That Was Easy

I want to emphasize some easy to understand principles of following Jesus.

Sometimes the walk is tougher than the talk.  But I'm afraid sometimes the talk is more complicated than it needs to be.

As I've sorted through some stuff that has hurt my brain, I have come to some clarity on some simple thoughts.

Easy to understand essential beliefs:

Trust in Jesus

Easy to understand how we should live:

Love God and love others.

Easy to understand how we do that:

The Holy Spirit does the work of the Holy Spirit.

Easy to understand disciple making:

See one, do one, teach one.

Easy to understand leadership:

Demonstrating to others how to follow.

Easy to understand church:

Get together with other followers to encourage each other to follow Jesus.

Easy to understand church unity:

There is one church, it meets in many different places and times.

I'm simply organizing some simple thoughts on what I think it means to follow Jesus.

I'm not claiming that living in this reality is easy.

I'd love to hear your thoughts? Have I missed any big ones?
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Here are some less easy to understand related posts if you want to understand the more complex process I took to come to a place of seeing things so simply:

• What Must I Believe Part 1 - 6 part series looking at passages related to essential beliefs
• What Does It Look Like To Follow Christ? - relating to love, and the work of the Holy Spirit
• Love is Essential - passages that speak to love being the greatest commandment
• Church Etymology - what does church mean?
• Recent Church Activities - examples of simple church activities
• See One, Do One, Teach One - disciple making
• Leading The Way - what Jesus said on the topic of leadership, and a look at other passages

What must I do?

I am continuing my series on the secrets of the kingdom, taking a look today at Mark 10:17 - 27:

"As Jesus was resuming his journey, a man came running up to him, and threw himself on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to gain eternal life?”  “Why do you call me good?”answered Jesus. “No one is good but God.  You know the commandments — ‘Do not kill. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not say what is false about others. Do not cheat. Honor your father and your mother.’”  “Teacher,” he replied, “I have observed all these from my childhood.”  Jesus looked at the man, and his heart went out to him, and he said: “There is still one thing wanting in you; go and sell all that you have, and give to the poor, and you will heave wealth in heaven; then come and follow me.”  But the man’s face clouded at these words, and he went away distressed, for he had great possessions.  Then Jesus looked around, and said to his disciples: “How hard it is for people of wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”  The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again: “My children, how hard a thing it is to enter the kingdom of God!  It is easier for a camel to get through a needle’s eye, than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”  “Then who can be saved?” they exclaimed in the greatest astonishment.  Jesus looked at them, and answered: “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for everything is possible with God.”

 I think this is an interesting passage.  The question this man asks Jesus is a very key question.

"What must I do to gain eternal life?"

If someone asked you this question, how would you respond?

I doubt any of us would respond with the answers Jesus gives... follow the Old Testament commandments, and sell everything and give your money to the poor.

Many Christians would explain some information about God and what Jesus did on the cross, and say if we believe and have faith we will be saved.

So how can we reconcile that the answer Jesus gives here seems to emphasize works, where the answer we want to give emphasizes only faith.  I know there are many bible passages that support both sides of the works vs faith issue.

I think a key to understanding the kingdom of God is that it is not about following a set of rules.  If submission to the reign, rule, authority of God was just about following the Old Testament law, Jesus would not have had to come.  The Jews already had the law.

I believe there is a real sense that Jesus wanted to free them from following the law.  He wanted them to discover that they could follow and submit to the King instead.  He showed them that He was the King who loved and cared for them, especially those who were the outcasts and marginalized ones.   Submitting to the reign and authority of a loving God is so much better than following a set of rules.  When Jesus left he promised that He would leave the Holy Spirit to guide His followers personally.

I think the answer Jesus gave isn't one of following the works of the law. I see it as a call to have deep faith in God.

This man had wealth, and he was trusting in his wealth.  Jesus was asking the man to place his faith and trust in Him alone.

I am not at a point where I believe all wealthy people have to sell all they have and give it all to the poor.  I see Jesus asking this man to do this because He knew this man's heart.  If you have wealth, the key question to ask yourself is "If God asked me to give it all up would I?  Do I trust God more than I trust my wealth? Do I trust God's ability to care for my needs more than I trust my own ability?  To what degree am I OK with letting God alone reign in my life?"  These are questions of faith.

 Related Posts:

• Secrets of the Kingdom Summary
• Kingdom For The Poor
• Asset or Liability in the Kingdom 
• Sola fide
• Spirit Of Truth
• Did Jesus Come to Start a New Religion 
• End Of Religion

What Does It Look Like To Follow Christ?

This is a question I have been chewing on lately. I welcome your thoughts.

For most of my life I have assumed people knew I was a Christian.  The first clue would be that I went to church.  I also assumed the type of church I went to would give further evidence to the type of Christian I was.  Yes, hopefully there were some other clues. I didn't swear, smoke, drink or dance, or hang out much with those that did.  And, yes, hopefully there were some other positive clues as well...

But what if none of the above clues are really signs that I am following Christ?

To help answer this question, Imagine if your country closed down all the church buildings.  What would it look like then to follow Christ?  What does it look like to follow Christ in a country where there is no organized church to follow?  What did it look like to follow Christ for the first disciples of Christ in the New Testament?

Here are some initial thoughts, in no particular order:

Loving God -  Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. (Matt 22:37-38 NIV)


Loving Others -  "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35 NIV)

Fruit of Spirit - it seems when the Spirit is at work in us certain fruit will grow out of Christ in us. Things like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Gal 5:22-23)


Listening to His Voice and following it  - to be a follower of Jesus, it just makes sense we should know His voice and follow it. "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me" John 10:27 (NIV)


I suspect this could end up looking different for each of us.  Are there any other big 'clues' that I'm missing?  I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Why Are You Gifted?

Ephesians 4:7-16 lists some of the gifts given to the church.  What is the purpose of these gifts?

Ephesians 4:7-16  (NIV)

But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says:
“When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.”
 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions?  He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)  It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,  to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up  until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.  From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

First I think we need to understand what each of the gifts listed here mean. Unfortunately 'teachers' is the only term that gets translated into plain English for us:

• apostles - those who are a messengers, envoys, delegates, commissioned by another to represent him in some way
• prophets - those who declare the mind (message) of God, which sometimes predicts the future and more commonly, speaks forth His message for a particular situation.
• evangelists - those who bring good news, who announce the gospel
• shepherds/pastors - those who care for other believers
• teachers - those who teach

This isn't an exhaustive list of gifts of the Spirit. Romans 12:6-8 lists prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, and showing mercy. 1 Corinthians 12:8 - 10 lists a message of wisdom, a message of knowledge, faith, healing, prophecy, miracles, discernment, speaking in tongues, and interpreting tongues. There are likely more gifts given to the church than those listed here.

My question is why do you think the church has been given these gifts?

And why does it seem they are given to many different people?

First I'd like to suggest Jesus had all of these qualities.  He traveled around (apostle) preaching the good news of the kingdom of God (evangelist). He spoke the message of God (prophet). He is considered our shepherd. He was a teacher, served others, gave to others, lead, showed mercy, healed, had discernment, and did many miracles.  I'm not sure if we have any records of Him speaking in tongues, but I don't doubt He could.

Now take a look at the Ephesians 4:7-16 passage again.

It looks like the purpose of these gifts is to build each other up to become more like Jesus. 

Is it possible that each of us are to become more like Christ?  Shouldn't we all be messengers of the good news? Shouldn't we all listen for God's voice and speak it into other people's lives? Shouldn't we all care for other believers, teach others, serve others, give to others....

Yes, some will be more gifted in each of these areas than others. But could a purpose of having these gifts be to live as an example to the others on how to exercise that gift?

If you are gifted as a teacher, how can you use that gifting to encourage others to teach?

If you are gifted at giving, how can you use that gifting to teach others to give?

If you are gifted at serving, how can you be an example of service so others grow in this way?

If you are gifted at shepherding, how can you be an example of caring for the needs of others so others will shepherd as well?

If you are gifted at proclaiming the good news, how can you encourage others to proclaim the good news with you?


Obviously there are other reasons to use these gifts.  As a result of using these gifts people get cared for, get taught, hear God's good news message, etc.  But is it possible that everyone should be encouraged to grow in each of these areas to become more like Christ?  If you are gifted, how can you use your gift to build others up so they can exercise their gifting as well?

Do you think you are exempt from exercising any of the gifts of the Spirit?

Do you think it is best if a few people get the most exercise?

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

A Simple Guide To Hearing God

I'll write a short review of a short free e-book by Felicity Dale called A Simple Guide To Hearing God.

I love the length. At 44 pages there was no hesitation to jump in. With a longer book I sometimes put it off until I feel I have time to commit.  

And I love the price.  Thanks Felicity for your desire to share this message freely.

This e-book is in a different format.  It is a pdf file with links to videos on vimeo.  So you need to read it on a computer or device that supports the linking from a pdf to a video.  I appreciated this format, I didn't mind reading this short book on a laptop.  I appreciated seeing the videos of others sharing their stories and perspectives on this topic.

Here is where I found it. You need to subscribe to the blog, and you will be sent a link to the pdf e-book.

http://simplychurch.com/free-e-book-on-hearing-god/

The topic also is one that I have sensed God has been pushing me to discover more about lately.  It is fitting that this topic that I sense God is talking to me about is the topic of God talking to us.  This summer a few books have come my way, and a few people have been sharing stories with me highlighting the importance of listening to the Holy Spirit. So when I saw this book available, I listened.

I must confess there are parts of this book I am not comfortable with.  I am not saying I disagree with them, but there are parts that go beyond my comfort zone.  For example, I have never spoken in tongues, and I basically don't understand it.  I have seen it a few times, I have some respected friends who claim to do this, and I don't want to judge it, but for now honestly don't understand it.  There is also the element of visions and spiritual warfare with demonic activity that honestly make me a little uncomfortable.  These things have not been part of the norm of my Christian background.

Here are a couple of quotes that stand out to me:

One of the main paradigm shifts within simple/organic churches is the belief that ordinary men and women hear God. They can be entrusted with the affairs of the Kingdom. It does not need specially trained people to manage the church. The Holy Spirit is able to run the church by speaking directly to His people. He will do a far better job of it than our organizations and denominations ever can.

I think this is why I feel God pushing me towards listening more to the Holy Spirit. Throughout my life I haven't needed to rely on God speaking to me directly very often. There have been a few times that I can think of where I felt God has spoken to me in a real way.  But in the day to day Christian life I have been able to get by with God speaking to others, and I have for the most part followed what other Christians were doing.

Now that I am seeing beyond the walls of traditional church, I often feel alone.  But when I feel alone, I realize God is with me and has a plan for me.  I need to learn to hear His voice.  It has been there all along, I just haven't had to rely on it as much before.

So what did I hear as I read this book?

If there is one thing this short book has taught me is that it is important to spend time listening for God to speak.  Our minds are usually full, either with our own thoughts or with audio/visual media we are absorbing.  If I want to hear regularly from God, I should regularly spend time listening for His voice.  I know He can yell over all the other noise if/when He wants to, but it seems like common courtesy in a relationship to devote some time to communicate back and forth.

A common theme from the different experiences shared was that they would frequently attempt to empty their minds of their own thoughts, worries, and ambitions and wait for God to speak through a prompting, impression, or picture.  This can be done in private times, and also when gathering with other believers.

It seems like common sense, but unfortunately it is often not how we as Christians live.

It comes down to who is really Lord.

Do we live our daily personal lives by our own agendas, plans and ambitions?  Or do we listen to and follow the lead of our Lord?

When we gather with other believers, do we follow the agendas, plans and ambitions of some? Or do we listen to and follow the lead of our Lord?

There was more good stuff in this ebook. Instead of me writing more here, I'll encourage you to go get the book yourself.

Forgotten God Highlights

I suspect an area that God desires growth for me is my relationship with the Holy Spirit. A lot of what Francis Chan writes in his book Forgotten God resonates with me.  I'll simply share a few of the pieces I highlighted as I read.

Jesus Himself said to His disciples, "It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you" (John 16:7 NIV). So Jesus is basically telling His disciples, "Yes, I was with you for three and a half years, but it is better that I leave you and the Holy Spirit comes to you"

Yes, I think that is a cool thought. What we have can be even better than what the disciples experienced.

"He who searches hearts know what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." I don't know about you, but I find the thought of the Spirit of God praying for me according to the will of God extremely comforting.

Yes, very comforting.   I often find I don't know how best to pray for something, but I can learn to pray along side the Spirit.

The church becomes irrelevant when it becomes purely a human creation. We are not all we were made to be when everything in our lives and churches can be explained apart from the work and presence of the Spirit of God.

Fair questions:

If the Spirit didn't show up during our gatherings, would anyone notice?

To those who observe my life, is it obvious that a supernatural God is at work?

The fruit of being led by the Spirit of God includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These attitudes and actions will characterize our lives as we allow ourselves to be grown and molded by the Spirit. The Spirit is our sanctifier (2 Cor. 3:18; Gal. 5:22 - 23)

Yes, and easier said than lived.

"So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church" (1 Cor. 14:12).

Yes, seems like a good place to start.

We all have to answer the question: Do I want to lead or be led by the Spirit?

Hmm... we may all have the Spirit with us... but who is leading?

Because the fact is that if you were in step with the Holy Spirit, listening to and obeying Him, you wouldn't sin (Gal. 5:16) In any given moment, it is impossible to live in the power of the Spirit and sin at the same time. Sin is wholly opposed to everything that is of the Spirit. They really are mutually exclusive and totally contrary to each other.

The struggle is to let God reign or let self reign... that is a consistent theme in our Scriptures.

In the book of Philippians, Paul writes "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (2:12 - 13). I love the apparent contradiction in this passage. Paul says in one breath, "Work out your salvation," and in the next, "It it is God who works in you." The both-ness here doesn't allow us to escape with a simple conclusion. Yes, it is God who works in you. And, yes, there is work for you to do. Yes, the Spirit empowers you to do the work. And, yes, you do the work.

So yes, I enjoyed reading this book.  Some good information.  But as Francis Chan also emphasizes... the point isn't just to understand stuff about the Holy Spirit... the goal is to grow and live with the Holy Spirit, and learn to listen and follow His ways.

Baptism Summary Thoughts

I should post some summary thoughts on my series on baptism.

I hesitate to write a summary because I don't have many solid thoughts on what immersion (baptism) with the Holy Spirit is.  Part of me wants to think it is a process, but the way it is talked about in Scripture sounds like it can also be initiated by a one time event.  I suspect I have a lot more to learn in regards to the Holy Spirit. 

But here is what I have learned in this study so far:

What Did Baptism Mean? - I looked at how the Greek terms get used and translated in other literature and saw how the term meant submerged, immersed, dipped, plunged, dyed, and other meanings.  It did not always have a connection with water.  Objects that were dipped or submerged in a variety of liquids were said to have been 'baptized' in that substance.

Baptism without Water  - The term for baptism is also used in the New Testament to refer to dipping/submerging/immersing in substances other than water.  It sounds like Jesus was going to baptize with the Holy Spirit instead of with water.


Baptism and Culture -  It seems Christianity adopted a common custom of the time. Jesus and the early church did not invent a water dipping and cleansing ritual.  They likely adapted a common custom and gave it a new meaning.

The Heart of Baptism - We have been immersed/dipped/dyed into Christ. We have become one with Christ.  Paul continues describes baptism in Rom 6:3-13 as becoming one with Christ. Our selfish will died with Christ on the cross, so that we can truly live.

Who Can Baptize? - I believe  Matt 28:18 - 20 is addressed to all believers, not just clergy.

When Should Believers Be Baptized? -  If we believe children can receive the Holy Spirit, It doesn't look like anyone should hinder children from taking the step of immersion by water as well.  As for adults, the example we see in Scripture is that baptism follows conversion as soon as possible.

Baptism With The Holy Spirit - John the baptist was said to have baptized with water, but Jesus was going to baptize with the Holy Spirit. Looking at passages in Acts we also see both types of baptisms in the early church.

Immersion by water is a great symbol of being baptized with the Holy Spirit.  The command for us in Matt 28:18 - 20 is likely referring to baptism or immersion with the Holy Spirit (and Father, Son).  I suspect God is most interested in the matters of the heart. The early church, and most Christians throughout history have made an outward expression of this with immersion in water.

So that summarizes what I have learned. I believe both immersion with water and immersion with the Holy Spirit are important steps in the lives of believers.


I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Baptism With The Holy Spirit

This is post #8 on a series on baptism:

1. Baptism Questions - some questions I'd like to sort out
2. What Did Baptism Mean? - a look at how the Greek terms get used and translated in other literature
3. Baptism without Water - a look at baptism references that are not talking about water
4. Baptism and Culture -  It seems Christianity adopted a common custom of the time.
5. The Heart of Baptism - What is at the heart of this ritual 
6. Who Can Baptize? - Do we think Matt 28:18 - 20 is addressed only for the clergy? 
7. When Should Believers Be Baptized - At what age? At what level of maturity? 
8. Baptism With The Holy Spirit - comparing immersion with water and with the Holy Spirit 
9. Baptism Summary Thoughts

I'm still sorting out some thoughts on baptism.  I keep coming across passages relating to baptism with the Holy Spirit. So I'm going to take a look at a few here.

Peter is explaining to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem about new gentile believers in Acts 11:15 - 16 (NIV)

"As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’"

This verse make me feel better. Up until recently I had always thought about baptism in terms of being immersed in water.  So I find this interesting. Had Peter not made this connection before this point either?

If we read the account in the previous chapter we can see that these new believers were first baptized (or dipped/immersed/submerged) with the Holy Spirit.  Immediately after they were baptized with the Holy Spirit the decision was made that they should also be baptized with water, and in the name of Jesus Christ.

It seems in this passage the baptism with the Holy Spirit came first, and then the baptism by water was done as an outward symbol.

However we see the reverse in Acts 8:14 - 17 (NIV)

"When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them.  When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.  Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit."

In this earlier account, the people had been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus, but they had not received the Holy Spirit.

If we keep going earlier in Acts there are two more related passages:


Acts 2:38 (NIV)

"Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. "

Here it sounds like the baptism in the Holy Spirit and the baptism by water are two separate events that should follow one after the other.  The way it is worded the immersion by water may come first.


Acts 1:4 (NIV)

"On one occasion, while he (Jesus) was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.  For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 

Again, the baptism with water is a separate event from the baptism with the Holy Spirit.  And again this time the water came first.

What can we conclude from these passages:

• We can not assume that just because someone is immersed in water they have also been baptized with the Holy Spirit. The two types of baptism seem to be two separate things.
• If the Holy Spirit is living in you, there is nothing stopping you from also being immersed by water.
• If you want the Holy Spirit to live in you, a step suggested here is to repent and get immersed in water in the name of Jesus.

What I would not conclude:

• People should say a sinners prayer, then wait awhile, then take baptism classes before getting baptized with water.
• That everyone that gets baptized with water also gets baptized with the Holy Spirit.
• That the baptism with water is more important than the baptism with the Holy Spirit.

Does this make any sense to you?

Basic.Holy Spirit

A short clip by Francis Chan to stir our minds and hearts.

What did Jesus leave for us to follow?

Have we lost our focus? What/who are we following?

On Following

Most religions of the world have a book to follow. Or some meditations to follow. Or some rules to follow....

Is Christianity any different?

• Do we follow a book?
• Do we follow some creed?
• Is it about agreeing to some catechism, some list of beliefs?
• Is there a list of rules to follow?

Or is it different because it is a person we are following?

There are many verses that speak to following Jesus. All the references to Jesus being a shepherd come to mind. Here are a few:

John 10:14 (NIV)

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—

Matthew 4:19 (NIV)

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

John 8:12 (NIV)

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 10:27 (NIV)

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me"

It seems that divisions are created and maintained when we follow someone or something other than Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:11-13 (NIV)

My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas[a]”; still another, “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?"

OK. But how can we follow Jesus today? Did Jesus leave us with a book to follow? How did He expect us to carry on?

John 14:15-21 (NIV)

"If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

John 14:26 (NIV)

"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."

What do you think? Is there a difference between following Christ and following a religion?

Prayer for revival

I heard a brother say today that he feels God is moving in His people. Calling his people into a renewed personal relationship with himself.

I pray this is so. And I'm hopeful it's true.

Not just doing more Christian stuff, or getting it all right. But just getting closer to Jesus.

I pray that as God calls His people closer to himself, they will also be drawn closer to each other. That they will recognize other members of Christ's body that they may have overlooked before as a result of some lesser disagreement. And that as members of Christ's body we will build each other up, encourage, love, pray for, teach, ect... as God gifts and leads each of us.

I pray that following Jesus will become a reality, not just lip service.

Are we following a book? Are we following traditions? Are we following other people who have studied about God? Or even following other people who know God?

Or are we following Jesus? Do we know Jesus personally?

To follow Jesus we will need to learn to know His voice. I pray we will learn to know our Lord, to know His love for us, and learn His will for us.

My 95 Thesis - Point 8 - Sola Scriptura

Here's my 8th Point in My 95 Theses.

Is Sola Scriptura an essential to the faith?

"Of the five Solas, Sola Scriptura best encapsulates the heart throb of the European Reformers. A key question posed by Martin Luther was, what is the final and ultimate authority for life, faith and worship? Has God given a sufficient and final decree through which all activities of human existence are to conform? Or does the Church along with tradition have the right and authority to impose binding legislation upon the hearts and minds of people, even when such legislation clearly violates Scripture? We hold that the Bible and the Bible alone is the only ultimate and reliable source of God’s personal revelation to mankind."
http://www.sola-scriptura.ca/mission-and-purpose/

Does Scripture teach Sola Scriptura?

That seems like a basic question. If you hold strongly to Sola Scriptura, yet don't see Scripture teaching it, do you need to believe it? I see irony if it is only a tradition handed down from the reformers...

There are certain themes in Scripture that are certainly central to our faith. Love and Unity are two that come to mind. How many verses are there that support the position of Sola Scriptura? If Sola Scriptura is less essential than Love and Unity, it may be a good topic for discussion, but not worth creating or maintaining divisions over.

So, are there lots of verses that support the idea? There seems to be one verse that comes up in every discussion of Sola Scriptura.

2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, "

All Scripture... which Scripture? Was Paul talking about the 66 books we now call the Bible, some of which were not even written when he was writing this letter to Timothy? I think not.

But even if he was holding our leather bound book in one hand while he made this statement, he never said it was the only authority or revelation of God to us.

And let's not forget the main point of this verse... the point is that Scripture is useful ... "so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (vs. 17)

So what's my concern? Are we missing something by holding tightly to Sola Scriptura?

My concern is we've placed less value on the things Jesus did leave with us to guide us. He did not write a book and leave it with us saying "follow this book". But he did leave us his Holy Spirit to guide us. His followers are also called His body, and we are to allow members of Christ's body to encourage, teach, build up, instruct, and submit to each other.

John 14:15-21 (NIV)

"If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

John 14:26 (NIV)

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

OK... so what I am left to hold on to? I think the early church confirmed that these books were the best books describing the life of our Lord, and the life and teachings of the early church. There are other early christian writings that may also shed light on the early church. But there was reason for enough doubt and they were excluded from the canon.

I believe the 66 books we cherish do point us towards knowing the Word of God. Jesus is the Word of God. I believe it is possible that God spoke clearly to the authors as they penned the books in the Bible. I hope all of it is 100% accurate. It would make sense that a loving God would want to preserve an accurate written account of who He is. But even if it isn't 100% accurate, I am thankful that I hold a book that reveals to me who God is, and that He wants to relate to me in a personal way. In that relationship I can hear God's words to me.

Related Posts:

• Word in you
• Freedom from Biblicism
• People of the Book
• Sola Scriptura
• Do you know God's voice
• Spirit of truth
• I don't understand Hebrews 8

Playdough Scripture 1 John 2:14

"I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and have studied the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one."

1 John 2:14 (Playdough Version)


Is the Word of God a book that we read and memorize, or is it something that is alive and living in us?

Theology After Google

This past week there was a "Theology After Google" conference in California. I did not attend, and don't know much about it, but just listened to a podcast about it. I recognize Google is playing a new role in our current era. We know the printing press had a huge impact on Christianity. It put the printed Bible into the hands of the common folk. The internet is taking this a step further. With a simple search one can access volumes of past and present Christian resources larger than pastors and church leaders in previous generations could have collected on their bookshelves.

A couple of thoughts...

• The printing press allowed Christians to send written messages to the masses.
• Radio allowed Christians send audio message to the masses.
• TV allowed Christians to send video and audio to the masses.
• The internet is sending video, audio, and text... but it is allowing the masses to also interact with the message... search for answers to their own questions, and dialog with others on similar journeys.

Yes these are potentially dangerous times for theology. Individually we need to rely on the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, and other wise godly people in our lives, or we could potentially go way off track. It is much safer if the masses would just follow the teachings of the trained leaders of the Church. (But which church tradition? The ones that have the longest history, that have changed the least over time??? Or a church tradition founded on questioning past traditions, yet hesitant to allow it's traditions to be questioned...)

Then I had to check what searches are common with Google:
Ouch... 'Christianity' is taking a bit of a beating by the average Google user.





At least God and Jesus are fairing a bit better.



And I see some interesting searches for the term church.

It's good to recognize what tools and sources we allow to influence our beliefs.

Past generations benefited from radio, tv, and the printing press to spread the good news of Jesus. I just thought it's interesting to recognize the role the internet is playing today.

Freedom From Biblicism

I recently came across this article from: http://www.christinyou.net/pages/brinsmead.html

By: Robert D. Brinsmead

Living under the bondage of the law rather than in the freedom of the Spirit can assume many forms.

In our time, living under the law may assume the form of biblicism. Many suppose that the evangelical faith stands or falls on the matter of biblical inerrancy ­ meaning that the very letter of Holy Scripture is without any error in everything it affirms, including theology, history, ethics, geography, biology and chronology.

The great danger of biblicism is that, instead of being used solely in the service of the gospel, the Bible becomes a book of rules about many other issues. Christians may become enslaved to the Bible just as the Jews became enslaved to the Torah ­ their Holy Scripture (John 10:34,35). Just as the Jews barricaded themselves behind the letter of the Torah to oppose Jesus, so we may easily barricade ourselves behind the letter of a supposedly inerrant Scripture to oppose the gospel's festival of freedom.

There can be a false faith in the bible. In the proper spiritual sense faith is an act of real worship which should be rendered solely to the Creator (John 9:35-38). Saving faith is not faith in the Bible (for even the Christ-denying Pharisees trusted in the Bible ­ John 5:39) but faith in Jesus (Rom. 3:22-26). While Catholics have been particularly susceptible to ecclesiology ­ the worship of the church ­ Protestants have been disposed toward bibliolatry ­ the worship of the Bible.

The purpose of all Scripture is to bear witness to Christ (John 5:39; 20:31). The Bible in itself is not the Word of God. The Word of God is a person (John 1:1). Neither does the Bible have life, power or light in itself any more than did the Jewish Torah. These attributes may be ascribed to the Bible only by virtue of its relationship to Him who is Word, Life, Power and Light. Life is not in the book, as the Pharisees supposed, but only in the Man of the book (John 5:39).

The Bible is therefore to be valued because of its testimony to Jesus Christ. The Bible is absolutely trustworthy and reliable for the purpose it was given. It is designed to make us "wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 3:15), not wise on such subjects as science, history and geography ­ which it is our responsibility to learn through general revelation.

That which makes the Bible the Bible is the gospel. That which makes the Bible the Word of God is its witness to Christ. When the Spirit bears witness to our hearts of the truth of the Bible, this is an internal witness concerning the truth of the gospel. We need to be apprehended by the Spirit, who lives in the gospel, and then judge all things by that Spirit ­ even the letter of Scripture.

If we do not allow the Bible to be the Word of God ­ the bearer of the gospel ­ it might be better to follow Luther's advice to read some other book. For if the Bible is not used in the service of the gospel, it may either find people mad or make them mad.

We must stop using the Bible as though it were a potpourri of inerrant proof-texts by which we can bring people into bondage to our religious traditions. (For in practice the only inerrancy we ever defend is the inerrancy of our religious traditions and our way of reading the Bible.) We must no longer use the Bible as the Pharisees used the Torah when they gave it absolute and final status. Christian biblicism is no different from Jewish legalism. It is the old way of the letter, not the new way of the Spirit (Rom. 7:6).

Jesus and Paul declare that apart from the Spirit we cannot understand the truth (John 16:13; I Cor. 2:14). This means that unless we are caught up in the Spirit of the gospel, we cannot understand or use the Bible correctly. Apart from the gospel the Bible is letter (gramma), not Spirit (pneuma). "The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (II Cor. 3:6,17).

(Brinsmead, Robert D. "A Freedom from Biblicism" in The Christian Verdict, Essay 14, 1984. Fallbrook: Verdict Publications. Pgs. 9-14).

Related Posts:

• Word in you
• People of the Book
• Sola Scriptura
  

People of the book

Did Jesus want His followers to be a people of the book?

If He did, why didn't he write a book and tell his followers to follow that book?

What did Jesus leave with us to give us guidance?

John 15:26 (NIV)

"When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. "

Acts 1:4-5 (NIV)

"Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

We are supposed to be people guided by the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised he would leave for us.

What do you think?

From my experience I feel more emphasis has been placed on following the book than following the Word of God that indwells us. By being a people of the book we can do a decent job at being religious. But the goal isn't to follow the book. The book isn't Lord. The book is there to introduce us to the King of Kings who wants to be Lord of our lives.... and we can be a people who follow the personal leading of our Lord.

What I believe version 2010.01

My original 'What I Believe' Post was kind of long. I've noticed it is a page that visitors often check out. I see problems with long creeds, or statement of faiths... so here is my simple faith belief.

Jesus Is Lord!

• Jesus reigns in my life through the Holy Spirit who lives in and through me.
• I am united with Jesus, and my selfish (sinful) ways died on the cross with Him, they no longer direct my life.
• When I walk in this truth, my selfish ways are replaced with God's love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

I believe this is the good news message we are to share with the world. I believe all those who follow Jesus share these common beliefs, yet may not recognize it as 'the gospel'... and we all frequently fail living in this truth.

Related Posts:

• Good News
  
• Slaves to Sin or God

The longer What I believe version 2009.07 is still supported here.

Is Caesar Lord?

Who is Lord? Caesar or Jesus?

This was the question for the early church. The Roman Emperor claimed to be Lord. Romans were asked to declare "Caesar is Lord". The title King of Kings and Lord of Lords was a title reserved for the Emperor.

Into this time and place comes Jesus preaching the good news of the Kingdom of God. That He is King... but that His kingdom is not of this world, it is not a kingdom one can say "10 miles north and you'll find the kingdom of God". The kingdom is mysteriously within those who follow Him.

What was different for those who followed Jesus the messiah was that they confessed that "Jesus is Lord". Jesus ruled in their lives. His Holy Spirit lived in them and through them, and they were members of this body of Christ, this kingdom of God.

These Christ followers refused to acknowledge Caesar as Lord but insisted that Jesus was Lord. It is said that many were so stubborn about this that they were martyred as a result of this confession.

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the God who is Love and light wants you to be part of His Kingdom. That's great news! ...but not necessarily easy news.

So the question still is: Who is Lord?
You? Some mortal man/woman? Your selfish ways? Or some other idols in your life?
Or is the loving God of the universe sitting on the throne of your life?

Not only was this the essence of the good news of the kingdom of God that Jesus and His disciples preached, it was a central belief of the early church. Here's a collection of related verses and the apostles creed.

2 Cor 4:3-5 (NIV)

"And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake."

Philippians 2:11 (NIV)

"and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Romans 10:9 (NIV)

"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

1 Corinthians 12:3 (NIV)

Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 8:6 (NIV)

"yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live."

Eph 4:4-5 (NIV)

"There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism;"

Acts 2:21 (NIV)

"And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Acts 2:36 (NIV)

"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

Philippians 2:8-11 (NIV)

"And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father."

Apostles' Creed

1. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

2. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

3. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.

4. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.

5. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again.

6. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

7. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

8. I believe in the Holy Spirit,

9. the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,

10. the forgiveness of sins,

11. the resurrection of the body,

12. and life everlasting.

Amen.

Related Posts:

• Good News
• He is Christ the Lord
• What does Evangelical mean
• Polycarp the Atheist
• Paul's Letter To Rome, That Caesar was not Lord

Immanuel

This Christmas season be reminded of this passage.

Matthew 1:23 (NIV)

"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" —which means, "God with us."

It just reminded me of the truth that Jesus is "God with us". Jesus was "God with us" when he walked on this earth 2000 years ago. Jesus is still "God with us" when he lives in and through us. That is what the new covenant we live under is all about.

Hebrews 8:8-12 (NIV)

But God found fault with the people and said:
"The time is coming, declares the Lord,
when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah.
It will not be like the covenant
I made with their forefathers
when I took them by the hand
to lead them out of Egypt,
because they did not remain faithful to my covenant,
and I turned away from them, declares the Lord.
This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel
after that time, declares the Lord.
I will put my laws in their minds
and write them on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
No longer will a man teach his neighbor,
or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,'
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest.
For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more."

Related Posts:

• Word in you
• Do you know God's voice
• Spirit of truth
• I don't understand Hebrews 8
• Word study on Word of God
  

Playdough Scripture 2 Timothy 3:16

OK... I may not be popular for this one... :)

I'll try to explain my concern.

2 Timothy 3:16 (Playdough Version)

"All Scripture (the 66 books we call the Bible, some of which were not even written before 2 Timothy, yet including these and all New Testament books which would be compiled into a canon a few hundred years later by the early Catholic Church) is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, (and the Bible is the only inspired and authoritative word of God)"

My concern here is how this verse is frequently used as the main proof that the Bible passed down to us is word for word God's words. It is often presented as a simple proof without acknowledging the stuff I added above in red.

It may be true that God moved the pen for every word of our Bible. But I don't see any verse in our Bible stating that this was the case.

And even if the Bible ended with the line "Every word in this volume of 66 books is God's inspired words", would that prove on it's own that it is true? If the Da Vinci Code ended with "Everything in this book is 100% true"... would making that claim make it so?

Young's Literal Translation gives a different look to 2 Timothy 3:16:

"every Writing [is] God-breathed, and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for setting aright, for instruction that [is] in righteousness,"

But I'm still not sure what that means. Every writing? Which writings? That's what I'm concerned with. Did Timothy know which books would be included in the canon that came together over a few hundred years of the early church?

OK... so what I am left to hold on to? I think the early church confirmed that these books were the best books describing the life of our Lord, and the life and teachings of the early church. There are other early christian writings that may also shed light on the early church. But there was reason for enough doubt and they were excluded from the canon.

I believe the 66 books we cherish do point us towards knowing the Word of God. Jesus is the Word of God. I believe it is possible that God spoke clearly to the authors as they penned the books in the Bible. I hope all of it is 100% accurate. It would make sense that a loving God would want to preserve an accurate written account of who He is. But even if it isn't 100% accurate, I am thankful that I hold a book that reveals to me who God is, and that He wants to relate to me in a personal way. In that relationship I can hear God's words to me.