Tag Archives: Christ

Apr 24 2010

The One True Church


This morning I was to fish in a tournament on a nearby lake. All of the proceeds from the tournament entry fees will be used to support summer camp for kids from our church, Whites Ferry Road Church of Christ. I decided to not fish after paying my entry fee and registering for two reasons. The steering on my boat is failing and severe thunderstorms are predicted. The boat is in the local repair shop and I am in my cozy home.

This morning I sat down with a warm cup of coffee and Googled “weather, 71203” and clicked on my favorite weather site, to see how far away the predicted storms are. I noticed a tiny Google ad, “The One True Church”. My curiosity peeked and I clicked on the link and listened to a few minutes of a video expounding why that church is the “One True Church“. Of course they are not the one true church but maybe they are a part of it, maybe not.

It was easy to learn from the website that the focus of their teaching was a series of lessons validating their claim that they alone are the true church and that all others are false. The first red flag I see, the thing that gives me pause, is when any  group teaches more about the church than the Christ. It takes a lot of time, money, and effort to produce all of the material necessary to support such a claim of exclusivity.

I’m trying to remember how many “One True” churches there is. I can think of  perhaps a dozen right away. You might think of more. Each of those that come to mind use similar tactics and teaching to prove up their claims. And, every one of them has a different set of rules one must keep to finally be accepted by God. Man made religion is always and forever about keeping rules. It is a detailed, well thought out plan of how man can earn God’s favor and be looked upon favorably by Him.

“The One True Church” is not a church on earth making claims of exclusivity. The “One True Church” is the mystical body of Christ composed of every person God has called to Himself and is depending on Christ alone for salvation and final reward. That remnant of those, both dead and living and who are not yet saved, who are God’s own dear children and understand that God looks on His children favorably because of the obedience of Jesus and not their own. He birthed them supernaturally, put His Holy Spirit in them as a guarantee and assurance, gave them immortality, wrote His law on their hearts, poured out His love in their hearts, and designed them to love and do good works.

It is my view (this is not inspired!) that of professing Christiandom only a “few” are members of the Lord’s body, the “church“. Jesus’ own words when He described the “narrow” way and “few” that find it. His rebuke of professing Christians who were only counterfeits in Matthew 7. And for me, the most compelling truth is His descriptions of how his followers must live in self denial, have unconditional love for others, be different from the world, and be holy people, stands in stark contrast to the average church member on the pew any given Sunday.

God’s plan to reconcile sinful people to Himself goes against human nature and crushes the human ego. It demands surrender! It demands that we give up trying to appease God and simply trust the Christ who bore our sins in his body, who died, was buried, and was raised from the dead. Most people it seems, stumble at the simplicity of the gospel of Christ.

If you are in “The One True Church” Christ is the chief cornerstone of your life. If not, He is the stone you stumble over and a rock of offense. The message of the cross and the resurrection of Jesus will get one of two reactions. A person will either be drawn to God’s plan or be offended by it. How about you? It is my only hope!

Agape’

Royce

Apr 19 2010

The Sovereignty of God and the Free Will of Man


I suppose it would be somewhat accurate to describe me in regard to my Christian theology as a Reformed Restorationist. I walk in lock step with those who love the ideals of the founders of the Restoration Movement. Their plea for the unity of all believers, for Bible preaching, for a more pure and primitive way of worship, are each ideals I heartedly embrace.

At the same time I cannot deny those clear passages in Scripture that teach the foreknowledge of God, election, and predestination. When I read those passages I have two choices. I can honestly try to understand them in light of the whole of God’s revelation in the Bible, or I can just conveniently read right over them without much thought and no comment and pretend they are not there. The second choice is the one most of my Restoration Movement friends evidently choose to employ.

I, long ago, came to the conclusion that God’s choice and man’s responsibility are both equally true at the same time and without any contradiction. In my view, the fact that God chooses is undeniable, he has a track record of doing just that very thing. And, at the same time, those chosen, those predetermined by God, each had to choose to obey his will.

The Sovereignty of God and the free will of man is dramatically and clearly seen in story of the death of Jesus. The following is what Peter said in the very first gospel sermon after Pentecost. It was powerful truth, so much so that 3,000 were “cut to the heart” by what they heard and “those who received his word were baptized”.

Peter’s truth claim #1

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—this Jesus,… YOU CRUCIFIED AND KILLED BY THE HANDS OF LAWLESS MEN.”

Peter’s truth claim #2

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know ,this Jesus, DELIVERED UP ACCORDING TO THE DEFINITE PLAN AND FOREKNOWLEDGE OF GOD.”

Now here is the passage quoted exactly as it is written:

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.” (Acts 2:22-24)

One perspective is that wicked men, by their own volition executed an innocent man. That is absolutely true! They acted by their own free will. They were not robots or puppets on a string, they were a “lawless” mob doing what sinners do.

The companion perspective is that these lawless men were doing exactly what God had planned. It is clear from this passage that God not only had foreknowledge, but it was his “definite” plan.

Just a few verses later we see the same seemingly opposite truths standing side by side once more. Peter is finishing his sermon and he says:

“For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom THE LORD OUR GOD CALLS TO HIMSELF.”

Then almost immediately he gives the opposite perspective by saying:

“And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “SAVE YOURSELVES  from this crooked generation.” So THOSE WHO RECEIVED HIS WORD WERE BAPTIZED, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.”

It is true that God calls people to himself and it is also true that those who are called (chosen) must themselves choose their fate. Both are true and stand side by side over and over again in the Bible.

Once more in the book of Acts we read these same truths. This time the preachers are Paul and Barnabus at Antioch. After they preached, the Bible says this was the response:

“And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and AS MANY AS WERE APPOINTED TO ETERNAL LIFE…BELIEVED.” (Acts 13:48)

You see, both components are there. God appointed some to eternal life and those who were appointed (chosen) had to put their trust in Jesus.

God’s choosing, his predetermination, never invalidates the free choice of man. I think almost every person who studies the Bible will agree that not everyone will be finally saved. In my view, those who are saved are the elect, those whom God has sovereignly chosen. But, while that is true, every last one of them (excepting infants and those mentally impaired) must repent and put their faith in Jesus to be saved.

Perhaps those of us who lean more toward the Reformed side of the equation should not be so quick to criticize the teaching of our free will brothers. And, our free will brothers should perhaps be more thoughtful before writing off the Reformed position.

When properly understood, I believe that maybe Calvin and Arminius were twins. Most of what both men taught is true. Neither was infallible, neither had a monopoly on God’s truth but both were good men who saw the redemptive purposes of God from different vantage points. And, I and my dear brothers who emphasize one view of truth over another, follow in their steps today.

If you missed Edward Fudge’s article I posted previously on this subject, I heartedly recommend it. You can read it here or here.

The glad tidings of the gospel are to be told to every person and “Whosoever will” can still come to the Lord. That truth I affirm with all my heart.

Agape’

Royce


Apr 8 2010

Let our women speak!


“I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.” The Apostle Paul to Timothy, 1 Timothy 2:12

Have we in many of our churches used this and other verses as a foundation for mistreating women? I have some questions, and possibly a few answers.

In addition to the verse above there is the other well-worn “proof text” found in Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth.

“As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.” 1 Corinthians 14:33-35

Wow, it seems pretty clear doesn’t it? How could anyone miss the message of these two powerful admonitions that are the accepted authority that puts women in their places in the church.

But wait, Paul says more about women.

“but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaved. For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head.” 1 Corinthians 11:5,6

I have a question. How is it possible that a woman could prophesy without speaking? She could pray silently but she cannot possibly prophesy while being silent. (Isn’t it interesting that we are big on the silence but are unmoved by the head covering, hair length, etc. ?) The truth is that no person, including a woman, can speak God’s truth to another without speaking. They were not able to text or send a bluetooth, they had only one option, speaking!

In his letter to the Romans Paul was careful to send a greeting to several women who had labored with him in the gospel. (Romans 16:1,2,3,6,7 and 12.) It would be unreasonable to conclude that their only contribution to the mission was baking bread and toting luggage. We know that Priscilla taught the preacher Apollos (Acts 18:26).

There is no doubt that women had speaking roles in the first century church. Why then the passages above? I offer these suggestions.

Corinth and Ephesus (the city where Timothy was ministering) were both large cities, hubs of trade and commerce, and both populated with largely gentiles. In each of these major cities paganism reached its apex. There were all sorts of gods, goddesses, temples priests and priestesses, and prostitutes.

Paganism in these first century cultural centers was marked by every excess. Drunkenness, gluttony, sexual orgies, idol worship, sacrifices of every kind to the gods, and in general the most unholy of lifestyles. Because most of these pagan religions conveniently included sexual excesses, women were often the leaders of the sects. And of course even some of the gods were women, like Diana for instance.

It was out of this cultural setting that God had called people to himself. They were believers in the Christ (Paul called them saints) but their whole lives had been entrenched in a society of unbridled sin where the lusts of the flesh ruled the day.

And, the state of women must be considered. They were little more than chattel property. They were there to serve their men sexually, to cook, to work (Proverbs 31), to raise children, etc. They were not worthy of education and were in every way subservient to males. Even today, in 2010, women in much of the middle east are in the same dire circumstances. At best, they are second class citizens.

Now we find Paul writing to immature Christians whose neighbors were the people described above and they themselves had barely escaped this dreadful lifestyle. The carry over, was drinking to excess at fellowship meals, rudeness, talking over others, sexual sin, and in general, behaving as pagans in the church assembly.

I believe Paul was addressing a particular cultural situation that we have little feel for. “Women be quiet and learn from your husbands”. Only the men had any education. “Women be quiet in church”. Don’t emulate paganism where women were leaders. “Women if you are going to pray or prophesy in the assembly wear a head covering to show that you have the authority to do so”. It was Paul’s intention that these redeemed people look completely different than their pagan counterparts. Thus his warnings about food offered to idols, keeping holy days, etc. Christians are to be a holy (set apart) people was his consistent teaching.

Paul said to the Galatian churches

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)

I have never read any place that the Holy Spirit gives out spiritual gifts based on gender. Perhaps I overlooked that text. I believe that in our sincere desire to please God to the “T” we have gone headlong into limiting gifted, smart, educated, devoted women in their service to their Christ and their fellow saints.

Someone tell me how these tasks constitute taking authority in the Christian community that belongs to males? ( I heartedly affirm male headship in the home and in the church)

  1. Singing a solo
  2. Reading a passage of Scripture
  3. Offering a communion meditation
  4. Serving as an usher
  5. Passing the trays and plates
  6. Teaching a Bible lesson to a mixed gender class

In my view it is time to take off the gags and let the women free to serve God using their giftedness to encourage and build up the body, not just women and children.

Agree or disagree, this is only my view. It does not represent the views of my church or its able leaders. I just wish it did.

Agape’

Royce

Apr 2 2010

Jesus is not dead!


What is the big deal about Easter?

That he (Jesus) was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. (1 Corinthians 15:4-8)

The big deal is, Jesus is alive! He is in heaven. And, He is coming back. Yep, the same Jesus his followers had seen and touched, shared meals with, and heard make promises went up into the clouds as they watched. And, this promise was given by two messengers from God.

“Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)

The truth that again and again got the Apostles in hot water with the church crowd was that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead. The bodily resurrection of Jesus is the bedrock of the Christian faith. Paul said it this way.

Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead,how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. (1 Corinthians 15:12-19)

Make no mistake, everything depends on the factual account of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead!

If Jesus was not raised from the dead there is no hope for any of us.

What appeal does dying and staying dead in a grave have to you? It has none to me either. If Jesus was not raised, we will not be raised, and after all, the goal is to live eternally.

If Jesus was not raised from the dead there is no Christianity!

Paul says it like this, If Christ has not been raised from the dead his “preaching is vain and your faith is vain“. And, “Your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.”

The cross and its significance is very important but if Jesus’ death was the end of the story He would be no different than any other man who died for his faith.

HE IS ALIVE! CELEBRATE!

This Sunday Christians around the world will celebrate and remember an empty tomb and a risen Saviour. It is His life everlasting that we celebrate. His life is our life if we are in Him.

WILL YOU LIVE FOREVER? EVEN AFTER YOU DIE AND ARE BURIED, WILL YOU LIVE AGAIN?

There are many, many promises that you can, or that you will. One I really like is this one.

“If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.’ (Romans 8:11)

Easter is the believer’s celebration of everlasting life. It is the acknowledgement that death has been defeated, that sin will finally be eradicated, and once again Peace will rule in an eternal kingdom.

He Himself is our blessed hope, and our blessed certainty! Happy Easter to you.

Agape’

Royce