tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77574617353834083882024-02-18T20:31:13.624-08:00Pursuing Biblical Lovepastorprofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148936127283349695noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757461735383408388.post-27683952894706432152022-06-08T10:01:00.002-07:002022-06-08T10:03:33.834-07:00Would Jesus Be Pleased with Us Worshipping Him by Singing Songs that Are Written by Hillsong or Bethel?<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Would Jesus Be Pleased with Us Worshipping Him <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">by Singing Songs that Are Written by Hillsong or Bethel?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">Introduction<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">A Word about Polemics<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">Throughout church history, Christians have always engaged in apologetics (defending the faith).<span> </span>This is good, necessary, and biblical (Phil 1:7, 16; 1 Pet 3:15).<span> </span>However, sometimes a part of this defense involves polemics.<span> </span>A polemic is contentious rhetoric to support a claim and to undermine the opposing position.<span> </span>It often involves strong verbal or written attacks on someone or something, especially in a controversial debate.<span> </span>While there are appropriate times and places for polemics, the difficulty is that someone who gravitates toward polemics easily becomes contentious and controversial, creating disunity.<span> </span>All three are warned against in Scripture (contention [Prov 21:9, 19; 25:24; 26:21; 27:15; 1 Cor 11:16], controversy [1 Tim 6:4; Titus 3:9], and disunity [Ps 133:1; John 17:23; Eph 4:3; Col 3:14]).<span> </span>A Christian certainly should not be known as contentious, controversial, or creating disunity in the church.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">There have always been polemical Christians and ministries.<span> </span>In times past they might have written books, given seminars, engaged in public debates, or just made conversation in personal relationships within a local church.<span> </span>However, in the modern Internet Age, these “discernment” ministries are proliferated through blogs, vlogs, and other means (YouTube, WordPress, Tumblr, Medium).<span> </span>Then viewers/readers carry out discussion and debate through Social Media like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn; discussion feeds and forums like Reddit, Quora, and Digg; and media-sharing like Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube; etc.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">There is certainly value in the arguments when such a ministry presents and defends the truth.<span> </span>People can be equipped to better discern error and defend the faith.<span> </span>However, often secondary, or tertiary issues are raised to the primary level.<span> </span>Likewise, often views of what should be considered Christian liberties, where godly Christians may have different opinions or even convictions, become a standard of judgment.<span> </span>And sadly, at this point, Christians fall prey to the world’s practice of “cancel culture.”<span> </span>Anyone who doesn’t follow the conviction of the “discerners” is written against and pressured to conform and if not, they will be ostracized, which in churches often means that people will leave a church, separate from other believers, or gain a following and even split churches.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">The Polemic against Singing Hillsong, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">One recent polemic that is gaining steam across the internet is that a doctrinally faithful church should not sing songs written by people associated with the musical groups Bethel, Hillsong, Elevation, or Jesus Culture.<span> </span>Because of the longevity and popularity of a group like Hillsong most churches that sing contemporary worship music will probably have several of their songs in their worship cycle.<span> </span>The most popular of all time is “Shout to the Lord,” published in 1996.<span> </span>They have published many songs with solidly biblical lyrics often mostly developed from a passage of Scripture.<span> </span>“Shout to the Lord” is based upon Psalm 98.<span> </span>In 2014 they released one based upon the Apostle’s Creed called “I Believe.”<span> </span>Many, if not most, of their songs are clearly orthodox and biblical.<span> </span>In fact, if you read their church doctrinal statements on their websites their core beliefs cohere with traditional evangelicalism and the historic creeds.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">So why would someone contend that we purge our music repertoire of songs we may have sung in worship to God for perhaps 26 or more years?<span> </span>The argument goes something like this: The churches that these groups are associated with promote some questionable teachings at best or at worst heretical teachings (prosperity, new apostolic reformation, second blessing, women pastors, etc.). <span> </span>Therefore, singing their songs makes you promote, partner with, and support those ministries and teachings.<span> </span>Some of the arguments will be dealt with below.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">The Position of the Elders at RCC<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">Since there are now and will always be people in our church that do not think we should sing such songs it would be easiest for us to simply stop singing them.<span> </span>Thus, we would avoid the controversy.<span> </span>After all, we have plenty of songs from other sources that we could sing.<span> </span>But we see this as a valuable teaching opportunity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">We think that the most crucial question is “Would Jesus Be Pleased with Us Worshipping Him by Singing Songs that Are Written by Hillsong or Bethel?<span> </span>Or put in a different way, “Is Jesus displeased with us singing the following words because they come from Hillsong?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Cambria, serif;">You were the Word at the beginning<br />One with God the Lord Most High<br />Your hidden glory in creation<br />Now revealed in You our Christ</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">Now and forever, God You reign<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">Yours is the kingdom<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">Yours is the glory<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">Yours is the Name above all names<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">That is the key question.<span> </span>We would only want to do what honors and glorifies Christ and enables His people to worship Him.<span> </span>The only place we can go to answer this question is to God’s word, the Scriptures.<span> </span>And since we are talking about examining songs that have lyrics written by potentially heretical people a good place to start would be 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">19 Do not quench the Spirit; 20 do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">The topic of these verses is whether the words of someone with the gift of prophecy are true or not.<span> </span>In this context, it is the words of these prophecies that were to be evaluated for their truthfulness.<span> </span>The standard would of course be sound doctrine.<span> </span>That which was found to be good should be held onto for Christian faith and practice.<span> </span>That which is bad or evil should be abstained from.<span> </span>It is possible that a false prophet could at times give true prophecy.<span> </span>Yet, when he gives false prophecy both it (the words) and he (the prophet) is to be rejected.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span> </span>Some interesting case studies in the Bible are Saul, Balaam, Caiaphas, and the demon-possessed girl.<span> </span>Saul was a wicked king who prophesied truly (1 Sam 10 & 19).<span> </span>Balaam was a wicked prophet whom God used to bless Israel (Numb 22-24).<span> </span>Caiaphas was one of the High Priests who was responsible for sentencing Jesus to death, yet God used him to give an unintended prophecy (John 11:49-53).<span> </span>In Acts 16 there was a demon-possessed slave girl who was following Paul and Silas around saying, “These men are bond-servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation.”<span> </span>In each of these cases, the words were true and were to be accepted regardless of the life or beliefs of the person who said them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">Most of our Psalms were written by a man (David) who was a covetous, lying, deceptive, adulterous murderer who also disobeyed God by multiplying wives and numbering the people.<span> </span>He should have been put to death, but Israel sang his songs and so do we.<span> </span>His son Solomon went directly against the Lord’s warnings for kings in Deut 17:14-20.<span> </span>He acquired many foreign wives (1 Kings 11:1-2), engaged in false worship at the high places (1 Kings 3:3), accumulated horses even from Egypt (1 Kings 4:26) and vast treasures (1 Kings 10:14-29). His wives "turned away [Solomon's] heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God" (v. 4).<span> </span>Yet, Solomon wrote Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, and two Psalms (72, 127).<span> </span>So, it seems clear that we can embrace and separate true words from the lives and theology of those who wrote them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">The RCC Elders’ position is that this should be the criteria for songs that we sing: “Is It True?”<span> </span>As Pastor Rick recently explained in his sermon, “We sing truth.”<a href="applewebdata://3E6E7471-4266-4F9D-8022-87E1C5DACC5C#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a><span> </span>Further, we believe it is logically possible and biblically legitimate to separate the songs and music from the theology and lives of the writers and churches they are associated with today.<span> </span>The truthfulness of the words in a song matters exponentially more than who wrote it, when it was written, what style it was written in, what bands play it, or how it makes us feel.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">But is truth enough of a criterion for whether we sing a song in worship?<span> </span>Let us deal with some of the arguments that are out there on the Internet.<span> </span>It is important that one understand that this argumentation comes from the context of our local church.<span> </span>As elders, we are responsible for our local church, and we must evaluate the issues from within rather than paying attention to those outside who accuse the church at large.<span> </span>Here are some of the arguments lobbied against singing these songs:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">Don’t Those Groups Hold to a False Theology of Worship?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span> </span>One argument is that the <i>music</i> itself from these groups embodies a false theology of worship.<a href="applewebdata://3E6E7471-4266-4F9D-8022-87E1C5DACC5C#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></span></span></span></a><span> </span>The argument is that these groups hold to a Pentecostal worship theology that contends that when we sing to God His presence comes among us and that the aim of praise music is to induce emotion for the experience of a closer encounter with God.<span> </span>Part of the argument against this music is that the “music itself is carefully designed to create a visceral experience of the feelings that then become evidence of God’s manifest presence.”<a href="applewebdata://3E6E7471-4266-4F9D-8022-87E1C5DACC5C#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt;">[3]</span></span></span></span></a><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span> </span>It may well be that some of the writers and composers of these songs hold to this philosophy of music, but simply put, our church does not believe that way.<span> </span>Besides, even if someone intended a song to be used in that way, it is impossible for music to embody a theology except through its lyrics.<span> </span>The “music” argument revisits the old worship wars when people started singing something different than the hymns.<span> </span>Silly arguments like “the beat must be submissive to the melody” were made or that certain beats could be tied to voodoo. <span> </span>The introduction of instruments like guitars and drums was opposed.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">Our church clearly teaches and practices the belief that the Spirit is already present within us when we come to worship.<span> </span>We have no expectation that we can cause the Spirit’s presence to come upon us or bring about tangible manifestations.<span> </span>Emotion and singing are a response to truth and are the result of the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s heart.<span> </span>Some believers may engage in biblical physical responses such as dancing or raising hands, but there is no effort to try to produce these effects.<span> </span>Additionally, we endeavor to have services that are orderly (1 Cor 14:33, 40).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">Is Singing Their Songs an Endorsement of Their Teachings?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">A second argument is that singing these songs endorses, promotes, or associates one with the teaching of their churches.<span> </span>Those who make this argument will usually use several verses about false teachers and prophets.<span> </span>False prophets will use signs and wonders to mislead people (Matt 24:24), distort the gospel (Gal 1:7), will try to draw away disciples after them (Acts 20:28-30), and introduce destructive heresies (2 Pet 2:1).<span> </span>In light of these things, believers are called to not believe them (Matt 24:23, 26), not to greet them and invite them into their houses (2 John 1:10-11) and to be on guard against savage wolves coming in or people rising up from within to draw others after themselves (Acts 20:28-30).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span> </span>Our answer to this is simply that we do not believe singing these scripturally accurate songs violates any of these verses.<span> </span>In the context of our church, we clearly teach sound doctrine and refute false teaching, even exposing false teachers when needed.<span> </span>We do guard ourselves and shepherd the flock of God.<span> </span>There could be no legitimate charge that we are partners, friends, companions of or are in any way joined with or are in a relationship with any false teachers.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">The thinking seems to be that no good song can come from a writer who might be in error doctrinally.<span> </span>Yet, this is to commit the genetic fallacy demonstrated by Nathanael’s mocking question, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”<span> </span>As seen above with David and Solomon, the origin of a song does not determine whether it is scripturally accurate or whether it is legitimate to sing it in worship.<span> </span>Scripture is the measure of truth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">Can’t Singing These Songs Lead People to Believe Their False Doctrines?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">There is also the fear that if we sing Bethel or Hillsong music a brother or sister may see the name on the copyright slide, go look it up, and then fall prey to their false teaching.<span> </span>This is the logical argument of the slippery slope, that a small step leads to a chain of related events culminating in some significant negative effect as unintended consequences.<span> </span>One way to evaluate a slippery slope argument is to consider whether it is likely to occur.<span> </span>These types of arguments are often a form of fearmongering where the possible consequences of an action are exaggerated.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">In this case let us first say that a person is much more likely to hear such a song on Christian radio, a playlist online, or one of these vlogs, blogs, or podcasts speaking against singing Bethel songs and become enticed to check it out themself.<span> </span>Further, to be consistent, should we never mention the names of false teachers, cults, false religions, even in our teaching against them for fear that someone may be intrigued, go study them, and fall prey to their teaching?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">Nevertheless, let’s remind ourselves that we are talking about the context of our particular local church.<span> </span>It is hard to fathom someone being led astray by a copyright slide in a context where there is ongoing sound teaching, shepherding, and active discipleship.<span> </span>These are the best safeguards against false doctrine getting a foothold in the local church.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">As we discussed above, we could examine the scenario of a worshipper in Israel singing Psalm 72 or 127.<span> </span>Both are attributed to Solomon in the prescript.<span> </span>The Israelite could read this ascription to Solomon, be drawn to Solomon, and follow him into his lust for women, power, and prosperity. <span> </span>This could lead him to marry a foreign wife and turn away from God to worship idols.<span> </span>Is God displeased when the believer sings these songs for fear of their being led astray?<span> </span>Surely not!<span> </span>One might say, “But that’s different because it is Scripture.”<span> </span>But why would it be different?<span> </span>In fact, it appears to be a clear-cut inspired way of determining exactly what we are discussing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span> </span>Additionally, does God really want us to look up the names of every writer/composer of every song we sing and make sure they agree with our theology?<span> </span>In this discussion, many have legitimately pointed out that there are many songwriters throughout history that have had bad theology yet produced great, doctrinally accurate songs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">The hymn “Come Thou Fount” was written by Robert Robinson. Apparently later in his life Robinson became a Unitarian and denied the divinity of Christ. <span> </span>“A Mighty Fortress is our God” was authored by Martin Luther who made some anti-Semitic statements.<span> </span>Horatio Spafford wrote “It is Well with My Soul” but eventually denied the existence of Hell, affirmed universalism and purgatory, and was guilty of multiple instances of fraudulent financial dealings.<span> </span>Bernard of Clairvaux composed “Jesus the Very Thought of Thee” and “O Sacred Head.” Sadly, he was the first to suggest the veneration of Mary. The Wesleys (“And Can It Be,” “Alas and Did My Savior Bleed”) preached Arminianism (you can lose your salvation if you do not live a holy life). Thomas Chisholm (“Great is Thy Faithfulness”) was editor of the “Pentecostal Herald,” a Pentecostal journal which is still widely revered among those who practice Charismatic excesses. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">The church also has a history of singing bar tunes and classical music written by hedonist composers. In fact, “O Holy Night” was written by an atheist.<span> </span>Francis of Assisi, who wrote “All Creatures of our God and King,” was Roman Catholic. <span> </span>Matthew Bridges, author of “Crown Him with Many Crowns,” converted to Roman Catholicism. <span> </span>In fact, there are many great hymns written by Catholics.<span> </span>All of these historic individuals had negative impacts on the Church that persist today.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">The counter is usually that it is okay to sing the dead guys because they are not current false teachers.<span> </span>But we cannot be so dismissive.<span> </span>These authors had a great impact on the church at large and many of their teachings are very much live issues to this day.<span> </span>Also, does this argument mean that if the Hillsong church closes and all the writers die we can then sing their songs?<span> </span>Someone could just as easily go research Spafford and fall prey to his beliefs as they could fall to Hillsong today.<span> </span>To say that it is acceptable to sing songs written by the dead and not by the living is inconsistent. <span> </span>Also, to police the authors’ personal lives or their autonomous churches is not our place or our responsibility. In fact, it is impossible to cover every one. We choose not to go down that never-ending path and so we judge songs on their own merit as Israel did.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">Again, this is all done in the context of a church committed to teaching, shepherding, and discipleship which would guard a person from falling prey to the beliefs of false teachers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">Aren’t We Financially Supporting Their Ministries If We Sing Their Songs?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">A fourth argument is that we are financially supporting these ministries and the spread of their teachings because they receive royalties when we pay for the copyright license to sing these songs.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">The best response to this is Paul’s teaching in 1 Cor 8 about eating meat sacrificed to idols.<span> </span>He considers eating the meat and even doing so in the pagan temple to be a freedom for the believer that has a strong conscience (the weaker brother issue will be covered below).<span> </span>Obviously, for the believer to eat this meat someone would have to buy it, thus indirectly financially supporting the pagan worshipper.<span> </span>Paul is not concerned about that.<span> </span>Likewise, we do not need to be concerned that a miniscule amount of our money goes toward supporting those singers who are involved in false teaching.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">Also, if we do use these songs, since we want to obey Christ when he says that the worker is worthy of his wages, we are obligated to pay for it.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">Besides, Christian Copyright Licensing International, the agency we use, pays royalties to these groups whether we use those songs or not.<span> </span>Therefore, even if we chose not to sing any songs from these groups, they would still receive the same amount of money from what we pay to maintain our license. <span> </span>If we did not use the CCLI service, it would be an administrative nightmare to try to get approval to legally use every song we sing individually.<span> </span>We would essentially have to stop using projected or printed lyrics, recorded tracks for the singers to practice, etc.<span> </span>Also, people do not usually realize that a lot of the rights to Christian songs are actually held by secular publishing companies.<span> </span>Do we need to be concerned that our money goes to Atheists?<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">In this vein a good question is whether proponents of boycotting Bethel/Hillsong on this basis are consistent.<span> </span>Do they refuse to shop at Kroger and Target because they are decidedly pro-LGBTQ? <span> </span>Will they go to Disneyworld?<span> </span>Do they carefully avoid purchasing gas from those stations that obtain their products from oil companies that fund Planned Parenthood?<span> </span>Do they invest in companies that promote any liberal agendas?<span> </span>Is the church supposed to run down the beliefs of any corporation or individual they might do any business with?<span> </span>Would we be wrong to have a Mormon provide our IT service, a Buddhist to do our painting, an atheist our plumbing?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">Will I Be Causing My Brother to Stumble?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">A fifth argument appeals to the admonition by the apostle Paul not to do something that causes your brother to stumble (Romans 14:13-21; 1 Cor 8:4-13).<span> </span>The questions are “What does this mean?” and “How does it apply to this situation?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">First Corinthians 8:4-13 concerns the issue of eating food sacrificed to idols.<span> </span>Who was Paul writing to?<span> </span>These were primarily Gentile believers who were saved out of a society that was steeped in idolatry and immorality.<span> </span>The problem for Christians in this society was that the false religions were so prominent that they were integrated into the social and economic fabric of the culture.<span> </span>Some of the food that had been sacrificed to idols was also sold in the market with usually no way to discern which meat was and which was not from the temple.<span> </span>Socially, the festivals were huge cultural events.<span> </span>Could they participate socially in the dinners associated with them?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">Some Christians believed that they could eat meat sacrificed to idols and they could even eat in the pagan temple.<span> </span>And Paul would say that they are right.<span> </span>They had the liberty to do so.<span> </span>Yet, in their personal individual practices they were to consider the consciences of weaker believers.<span> </span>Some of these felt that if they engaged in these practices, they would be participating in the idolatry associated with them as well.<span> </span>So, the believer with the strong conscience should be very careful not to allow his liberty to wound the conscience of the weak believer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">Notice our emphasis upon the individual practice of the believer.<span> </span>We point that out because of several factors in the context.<span> </span>First, the believer who cannot in good conscience eat is called weak.<span> </span>Second, the remedy to a weak conscience is knowledge.<span> </span>Paul teaches that we are to know that there really is no such thing as an idol, that there is only one God (vv. 4-6), and if someone embraced this knowledge, they wouldn’t have defiled consciences by eating (v. 7).<span> </span>Also, that there is no detriment or value spiritually of eating or abstaining (v. 8).<span> </span>Third, it is very important to point out that when Paul says these things he is speaking to the whole audience of weak and strong believers.<span> </span><b><i>The implication is that he intends for the weak believers to become strong through this knowledge.<span> </span>The church as a gathered body is not to be controlled by the consciences of the weak.</i></b><span> </span>It must teach the full truth, but meanwhile individual believers in their daily lives should limit their liberties when they interact with the weak believers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span> </span>How might this apply to the issue of singing songs written by the groups we have mentioned?<span> </span>The weaker brother would be someone who believes that singing a song from one of these groups is somehow sinfully involving them with false teaching.<span> </span>On an individual level, if such a person came to a friend’s house or rode in his car, the stronger brother should not play such a song.<span> </span>However, the remedy for this condition is knowledge, particularly knowledge that there is nothing wrong with singing the song if it is scripturally true.<span> </span>That is the purpose of this paper.<span> </span>We teach this to the whole church, but on the individual level we are careful not to allow our liberties to offend their consciences.<span> </span>Meanwhile we cannot allow the weak to dictate what the gathered church would practice.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span> </span>Some other examples of these types of liberties might be Bible versions, views of communion, instruments and lights in worship, participating in holidays (Christmas, Easter, Halloween, etc.), drinking alcohol, contraception, dancing, going to the beach, clothing, tattoos, movies, electronics, food to eat, having insurance, views of youth groups, dating, family integrated church, schooling choices, etc.<span> </span>Each issue requires wisdom, but each church’s leadership will ultimately decide what will be the position toward such things.<span> </span>Are they freedoms or not?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span> </span>What we want to be careful of is falling into legalism.<span> </span>What we mean by legalism is when people bind others’ consciences by adding rules and laws to what God has written, forbidding what God allows.<span> </span>This practice creates division over strongly held opinions and heaps upon people false guilt.<span> </span>It produces prideful people who are self-righteous and have a critical spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">Romans 14 has further instruction on Christian Liberties.<span> </span>It shows that stronger believers need to sacrificially deny themselves for the weak brother’s sake, but the weaker brother should also not pass<span> </span>judgment upon the stronger brother in what he approves.<span> </span></span>The problem with Christian liberties is that the weaker brother usually does not see it as a liberty.<span> </span>So, the weaker brother judges the stronger brother, and the stronger brother looks down on the weaker brother or even flaunts his liberty.<span> </span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Cambria, serif;">If a church is ever to come to one unity and mission, it must practice Christian liberty under Christian freedom. The church must be taught what is lawful and what is not for the Christian. It is God’s will that the strong and weak ultimately come to the same opinion about what is in conformity to God’s truth. This removes the stumbling blocks of unfounded opinions which destroy conscience and unity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b>Conclusion<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Our conclusion is that Jesus is pleased when we sing a scripturally correct song to Him and one another, even if the writer/composer of the song holds to some false teaching.<span> </span>Singing such a song does not promote a false view of worship or endorse their teachings.<span> </span>The fear that someone might be led into their teachings through our use of their songs is highly unlikely in the context of the teaching, shepherding, and discipleship we are actively engaged in.<span> </span>Further, the OT pattern of singing Psalms by Solomon provides a definitive argument against abstaining from using this type of music. Regarding the concern about financial support, by using CCLI we are not directly supporting them.<span> </span>They would receive a portion of our payment whether we used their songs or not.<span> </span>Finally, it is incumbent upon the church’s leadership to determine what it believes are liberties, based upon Scripture, and teach this knowledge to the whole church.<span> </span>Meanwhile it is important in our individual lives for the strong to be patient and sacrificially loving to the weak and for the weak not to condemn the strong.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0.5in; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">We would like to end with a quote from Spurgeon in the preface to his church’s hymnal (<i>Our Own Hymnbook</i>): “Whatever may be thought of our taste we have used it without prejudice; and a good hymn has not been rejected because of the character of its author, or the heresies of the church in whose hymnal it first occurred; so long as the language and the Spirit commended the hymn to our heart we included it, and believe that we have enriched our collection thereby.”<a href="applewebdata://3E6E7471-4266-4F9D-8022-87E1C5DACC5C#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">[4]</span></span></span></span></a><span> </span>One can see that this exact debate has occurred throughout church history.<span> </span>We agree with Spurgeon that singing a doctrinally sound song can be pleasing to the Lord regardless of its source or associations.<o:p></o:p></p><p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><a href="applewebdata://3E6E7471-4266-4F9D-8022-87E1C5DACC5C#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> Rick Cobb, https://www.riverbendchurch.com/sermons/sermon/2022-04-20/developing-a-biblical-view-of-worship<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div id="ftn2"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><a href="applewebdata://3E6E7471-4266-4F9D-8022-87E1C5DACC5C#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> Scott Aniol, https://g3min.org/stop-singing-hillsong-bethel-jesus-culture-and-elevation/<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn3"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><a href="applewebdata://3E6E7471-4266-4F9D-8022-87E1C5DACC5C#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a> Ibid.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn4"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><a href="applewebdata://3E6E7471-4266-4F9D-8022-87E1C5DACC5C#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[4]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif; font-size: 10pt;">Charles Haddon Spurgeon, preface to </span><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #555555; font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">Our Own Hymn Book: A Collection of Psalms and Hymns for Public, Social, and Private Worship </span></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif; font-size: 10pt;">(Pasadena, Tx.: Pilgrim Publications, 2002), iii.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText"><o:p> </o:p></p></div></div>pastorprofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148936127283349695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757461735383408388.post-57899117620512077812012-06-14T06:09:00.000-07:002012-06-14T06:13:34.530-07:00A Few Thoughts about Being Filled with the Holy SpiritThere are two Greek words that are used by the biblical writers to convey this concept. Luke always uses some form of <i>pimplemi</i>.<br />
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<b>1. What I found interesting was to first look at how it is used in non Holy Spirit contexts. </b><br />
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I have put the filled word in <b>bold</b>, the agent of filling <b>bold</b> and the resulting action <i>italicized</i>.<br />
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Luke 4:28 And all the people in the synagogue <b>were filled</b> with <b>rage</b> as they heard these things; 29 and <i>they got up and drove Him out of the city, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city had been built, in order to throw Him down the cliff.</i><br />
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Luke 5:26 They were all struck with astonishment and began glorifying God; and they <b>were filled</b> with <b>fear</b>, <i>saying</i>, “We have seen remarkable things today.”<br />
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Luke 6:11 But they themselves <b>were filled</b> with <b>rage</b>, and <i>discussed</i> together what they might do to Jesus.
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Acts 3:10 and they were taking note of him as being the one who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the temple to beg alms, and they <b>were filled</b> with <b>wonder and amazement</b> at what had happened to him.<br />
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Acts 5:17 But the high priest rose up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they <b>were filled</b> with <b>jealousy</b>. 18 <i>They laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public jail. </i><br />
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Acts 13:45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they <b>were filled</b> with <b>jealousy</b> and <i>began contradicting the things spoken by Paul, and were blaspheming.</i><br />
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Acts 19:29 The city <b>was filled</b> with the <b>confusion</b>, and <i>they rushed with one accord into the theater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. </i><br />
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Conclusion: When pimplemi is used in non-Holy Spirit contexts it used to describe the influence upon a person of something that affects them internally to act a certain way. The affecting agent in these cases is always an internal emotions produced as a response to some external circumstances.
The affecting agents are rage, fear, confusion, jealousy, or wonder and amazement. The external circumstances that produced these affects were usually hearing the apostles’ or Jesus’ words, or witnessing their miracles.
The effects of rage, confusion, or jealousy resulted in planning or carrying out some kind of violence or arrest. Fear, wonder, or amazement, either resulted in saying something about it or just being in that state.<br />
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<b>2. Passages using pimplemi in relationship to the Holy Spirit.</b><br />
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Luke 1:15 “For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he <b>will be filled</b> with <b>the Holy Spirit</b> while yet in his mother’s womb. <i> 16 “And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. 17 “It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS BACK TO THE CHILDREN, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”</i>
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Luke 1:41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth <b>was filled</b> with the <b>Holy Spirit</b>. 42 <i>And she cried out with a loud voice and said</i>, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 “And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? 44 “For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. 45 “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.”<br />
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Luke 1:67 And his father Zacharias <b>was filled</b> with the <b>Holy Spirit</b>, and <i>prophesied, saying</i>:<br />
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Acts 2:4 And they <b>were all filled</b> with the <b>Holy Spirit</b> and began to <i>speak with other tongues</i>, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.<br />
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Acts 4:8 Then Peter, <b>filled</b> with the <b>Holy Spirit</b>, <i>said to them</i>, “Rulers and elders of the people,<br />
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Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they <b>were all filled</b> with the <b>Holy Spirit</b> and <i>began to speak the word of God with boldness.</i><br />
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Acts 9:17 So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and <b>be filled</b> with the <b>Holy Spirit</b>.” 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he got up and was baptized; 19 and he took food and was strengthened. Now for several days he was with the disciples who were at Damascus, 20 and <i>immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” </i><br />
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Acts 13:9 But Saul, who was also known as Paul, <b>filled </b>with the <b>Holy Spirit</b>, fixed his gaze on him, 10 and <i>said</i>, “You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to make crooked the straight ways of the Lord? 11 “Now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and not see the sun for a time.” And immediately a mist and a darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking those who would lead him by the hand.<br />
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Acts 13:52 And the disciples were continually <b>filled </b>with <b>joy</b> and with the <b>Holy Spirit</b>.<br />
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Conclusion: While in the previous passages the internal affecting agent was an emotion that was responding to external circumstances, in these passages the Holy Spirit replaces the emotion as the internal affecting agent and it is not in response to external circumstances. And the Holy Spirit’s filling produces the following effects: leaping of a baby for joy in the womb, a preaching ministry, crying out in a loud voice and speaking prophecy, speaking in tongues, speaking with boldness, possibly the gaining or losing sight, desire to get baptized, and can be accompanied with joy.<br />
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<b>3. One passage using a synonym of pimplemi (plerow).</b><br />
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Eph 5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but <b>be filled</b> with the <b>Spirit</b>, 19 <i>speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; 21 and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. </i><br />
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Conclusion: It appears here as well that being filled with the Spirit is an internal influence that the Holy Spirit exerts to produce an external result. It usually involves bold speaking. The types of speaking in the examples given are prophecy, speaking in tongues, preaching, exhortations to one another, singing, and giving thanks. It has been accompanied by physical manifestations of gaining or losing sight and well as emotions like joy.
The question is whether this filling of the Spirit continues today. I would say that there is nothing to suggest that the filling of the Spirit does not continue, but some of the effects may have ceased. That gets into a discussion of whether the revelatory gifts like prophecy or tongues continue today. I think it would also be important to explore the connection of the filling with the Spirit to passages that speak of His leading, walking by the Spirit, living by the Spirit, the production of fruit by the Spirit, etc.pastorprofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148936127283349695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757461735383408388.post-36673980025288961262011-06-14T12:32:00.000-07:002011-07-06T09:21:57.540-07:00Principles for Dating #2Hello my children,<br /><br />The second principle is "The Confirmation Principle."<br /><br />Holland argues that it is important to submit your dating relationship to the God-ordained authorities in your life as well as the providentially placed people in your lives, like friends. <br /><br />If you look at the relationship that Samson wanted to have with the Philistine woman in Judges 14:1-5, you see that not only was his interest in her based purely on physical attraction, but he also broke principle 1 in that he did not care about her character or even her religious beliefs. Even further, he didn't care about the input of his parents. He rejected their advice and "one thing led to another" and his wife betrayed him, 30 men died, multiple crops were destroyed by fire, and his wife and father-in-law were burned to death (Judges 15).<br /> <br />There is a God-ordained and designed level of care, instruction, and protection that God has woven into your lives. The first thread is your parents. Before you are an adult they are in authority over you and have responsibility to guide, teach, and protect you. But even once you are an adult they are to be honored and recognized as a valuable resource and can still serve as guides, teachers, and protection if you will let them.<br /><br />It is good to have your parents involved from the beginnings of a relationship (or even before one starts). It would be good to involve them in considering who to pursue for a relationship and how. <br /><br />Regardless of how exactly this works out, it should be the heart of a child to get their parent's thoughts, listen to their concerns, and honor their admonitions. <br /><br />Parents are given for many good reasons that should be considered: <br /><br />Exodus 20:12 12 ¶ "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you.<br /><br />Leviticus 19:3 3 'Every one of you shall reverence his mother and his father<br /><br />Ephesians 6:1-3 Ephesians 6:1 ¶ Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), 3 that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.<br /><br />Proverbs 6:20-23 My son, observe the commandment of your father, And do not forsake the teaching of your mother; 21 Bind them continually on your heart; Tie them around your neck. 22 When you walk about, they will guide you; When you sleep, they will watch over you; And when you awake, they will talk to you. 23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching is light; And reproofs for discipline are the way of life.<br /><br />Proverbs 10:1 A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish son is a grief to his mother. <br /><br />If God gave you parents He expects them to have very important input into this vital decision. It is true that not all parents are wise in these matters, but as in everything, check their advice and wisdom against God's word.<br /><br />Grace and peace,<br /><br />Dadpastorprofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148936127283349695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757461735383408388.post-67187900689741645942011-06-13T21:10:00.000-07:002011-06-13T21:17:50.845-07:00Principles for Dating: #1I am in the process of writing letters to my children about things they should think about regarding dating. I am posting them here in case they can benefit others.<br /><br />Hi loveys,<br /><br />This is the second installment of the dating series. We are going over Rick Holland's ten principles from the book _5 Paths to the Love of Your Life_.<br /><br />The first principle is: The Character Principle.<br /><br />The basic idea is that it is more important to _<span style="font-weight:bold;">be</span>_ the right person than to _<span style="font-weight:bold;">find</span>_ the right person. In other words, you should really concentrate on being conformed to the image of Christ. If you are seeking Christ you will desire a person who also seeks the Lord and wants to do His will.<br /><br />Titus 2:2-8 gives a good list of character qualities for us to measure ourselves against.<br /><br />sober-minded<br />dignified<br />self-controlled<br />sound in faith, love & steadfastness<br />reverent in behavior<br />not slanderers<br />not slaves to wine<br />teaching what is good<br />loving<br />pure<br />hard worker<br />submissive to authorities<br />a model of good works<br />having integrity<br />sound in speech<br />people have noting evil to say about you.<br /><br />Other passages add other qualities:<br />humility (Phil 2:3-11)<br />holiness (1 Pet 1:14-16)<br />godly love (1 Cor 13:4-8)<br />selflessness (James 3:14)<br />the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-25)<br />Christlikeness (Eph 4:13)<br /><br />It would be good to go through this list and see what areas you need to grow in. It is most important that you look upon your heart, because that is where God looks (1 Sam 16:7).<br /><br />Titus 2 and 2 Timothy 2 indicate that it is helpful to have a mentoring relationship where someone encourages you and holds you accountable in these areas. Perhaps it would be good for you to ask your discipler to go through the list and talk about these things with you.<br /><br />Finally, in addition to being the right kind of a person, in trying to find the right kind of person, these are the characteristics you should look for in others as well.<br /><br />King Lemuel said it well: "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." (Prov 31:30)<br /><br />Again, let me know what you think. If you have questions or want to discuss something, feel free to respond to this message or send me a private one.<br /><br />I love you all,<br /><br />Dadpastorprofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148936127283349695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757461735383408388.post-27657622259680925232011-02-11T14:01:00.000-08:002011-02-11T14:08:48.833-08:00Defending the FaithI recently received this note from a non-christian friend. I thought I'd share my response in case it helps someone else in thinking through these things. Pray for his salvation.<br /> <br /><strong>Friend's comments:</strong> I was gonna ask you about this show I watched the other night. God vs Satan. We all know that god cast Lucifer out of heaven for basically trying to throw a coup. At this time Lucifer was a cherub, and he had managed to get one third of gods angels to back him. I have no idea who created gods cherubs, that's another mystery to me, but he cast out Lucifer and in turn made him king of the underworld. I think that was a big mistake for someone who knows all and sees all. He turned an ordinary cherub, into a king. Some call it a balance. Kind of like the ying and yang. <br />If we look at society today, it's easy to see that the devil is winning this game. Now don't get me wrong, I don't believe in any of that crap. But if I was a god. I believe I would have sacrificed Lucifer instead of waiting so long than to creep into a womans house when her man wasn't home and raping her like a common criminal.<br />I'm a big fan of the History channel where they are continously blowing gods out of the skies and this idea had occured to me. That god in the old testament makes a lot of mistakes, just in the first book of Genisis. <br />And another thing occured to me in our last discussion about evolution. I have to go with the walk of man as a good example of that. At least that is solid proof. And why could Jesus perform all the magic tricks like walking on water, raising the dead, healing the sick, and feeding the multitudes but he couldn't do a thing with those nails. But cried to his so-called daddy and his daddy turned his back on him. Lucifer came out smelling like a rose.<br /><br /><strong>My Comments:</strong><br />In exploring things like this it is important to separate what the Bible actually says from things that it is purported to say by those who build straw men arguments against it. It is true that the Bible teaches that there must have been a rebellion in the angelic world (2 Pet 2:4; Jude 6). It is also possible that Isa 14:12-15 is a reference to the fall of Satan, although that is debated. <br /><br />The cherub designation comes in if Ezekiel 28 is a reference to Satan (That is debated as well since this is in the context of referring to judgment upon earthly kings). But let's say that Satan is a cherub. It is important to note that cherub in the Bible is not some fat baby angel like in art works, but was a class of angels. <br /><br />You say that you do not know who created God's cherubs. Well, that Bible says, Exodus 20:11 11 "For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them."<br /><br />So, it appears that God created the angels as well.<br /><br />You also mention the name Lucifer, which only appears in the KJV of Isaiah 14:12, which should probably be translated as "shining one." <br /><br />But, regardless of all of that, the Bible does not say that God made Satan the king of the underworld. <br /><br />Understanding how to answer that depends though on what you mean by "underworld." If by that you mean hell, then the Bible does not teach that Satan is in charge of hell. Rather hell is the place designed for his eternal punishment (Rev 20:10). <br /><br />If however by underworld you mean the earth where people live, then God also did not make Him the king of the earth. Now, you may be arguing that God's act of casting Satan out of heaven made him a default ruler of sorts. If that is what you mean then i would agree, but that is only because the hearts of unbelievers follow him. It is true that he exercises a dominion over the hearts of those who do not believe in Christ. He serves as their so-called "god" as he blinds their eyes and holds them captive to do his will (Acts 26:18; 2 Cor 4:4; Eph 2:1-2; 2 Tim 2:26). <br /><br />However, it is not really like the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang. In the Bible God and Satan are not equal opposing forces. God is the sovereign creator who rules all of creation and Satan is a created but fallen being and a defeated foe (Hebrews 2:14-15) on a short leash allowed certain freedom to do his evil, but really only ends up furthering God's plan. He is able to be resisted by Christians (James 4:7; 1 Pet 5:8-9) will be crushed under their feet (Rom 16:20), and will be cast into the Lake of Fire (Rev 20:10).<br /><br />As for looking at society and thinking that the devil is winning the game, once again this is not a biblical perspective. The Bible does not teach that God is trying to win some game. Rather, the Bible teaches that God is accomplishing the salvation of His people. And I can testify as one of them that he is doing really well. It never teaches that the world will get better, rather the expectation is that things will get worse. A rule of righteousness, peace, and love will only occur when Christ returns as King and destroys His enemies. <br /><br />Now as to your idea that it would have been better to sacrifice Satan, well, once again, according to the Bible that would not have accomplished anything other than killing Satan. Jesus, who was fully God and fully man, was sacrificed in fulfillment of the OT prophecies and sacrificial types in order to as a human perfectly fulfill God's law in order to be a blameless sacrifice, and as God he was able to bear an eternity of the wrath of God toward the sins of all of His people in the short time upon the cross. Thus, he perfectly satisfied God's justice so that those who believe in Him as their savior may have the forgiveness of all of their sins.<br /><br />As far as Jesus on the cross. The fact is that he could have called 12 legions of angels to defend him (Matthew 26:53-54) or could have come down himself if he had wanted to, but why would he? He lived his whole life for this purpose, to die for the sins of His people. The Bible teaches over and over that he laid down His life willingly. Then, he was resurrected so that those who believe receive the benefits of his death and are joined to Him in His resurrection as well to live a new life which will go on for eternity. As for his crying out "My God, My God Why have you forsaken me?" That is a quote from the OT in Psalm 22 and signals that Christ was fulfilling prophecy. It is true that he was abandoned to suffer the cross in the place of sinners so that he could bear the wrath of God, but this was not a weak or pitiful thing, it was rather a path to victory over death, sin, and Satan.<br /><br />As for your contention that the incarnation was an act of rape, again you have it wrong on several counts. First, just for facts sake Mary was not yet married, so her "man" wouldn't be home with her. She was probably still living at home. Second, God did not rape her. He did not have a body, and did not have intercourse with her. He performed a miracle by causing her to conceive. After this miracle she is still called a virgin. So the biblical picture is not of rape. Third, perhaps you do not like the fact that He caused this to happen at all and feel that it was forced upon her. Well, if you read the account Mary is a very willing participant and in fact rejoices over her privilege to have this happen (Luke 1:26-2:7). So, your straw man argument doesn't hold up. <br /><br />As for the statement that "Lucifer came out smelling like a rose." Its absurd (whatever it means?). Rather, I think he will smell more like burnt toast. <br /><br />Two final comments: 1) As to your contention that God made mistakes, there is no evidence of that in the Bible. If you read the whole thing it consistently reveals that God is perfect and His whole plan can be seen in context. It is only when one tries to stand in judgment upon the Bible by their own skewed perspective and does not take it as it is intended by God that it could be construed as God making mistakes.<br /><br />2) I have no idea what you mean by "the walk of man" as "solid proof" of evolution. Do you mean the fact that man walks upright? If so, wouldn't that better be evidence of a great designer?<br /><br />Well, thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak the truth about my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and hopefull clarify some things. I pray that your eyes will be opened to see your sin and your need of the glorious savior and His work on the cross.<br /><br />Grace and peace,<br /><br />Brianpastorprofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148936127283349695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757461735383408388.post-27095686949983038442010-12-24T15:27:00.000-08:002010-12-24T16:19:03.994-08:00Merry Christmas from the Shealy Family<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKnRdWIW5m1UQes_o_euSUZpgmktOMg5-e-LzPJEgrgL0FLmIbyPNfAd2noBJDx0YZujjfaVZnwupihLY5MhP9jcELn8xI8jbtX5j7KzcPJyTZN5s6U1_b6WCKlmUIfLRqwa0Jz_J_rRQ/s1600/christmaspictureness.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKnRdWIW5m1UQes_o_euSUZpgmktOMg5-e-LzPJEgrgL0FLmIbyPNfAd2noBJDx0YZujjfaVZnwupihLY5MhP9jcELn8xI8jbtX5j7KzcPJyTZN5s6U1_b6WCKlmUIfLRqwa0Jz_J_rRQ/s400/christmaspictureness.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554396503387603618" /></a><br />On our wedding day in 1988, Brian and I were given a Christmas memory book that has space for recording 25 years of holiday memories. I am completely amazed to find that Brian and I will be celebrating our 23rd Christmas this year and our book is almost full! Our family Christmas photo has eight more people in it than when we started, our life is full and busy, and God has proven His faithful love to us year after year! 2010 was no exception. Here’s an update on our family…<br /><br /><strong>Caleb (5)</strong> is determined to grow up in spite of the fact that he will always be our baby. Recently, he has discovered jokes, like this: “Why do chickens sit on eggs? Because they don’t have chairs.” Some of his favorite things are his cereal bowl with a built in straw, his black ankle socks, marshmallows, and Dad’s funny series of bedtime stories called The Bee Bop Bear Cops. <br /><br /><strong>Luke (9) </strong>joined swim team a few months ago, and has grown about 3 inches this year. He is a big fan of Ereth, a funny, grumpy porcupine character from the Poppy book series, and is really happy when Seth is around to play video games with him. Luke and Caleb enjoy battling each other throughout the day with all their Nerf swords, axes, and guns, complete with lots of homemade sound effects. <br /><br /><strong>Briana (11)</strong> has collected an armful of silly bandz this year, and loves to chat with her friends on the phone. One of her favorite memories of 2010 was going ice skating with a couple of her friends on her birthday. She loves to read books from The Charlie Bone series, and is hoping to be baptized this next year.<br /><br /><strong>Lindsay (13)</strong> loves to swim and work out, and enjoys planning and organizing things. Making cards and giving gifts makes Lindsay happy, and most often she likes to give away friendship bracelets that she makes from patterns she finds on the internet or creates herself. She took voice lessons this year and sang in the girls’ youth choir at our church.<br /><br /><strong>Ali (15)</strong> Ali has been exploring all forms of art this year like styling her family’s hair, singing with her friends, learning guitar and piano, drawing everything from sketches to portraits, and has just recently discovered photography. (I think it runs in the Shealy veins.) She is always available to be Savannah’s model when she needs someone for a photography class project. <br /><br /><strong>Adam (17) </strong>is a senior in high school, and is thinking about career choices and possible majors. He loves to plays sports such as basketball, and volleyball with our church’s summer league. Relaxing for Adam means enjoying the X-box 360 and computer games, but he still has a soft spot for good books, (which is a good thing since he just got a new box full of books in the mail today that must be read before graduation!).<br /><br /><strong>Seth (18)</strong> is recovering from having all 4 wisdom teeth removed this week, and from taking Chemistry his first semester in college. He is working toward a degree in criminal justice, and has recently applied to a cadet program with the police department. Seth got to travel to South Carolina with Brian for Thanksgiving this year, and has become quite a good swing dancer.<br /><br /><strong>Savannah (21)</strong> spent the year building her wedding and portrait photography business, and was excited to travel to New York to shoot the wedding of a friend. You can see her work at: www.savannahlauren.showitsite.com. She is now pursuing a degree in photography, and in her spare time enjoys swing dancing and doing aerials with her brother, stalking the blogs of her favorite photographers, exploring San Francisco with her friends, and finding new Spurgeon and C. S. Lewis quotes.<br /><br /><strong>Myra </strong>– I’m beginning to feel as if the kids are growing up in time-lapse photography speed! Within the next year the youngest child will start kindergarten and three will have graduated from high school. These are busy days, but I must say they are some of the happiest days of my life! Aside from watching God at work in our family, I’ve been so encouraged this year by the latest music of Steven Curtis Chapman, his CD called Beauty Will Rise. It is a strong testimony to God’s love and faithfulness to His children in their most painful trials. I’m looking forward to a “day off” next week that Brian is giving me, and I hope to dust off my camera, write on my blog, and maybe explore my favorite thrift store. <br /><br /><strong>Brian </strong>has seen some major physical changes since last year. He lost 30 pounds, shaved off his beard, and took our family through an intense 90 day exercise program! No, this isn’t a midlife crisis, just an effort to help us all strive for better health. The results have been exciting, and it has been a fun thing to do as a family. Brian has completed two years of his PhD program, and is as busy as ever overseeing The Cornerstone Seminary, serving on the elder board at our church, and shepherding our home fellowship group. <br /><br />In the remaining days of the Christmas season, our family will enjoy the special things that go along with the holiday: the food, opening gifts, seeing all the beautiful lights, and receiving cards and photos from many of you. But when it is all over for another year, the tree comes down, and the gifts have all been put away, the Savior that came to Earth so long ago will still remain the living gift that we desperately need. “Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners.” He is still the only hope that never disappoints. Our prayer is that in the year to come you will treasure Him above any earthly gift you have or desire.<br /><br />Merry Christmas with love,<br />Myra for Brian, Savannah, Seth, Adam, Ali, Lindsay, Briana, Luke, and Calebpastorprofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148936127283349695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757461735383408388.post-32599609578331538022010-10-07T12:11:00.000-07:002010-10-27T22:07:51.495-07:00Example of Christian Liberty - Charter Schools<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRulAD8iPD60Ht0pCopp5g0s28yabUKLleEeG2NrH3urnQP8_CQ3g43eiNZsKoH1XQIaXNZThNS_gROr8ijI-awYohulMArYr7ZCpVZc3WczFQLL5-9Esh0ImjLwhNoO-TrR6n6cu3d7-/s1600/charter_schools.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRulAD8iPD60Ht0pCopp5g0s28yabUKLleEeG2NrH3urnQP8_CQ3g43eiNZsKoH1XQIaXNZThNS_gROr8ijI-awYohulMArYr7ZCpVZc3WczFQLL5-9Esh0ImjLwhNoO-TrR6n6cu3d7-/s320/charter_schools.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532959137034749442" /></a><br />Awhile back I posted a series on Christian liberties. These areas are often difficult to navigate through. I have often had people raise specific issues regarding liberties so I thought I would post an example of an issue to try to help someone think through an area of Christian liberty. I do not by any means think I necessarily have the perfect answer to difficult issues like this, but at least it is an example of working through an issue. Hopefully it will help someone. The issue involves Christian homeschoolers and Charter Schools. Here is a sample letter: <br /><br />Dear Friend,<br /><br />Thank you for the packet of information on Charter School ISPs. I can appreciate your concerns. I am thankful for your desire to honor the Lord in all things and I’m thankful that you would come to me with your questions. Issues like these where there is no explicit command from Scripture (i.e., Don’t use Christian materials when you homeschool through a Charter School.) we have to try to apply principles that would be more implicit.<br /><br />It is good to gather information on an issue as you have, but consider that these materials only present one side of the issue. What we should do in trying to solve a problem or come to a conclusion about something is to make sure that we can fully understand the other person’s viewpoint and even be able to argue their perspective better than they can, if possible. Then if we still disagree at least we can be sure that we are accurately reflecting their side and know for sure what we are rejecting and why.<br /><br />The issue under consideration, as I understand it, is: First, that there are some Christian families that have their children in Public Charter Schools. Second, your issue is not that they choose to do this, but rather that some of these people use Christian educational materials during their school time instruction which you believe clearly violates the CA Constitution. Third, in your conscience, if you would do this, you would see it as sinning against God by not submitting to authorities (Romans 13:1-6). Do I have that right?<br /><br />In looking at the info you gave me it was interesting to note that several of the position papers or pamphlets are arguing against anything but Christian homeschooling. They are arguing against Charter Schools because a Charter School as a public school would prohibit a Christian education. If I understand you correctly, that is not an issue with you. You would allow for freedom in regard to school choices. Someone could choose public school, public charter school, private school, or homeschool and that would be their liberty. Correct? So, we would not give weight to these arguments.<br /><br />The other interesting thing that I find in the info is that none of it comes to the clear conclusion that you have come to, that if a Christian homeschools under a Charter School and yet uses Christian curriculum he is sinning by not submitting to authorities. They talk about the problems with Charter Schools. They mention that Charter Schools are not supposed to allow Christian education during school time. They mention that some Charter School administrators do allow parents to buy and use Christian curriculum, but are not supposed to. They state that parents in Charter Schools are allowed to supplement the child’s education with their own money on their own time. Yet, interestingly, none of the material, unless I missed it, states the conclusion that a parent who’s Charter School allows it would be in sin for doing it because of violating the Constitution. Mainly, they talk about the risks/dangers involved in doing so. If the courses were audited there could be repercussions such as loss of credits or even expulsion from the program. Roy Hanson comes the closest to saying it is sin when he states that it violates the regulations and then refers to possible deception involved and cites 2 Cor 4:2, which is Paul's statement about his ministry being of a different character than the false apostles because he did not come by way of deception.<br /><br />So, I guess the questions would be: 1. Since it appears that it is a violation of State regulations, is it also a violation of the commands to submit to the governing authorities? 2. Is it deception? <br /><br />The first problem I have in answering these questions is that I do not have the benefit of knowing how people who are doing this would answer them. I can’t make their argument better than they themselves make it because I do not know it. So, I would have to reserve final judgment upon it until I have heard their thinking on it. They may have valid points I have not considered. So, until then how should I evaluate it for myself? First of all I would approach the issue believing the best about my brothers and sisters in Christ (1 Cor 13:7) and assuming that they are not sinning until it is undeniable. Then, as the issue arises in conversation I would want to hear how they do process the situation and their actions. It is possible that some people are just ignorant of all of the factors involved. For these you can patiently inform them over time. Others may have fully thought through it all and are acting in good conscience. <br /><br />Nevertheless, let’s try to answer the best we can in light of what we do know. As for the second question it seems easy. A person should know whether he or she is lying or not. If they are going to violate the regulation then they should not lie about it or try to deceive those who would inquire. <br /><br />The first question is more difficult. It seems to me to be clearly a violation of regulations but even so there may be several possible legitimate reasons for such a violation. Here I would need to hear the person’s reasons for it. But I can propose some possibilities: <br /><br />1) They believe it is an immoral law for the government to dictate that children cannot be taught from a Christian worldview, yet they also have the freedom to be in a public Charter School and benefit from it, so if they choose to be in it they must disobey a command to exclude God from their education. <br /><br />2) Another possibility would be that there are conflicting interpretations of the law in other branches of the government (judiciary, executive, legislative) that would allow an interpretation of it that would provide freedom for homeschoolers to supplement within the school hours. Perhaps this is unlikely and I do not know of any, but I have seen this kind of thing happen often.<br /><br />3) Some might feel that they have conflicting authorities. They are submitting to their immediate government authority who allows this, while other authorities do not. It is interesting that there are many laws on the books that are not enforced by governing authorities at various levels. In fact, as for going against the Constitution there are many governing authorities that go against the original intent of the US Federal Constitution. So, what do we do in such cases? Do we follow the Constitution or the particular governing agency or office that is violating it and overseeing us in the particular sphere we are operating? Sometimes these are tough questions. <br /><br />4) Perhaps there are other justifications.<br /><br />As it stands now I would have to conclude that this is a matter of conscience. If a person is convinced in his own mind that they are not lying and that they are free to use Christian materials in violation of this regulation and that it is not a violation of God’s command because of one of these justifications, then while I might not follow their rationale myself, I would not judge them as sinning against God. I would let God determine that (Romans 14:4, 10, 12, 13).<br /><br />If after all of this a person still has a problem with people doing this and believes it is clearly a sin then in our church they would need to realize that they are in a church whose leadership views it as a freedom of conscience issue. So, they would need to do what makes for peace.<br /><br />So, this is where I’m at on the issue presently. I’m certainly open to further discussion. Feel free to gain input from other elders or mature Christians you interact with. I hope this helps some.<br /><br />Grace and peace,<br />Brianpastorprofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148936127283349695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757461735383408388.post-62500117290379252232010-07-19T11:57:00.000-07:002010-07-19T12:03:10.461-07:00True Biblical LoveI recently did a 2-part series on genuine biblical love for the college and career ministry at our church and thought I'd share it here for anyone that might be interested. <a href="http://covministry.com/wp/?p=871">Click here.</a>pastorprofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148936127283349695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757461735383408388.post-71334462239001389832010-05-31T09:42:00.000-07:002010-05-31T09:48:22.820-07:00The Relationship of Discourse Analysis to ExegesisIn recent studies of the Bible there has been and emphasis on something called Discourse Analysis. Much of what has been discovered by this trend involves overlap with traditional steps of exegesis, yet where they intersect discourse analysis provides a strengthened concentration on the matters it covers.<br /> <br /> Traditional exegesis has emphasized context. It could be argued that discourse analysis is context on steroids because of the heightened analysis. It emphasizes co-text which refers to the relationship of the text to the larger context of linguistic data in which it is set. It also focuses on the "intertext" which would involve the larger linguistic frames of reference. And when they speak of context it usually means the historical context. Here it is important to ascertain the situational features that shape the text: “place of writing, occasion, and readers’ circumstances.” <br /> <br /> However, Discourse Analysis also includes grammar, but usually focuses more on the big picture, so it is concerned with the macrostructures that connect larger units like paragraphs. It also helps in outlining and understanding the flow of the argument so that one might best understand how a particular passage functions in the overall text. Here the cohesion and coherence of a text are studied to see what is communicated and how.<br /><br /> Discourse Analysis also provides exegetes with fine tuning for many other hermeneutical considerations such as analyzing the “sequence of information, the overall form and the structural conventions of a given discourse,” the study of deixis, speech acts, intertextuality, genre analysis, and rhetorical analysis. And it goes on from there. There is no end to the various aspects of Discourse Analysis, yet it certainly has great payoff in helping exegetes gain from the overall context and flow what is often missed in microsyntactical and lexical studies.pastorprofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148936127283349695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757461735383408388.post-43456321756881544502010-05-08T17:11:00.000-07:002010-05-31T09:42:17.326-07:00The Role of the Holy Spirit in InterpretationThe Role of the Holy Spirit in interpretation is something that is often mentioned in hermeneutics and exegesis books, but little discussion is devoted to explaining what that role is, where the Bible teaches it, and how we know when it occurs. After much reading on the subject and a study of related passages of Scripture it is the contention of this writer that the Spirit has a multifaceted role in the life of the believer as he interprets Scripture.<br /><br /> The Spirit’s work in the interpreter is necessary because of the depravity of man. Due to the effects of sin a natural man, the unbeliever, “does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised” (1 Cor 2:14). This means that the unbeliever does not see the word of God as wisdom, but rather foolishness. Therefore he rejects it. While he does have a level of cognitive awareness of the signification of the words, He cannot understand in the sense of experientially knowing it as truth in a relationship with God. This is due the fact that it is spiritually discerned. The unbeliever is spiritually dead (Eph 2:1) and consequently has a futile, darkened, ignorant mind, and a hard heart that makes him callous to spiritual things (Eph 4:17-19). He is hostile to God and cannot bring himself under the Scriptures as his authority (Rom 8:7-8).<br /><br /> Therefore, the Spirit’s initial work involves turning a person into one who has many of the necessary presuppositions to begin to interpret the Scriptures. The Bible speaks of these changes in terms of the person being “born again” (John 3:3), “born of the Spirit” (John 3:5, 6), and saved by the “washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). When the word is preached the Spirit attends His word and some receive it with joy as the word of God (1 Thess 1:5, 6; 2:13). This is because their spiritual eyes which were blind (Matt 13:15; Rom 11:8) are enabled to see (Matt 13:16). These facets of the changes of salvation give the person a new world and life view. They will then have the necessary preunderstanding concerning beliefs about God and His word for interpreting the word.<br /><br /> At conversion the Spirit also takes up residence in the life of the believer (Rom 8:11). Now he lives, and has the capacity to walk, be led, and filled by the Spirit (Gal 5:16, 18, 25; Eph 5:18). He has the Spirit of Christ (Rom 8:9) and thus, the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16). As the believer is conformed to the image of Christ through sanctification by the Spirit, he is given the proper thinking to have a whole hearted understanding and embracing of the Word as truth and gets to understand and know God better. His eyes are enlightened to know the truth more deeply (Eph 1:18).<br /><br /> This indwelling Spirit is the same Spirit of Truth who was promised by Jesus to teach His disciples all things, bring to their remembrance all that he had said, guide them into all truth, and declare the things to come (John 14:26; 16:13). It is difficult to determine how much of the Spirit’s work in their lives from these promises was limited to them and what aspects are normative for believers of all times. John himself includes some examples of how the apostles remembered what Jesus had said and understood the significance after His resurrection (John 2:19-22; 12:16; cf. 20:9). One can certainly see how this perfect memory would be important for writing the Gospels. His teaching them and guiding them into all truth could certainly explain the epistles. Further, declaring the things to come would explain Revelation. So, perhaps this is a promise for the apostles’ ministry and the process of inscripturation. <br /><br /> Yet, when the same writer, John, later addresses a church in 1 John 2:20, 27 he tells them that they have received an anointing from the Holy One and as a result they know all things and they do not need to be taught. It would contradict the very letter John is writing if these were absolute unqualified statements. The context would rather indicate that they know the truth about Jesus well enough to not be led astray by those who deny Him. If the anointing here is the Spirit, which is a reasonable conclusion, then believers are presumed to be taught the truth by Him and therefore know the truth, understand it well enough to believe it, and understand the significance of it so that they can obey it. So, the teaching ministry of the Spirit seems to be normative in relation to the truth already revealed. <br /><br /> Another passage that bears on this issue is 1 Cor 2:6-16. There Paul speaks about revelation that has been made known to “us” which they make known. It is possible again that this is intended to refer to the unique role that the Spirit had in revealing the mystery of the Gospel to Paul and other recipients of direct revelation. However, there are some universal truths if one reasons through Paul’s words. The very wisdom they received is imparted to others (1 Cor 2:6); it was prepared for those who love God (2:9); the Spirit knows the depths of God (1 Cor 2:10-11); the Spirit was received by them and He enabled them to understand the things given (1 Cor 2:12). So, the things given are revelation of truth, but the understanding of that truth is distinct from the revelation of it. Therefore, there is the revelatory role of the Spirit in Paul’s life, but believers who have received this same Spirit should also be able to expect that by the Spirit they too would understand the word. Again the Spirit teaches and gives spiritual discernment (1 Cor 2:16). Second Timothy 2:7 coheres with these ideas since while Paul instructs Timothy he is confident that the Lord will give him understanding of his instruction. <br /><br /> In summary, the Scriptures lead one to conclude that the Spirit who inspired Scripture regenerates a person and enables him to have a spiritual appraisal of the preached word, which He embraces as truth. This internal recognition of the word as truth is sometimes referred to as the internal testimony. As a person grows and is sanctified by the Spirit, as He uses the word, the Spirit guides him to understand and apply truth. While the believer is not promised infallible interpretive abilities, the Spirit does work in his life to have the capacity for the proper presuppositions needed to rightly interpret, embrace, understand, and apply Scripture.pastorprofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148936127283349695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757461735383408388.post-43930789020051611532010-05-03T11:04:00.000-07:002010-05-03T11:07:14.187-07:00Casting Our Cares Upon JesusFirst Peter 5:6 tells us to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. He is powerful, sovereign and wisely working all of our circumstances out for our good and His glory. In verse 7, the way that we humble ourselves under His mighty hand of protection is by casting our cares upon Him. That is, through prayer we take our concerns to Him and watch Him work them out. The verse ends with the words, "because He cares for you." That is an amazing thought. The mighty God wants us to come to Him and entrust Him with all of our problems and we come knowing that He really is concerned with us.pastorprofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148936127283349695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757461735383408388.post-40113606786288638442010-05-01T15:50:00.000-07:002010-05-01T16:00:06.505-07:00Authorial IntentionThe following is a short paper I did in a PhD seminar. It won't resonate with everyone but perhaps some will find it helpful.<br /><br /><strong>Is discovering the author’s intended meaning the only goal of interpretation?</strong><br /><br /> Throughout the history of the Church’s interpretation of the Bible there have been many theories that have led to subjectivity, because they place the locus of meaning in the understanding of the reader, or impossibility, because of radical pessimistic philosophies of language. These have included the four level allegorical approach of the Medieval Church, the sensus plenior determined by the Catholic Church magesterium, the two horizons approach of Gadamer, Derrida’s deconstruction, reader response criticism, and post-structuralism. Nevertheless, despite the confusion prospered by these approaches, there are many reasons to contend for the author’s intended meaning as the goal of interpretation. Before erecting this defense, it is necessary to establish definitions.<br /> By the “author”, we understand this question to mean “the person who originates the text in the particular language, words, genre and structure we find them in.” By “intention” we understand that his “communicative intention” is meant, not wishes, motives, or psychological experience, but what he actually communicates in the text. By “meaning” we understand “that which is communicated through language.” “Interpretation” is understood as discovering the meaning of the text. Finally, it is assumed that, while not stated, the above question relates to the interpretation of the text of Scripture. <br /> Discovering the author’s meaning as the goal of interpretation is first contended for based upon the nature of Scripture as God’s revelation of Himself to man. This is a basic presupposition that demands that Scripture be approached as writing that is able to communicate truth through language. Further, God created man in His image as a communicative being, thus enabling him to receive and understand communication through the medium of language. <br />Second, there is no other criteria by which to distinguish valid from invalid interpretation other than the author’s intention. If the author “dies” in our interpretive process of his text then authors don’t really author, there is no real “truth” to be discovered, and any objective meaning is impossible. It is the author’s intention that makes his words count as a particular action rather than another. So, he must be considered as the one that fixes meaning. <br />Third, any meaning derived by any means other than seeking to understand the author’s intended meaning would necessarily make the one who derives that meaning the author. If the meaning is not set by the author of the text then it collapses into subjective relativism. <br />Now as to whether this is the “only” goal of interpretation depends upon what is meant by “goal.” Determining the author’s intended meaning is certainly the “first” task of interpretation, because any valid application or significance must be based upon it. However, the reasons a person would interpret a text should go beyond just knowledge of the author’s meaning. The purposes for which God gave the Scriptures should also be seen as reasons that we would interpret—that we would believe it, appropriate it to be lovers of Christ and our Church families, and spread His gospel to all nations.<br /> <br /><strong>Is it discoverable?</strong><br /><br /> The author’s intended meaning in a text of Scripture is discoverable through a historical-grammatical process applied to it. However, if by “intention” someone means the author’s psychological experience, or his wish, desire, or purpose for which he wrote, then these would not be discoverable unless the author stated them. The Scriptures are plainly written in a way that the average person can understand the author’s meaning.<br /><br /><strong>Are there any problems in discovering it?</strong><br /><br /> While the Scriptures are perspicuous, there are challenges that face interpreters. These arise from the dual nature of Scripture. On the one hand the Bible is to be interpreted like any other human book. The fact is though that it is an ancient book and as such there are several gaps that must be bridged between the modern day reader and the ancient author. <br /> These gaps include language, literature, history, culture, and geography. Through studying the historical background, original languages, culture, geography, and genres of the author’s time period the signification of his words can be arrived at with a high degree of certainty. <br /> On the other hand, the Bible is also a divine book. Therefore, the divine author’s intention causes one to see the whole Bible as a context for the parts. Thus, typology, prophecy, and intertextuality will call for special considerations. <br /> So, in summary, discovering the author’s communicative intention in the text of Scripture is the first task of interpretation, but not the only goal of it. It is discoverable through a grammatical-historical process even though the dual authorship and ancient date present challenges.pastorprofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148936127283349695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757461735383408388.post-60976403331667933622010-04-29T11:22:00.000-07:002010-04-29T11:38:56.444-07:00Urban Legend: God Won't Give You More Than You Can Handle<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPq9LG3Vv7EttEs27nDnDC6r9XOg29hoYvMPpUosBxoUn71V7DtOLyVOW31ixM1npGvzX849abj6ZmFHJ1p91C16hYayaaE7MgB_1dDIuCRXTmrFWwwFaZeHlHq-3M3H2UDVAAOLBflad/s1600/Monterey+Bay+251.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPq9LG3Vv7EttEs27nDnDC6r9XOg29hoYvMPpUosBxoUn71V7DtOLyVOW31ixM1npGvzX849abj6ZmFHJ1p91C16hYayaaE7MgB_1dDIuCRXTmrFWwwFaZeHlHq-3M3H2UDVAAOLBflad/s320/Monterey+Bay+251.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465630730547028674" /></a><br />Have you ever heard the saying, "God won't give us more than we can handle"? It is usually given by well-meaning people to encourage those going through trials and I do not presume to know what everyone means by it when they say it. Perhaps sometimes it is a simple platitude. Perhaps others have a well thought out theology behind it and use it as an abbreviated statement for many well founded truths. <br /><br />Yet, I wonder where it comes from because as it stands it is not a complete biblical concept. It is similar to the popular saying, "God helps those who help themselves," which is also not in the Bible.<br /> <br />These platitudes may be well intended and may contain partial truths, but are not really very helpful. While they mention God and perhaps sustain a concept of one or more of His attributes they actually place more emphasis on man-centered and humanistic thoughts that focus on our strength rather than God's.<br /> <br />It is possible that the saying, "God won't give us more than we can handle," probably has its roots in 1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it." <br /> <br />However, this verse is in the context of how Israel in their trials in the wilderness succumbed to idolatry and other evil. Paul is telling the Corinthians that in trials we are often tempted to sin, but God is always faithful to give us an exit path so that we can endure the trial without sinning. The focus is not on the crass notion of our ability, but rather His enabling grace to be faithful to us and provide escape from temptation. <br /> <br />I think the "saying" derived from this and just took the notions of "God", "will not allow", "you are able to endure it." They leave out the fact that it is talking about temptation and sin and the notions of God's faithfulness and his provision. I think the danger is that we place confidence in man and do not realize how dependent we are upon Christ. While the statement acknowledges God it doesn't give Him all the glory.<br /> <br />Rather than us having some notion that we will be able to "handle" a trial we should really be encouraging people who are undergoing trials with Scriptures that stress God's power and ability and our dependence upon Him for everything. For instance, <br />1 Peter 5:6-7 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you."<br /><br />We need to understand that God is mighty and we need to simply humble ourselves before Him by continually casting our anxieties upon Him and watch His mighty hand work. We submit to His will and He will exalt us in His time, but the strength is all His, as is the glory.<br /><br />The most encouraging thing about this verse to me is that it says, "because He cares for you." For those who have become His children through faith in Christ's work on the cross, we have a mighty God who cares deeply and passionately for us and will exercise His mighty power to prevail in our trials.<br /><br />My two cents,<br /><br />Brianpastorprofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148936127283349695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757461735383408388.post-33951619112010237532010-04-28T13:12:00.000-07:002010-04-28T17:51:47.556-07:00Abraham Piper's Admonition to BlogI recently came across this article, apparently by Abraham Piper, John Piper's son on why pastors should blog. I am going to try to take his advice. Enjoy his words:<br /><br />"In this article I want to convince as many pastors as possible to sit down and start a blog today. If I can’t convince them, then I want to convince churchgoers to hound their pastor until he does.<br /><br />OK, all that’s overstatement, perhaps. You can still be a good pastor and not blog.<br /><br />However, here’s why I think it would be good for you and your congregation if you did.<br /><br />Pastors should blog…<br />1. …to write.<br />If you’re a pastor, you probably already know the value writing has for thinking. Through writing, you delve into new ideas and new insights. If you strive to write well, you will at the same time be striving to think well.<br /><br />Then when you share new ideas and new insights, readers can come along with you wherever your good writing and good thinking bring you.<br /><br />There is no better way to simply and quickly share your writing than by maintaining a blog. And if you’re serious about your blog, it will help you not only in your thinking, but in your discipline as well, as people begin to regularly expect quality insight from you.<br /><br />2. …to teach.<br />Most pastors I’ve run into love to talk. Many of them laugh at themselves about how long-winded they’re sometimes tempted to be.<br /><br />Enter Blog.<br /><br />Here is where a pastor has an outlet for whatever he didn’t get to say on Sunday. Your blog is where you can pass on that perfect analogy you only just thought of; that hilarious yet meaningful story you couldn’t connect to your text no matter how hard you tried; that last point you skipped over even though you needed it to complete your 8-point acrostic sermon that almost spelled HUMILITY.<br /><br />And more than just a catch-all for sermon spill-over, a blog is a perfect place for those 30-second nuggets of truth that come in your devotions or while you’re reading the newspaper. You may never write a full-fledged article about these brief insights or preach a whole sermon, but via your blog, your people can still learn from them just like you did.<br /><br />3. …to recommend.<br />With every counseling session or after-service conversation, a pastor is recommending something. Sometimes it’s a book or a charity. Maybe it’s a bed-and-breakfast for that couple he can tell really needs to get away. And sometimes it’s simply Jesus.<br /><br />With a blog, you can recommend something to hundreds of people instead of just a few. Some recommendations may be specific to certain people, but that seems like it would be rare. It’s more likely to be the case that if one man asks you whether you know of any good help for a pornography addiction, then dozens of other men out there also need to know, but aren’t asking.<br /><br />Blog it.<br /><br />Recommendation, however, is more than pointing people to helpful things. It’s a tone of voice, an overall aura that good blogs cultivate.<br /><br />Blogs are not generally good places to be didactic. Rather, they’re ideal for suggesting and commending. I’ve learned, after I write, to go back and cut those lines that sound like commands or even overbearing suggestions, no matter how right they may be. Because if it’s true for my audience, it’s true for me, so why not word it in such a way that I’m the weak one, rather than them?<br /><br />People want to know that their pastor knows he is an ordinary, imperfect human being. They want to know that you’re recommending things that have helped you in your own weakness. If you say, “When I struggled with weight-loss, I did such-and-such,” it will come across very differently than if you say, “Do such-and-such if you’re over-weight…”<br /><br />If you use your blog to encourage people through suggesting and commending everything from local restaurants to Jesus Christ, it will complement the biblical authority that you rightly assume when you stand behind the pulpit.<br /><br />4. …to interact.<br />There are a lot of ways for a pastor to keep his finger on the pulse of his people. A blog is by no means necessary in this regard. However, it does add a helpful new way to stay abreast of people’s opinions and questions.<br /><br />Who knows what sermon series might arise after a pastor hears some surprising feedback about one of his 30-second-nuggets-of-truth?<br /><br />5. …to develop an eye for what is meaningful.<br />For good or ill, most committed bloggers live with the constant question in their mind: Is this bloggable? This could become a neurosis, but I’ll put a positive spin on it: It nurtures a habit of looking for insight and wisdom and value in every situation, no matter how mundane.<br /><br />If you live life looking for what is worthwhile in every little thing, you will see more of what God has to teach you. And the more he teaches you, the more you can teach others. As you begin to be inspired and to collect ideas, you will find that the new things you’ve seen and learned enrich far more of your life than just your blog.<br /><br />6. …to be known.<br />This is where I see the greatest advantage for blogging pastors.<br /><br />Your people hear you teach a lot; it’s probably the main way that most of them know you. You preach on Sundays, teach on Wednesdays, give messages at weddings, funerals, youth events, retreats, etc.<br /><br />This is good—it’s your job. But it’s not all you are. Not that you need to be told this, but you are far more than your ideas. Ideas are a crucial part of your identity, but still just a part.<br /><br />You’re a husband and a father. You’re some people’s friend and other people’s enemy. Maybe you love the Nittany Lions. Maybe you hate fruity salad. Maybe you struggle to pray. Maybe listening to the kids’ choir last weekend was—to your surprise—the most moving worship experience you’ve ever had.<br /><br />These are the things that make you the man that leads your church. They’re the windows into your personality that perhaps stay shuttered when you’re teaching the Bible. Sometimes your people need to look in—not all the way in, and not into every room—but your people need some access to you as a person. A blog is one way to help them.<br /><br />You can’t be everybody’s friend, and keeping a blog is not a way of pretending that you can. It’s simply a way for your people to know you as a human being, even if you can’t know them back. This is valuable, not because you’re so extraordinary, but because leadership is more than the words you say. If you practice the kind of holiness that your people expect of you, then your life itself opened before them is good leadership—even when you fail.<br /><br />Conclusion<br />For most of you, anything you post online will only be a small piece in the grand scheme of your pastoral leadership. But if you can maintain a blog that is both compelling and personal, it can be an important small piece.<br /><br />It will give you access to your people’s minds and hearts in a unique way by giving them a chance to know you as a well-rounded person. You will no longer be only a preacher and a teacher, but also a guy who had a hard time putting together a swing-set for his kids last weekend. People will open up for you as you open up like this for them. Letting people catch an honest glimpse of your life will add authenticity to your teaching and depth to your ministry."pastorprofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148936127283349695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757461735383408388.post-37420623311114850582010-04-16T12:13:00.000-07:002010-04-16T12:59:18.637-07:00Loving Jennifer KnappThis week I noticed that former Christian Music Artist Jennifer Knapp has announced in interviews that she is a homosexual, yet she also maintains that she is still a Christian. This raises the issue that the church today is going to increasingly be confronted with this. In her interview she says that she remains unconvinced at the often-cited Bible verses condemning homosexuality. It also indicates that she does not attend church. <br /><br />It is good for those of us in evangelical churches to consider what we will do when faced with a professing brother or sister in our lives that would have her views and circumstances. How do we best love her and minister from a Gospel and Christ centered perspective. How do we maintain a commitment to the truthfulness of God's word and biblical authority, yet seek to demonstrate the love of Christ?<br /><br />I appreciate Bob Stith's comments:<br /><br /> "What I would want to say to Jennifer and others who may be facing her dilemma in the Christian church is that God really does have a sexual standard," Stith said. "It is based on His creative intent which is made clear in both the Old and New Testament. He did not put forth this standard to enslave us but rather to free us. When God prohibits something He always has something better for us. Unfortunately that concept is often lost in both the church and the world today. All of us are inclined to trust our own instincts and desires more than the revealed will of God. Whatever our desires may be and however right and/or powerful they may seem, God's desires for us must always take precedence. That may not bring immediate gratification but both for us and the Kingdom eternal the ultimate pay-off will be far greater."<br /><br />The Scriptures seem to be very clear that God does not condone homosexuality (1 Cor 6:9-11; Lev 18:22; 20:13; Romans 1:26-27). So, it would appear that Jennifer Knapp is a professing sister who has been caught in a tresspass. Galatians 6:1 says "Brothers (sisters), if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him (or her) in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted."<br /><br />This verse reminds us that as believers we belong to a family that should be watching out for, loving and caring for one another. We should have the kind of relationships where we are close enough to know what is going on in each other's lives. When we see our brother or sister sinning we should care enough to come alongside and give loving confrontation. It is interesting how sin is described like a trap or perhaps how the victim is likened to the prey of a ferocious animal. We should have pity and compassion for one caught by sin. 2 Timothy 2:24-26 describes someone who opposes the truth as having been caught by Satan to do his will and needing God to grant them repentance so that they will come to their senses. We are commanded to gently instruct such a one. <br /><br />There are exhortations for every one of us in Gal 6:1. Besides being commanded to be brotherly in this way we recognize that we need to be spiritual. According to the context I believe that means we need to be walking in, led by, and living by the Spirit so that we too do not fulfill the desires of the flesh, but rather produce the fruit of the Spirit which fulfills the law of love. We have to humbly look at our own lives and deal with our own sin. <br /><br />With these concepts of gentleness, love, humility, and prayer we can approach our brothers and sisters as family and perhaps they will be restored so that one day they can restore us. If not, then Christ has wisely designed a loving church restoration process in Matt 18:15-17. I pray that Jennifer Knapp has such people in her life.pastorprofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148936127283349695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757461735383408388.post-32562157186829887272010-02-06T00:22:00.000-08:002010-02-06T00:38:07.876-08:00FameTonight I drove my four oldest children to the church to meet their rides for winter camp. While there in the parking lot I really enjoyed the fellowship with other adults getting ready to see their children off as well. I was really touched by how each of my children came up at different times, hugged and kissed me and told me that they love me. What a blessing it is to know that and hear it expressed. When I arrived at home I took my wife for a walk. We briskly walked to keep our hearts pumping in the cold air while we enjoyed conversation. We expressed to one another the thoughts and challenges of the day exchanging advice on how to handle tomorrow. Again I reflected how special it was that we have a relationship and can express love. Later I watched "Fame" with my two youngest daughters while my two youngest sons watched "Clifford the Big Red Dog." I noticed how cute the boys were sitting in a chair together with their fresh crew cuts eating snacks and laughing. Downstairs the girls and I were so "inspired" as we watched the talented artists working hard for their dreams. As we all snuggled with blankets I thought how blessed I am to have all of this love in my life. Earlier I called my parents to see how they are with all of the snow storms on the eastern seaboard. They were fine. We discussed the news of the day and finished with that precious ending "I love y'all," "We love y'all too." God is a good God who loves to give good gifts to be enjoyed. He has lavished it on me. My brother is going to have cancer surgery this month, but then he and his family are supposed to come visit. Another opportunity to love and be loved. Life is short. Make sure to let people know you love them, and thank the Lord for all the love He gives.<br />His fame is glorious.pastorprofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148936127283349695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757461735383408388.post-80099522115658288272010-01-21T15:20:00.000-08:002010-01-21T15:25:27.218-08:00Looking For Tangible Expressions of LoveI was just studying Romans 12:9 where it speaks about letting love be without hypocrisy or in other words "genuine." As I apply it to marriage I was wondering whether anyone out there could share some examples of how husbands and wives could tangibly demonstrate to their spouse that their love is genuine. Any thoughts?pastorprofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148936127283349695noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757461735383408388.post-9744995960028053762008-12-24T09:05:00.000-08:002008-12-24T09:08:19.031-08:00Theology of ChildrenHere is a little study I did on a basic Scriptural perspective of how we are to view children. Our Bible Study was truly moved as we reflected on what miracles children really are.<br /><br />I. God wants us to be interested in children.<br /><br />A. There are more than 8,000 references to children and family related terms in the Bible.<br /><br />B. There are many stories of children (Samuel, Samson, Ishmael, Isaac, widow’s son, Timothy, Daniel). <br /><br /><br />II. Children Are Miraculous Gifts From the Lord<br /><br />A. Miraculous pottery (Eccles 11:5; Job 10:8-12; 31:15; Psa 139:13-16; Isa 29:16; 41:25; 45:9; 64:8; Zech 12:1).<br /><br />B. God’s good design for filling the earth (Gen 1:28; 9:1)<br /><br />C. Many children is a sign of God’s blessing (Ps 127:3-5; 128:3-4; Gen 15:5; 16:10; 17:16; 22:17; 24:60; 25:21; 26:4; 28:3; 30:6, 11, 17, 18, 22; 49:25; Exod 23:25-26; Deut 7:13-14; 28:11; 30:9; Ruth 4:11; 1 Sam 1:10-11, 19-20; Job 5:25; Lk 1:13).<br /><br />D. Having children is seen as desirable (Gen 18:12; 25:21; 30:1; Prov 30:15-16).<br /><br />E. Parenthood is seen as joyful (Job 29:5; Ps 113:9; Gen 30:13; Jer 20:15; John 16:21; Hosea 9:16; Luke 1:14, 58).<br /><br />F. It is desirable to have one’s name and family continued on earth (Ruth 4:10; 2 Sam 14:7; 2 Sam 18:18; Jer 11:19).<br /><br />G. It is good to have children to support parents in their old age (Ruth 4:15; Gen 47:11-12; 1 Timothy 5)<br /><br />H. They are precious gifts (Gen 4:25; 17:16; 30:6, 20; 33:5)<br /><br />I. God enables conception (Ruth 4:13; Gen 29:31; 30:22; Ps 71:6; Isa 66;9)pastorprofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148936127283349695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757461735383408388.post-72360389120057835052008-10-22T21:50:00.000-07:002008-10-22T21:57:52.877-07:00Learning Parenting From the Fatherhood of God<strong>I. The Concept of God’s Fatherhood</strong><br /><br />We know theologically from the doctrine of the Trinity that God is a being who exists simultaneously as three coeternal persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.<br /><br />We know that God the Father is a father to the second person of the Trinity, the Son. He also becomes the father through adoption to all who are in Christ. The Spirit within us causes us to cry out to the Father as our Abba, Father. <br /><br />It is interesting to note also that the other two persons of the trinity operate in ways that can be described as fatherly. Consider the Son. Of Him in Isaiah 9:6 it is said, “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.<br /><br />The last part of the verse are titles or descriptions that those under the reign of Jesus as King are prophesied to give him. As they take counsel from him He will be seen as wonderful. His power will give him the title of mighty God, the result of his reign will establish him as prince of peace, but his care over his people as children will cause them to ascribe to him the title “Eternal Father.” Jesus also tells his disciples in John 14:18 that he would not leave them as orphans. This is interesting in light of the fact that he had just indicated that he would send His Spirit to comfort them and dwell in them. He follows with an indication that he and the father would dwell in them.<br /><br />So we see in many ways that Fatherhood is integral to who God is and how he treats his people.<br /><br />It is important for us to realize that human fatherhood is a derived concept. It is not as if God’s fatherhood is merely an anthropomorphic way of communicating with us, but rather that our fathering is reflective of the image of God in man.<br /><br />It is no surprise that He would bid us in Eph 5:1 to be imitators of God as beloved children. Later in chapter 6 verse 4 when he instructs fathers on how to treat their children that the model for parenting would be God himself. This is similar to the fact that when He instructs husbands and wives on how to live in marriage, that the model they are to follow is Christ in His relationship to the church. God’s plan of redemption comes first and marriage is designed to reflect that Gospel covenant love.<br /><br />Likewise, in parenting we are mostly called to reflect God’s fatherly care of His children in living out our duties.<br /><br />This study seeks to learn from God’s Fatherhood the characteristics of parenting. I simply gathered all of the passages that speak of God’s fatherhood and deduced a characteristic about his fatherhood. Amazingly, it turned out to be 26, one for each letter of the alphabet. So, here’s the A to Z.<br /><br /><br /><strong>II. The Characteristics of God’s Fatherhood.</strong><br /><br /><strong>A. God is a compassionate father.</strong><br /><br /> This is seen in direct statements (Psalm 103).<br /><br /> This is seen in his treatment of those in need of compassion.<br /><br />Psalm 68:5-6 5 A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows, Is God in His holy habitation. 6 God makes a home for the lonely; He leads out the prisoners into prosperity, Only the rebellious dwell in a parched land.<br /><br /><strong>B. God is a delivering father.</strong><br /><br />Isaiah 63:15-16 15 Look down from heaven and see from Your holy and glorious habitation; Where are Your zeal and Your mighty deeds? The stirrings of Your heart and Your compassion are restrained toward me. 16 For You are our Father, though Abraham does not know us And Israel does not recognize us. You, O LORD, are our Father, Our Redeemer from of old is Your name.<br /><br /><strong>C. God is a molding, shaping father so that his children are the works of his hands.<br /><br /></strong>Isaiah 64:8-9 8 But now, O LORD, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand. <br /><br /><br /><strong>D. God is a father who expects the obedience of his children.<br /><br /></strong><br />Jeremiah 3:19 19 "Then I said, 'How I would set you among My sons And give you a pleasant land, The most beautiful inheritance of the nations!' And I said, 'You shall call Me, My Father, And not turn away from following Me.'<br /><br /><strong>E. God is a father who desires his children’s works to reflect well on Him.</strong><br /><br />Matthew 5:16 16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.<br /><br />Matthew 5:44-45 44 "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.<br /><br /><strong>F. God is a father who rewards obedience.</strong><br /><br />Matthew 6:1 Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.<br /><br />Matthew 6:4 4 so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.<br /><br /><strong>G. God is a father who knows the needs of His children.</strong><br /><br />Matthew 6:8 8 "So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.<br /><br /><strong>H. God is a father who is available and approachable for requests.</strong><br /><br />Matthew 6:9-11 Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 'Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. 11 'Give us this day our daily bread.<br /><br />John 15:16 so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.<br /><br />Romans 8:15 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!"<br /><br /><strong>I. God is a father who is forgiving.</strong><br /><br />Matthew 6:14 14 "For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.<br /><br /><strong>J. God is a father who takes care of His children’s needs.</strong><br /><br />Matthew 6:26-33 26 "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 "And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? 28 "And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, 29 yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 30 "But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! 31 "Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' 32 "For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.<br /><br /><strong>K. God is a father who is giving and gives good gifts.</strong><br /><br />Matthew 7:11 11 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!<br /><br />John 16:23 23 "In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you.<br /><br />James 1:17 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.<br /><br /><strong>L. God is a father who gives spiritual things.</strong><br /><br />Ephesians 1:17 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.<br /><br /><strong>M. God is a father who gives responsibility.</strong><br /><br />Matthew 11:27 27 "All things have been handed over to Me by My Father;<br /><br /><strong>N. God is a father who reveals truth to His children.</strong><br /><br />John 15:15 for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.<br /><br /><strong>O. God is a father who is able & ready to protect His children.</strong><br /><br />Matthew 26:53 53 "Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?<br /><br /><br /><strong>P. God is a father who is kind, merciful and comforting.</strong><br /><br />Luke 6:35-36 35 "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. 36 "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.<br /><br />2 Corinthians 1:3-4 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.<br /><br />1 Peter 1:3 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,<br /><br /><strong>Q. God is a father who loves.</strong><br /><br />John 3:35 35 "The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand.<br /><br />John 10:17 17 "For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again.<br /><br />John 14:21-23 21 "He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him." 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, "Lord, what then has happened that You are going to disclose Yourself to us and not to the world?" 23 Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.<br /><br />John 15:9 9 "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.<br /><br />John 16:26-27 26 "In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father.<br /><br />1 John 3:1 See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are.<br /><br /><strong>R. God is a father who wants to be honored and imitated</strong>.<br /><br />John 5:19-27 19 Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner. 20 "For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel. 21 "For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes. 22 "For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, 23 so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. 24 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. 25 "Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 "For just as the Father has life in Himself, even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself; 27 and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.<br /><br /><strong>S. God is a father who teaches.</strong><br /><br />John 8:28 28 So Jesus said, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me.<br /><br /><strong>T. God is a father who knows and is known by His children.</strong><br /><br />John 10:15 15 even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.<br /><br />1 John 2:13 13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father.<br /><br /><br /><strong>U. God is a father who is concerned to bring forth fruit in His children.</strong><br /><br />John 15:1-2 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.<br /><br />John 15:8 8 "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.<br /><br /><strong>V. God is a father who shares.</strong><br /><br />John 16:15 15 "All things that the Father has are Mine;<br /><br /><strong>W. God is a father who makes promises and keeps them.</strong><br /><br />Acts 1:4 Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, "Which," He said, "you heard of from Me;<br /><br />Acts 2:33 33 "Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear.<br /><br /><strong>X. God is a father who exercises authority.</strong><br /><br />Acts 1:7 7 He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority;<br /><br /><strong>Y. God is a father who impartially judges.</strong><br /><br />1 Peter 1:17 17 If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth;<br /><br /><strong>Z. God is a father who has fellowship with His children.</strong><br /><br />1 John 1:3 3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.pastorprofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148936127283349695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757461735383408388.post-18957924596002373722008-10-11T22:03:00.000-07:002008-10-11T22:09:02.570-07:00Loving Others When Differing on Christian LibertiesI recently started a series on parenting, but in the first two lessons I covered principles of Christian liberties because there are so many issues where people have strong disagreements on parenting that can cause division. We need to recognize when CL is in play and determine to love each other and strive for unity.<br /><br />Principles for Christian Liberties<br /><br />1. You need to decide whether the practice is a Christian liberty.<br />Questions:<br /> i. Does the Bible address this issue?<br /> ii. Is it contrary to a command of Scripture (1 John 3:4; Ps 119:105)?<br /> iii. Is it contrary to a principle of Scripture? <br /> iv. Is it consistent with having Christ as my Lord? (1 Cor 6:19-20)<br /> v. Is it consistent with Biblical examples? (1 Cor 11:1)<br /><br />2. You need to decide whether or not you can practice the liberty yourself.<br /><br /> a. You need to determine your own view about the liberty (Rom 14:5). <br /><br /> Helpful questions to consider?<br /> 1. Is it beneficial? (1 Cor 6:12)<br /> 2. Is it potentially enslaving? (1 Cor 6:12)<br /> 3. Will it tend to lead me into sin? (Rom 13:14)<br /> 4. Is it beneficial to others? (Rom 14:20; 1 Cor 10:33)<br /><br /> b. You need to make sure that you have the faith to do it (Rom 14:14, 22-23).<br /> c. You need to make sure not to violate your conscience ( 1 Cor 8:7).<br /> d. Can you practice this liberty unto the Lord? (Rom 14:6-9; 1 Cor 10:31).<br /><br />3. You must recognize that this liberty might not be viewed the same way by others (14:5).<br /><br />4. You need to give those who differ on this issue the benefit of the doubt that they are able to practice what they do as to the Lord (Rom 14:5-9).<br /><br />5. You shouldn’t judge or despise your brother for his practice, leave that to God (Rom 14:1-4, 10-13).<br /><br />6. You shouldn’t argue about Christian liberties (Rom 14:1, 1 Cor 13:5; Phil 2:13; 1 Cor 3:3; 2 Cor 12:20; 2 Tim 2:14, 23-26).<br /><br />7. You need to use wisdom and discretion in when and where to practice your liberties.<br /><br />8. You need to have sensitivity for the views of others and a willingness to limit your freedoms for the sake of others.<br /><br />9. You usually need to make sure that you do not do anything in public that would cause your brother to stumble (Rom 14:13, 21; 1 Cor 8:9-13).<br /><br />10. You usually shouldn’t practice in public something that another person’s conscience condemns (1 Cor 10:27-33)<br /><br />11. Make sure to be most interested in edifying others (Rom 14:15, 19; 1 Cor 8:1; 10:24).<br /><br />12. It is important to try to inform the conscience of the weak and not allow the weak to lead the church.pastorprofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148936127283349695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757461735383408388.post-2485950016412276792008-10-09T17:41:00.000-07:002008-10-09T17:54:38.194-07:00Praying for Your ChildrenOne of the ways that we can love our children is by praying for them prayers that are really important. The following is an outline of a study I just led on praying for your children. It also includes the prayers of Paul as models.<br /><br /><strong>I. Pray for Their Salvation </strong>(Romans 10:1)<br /><br /><strong>II. Give Thanks</strong><br /><br /> <strong>A. For the faith you see </strong>(2 Thess 1:3)<br /> <br />3We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, <br /><br /> <strong>B. For the love you see.</strong><br /><br />and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater; <br /><br /> <strong>C. For the perseverance you see.</strong><br /><br /> 4therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. 5This is a plain indication of God's righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering. <br /><br /><strong>III. Pray for Christ to be glorified in their lives.</strong><br /><br /> 11To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, 12so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. <br /><br /><strong>IV. Pray for their completion in sanctification.</strong><br /><br />1 Thess 3:9 For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account, 10 as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith? <br /><br /><strong>V. Pray for them to love.</strong><br /><br />1 Thess 3: 11Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you; 12 and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you; 13so that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. <br /><br /><strong>VI. Pray for spiritual knowledge, wisdom & understanding.</strong><br /><br />Col 1:9For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, <br /><br /><strong>VII. Pray for their walk.</strong><br /><br />Col 1: 10so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. <br /><br />VIII. Pray like this. <br /><br />Phil 1:9And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, 10so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; 11having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. <br /><br />Eph 1:15For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; 17that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. 18I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. <br /><br /> Eph 3:14-21 14For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, 16that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. 20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.pastorprofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148936127283349695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757461735383408388.post-51721025397928540802008-07-07T19:04:00.000-07:002008-07-17T21:05:09.289-07:00PatienceWell, I'm finally back to blogging. Thanks for your patience with me. The last quarter of school was overwhelming for me, but by God's grace we all got through it. The good thing about not blogging quickly though was that I have had 4 months to think and meditate on patience. I have always been amazed that in saving me God has taken a person who was essentially on death row and had no inclination to please him; not only paid my penalty and justified me, but adopted me into His family and is now patiently raising me as His child.<br /><br />That thought has really intrigued me of late. As sophisticated, intelligent, or strong I may sometimes fancy myself, in reality, to Him I'm always a child. And He is patiently raising me to grow up into a mature man of the stature and image of Christ. His patience is the pattern of patience that my love must display to others.<br /><br />I find that there are many challenges to patience, and I am speaking of patience toward people, not circumstances. I spend most of my time in an educational environment. It of course requires contact with people on many levels. Patience is the ability to restrain from becoming angry, provoked, or acting toward anyone in an unloving manner no matter what they do. <br /><br />Challenges to patience take many forms. In evaluating my tendency toward impatience I find that it is not always the same thing that someone does that sets me off. It is rather that it has to do with the state of my heart at any given moment. <br /><br />As an educator and administrator in theological circles I naturally have requests of all sorts from students, pastors, pulpit committees, other faculty and administration, board members, applicants, donors, potential donors, information seekers, creditors, vendors, etc. <br /><br />Then as a father of eight I can add requests concerning homeschool, athletic activities, music lessons, hobbies, discipline, desires, college, driving, entertainment, wet pants, bloddy noses, sicknesses, etc. <br /><br />As a husband I add the desires and needs of my wife and inlaws. As a son and brother there are always considerations for my parents, brothers, neices, nephews, etc. <br /><br />As a shepherd in the church there is always the constant concern for the many needs of the flock. As a board member for a missionary organization, there are the needs of missionaries, teaching at conferences, fund raising, etc. <br /><br />As a friend there are friendship considerations; and as a neighbor there are all of those issues that neighbors bring like concern over lawns and fences, parking, trees, parties, children, etc.<br /><br />And then there are all of those people we encounter through our daily existence, UPS man, postal worker, bank teller, door-to-door salesmen, JWs, Mormans, Store clerks, other drivers, DMV personel, etc.<br /><br />I am probably forgetting some people, but the point is that there are so many people in my life (which I absolutely love by the way) that there is always going to be someone who does something that is provoking, irritating, demanding, or in some other way calls me to be unselfish. And that is really what it all boils down to. At every moment in relationship to other people I have a choice to make: Am I going to be selfish or am I going to serve? <br /><br />In my heart I need to continue to go to the Lord, see Christ patiently enduring the cross for me, see the Father's patience for me, depend upon the Holy Spirit, pray to the Lord regularly, especially in those trying circumstances, dying to my own selfish desires.pastorprofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148936127283349695noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757461735383408388.post-5494906703746742452008-04-17T16:44:00.000-07:002008-04-17T16:50:33.879-07:00Meditations on Loving from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (#1)Today I'm meditating on the idea from verse 4 that "Love is patient." What does this mean? This is the passive or restrained side of love. This is a temperament that patiently accepts injuries without a desire for revenge. It speaks literally of being long-tempered, this is a spirit controlled ability to endure the provocations and injustices of people and still be in control of yourself; not responding to people with anger or contempt or any evil impulse. Love can take whatever an enemy commits against them without responding in bitterness.<br /><br />How do I need to be more patient with reference to people?pastorprofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148936127283349695noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757461735383408388.post-41847249515794439142008-03-23T09:05:00.000-07:002008-03-23T10:30:54.981-07:00The Heart of the Problem Is the Problem of the HeartIn Judges 16:15 Delilah pointed out that the failure to love in action was a heart problem. I know that is the problem I have. There is something in the way I think or the way I feel that often keeps me from having that commited will to act lovingly in the moment. <br /><br />Jesus put it this way, <em>"But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witnesses, slanders. These are the things which defile the man.</em> I can readily admit that I have at least had thoughts of all of these sins. It shows me that there is something wretched and vile within me. As Jesus says, I'm defiled. <br /><br />Meditating on that for awhile is a real eye opener. I have really stopped being amazed at how often evil thoughts or impulses arise. Yet, I also know that the Gospel gives us hope. I am not given the impression anywhere in Scripture that I just have to consign myself to a life of defeat and depression over continually being plagued by and falling to sin. That would be antithetical to the Gospel.<br /><br />The Gospel offers hope to sinners. And that hope is not just justification and forgiveness of sin. I know that in more defeated times of my life I certainly have found comfort in the doctrine of justification; and what Christ has done for me is certainly motivation to live for Him. But I find that the Gospel also holds out hope for real change in this life as well.<br /><br />The Bible speaks of transformation. 2 Cor 3:18 says, "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit."<br /><br />This verse indicates that as I gaze into the glory of Christ I am continually being transformed into Christlikeness. This is the ultimate goal of the believer in regards to change, to be like Christ in heart and thus, speech and action--love.<br /><br />Paul tells us that he has confidence that God will carry this work on to completion (Phil 1:6). So, we can be sure that God is changing us and that we can change.<br /><br />I know also that God has given us His Spirit to enable us to manifest this Christlikeness and produce love (Gal 5:22-23). What must change then is our hearts. By the Spirit the heart must be controlled, made gentle, faithful, good, kind, patient, peaceful, joyful, and loving.<br /><br />The process of change is called repentance. More on that later.pastorprofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148936127283349695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7757461735383408388.post-27145920609832833702008-03-11T12:19:00.000-07:002008-03-11T18:37:24.465-07:00What Does Biblical Love Look Like in Marriage?Recently I was asked about what headship & submission look like in marriage and how I would counsel a couple going through certain problems. Here was my reply that I hope will be helpful to anyone pursuing love. <br /><br />My counseling these days is very simple. Every problem in marriage boils down to one simple thing: a failure to love. I would not start with role relationships. The glue that holds marriage together, the oil that makes it work without friction, and the cleanser that makes it shine is love. Colossians 3:14 says that love is the perfect bond of unity.<br /> <br />What we all need more than anything is to learn how to love God and our neighbor. Our most opportune neighbor to love is our spouse. What I would do first is work through what biblical love is. There are many places to go for that, but my favorite place is 1 Cor 13:4-8a.<br /> <br />This passage is very familiar to us all, but I think that the key to our lives is to really see the beauty in what is described and desire it, evaluate our lives by it to see where we need to change to be more loving, request the gift of repentance, resolve and try to change, and rely upon God to sanctify us into more perfect lovers. And I would add that love is seen here as actions. Paul makes clear that if you just say you have love, but you don't really have the active love he is talking about then you are just making noise (clanging gong, clashing cymbal).<br /> <br />There are a lot of things listed in this passage, but the first two descriptions of love are the summary of all the others. Love is patient and love is kind. If we could just be patient with each other through no matter what we do and be kind in every action toward others, we would have wonderful marriages. <br /> <br />Patience involves basically putting up with the other person no matter what they do (now of course there are things that have to have legal or discipline, or other types of consequences, but short of those), the overarching passive response is patience. It involves restraint, self-control, and unselfishness. Patience also involves believing the best and hoping for change.<br /> <br />The other side of love is kindness. This is the active side of love. It should characterize our speech and actions. It involves gentleness, tenderness, compassion, mercy, loyalty, faithfulness, etc. It is just treating someone nice in all of the ways that you can do that. <br /> <br />Now the way that Paul proceeds shows us that if we are going to be patient and kind it is going to involve self-denial, a death to self has to occur. This is what I constantly bear in mind each day. How do I need to die right now so that I can love better next time? Just as Jesus' love was displayed in death, I must die to my selfish desires. <br /> <br />He gives eight ways:<br /> <br />1) Love is not jealous, so I need to die to my desires to have what others have or to have no objects of shared affection.<br />2) Love does not brag, so I need to die to my desire to talk about myself in a way that I get the glory or look better than others.<br />3) Love is not arrogant, so I need to die to my desire to be made much of or to think of myself as better than others in anything.<br />4) Love does not behave rudely, so I need die to my desire to act in a way that unnecessarily offends others.<br />5) Love does not seek its on way, so I need to die to the desire to be dominated by my own preferences.<br />6) Love is not provoked, so I need to die to the desire to live a frustration free life.<br />7) Love does not keep a record of wrongs, so I need to die to my desire to hold a grudge, bring up past wrongs, or not forgive.<br />8) Love does not rejoice in iniquity, so I need to die to my desire to enjoy any sinful attitude or action against anyone.<br /> <br />Finally Paul ends with 4 statements of hyperbole to emphasize that love must dominate our lives by bearing all things, believing all things, hoping all things and enduring all things. Again these are just patience & kindness.<br /> <br />Once I have a couple really working on loving each other by examining themselves, dying to selfishness, and practicing love by patience & kindness, then I show them that God's will for our lives involves being imitators of Him. Ephesians 5 starts with that. Then it goes on to teach how we are to imitate Him in His love, His light (or holiness), and His wisdom. This imitation is accomplished in our lives as we pursue it by being filled by the Holy Spirit (5:18). It is in this context of Spirit produced love, light, and wisdom, being imitators of God and His Son Jesus Christ that we then finally can enter into a discussion of roles. And these roles are simply examples he gives of Spirit filled imitation of God in His wisdom, light, and love.<br /> <br />It is no wonder then that as God says that a husband is his wife's head he simply commands him to love her. I certainly believe that being head in the context implies authority, and there are other passages that make him responsible to lead, protect, manage, oversee, take care of, etc., but what a man first needs to grasp is that his ultimate leadership is to lead in loving--that is--being patient and kind. Then in the context he needs to lead in wisdom and holiness.<br /> <br />I think a crucial thing which is part of that is for him to value his wife as his helper. God providentially arranged that his wife would be packaged with certain wisdom, knowledge, gifts, abilities, talents, interests, and insights, that he would need to accomplish what God has called him to do for the glory of Christ. He must become skilled at drawing these things out of her and unleashing her full potential or he is acting foolishly. This is what I strive for. I don't want to miss anything she has to give.<br /> <br />Now, after all of this, (and even more I would go into), we can talk about submission. I think it is essential to see that in the Greek the word for submit is actually a participle that is in a string of participles that all go back to modify being filled with the Spirit. These are all results of the Spirit's filling. A wife's submission is simply one of God's designed results of her walking in love, wisdom, & light being filled by the Spirit. <br /> <br />She simply treats her husband with love, manifested by patience and kindness, as she understands that God has placed her in a relationship where her husband has authority over her and she is called to respect him as that authority, but it should be kept in mind that she is really ultimately serving the Lord by doing so. <br /> <br />One very important thing to point out is that it is NOT the husbands responsibility to make his wife submit. She must do this voluntarily. This is her responsibility. He is simply called to love her. Likewise, it is not the wife's responsibility to make her husband love her. He has to do that. When a husband will not love her properly she should follow 1 Peter 3:1-6 and seek to win him through love, wisdom, and holiness which manifests itself there by a gentle and quiet spirit which is precious in the sight of God.<br /> <br />What is ultimately at stake in our loving headship and loving submission is the picture of the gospel to the world. Eph 5:32 indicates that marriage is really ultimately about portraying the relationship of Christ to His Church. <br /> <br />So, finally I think that headship looks like this: a husband loving his wife with patience and kindness, leading in loving God and loving others, walking in love, light and wisdom, seeking to promote her growth in grace and wanting to gain from her in every way that God designed her to be a helpmate, recognizing her value as a gift, partner, and co-laborer. Submission relies upon the Holy Spirit to see her husband as her God ordained leader, respect him as that, and in love, light, and wisdom, submitting all that she has and all that she is to her husband to help him in all that God has called him to do. Letting him know all of her wisdom, knowledge, talents, gifts, resources, strengths, weaknesses etc, to complete him yet being willing to let him bear the ultimate responsibility for their family's leadership. <br /> <br />In practice it involves a lot of communication, listening, reading the word and prayer together as we seek to simply treat each other with patience and kindness. There have been a few times where I have had to ask her to just trust me in certain decisions and to ultimately trust God to lead her through me and to deal with me whatever the consequences, but most of the time it involves a mutual agreement.pastorprofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148936127283349695noreply@blogger.com3