elders, overseers, bishops) is always in the plural. Even generic instructions when establishing a new body has a plurality (Acts 14:23), and when speaking of a fellowship already in existence where supplies are being distributed the gifts are given to "the elders" (Acts 11:30). In each instance where the office is being discussed there is a plurality given. Only the requirements for qualification are given in the singular, and then because the qualifications are those to be met by each individual that is to serve as part of the plurality. So then how many make up the plurality? Ah, and here we can get into trouble. Elders means more than one, and that is as far as we can go. We are not told any specific number, so making a requirement of three, seven, twelve or any other number mandatory could bring disastrous results because there may not be enough men who meet all the qualifications in the body to fill the number mandated by the church policy. In that case concessions would have to be made regarding biblical instructions (men not meeting qualifications for eldership, women installed, etc.). If the best practice is to follow what the Scriptures say, then there must be more than one elder and each man must meet all the biblical qualifications for the office. The local church is not to be headed by a single man with all authority. Such a model is not biblical and therefore is a problem waiting to surface in the body.
Second, the position of elder is a position of honor by its very nature. Men serving as elders have a spiritual calling for leadership. They have demonstrated the character and conviction necessary to take on the task of handling the Word, leading the church body, and caring for the spiritual condition of each and every member of the local church. It is not for the faint of heart, for the weak in moral standing, for those light in theological understanding, nor for those who cannot handle conflict well. In short the majority of church membership do not belong in the position of elder. It is almost as if the prospective candidate desires very much the position, but never feels quite qualified to serve in that position, yet he is nominated, vetted, approved and encouraged by his peers and feels such a conviction by the Holy Spirit that he accepts the noble and solemn path placed before him. And in following, the one handling the Word is worthy of double honor which does include monetary compensation for service. The two examples given in support for this appear in 1 Timothy 5:18 where reward for work and wages are specifically given in support textually.
Finally, elders are to be protected. Perhaps the greatest disservice a body of believers does to their leadership is in this area. How many say, if even under their breath or just in their heart: "The elders don't really do that much. They meet once a week in the conference room all by themselves, drink coffee and talk about how the church is doing, like anyone couldn't do that." Have we not read the qualifications necessary to serve in such a position? Can we not see the passion for every member of the body that causes the men of God serving as elders to cry out to God on their behalf? Can we not think of the spiritual warfare conducted on a regular basis undertaken by such men to maintain personal integrity and gospel fidelity in the church through handling day-to-day issues and discussions, teaching, etc.? How many of us are in the practice of praying for the deacons and elders that are serving the body? How may of us would want our children to take a similar position? "Dad doesn't really do that much, just go off 'to work' every day and then tell us what to do when he comes home, like anyone couldn't do that. I don't need to pray for him or support him, what's the big deal?" It breaks my heart to think my children would think that little of me; likewise it breaks my heart to think that anyone in my local fellowship would think so little of the leadership in the church.
Verses 19 and 20 finish the thought with instruction not to entertain (or receive) an accusation against an elder unless it comes from two or three eyewitnesses. We must be diligent here. If the enemy is out to steal, kill and destroy kingdom work then we must assume accusations will come against the elders and that most of those accusations will be false. We must not even entertain talk about elders coming from one mouth. Saying something like, "Let me stop you right there, by continuing down this line (by yourself) you are in violation of 1 Timothy 5:19 and I will not hear it. If you have another eyewitness or two and are committed to the common testimony of misconduct then come together and present your case. Otherwise do not attempt to spread this to me or anyone else, the Word of God demands it of you and I will hold you to it, for my part." Me must honor the membership of the church by not receiving an accusation or gossip about another member, and we must not entertain such accusations against the eldership all the more.
My final written note about the sermon this week: "The membership should be joyful about giving honor to the men whom God has put in a place of leadership and service to the body through working to equip, teach and impart sound doctrine." May we all be challenged to consider carefully how we honor our leadership and commit to praying for these men whom God has installed for service.
Second, the position of elder is a position of honor by its very nature. Men serving as elders have a spiritual calling for leadership. They have demonstrated the character and conviction necessary to take on the task of handling the Word, leading the church body, and caring for the spiritual condition of each and every member of the local church. It is not for the faint of heart, for the weak in moral standing, for those light in theological understanding, nor for those who cannot handle conflict well. In short the majority of church membership do not belong in the position of elder. It is almost as if the prospective candidate desires very much the position, but never feels quite qualified to serve in that position, yet he is nominated, vetted, approved and encouraged by his peers and feels such a conviction by the Holy Spirit that he accepts the noble and solemn path placed before him. And in following, the one handling the Word is worthy of double honor which does include monetary compensation for service. The two examples given in support for this appear in 1 Timothy 5:18 where reward for work and wages are specifically given in support textually.
Finally, elders are to be protected. Perhaps the greatest disservice a body of believers does to their leadership is in this area. How many say, if even under their breath or just in their heart: "The elders don't really do that much. They meet once a week in the conference room all by themselves, drink coffee and talk about how the church is doing, like anyone couldn't do that." Have we not read the qualifications necessary to serve in such a position? Can we not see the passion for every member of the body that causes the men of God serving as elders to cry out to God on their behalf? Can we not think of the spiritual warfare conducted on a regular basis undertaken by such men to maintain personal integrity and gospel fidelity in the church through handling day-to-day issues and discussions, teaching, etc.? How many of us are in the practice of praying for the deacons and elders that are serving the body? How may of us would want our children to take a similar position? "Dad doesn't really do that much, just go off 'to work' every day and then tell us what to do when he comes home, like anyone couldn't do that. I don't need to pray for him or support him, what's the big deal?" It breaks my heart to think my children would think that little of me; likewise it breaks my heart to think that anyone in my local fellowship would think so little of the leadership in the church.
Verses 19 and 20 finish the thought with instruction not to entertain (or receive) an accusation against an elder unless it comes from two or three eyewitnesses. We must be diligent here. If the enemy is out to steal, kill and destroy kingdom work then we must assume accusations will come against the elders and that most of those accusations will be false. We must not even entertain talk about elders coming from one mouth. Saying something like, "Let me stop you right there, by continuing down this line (by yourself) you are in violation of 1 Timothy 5:19 and I will not hear it. If you have another eyewitness or two and are committed to the common testimony of misconduct then come together and present your case. Otherwise do not attempt to spread this to me or anyone else, the Word of God demands it of you and I will hold you to it, for my part." Me must honor the membership of the church by not receiving an accusation or gossip about another member, and we must not entertain such accusations against the eldership all the more.
My final written note about the sermon this week: "The membership should be joyful about giving honor to the men whom God has put in a place of leadership and service to the body through working to equip, teach and impart sound doctrine." May we all be challenged to consider carefully how we honor our leadership and commit to praying for these men whom God has installed for service.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Honoring the Family
Our text yesterday was 1 Timothy 5:1-16 and there were several points from the sermon that really hit home.
First, the blessing that expository preaching is to a body of believers. Our pastor was able to say, "For any visitors, this is not 'Widow Sunday' at Antioch, we are simply working through 1 Timothy and this is where we are in the text this week." (my paraphrase). No wondering about who called the pastor this week to complain about a member or family member of a church member that did not feel enough attention was being paid to widows and so the text of 1 Timothy 5 was brought up as a message meant to "convict" (synonymous here with scold) the body and bring out how everyone needs to set their priority for this week to go visit someone (which would probably last about a week, since there would be another priority to set after next week's scolding). No, instead last Sunday's text was 1 Timothy 4:12-16 and so, we look in our Bibles and, yes this week it is chapter 5. Not to mention the fact that if we the membership are doing our due diligence and reading and studying ahead with what we know is ahead then we have been convicted by the Holy Spirit that we have work to do before the preacher even opens his mouth. So no one who is a member at Antioch was surprised at this week's text, and hopefully like me was convicted of his/her shortcomings (at least in part based on our reading and prayer about the text) before ever darkening the door of the sanctuary. Let me be quick to state that the above is not a writing based on a belief that the Bible demands all preaching be done expositionally else it not be 'of God.' I'm just really glad Antioch preaches through the Bible in an expository fashion and would strongly recommend it as a practice for others.
Next, the church is a family and so to deal with others in the body we should "show honor yet love enough to correct." (again my paraphrase) This is applicable not just to the local body of believers but to our 'extended family', the Church. In dealings outside the four walls of the local church, and in large part due to the reach of the internet, it is a strong reminder of showing honor to other believers with whom we have even strong disagreements and yet loving them enough to correct them (correction of course coming by way of the Word of God not our own persuasions, as 2 Timothy 3:16 teaches reads, "All scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.") We also know that the Word of God is a two-edged sword so we also need to be open to correction, again based on the Word of God as it is presented, by a brother or sister who would love us enough to correct us if we are wandering off course. Did I make special note of the need for such correction to be biblical? If not, let me be quick to state that all correction should be based on that which is useful for correction, namely all scripture.
Responsibility falls on the family, and on the church when there is no family or anyone else to act as caregivers. This point has very far-reaching impact. Think of what a culture steeped in a mindset demanding familial responsibility would look like? How many parents would be left for some other person or group to provide care for the rest of their days, after reaching a point of little to no productivity? How many runaways or deadbeats would be allowed to be comfortable, or even enabled in their irresponsibility? There are some societal and cultural pressures that are good as they do promote principles that are clear in the text of scripture. "If families were doing their jobs, and if the church was doing its job with regard to the sick and the poor, the government would have no job to do in that area." (my paraphrase) There is a real quantifiable sense in which the government in our country has overstepped its bounds and participates in the enabling previously mentioned, but there is an equally problematic failure on the part of families and the church that has aided and abetted such a mindset and neglect of the boundary.
All that and widows, too. "Widows and orphans are the most vulnerable in a culture." (my paraphrase) There are those who legitimately cannot provide for themselves in every society in the world. The number and demographic of the constituents differ based on the culture and are unimportant. The Church should always be on the forefront of caring for those whom society has cast out or who have no other means of support, remembering the responsibility of the family as the first lines of care. There are ample, and quite sensible, points to be made regarding all members of all ages and we would do well to read them and think about both the grouping we fall in as well as what our place and task is regarding others.
Can't wait for next week. I wonder where we'll be? Oh, that's right 1 Timothy 5:17 and following. Probably be something about elders, oxen and grain - who knows maybe that'll even be the sermon title "Of Elders, Oxen and Grain."
First, the blessing that expository preaching is to a body of believers. Our pastor was able to say, "For any visitors, this is not 'Widow Sunday' at Antioch, we are simply working through 1 Timothy and this is where we are in the text this week." (my paraphrase). No wondering about who called the pastor this week to complain about a member or family member of a church member that did not feel enough attention was being paid to widows and so the text of 1 Timothy 5 was brought up as a message meant to "convict" (synonymous here with scold) the body and bring out how everyone needs to set their priority for this week to go visit someone (which would probably last about a week, since there would be another priority to set after next week's scolding). No, instead last Sunday's text was 1 Timothy 4:12-16 and so, we look in our Bibles and, yes this week it is chapter 5. Not to mention the fact that if we the membership are doing our due diligence and reading and studying ahead with what we know is ahead then we have been convicted by the Holy Spirit that we have work to do before the preacher even opens his mouth. So no one who is a member at Antioch was surprised at this week's text, and hopefully like me was convicted of his/her shortcomings (at least in part based on our reading and prayer about the text) before ever darkening the door of the sanctuary. Let me be quick to state that the above is not a writing based on a belief that the Bible demands all preaching be done expositionally else it not be 'of God.' I'm just really glad Antioch preaches through the Bible in an expository fashion and would strongly recommend it as a practice for others.
Next, the church is a family and so to deal with others in the body we should "show honor yet love enough to correct." (again my paraphrase) This is applicable not just to the local body of believers but to our 'extended family', the Church. In dealings outside the four walls of the local church, and in large part due to the reach of the internet, it is a strong reminder of showing honor to other believers with whom we have even strong disagreements and yet loving them enough to correct them (correction of course coming by way of the Word of God not our own persuasions, as 2 Timothy 3:16 teaches reads, "All scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.") We also know that the Word of God is a two-edged sword so we also need to be open to correction, again based on the Word of God as it is presented, by a brother or sister who would love us enough to correct us if we are wandering off course. Did I make special note of the need for such correction to be biblical? If not, let me be quick to state that all correction should be based on that which is useful for correction, namely all scripture.
Responsibility falls on the family, and on the church when there is no family or anyone else to act as caregivers. This point has very far-reaching impact. Think of what a culture steeped in a mindset demanding familial responsibility would look like? How many parents would be left for some other person or group to provide care for the rest of their days, after reaching a point of little to no productivity? How many runaways or deadbeats would be allowed to be comfortable, or even enabled in their irresponsibility? There are some societal and cultural pressures that are good as they do promote principles that are clear in the text of scripture. "If families were doing their jobs, and if the church was doing its job with regard to the sick and the poor, the government would have no job to do in that area." (my paraphrase) There is a real quantifiable sense in which the government in our country has overstepped its bounds and participates in the enabling previously mentioned, but there is an equally problematic failure on the part of families and the church that has aided and abetted such a mindset and neglect of the boundary.
All that and widows, too. "Widows and orphans are the most vulnerable in a culture." (my paraphrase) There are those who legitimately cannot provide for themselves in every society in the world. The number and demographic of the constituents differ based on the culture and are unimportant. The Church should always be on the forefront of caring for those whom society has cast out or who have no other means of support, remembering the responsibility of the family as the first lines of care. There are ample, and quite sensible, points to be made regarding all members of all ages and we would do well to read them and think about both the grouping we fall in as well as what our place and task is regarding others.
Can't wait for next week. I wonder where we'll be? Oh, that's right 1 Timothy 5:17 and following. Probably be something about elders, oxen and grain - who knows maybe that'll even be the sermon title "Of Elders, Oxen and Grain."
Thursday, February 2, 2012
A Strong Recommendation
I have spent the last month steadily working my way through John Piper's book Bloodlines. Having read the book I would like to recommend as strongly as I can that all put it on their list of things to read, and that they place it in the front of the list. The book is a tremendous and heartfelt work on unity. He speaks of his own experience and the racism of his youth, which he has set his heart to die to daily and pursue unity in the ethnic diversity of this world.
Mr. Piper develops his argument that the only solution to the sin problem of racism is the Gospel. This is what makes the book such a marvelous work, that it is biblical. He bases his position on the Truth, God's Word and shows through developing systematically his answer on the firm foundation of Scripture. He begins with man's position of equality in terms of the sinful nature in all man, follows through with the justification and redemption that is available to all mankind based on what Christ did not any human distinctive and continues with God's plan to select for Himself the number that will be with Him from every tribe and nation. The phrase that echoed loud throughout the book was that the Gospel message destroys ethnocentrism and pride. Black, white, European, Asian, African, etc. all race and ethnicity takes one no closer to God and therefore is no platform for special favor. All have sinned and are dead, life comes only through Christ and His finished work on the cross, God regenerates, justifies, redeems, sanctifies and glorifies lest any man should boast. Boasting is excluded, ethnocentrism is excluded, racism is excluded because of the Gospel. Unity in diversity is achieved solely by way of the Gospel, which puts to death the sinful nature. Without the gospel of Jesus Christ, there is no hope for mankind.
If that is intriguing (and I don't see how it could not be for any believer) then pick up the book which is much better written and more detailed than my one paragraph summary. You will feel Piper's sincerity and see his heart of repentance as he declares his intent to daily put to death the racial prejudice that dominated his youth and stalks his daily walk. I have been in much prayer to have the same heart of love for all God's creation and to see more clearly the equal standing of imputed sin in which all stand without Christ and the equal standing of imputed righteousness in which all stand with Christ. Please read this book.
Mr. Piper develops his argument that the only solution to the sin problem of racism is the Gospel. This is what makes the book such a marvelous work, that it is biblical. He bases his position on the Truth, God's Word and shows through developing systematically his answer on the firm foundation of Scripture. He begins with man's position of equality in terms of the sinful nature in all man, follows through with the justification and redemption that is available to all mankind based on what Christ did not any human distinctive and continues with God's plan to select for Himself the number that will be with Him from every tribe and nation. The phrase that echoed loud throughout the book was that the Gospel message destroys ethnocentrism and pride. Black, white, European, Asian, African, etc. all race and ethnicity takes one no closer to God and therefore is no platform for special favor. All have sinned and are dead, life comes only through Christ and His finished work on the cross, God regenerates, justifies, redeems, sanctifies and glorifies lest any man should boast. Boasting is excluded, ethnocentrism is excluded, racism is excluded because of the Gospel. Unity in diversity is achieved solely by way of the Gospel, which puts to death the sinful nature. Without the gospel of Jesus Christ, there is no hope for mankind.
If that is intriguing (and I don't see how it could not be for any believer) then pick up the book which is much better written and more detailed than my one paragraph summary. You will feel Piper's sincerity and see his heart of repentance as he declares his intent to daily put to death the racial prejudice that dominated his youth and stalks his daily walk. I have been in much prayer to have the same heart of love for all God's creation and to see more clearly the equal standing of imputed sin in which all stand without Christ and the equal standing of imputed righteousness in which all stand with Christ. Please read this book.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)