Monthly Archives: April 2008

Something worth fighting for. . .

Posted by Dan C. on

Excerpted from John MacArthur’s book, The Truth War:

“Much of the visible church nowadays seems to think Christians are to be at play rather than at war. The idea of actually fighting for truth is the furthest thing from most churchgoers’ thoughts. Contemporary Christians are determined to get the world to like them – and of course in the process they also want to have as much fun as possible. They are so obsessed with making the church seem “cool” to unbelievers that they can’t be bothered with questions about whether another person’s doctrine is sound or not. In a climate like that, the thought of even identifying someone else’s teaching as false (much less “contending earnestly” for the faith) is a distasteful and dangerously countercultural suggestion. Christians have bought into the notion that nothing is more “uncool” in the world’s eyes that when someone shows a sincere concern about the danger of heresy. After all, the world simply doesn’t take spiritual truth that seriously, so they cannot fathom why anyone would.

But Christians of all people, ought to be most willing to live and die for the truth. Remember, we know the truth, and the truth has set us free (John 8:32). We should not be ashamed to say so boldly (Psalm 107:2). And if called upon to sacrifice forthe truth’s sake, we need to be willing to be willing and prepared to give our lives.”

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” – The Apostle Paul (Romans 1:16)

How many Christians do you know who don’t talk about God much, in the workplace, at school or college, in a recreational setting, etc.? I know quite a few, not just in a ‘mixed’ public setting, but even amongst themselves in any of those settings!Ā  I know a lot who come to church on Sunday morning and talk about everything BUT God, in the sanctuary, when spiritual music is softly playing, even when there is a big slide up front inviting them to pray!

Having made that observation, it comes as a pleasant surprise when I meet other believers who like to discuss their faith, what God is doing in their lives, how a scripture verse jumped off the page at them, and of course when there’s some ‘earnest contending’ for the faith going on.Ā 

It’s sad though, when the contending, which might just be sharing scripture, or asking if what someone ‘says scripture says’ is seen as intolerance and bigotry. It seems that some of the time, sharing one’s personal thoughts and opinions (no matter how crude or vitriolic) is inversely proportional to the desire for biblical truth.

But that’s to be expected – biblically speaking. . . šŸ™‚

Saturday morning random thoughts?

Posted by Dan C. on

I actually had no idea for a title to this post, but I wanted to say something about an ‘interesting’ statement I read a couple of days ago, for which I needed some semblance of closure – or at least stop the annoying bouncing.  

This was a very serious statement I came across in the comment thread of a blog concerning ‘tolerance’, complete with scripture to support the statement and delivered with utmost sincerity:

“God has willed that all men be saved.”

Supporting scripture:

John 6:40 “And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

The matter at hand in the discussion thread was the “all men” phrase in John 12:32, and after another commenter had mentioned that God’s actions in drawing and saving men revolve around His ‘elect’ from every tribe, nation and people, the eisegetical big guns came out. Among the artillery shots was the above statement, that probably caught my eye because I am employed as a technical writer/editor and such things do tend to hit my brain in boldface font.

“Everyone who sees and believes” is plainly NOT “all men”. Why is it even important?

I can think of several reasons, from the original “all men” issue to the Arminianism/Calvinism debate, and points in between. At this point in time, what struck this old soldier (was military in a former life) is the importance of personal Bible reading and study under two beginning assumptions:

1.  Receive the meaning of the text for what it says, not what you want it to say.

2.  What is says is truth. Any seeming contradictions sort themselves out over time.

Just read it and take it for what it says.  It was reading it for a high school ‘advanced’ English class that caused me to notice that being a Christian wasn’t about what I did on Sunday morning (attend the Lutheran Church down the road), but it was who was supposed to ‘be’ with my whole life. Unfortunately it was the late ’60s and I went AWOL from perceived hypocrisy and spent seven years in ODF status. (AWOL is Absent WithOut Leave and ODF is Out Dere Flappin’). It was picking it up and reading it again that caused the prodigal to want to ‘come home’). It’s been personal Bible study that has helped me grow the most.

Through the years it has been personal Bible reading and study that have been the mainstay of my Christian walk. Occasionally it has been very helpful to have an original language concordance and a commentary or two, but for the most part an accurate translation will suffice for growth in godliness and righteousness. I attribute that opinion to the dynamic of the indwelling Holy Spirit working in direct contact with the regenerated human mind and heart.

By the way, I do have a couple of bookshelves filled with the likes of Augustine, Calvin, John Bunyon, Spurgeon, John MacArthur (to name a few), Bible dictionaries, concordances, and commentaries. Then there are all the ‘tools’ that modern technology has to offer – entire biblical research libraries on CDs (got that), with more available on the Internet.

But guess what? In most cases, all of the ‘big ones’, for whom I have the utmost admiration and respect, tell me what the Bible already told me. (I read them anyway, but not primarily.)

I just wanted to share that. Thanks for listening.

Is this really a ‘summary’ of the gospel?

Posted by Dan C. on

I found this statement on a blog I visit occasionally:

“I heard a sermon yesterday in which the pastor quoted from Abraham Lincoln to summarize the gospel:‘malice toward none, charity toward all.‘”

I asked the person who submitted the post if it was Abe’s Lincoln personal summary of the gospel, or what was considered by the pastor to be a good summary of the gospel. I asked out of curiosity, since whenever I hear the term ‘gospel’ used, I invariably am reminded of how the Apostle Paul ‘summarized’ the gospel of Jesus Christ to the church at Corinth (reemphasized, actually).

“Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.” (1 Cor 1-7)

Regardless of who considered that quote a ‘summary of the gospel’, the same question exists – is it really a ‘summary’, or a smaller piece of the whole – the ‘big picture’? After all, that sentiment can also be found in other religions and can be said to be the individual’s responsibility in response to/working out of his/her religion. Or, it can be just a good principle to live by and not be connected to ANY religion.

I’m not saying anything here to personally criticize anyone, especially the author of the comment that started me thinking about all the ways I’ve heard the gospel of Jesus Christ summarized lately, without a mention of sin, or with a wrong definition of sin (sin is just bad things we do occasionally or some unseen gulf between us and God). It’s a reminder to me that when I share the gospel with anyone, I need to include the ‘sin’, it’s proper definition as something the corrupted humans to the ‘uttermost’, and then God’s remedy – belief in His Son.

The Core of the Gospel Message

Posted by Dan C. on

The post below is from the site listed at the bottom of the article, and deserves attention. I commented on it at the bottom.

Did the Apostles use ‘God Loves You’ Evangelism?

The list below includes every instance of evangelistic preaching in the book of Acts, a summary of content, and an analysis of emphasis.

1. Pentecost, Acts 2:14-39

Peter notes the manifestations of the Holy Spirit that all had been witnessing, then ties them to the fulfillment of prophecy of Joel about the last days. He then preaches Jesus as the Messiah–attested to by miracles and by the resurrection which was prophesied by David–and the guilt of the crowd for the crucifixion.

The emphasis is on forgiveness of sin by Jesus the Messiah. There is no mention of God’s love or a relationship with Him.

2. Peter at the Gate Beautiful, Acts 3:12-26

After Peter and John healed a man lame from birth, Peter placed the blame for Jesus’ death on the shoulders of the listeners. He then appealed to fulfilled prophecy and told them either to believe and return and thus receive forgiveness and times of refreshing, or be destroyed.

The emphasis is on forgiveness of sin by Jesus the Messiah. There is no mention of God’s love or a relationship with Him.

3. Peter before the High Priest, Acts 4:8-12

Peter attributes the healing of the man lame from birth to Jesus the Messiah, whom the Jews had crucified, but whom God had raised from the dead. He quotes prophecy and says there is no other means of salvation but through Jesus. Peter then refuses to be silent about the Gospel.

The emphasis is on forgiveness of sin by Jesus the Messiah. There is no mention of God’s love or a relationship

with him.

4. Peter’s Defense a Second Time before the Council, Acts 5:29-32

Peter proclaims the resurrected Christ as Prince and Savior who brings forgiveness of sin and gives the gift of the Holy Spirit. He accuses the Council of putting Jesus to death. They are so infuriated they want to kill the Apostles. Instead, on the advice of Gamaliel, the believers are flogged and released.

There is no mention of God’s love or any kind of tender relationship with Him.

5. Stephen’s Defense before the Council, Acts 7:1-60

Stephen recounts the history of the Jews in which they constantly rebel, rejecting God’s deliverer. He accuses the Jews of being stiff-necked, resisting the Holy Spirit just as their forefathers had. He accuses them also of betraying and murdering the Righteous One, the Messiah. They are so filled with rage they murder him.

Emphasis is on the guilt of the Jews. There is no mention of God’s love.

[Note: When God speaks to Saul about his future during the events surrounding Saul’s conversion (Acts 9), there is no mention of an intimate relationship, only that Paul would suffer much for the sake of Christ.]

6. Peter’s Message to the Household of Cornelius, Acts 10:34-43

Peter talks of the ministry of Jesus, His miracles, death on the cross, and resurrection. Peter tells the Gentiles it is his job to solemnly testify that Jesus is the One appointed by God to judge the world, that Jesus’ coming was prophesied, and that belief in Him brings forgiveness of sin.

The emphasis is on Jesus, the prophesied Messiah who either brings judgment or forgives of sin. There is no mention of God’s love.

7. Paul’s Message to the Jews in the Synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, Acts 13:16-41

Paul preaches Jesus as the anticipated Savior, affirmed by John the Baptist, crucified by the Jews, who rose from the dead in fulfillment of prophesy. Paul then proclaims forgiveness of sin and freedom from the Law for all who believe.

Paul proclaims Jesus the prophesied Messiah crucified and resurrected. His emphasis is on forgiveness amidst warning.

8. Paul at the Areopagus in Athens, Acts 17:22-31

Paul discloses the nature of the “unknown God,” One who is responsible for all creation, and in whom we all depend for our very existence. He calls all men to repent, because God has appointed a judge, a man who has risen from the dead.

Emphasis is on the nature of God, and the reality of judgment. There is no mention of relationship or God’s love.

9. Paul’s Defense before the Jews in Jerusalem, Acts 22:1-21

Paul gives his testimony, detailing his persecution of Christians motivated by his zeal toward God, his conversion on the road to Damascus, and how his sins were washed away in Jesus’ name. When he mentions his mission to the Gentiles, however, the Jews protested violently.

Emphasis is on Paul’s personal encounter with Christ, his own forgiveness from sin, and his subsequent mission. There is no offer of personal relationship with God or mention of God’s love.

10. Paul’s Defense before the Sanhedrin, Acts 23:1-6

Paul says he is on trial for the hope and resurrection of the dead. There is no mention of the love of God.

11. Paul’s Defense before the governor, Felix, Acts 24:10-21

Paul establishes his innocence regarding the Jews’ charges, then affirms the Law and the Prophets and the general resurrection of both righteous and wicked, a belief for which he says he is on trial.

There is no mention of God’s love or even of forgiveness.

12. Paul before Felix and Drusilla, Acts 24:24-25

Paul speaks of righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come which frightens Felix who then sends Paul away. There is no mention of God’s love or of a personal relationship with Him.

13. Paul’s Defense before the Agrippa, Acts 26:1-29

Paul gives his testimony, noting the importance of the resurrection. He tells of the commission Jesus had given him, proclaiming the Gospel with a goal of deliverance from Satanic darkness to receiving forgiveness and an inheritance from God. Paul claims his message is the same as the prophets regarding the Messiah’s suffering and resurrection.

Emphasis is on the resurrection of Christ, prophetic fulfillment and forgiveness, and Paul’s responsibility to preach the Gospel. There is no mention of love or a relationship with God.


The love of God is never mentioned
a single time in the entire book of Acts.

1999 Gregory Koukl. Reproduction permitted for non-commercial use only.
For more information, contact Stand to Reason at
1438 East 33rd St., Signal Hill, CA 90755
(800) 2-REASON (562) 595-7333 www.str.org

_______________

I don’t think the author is saying is that we cannot/should not speak of God’s love when we share the gospel, but it is intended to show the primary emphasis of the Apostles’ evangelism efforts. Of course God loves us, the greatest expression of that love is His death in our place on the cross of Calvary! When Paul deemed it necessary to clarify the gospel message to the church in Corinth, this is what he told them:

“Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.” (1 Cor 15: 1-6)

That God loves us in inherent in the death of His Son for our sins. When the realization of sin dawns upon the person whose heart has been awakened by the Holy Spirit, and that person is told that God sent His Son to die for his/her sin, the love of God FLOODS the heart without a single word spoken! To speak only of God’s love thinking that we do the drawing instead of God (John 6:44), and to omit the ‘sin’ issue is to leave out one of the two main points of the message (Christ death and resurrection) on our behalf.

Whatever any person places as #1 in his/her life is that person’s ‘god’ – true or false?

Posted by Dan C. on

I suppose you could call this an ‘opinion’ piece, but then again maybe not.

If we take a serious look at the history of man, we find that humans have a tendency to worship something, whether they call it God, a god, or something else. One of themes carried throughout the Bible is that the God spoken of therein is he God we were created to worship.

In the end, the bible tells us that God does anything and everything in order to bring glory to Himself or to His Son. We were created to love, worship and glorify the God who created us. To that end, we were created with the ability and need to worship. The problem that the fall of the Adam brought to the human race is, among other things, the corruption of human nature to the extent that we now enter life in rebellion against the God who created us to worship HIM and bring HIM glory.

Being religious beings by nature, we will find something to worship. If not the God of the bible and His Son, it might be another religion apart from Christ. Or, we might claim to be ‘atheist’ and that we don’t believe in any sort of ‘god’ or ‘religion’. In that case, whatever takes the first place in the endeavors of life, that thing for which we labor and strive to please, becomes our object of ‘worship’. No matter what that might look like, in the end I think it comes down to pleasing ourselves first and foremost in all of our endeavors. We call it ‘self-actualization’.

What is terribly sad is that much of today’s American Christianity is nothing more than ‘self-actualization’ disguised as proper religion.

What does it Mean to Glorify God?

Posted by Dan C. on

In this continuation of a Thomas Watson sermon that addresses the chief end of man (Part 1 is here) and (Part 2 is here), four ways of glorifying God are discussed. . .

“Q. What is it to glorify God?

A. Glorifying God consists in four things: 1. Appreciation, 2. Adoration, 3. Affection, 4. Subjection. This is the yearly rent we pay to the crown of heaven.

1. Appreciation. To glorify God is to set God highest in our thoughts, and, to have a venerable esteem of him. Psalm 92:8. “Thou, Lord, art most high for evermore.” Psalm 97:9, “Thou art exalted far above all gods.” There is in God all that may draw forth both wonder and delight; there is a constellation of all beauties; he is prima causa [the first cause], the original and spring-head of being, who sheds a glory upon the creature. We glorify God when we are God-admirers; admire his attributes, which are the glistening beams by which the divine nature shines forth; his promises which are the charter of free grace, and the spiritual cabinet where the pearl of price is hid; the noble effects of his power and wisdom in making the world, which is called “the work of his fingers.” Psalm 8:3. To glorify God is to have God-admiring thoughts; to esteem him most excellent, and search for diamonds in this rock only.

2. Glorifying God consists in adoration, or worship. Psalm 29:2. “Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” There is a twofold worship: 1. A civil reverence which we give to persons of honour. Gen. 23:7, “Abraham stood up and bowed himself to the children of Heth.” Piety is no enemy to courtesy. 2. A divine worship which we give to God as his royal prerogative. Neh. 8:6,”they bowed their heads, and worshipped the Lord with their faces towards the ground.” This divine worship God is very jealous of; it is the apple of his eye, the pearl of his crown; which he guards, as he did the tree of life, with cherubims and a flaming sword, that no man may come near it to violate it. Divine worship must be such as God himself has appointed, otherwise it is offering strange fire, Lev. 10:1. The Lord would have Moses make the tabernacle, “according to the pattern in the mount.” Exod. 25:40. He must not leave out anything in the pattern, nor add to it. If God was so exact and curious about the place of worship, how exact will he be about the matter of his worship! Surely here every thing must be according to the pattern prescribed in his word.

3. Affection. This is part of the glory we give to God, who counts himself glorified when he is loved. Deut. 6:5, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul.” There is a twofold love: 1. Amor concupiscentiae, a love of concupiscence, which is self-love; as when we love another because he does us a good turn. A wicked man may be said to love God, because he has given him a good harvest, or filled his cup with wine. This is rather to love God’s blessing than to love God. 2. Amor amicitiae, a love of delight, as a man takes delight in a friend. This is to love God indeed; the heart is set upon God, as a man’s heart is set upon his treasure. This love is exuberant, not a few drops, but a stream. It is superlative; we give God the best of our love, the cream of it. Cant. 8:2,”I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate.” If the spouse had a cup more juicy and spiced, Christ must drink of it. It is intense and ardent. True saints are seraphims, burning in holy love to God [from the Hebrew word saruph, to be burned up]. The spouse was amore perculsa, [an overwhelming love], in fainting fits, “sick of love,” Cant. 2:5. Thus to love God is to glorify him. He who is the chief of our happiness has the chief of our affections.

4. Subjection. This is when we dedicate ourselves to God, and stand ready dressed for his service. Thus the angels in heaven glorify him; they wait on his throne, and are ready to take a commission from him; therefore they are represented by the cherubims with wings displayed, to show how swift they are in their obedience. We glorify God when we are devoted to his service; our head studies for him, our tongue pleads for him, and our hands relieve his members. The wise men that came to Christ did not only bow the knee to him, but presented him with gold and myrrh. Matt. 2:11. So we must not only bow the knee, give God worship, but bring presents of golden obedience. We glorify God when we falter at no service, when we fight under the banner of his gospel against an enemy, and say to him as David to King Saul, “Thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine,” 1 Sam. 17:32.

A good Christian is like the sun, which not only sends forth heat, but goes its circuit round the world. Thus, he who glorifies God has not only his affections heated with love to God, but he goes his circuit too; he moves vigorously in the sphere of obedience.”

So What?

How am I doing? IĀ  need to grow in both ‘inward devotion to’ and outward expression of’ all of the areas discussed. I am grateful for a particular verse of scripture found in Paul’s letter to one of the early churches.

” . . .for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” Philippians 2:13

To glorify God with my everything in my life sounds like a tall order (it’s impossible in purely human terms), but the God who saved me will bring it to pass as I yield to the written word as it instructs me and to the Holy Spirit who guides, strengthens and empowers me.