My Hero Speaks Out!
I was thrilled to find the following interview with Terry Virgo with a guy in the Newfrontiers church in Cambridge. It takes a more in-depth look at Terry's private devotional life that I found INCREDIBLY stirring. God is really on my case at the moment about quiet times (I'm trying to get up before the dawn to meet Him ... ouch!) and to read this is so exciting and stirring.
From: http://www.closertogod.org.uk/upcloseterryvirgo.htm
Are your Bible reading and prayer times systematic or free form?
I think it would be fair to say that they are very deliberate now and have been for many years. I sometimes change the format, but my style tends to be that when I get up in the morning, I get a cup of tea for my wife, Wendy, then go to my study and spend some time in the Word. After a breakfast break I get down to prayer.
Most of the time I use my own meditation system in Bible study. This varies according to the book I set myself, so that if I am going through an epistle it will tend to be much more detailed on a phrase or a verse, but if I’m going through an Old Testament book, I might go through a whole chapter. If I find a phrase or a verse that just seems to stir me, I’ll use a concordance and go off on all sorts of angles – a lot of light gets shed through that. I will occasionally break out and use a commentary. The first time I did that was working through Alec Motyer’s The Prophecy of Isaiah (IVP, 1993). It seemed strange to turn away from my own meditating, but I got so captivated by it that I worked my way right through and I’ve occasionally done that since with other commentaries, but most of the time I have an exercise book and a concordance and my Bible.When you pray, is it noisy or reflective, or a mixture of both?
I guess it’s fairly mixed, but it’s usually noisy. I find that giving thanks to God for things that have happened to me in the last 24 hours helps to bring my life into his presence, reminding me afresh of the loving hand that has done these things. I have found myself more and more drawn in recent years to reflect on the cross in terms of the mercy and kindness God has shown us, and I will often sing about that. I find myself singing a mixture of the modern songs we sing and some old hymns. I love to sing and sometimes I give a lot of time to it, and sing in tongues as well. Then out of this I’ll begin to intercede in terms of wherever God directs me. I try to bear in mind the Lord’s Prayer as a kind of structure to my praying.
What proportion of your prayer times are worship compared with the amount given over to intercession?
Well, strangely, in more recent years, the time spent in worship and real fellowship with God has grown, so that although there is more to pray about, because one’s world always seems to get bigger, the reality is I find renewal, for me, on a daily basis comes from enjoying God for who he is.What’s the most inspiring thing you have learned or relearned in your reading of the Bible recently?
Yesterday I was reading through John chapter 11 and the phrase that really gripped me was what Martha says to Jesus: ‘I know that God will give you whatever you ask.’ And later, as he raises Lazarus from the dead, Jesus says: ‘Father, thank you [that] you always hear me …’ These phrases really stirred me about the certainty of Jesus getting his prayers answered. I thought of his own devotion to the Father, despite knowing that this was going to cost him everything because this miracle was going to be the one to convince the Jews to say, ‘We’ve got to kill him.’ It also struck me that we have an advocate with the Father who always gets what he asks for and that there’s great assurance to be gained from this. As I was meditating on this I remembered John 15:7 which says if we abide in him and let his words abide in us we can ask whatever we wish and it will be given to us. So I found those passages quite a stimulus to my own praying.
How much do you need to come at your ministry responsibilities with a freshness found in your relationship with God in private, or is it that you get built up and renewed while working for the church?
I think that it all works together. We have just been going through a week of prayer in the church here in Brighton, which we do once a month. I’ve been in three prayer meetings in three days, and that, inevitably, is very refreshing. I do a lot of flying around and one of the things they say on aeroplanes is that if there is an oxygen problem, you will find these little masks will fall down from above you. The advice always given is, if you have a child next to you, make sure you put your own oxygen mask on first before you try and help the child, which sounds a little bit selfish, but, actually, if you think of a child that starts fighting back, or being unresponsive, you’ll gradually endanger yourself. I’m sure it’s very wise counsel to make sure you’re all right, you’re full of oxygen, if you like, before you try to help anyone else, and I think that’s my principle. I want to be serving people all the time, but if I’m not in a good place myself, I’ll start running on empty, so I’m quite disciplined in keeping my own experience of God alive.
What do you think God is saying to the church in the UK at the moment?
We gather all our pastors on a regular basis, and when we were last together, God impressed on us a prophecy that there has been a cold wind that has been blowing through the church in our nation, killing many things off. We know that it’s been a dire time, with many churches closing and the church getting a pretty bad press. We felt that God was saying to us that this cold wind has been necessary, like the frosts of winter. Some things have had to die off, but there’s a fresh warm breeze coming, a life-imparting breeze. So I’ve felt more and more full of expectation. For us in Brighton, we’ve got unprecedented numbers on our student work. We visit 500 homes every week on our kids’ club visitations – and we’re seeing breakthroughs like never before. I believe that God wants to bless us, in evangelism and in other ways, too.Is it more important to be known as an evangelical than a charismatic?
I don’t know how helpful labels are.
However, I believe the good news as reported in the Bible and, therefore, I’m fundamentally evangelical. In fact, it’s out of my commitment to biblical truth that I became persuaded about charismatic experience.
Do you see it as part of Newfrontiers’ mission to generate renewal in more traditional denominations or is that a bonus?
I am absolutely delighted where people, within traditional denominations, have drawn on things that we have shared, like the Stoneleigh Bible Week or our teaching materials on themes like grace and the work of the Holy Spirit. I’m of a certain persuasion concerning foundations being very fundamental and important. If they are not dealt with thoroughly they will always frustrate progress, and so it is because of foundational issues we have had to start afresh and do something new.
Is that why you’ve put church planting to the fore?
I would think so. In Brighton and Hove, where I live, 14 churches are earmarked for closure, so if we planted 14 we would only be keeping level. We need to see many, many churches planted. I was at a conference recently where in the question time someone asked, ‘Can you not help failing churches rather than plant new ones?’ I answered by saying, we have to question why they are failing. If the church is failing, there is a reason for it and if the issues causing the failure are not dealt with, to try and help doesn’t help! I have spoken at events like Spring Harvest and people have come to me at the end and thanked me for the ministry and then, quite openly, said, ‘Now we go back to our dead church.’ And I’ve asked, ‘What does that mean?’, and they’ve said, ‘Well, the minister isn’t converted yet. He won’t let us have Alpha’, or something. I’ve had that kind of conversation too often. So I think, why would anyone expect there to be blessing in a church if its leader is not even a Christian? If we do not deal with fundamental issues, we cannot expect much to happen.
Do you think that one of the keys to Newfrontiers’ success is consistency of message, from the highest level of leadership down to local churches, and that this is what brings people to maturity?
Paul says in Acts 20:32, ‘I commend you to God and to the Word of his grace, which is able to build you up and give you the inheritance’. The Bible is pretty clear that there is a body of doctrine that builds the church up and I think that if you are neglectful of that, you are neglectful at your own cost. So we would urge all the pastors that we work with to be very biblical in their approach and to give a good amount of time to teaching the Word. We cling to the more traditional perspective of seeing the Word as fundamental and central, as in Acts 2:42: ‘They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching’. We want to build churches that are very biblical.
It is hugely important to help individual Christians know that it’s the Bible’s truths that set them free and I think that it’s when churches begin to lose confidence in the Bible and the eagerness to understand what it teaches, that they become vulnerable. If biblical truth is taught systematically, with life and vitality, people would be wonderfully built up, set free and equipped.
Do you think it’s essential that local churches preach grace continuously?
I think that foundations of grace need to be laid in a church from its inception and hopefully, therefore, in the individual, as they get added to it. Then grace, hopefully, touches everything we say and do and the way we conduct ourselves. Tomorrow, here in Brighton, for instance, we’re hosting a worship training day. I’m doing a session and part of my approach to that involves people’s knowledge of God’s grace towards them, which releases worship, so although I won’t be doing a session on grace, by talking about worship, I will be showing that, without understanding grace, worship is an external thing – it lacks heart. Grace should touch everything we are saying and doing.
What one thing would you say motivates you to get you out of bed in the morning?
It is a wonderful thing to know that God has called you. That is the mainspring of my life. I am deeply grateful to God for his kindness and mercy to me, it genuinely stirs and motivates me. I want to finish the work he has given me to do. The awareness that we are called into fellowship with God and to do things that he has given us to do is what stirs my heart the most.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Men and Women ... But Don't Forget the Men!
It was a great relief reading the Spring 2003 issue of CBMW. I've been really concerned for some time that the great focus of complementarians world-wide spearheaded by Grudem, Piper and friends has been to combat feminism. And what has worried me is that male chavinism seems to be a forgotten topic. The impression that comes across to me - a so-far "open but cautious" in this issue, is that women should and must be dealt with but men can behave how they like.
And to me, that is like a red rag to a bull to the feminists. Oh yes, they will say - the men can behave how they like because we're just told to submit! And what a valid point. The favourite verse of all time for complementarians; "Wives submit to your husbands" is in the context of; "Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church". If we take those two together, the man definately has the bigger deal!
So in the CBMW Journal 2003, Steven Tracy, the VP from Phoenix Seminary wrote an excellent article called; "1 Corinthians 11:3 - A Correction to Distortions and Abuses of Male Headship". Some key quotes:
"If feminists have legitimate concerns, they must be fiercly addressed".
"Sadly while biblical complementarians oppose the abuse of male headship, they have been extremely slow to address specific issues of male abuse in a detailed fashion".
Footnoted: "For example, exceedingly few book length treatments of the abuse of male power seen in child abuse, sexual violence or domestic violence have been written by biblical complementarians whereas evangelical egalitarians and theologically liberal feminists have written hundreds of such books".
And quoting Donald Bloesch; "In opposing militant feminism however we must not make the mistake of enthroning patriarchial values that have often held women and children in bondage and oppression".
"He shall rule over you" (Gen 3:16) is no divine proscription but a tragic prediction of sin's effects on the human race".
"Male headship defined as harsh authoritarian domination of an inferior is a destructive heresy that may lead to sinful and immoral actions".
"Feminists rightly criticise the church for failing to protect women".
I am sincerely grateful for this article that goes a long way to restoring something of a balance in the complementarian view. Grudem may protest that biblically defined headship is assumed in his arguments, but in my experience nothing can be "assumed" in teaching, preaching and leadership in a church context. In medical terminology if something is not written down, then it did not happen - I believe the same principle can apply in theology - if something is not said, then it is not necessarily believed.
Praise God for example for C J Mahaney's book; "Sex, Romanance and the Glory of God" that calls men to "touch a woman's mind before he touches her body". More of this material is severely needed.
It was a great relief reading the Spring 2003 issue of CBMW. I've been really concerned for some time that the great focus of complementarians world-wide spearheaded by Grudem, Piper and friends has been to combat feminism. And what has worried me is that male chavinism seems to be a forgotten topic. The impression that comes across to me - a so-far "open but cautious" in this issue, is that women should and must be dealt with but men can behave how they like.
And to me, that is like a red rag to a bull to the feminists. Oh yes, they will say - the men can behave how they like because we're just told to submit! And what a valid point. The favourite verse of all time for complementarians; "Wives submit to your husbands" is in the context of; "Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church". If we take those two together, the man definately has the bigger deal!
So in the CBMW Journal 2003, Steven Tracy, the VP from Phoenix Seminary wrote an excellent article called; "1 Corinthians 11:3 - A Correction to Distortions and Abuses of Male Headship". Some key quotes:
"If feminists have legitimate concerns, they must be fiercly addressed".
"Sadly while biblical complementarians oppose the abuse of male headship, they have been extremely slow to address specific issues of male abuse in a detailed fashion".
Footnoted: "For example, exceedingly few book length treatments of the abuse of male power seen in child abuse, sexual violence or domestic violence have been written by biblical complementarians whereas evangelical egalitarians and theologically liberal feminists have written hundreds of such books".
And quoting Donald Bloesch; "In opposing militant feminism however we must not make the mistake of enthroning patriarchial values that have often held women and children in bondage and oppression".
"He shall rule over you" (Gen 3:16) is no divine proscription but a tragic prediction of sin's effects on the human race".
"Male headship defined as harsh authoritarian domination of an inferior is a destructive heresy that may lead to sinful and immoral actions".
"Feminists rightly criticise the church for failing to protect women".
I am sincerely grateful for this article that goes a long way to restoring something of a balance in the complementarian view. Grudem may protest that biblically defined headship is assumed in his arguments, but in my experience nothing can be "assumed" in teaching, preaching and leadership in a church context. In medical terminology if something is not written down, then it did not happen - I believe the same principle can apply in theology - if something is not said, then it is not necessarily believed.
Praise God for example for C J Mahaney's book; "Sex, Romanance and the Glory of God" that calls men to "touch a woman's mind before he touches her body". More of this material is severely needed.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
The Forgotten Resurrection!
It is exceedingly commonplace to hear talk of the "Cross", the "Cross-centered Life", the "Passion" (aka Mel Gibson) etc etc. Quite often C H Spurgeon is used as a historical backup for this perspective as he took a cross-centered perspective in much of his famous expository preaching.
It is my deep concern that to emphasise the Cross to the neglect of the Resurrection leads to an imbalance in our view of the finished work of Christ and may have devastating effects including legalism, negativism and a poor eschatology. Indeed Christ did die, and yes we must never forget that, but He ROSE AGAIN! Not only that He ascended to glory and is seated at the right hand of the Father from where the Holy Spirit was poured out "as coronation oil" as Ern Baxter called it.
The neglect of the resurrection is not a new error. The same Spurgeon himself knew this and said the following:
"The resurrection of Jesus and the resurrection of the righteous is a doctrine which we believe, but which we too seldom preach or care to read about ... when I turned to Dr. Owen's works, which are a most invaluable storehouse of divine knowledge, containing much that is valuable on almost every subject; I could find, even there, scarcely more than the slightest mention of the resurrection.
It has been set down as a well known truth, and therefore has never been discussed. Heresies have not risen up respecting it; it would almost have been a mercy if there had been, for whenever a truth is contested by heretics, the orthodox fight strongly for it, and the pulpit resounds with it every day. I am persuaded, however, that there is much power in this doctrine" - NPSP Sermon 66 - Feb 17th - 1856
I found the following sermon in the Metropolitan Tabernacle tomes and it seems to me to be a powerful reminder that yes, Spurgeon saw all from the Cross, yet he did not forget that Christ rose as will we and it is a powerful doctrine that should not and must not be forgotten. As before I have reproduced the headings and pertinent quotes but included the reference so any interested can find the volume and read the whole thing.
Christ's Resurrection and Our Newness of Life.
Sermon 2197 - Delivered on Lord's-day Morning, March 29th, 1891 - At the Metropolitan Tabernacle.
Text: "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."—Romans 6:4.
1. The Resurrection of our Lord was attended with glory.
- In itself it was a great marvel.
- The resurrection of our Lord is glorious in contrast with His humiliation.
"The blaze of resurrection lights up the whole length of the Valley of the Shadow. His death wears no dishonor on its brow, for his rising again hath set a diadem thereon. We celebrate Gethsemane and Calvary, and find no bitterness in all their grief, because death is swallowed up in the victory of resurrection".
- His resurrection is glorious in it's effects.
"What a glory there is in our Lord's resurrection, when we further remember that he ever liveth to make intercession for us, and, therefore, he is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him! The fullness of salvation comes to us because he has risen from the dead, and is now making intercession for the transgressors. O brethren, the resurrection of Jesus is bright as the sun with glory! Faith in it thrills our hearts. Well might each line of our hymn end with a Hallelujah. When we say one to another, "The Lord is risen indeed", we feel like singing all the time, for now our faith is not vain, we are not in our sins, and those who have fallen asleep have not perished".
- Our Lord's resurrection was glorious as to it's cause.
"If you ask where God's glory most is seen, I will not point to creation, nor to providence, but to the raising of Jesus from the dead".
- That resurrection is glorious, because of its sequel in reference to our Lord.
2. The Parallel in our experience is also full of glory.
- It is a blessed thing that we should be made alive in Christ.
- Quickening is a needful part of the process of sanctification.
- You are partakers of a new life.
- We have a pre-eminent security for future perfection.
3. The Life that is given is emphatically new.
- A life which we never before possessed.
- New in it's principles.
- Swayed by new motives.
- New objects.
- New emotions.
- New hopes.
"We have a hope of immortality; a hope so glorious, that it causes us to purify ourselves in preparation for its realization. We wait for the glorious appearing of our Lord. We look for new heavens and a new earth. We have a lively hope which defies death".
- New possessions.
- We have come into a new world altogether.
4. The Walk which comes out of this life is new.
- The new life that God gives us is exceedingly active.
"God's children are not of a sluggish race. There is vigor and fervency about them. They cannot sleep, as do others. The new life is akin to the life of angels, and angels do not spend the day in slumber or sloth. I never heard of sluggish angels. They are as flames of fire. The new life in a Christian is quick, energetic, forceful.
The new life produces a holy walk as soon as it is created. If you have been born unto God, you have cast off your lethargy, and are ready to run the race set before you. You may happen to be dull and sleepy occasionally through disease; but you will not choose this. When in spiritual health, you will glow with divine ardor, and burn with holy fervency, delighting yourself in serving the Lord".
- This activity of life induces progress.
"It is true we have the new life in us, but we have not yet obtained everything: we must climb higher, and go further. The new life grows".
- This walk is to be in newness of life.
"Let us have higher cares and diviner aspirations. Let us seek to live the life of heaven on earth. We are called unto righteousness; let us not follow after mammon. We are new creatures; may the Lord renew us day by day! Let us quit the old; for the time we have spent in it may well suffice. Now to a nobler destiny our soul aspires!".
- A life of joyful vivacity.
"The Christian man, living in newness of life, should find life fresh about him. Our inner man is renewed day by day. A healthy Christian is one of the liveliest creatures on earth. When he is at work you may hear him sing. He cannot help it; do not blame him for a little noise. Let him sing, and laugh till he cries. Sometimes he cannot help it; he will burst if his soul may not have vent. When he begins to talk about his Lord his eyes flash fire.
Some people hint that he is out of his mind; but those who know best assure us that he was never before so sane as now. Of course, the world thinks religion is such poor stuff that nobody could grow excited about it.
To my mind, cold religion is the nastiest dish ever brought to table. True godliness is served up hot. Newness of life means a soul aglow with love to God, and therefore earnest, zealous, happy. Let the believing man have space for his larger life, swing for his grander joy. Nay, do not gag him; let him sing his new song. If any man out of heaven has a right to be happy, it is the man who lives in newness of life. Come, beloved, I want you to go home to-day with the resolve that the newness of life shall be more apparent in your walk. Do not live the old life over again. Why should you? What good would come of it?"
Let me finish by a picture, which will show you what I mean by whole-heartedness. I have seen boys bathing in a river in the morning. One of them has just dipped his toes in the water, and he cries out, as he shivers, "Oh, it's so cold!" Another has gone in up to his ankles, and he also declares that it is fearfully chilly. But see! another runs to the bank, and takes a header. He rises all in a glow. All his blood is circulating, and he cries "Delicious! What a beautiful morning! I am all in a glow. The water is splendid!" That is the boy for enjoying a bath! You Christian people who are paddling about in the shallows of religion, and just dipping your toes into it—you stand shivering in the cold air of the world which you are afraid to leave. Oh, that you would plunge into the river of life! How it would brace you! What tone it would give you! In for it, young man! In for it!
Be a Christian, out and out. Serve the Lord with your whole being. Give yourself wholly to him who bought you with his blood. Plunge into the sacred flood by grace, and you will exclaim—
Oh, this is life! Oh, this is joy,My God, to find thee so!Thy face to see, thy voice to hear,And all thy love to know."
May we thus walk in newness of life! Amen.
It is exceedingly commonplace to hear talk of the "Cross", the "Cross-centered Life", the "Passion" (aka Mel Gibson) etc etc. Quite often C H Spurgeon is used as a historical backup for this perspective as he took a cross-centered perspective in much of his famous expository preaching.
It is my deep concern that to emphasise the Cross to the neglect of the Resurrection leads to an imbalance in our view of the finished work of Christ and may have devastating effects including legalism, negativism and a poor eschatology. Indeed Christ did die, and yes we must never forget that, but He ROSE AGAIN! Not only that He ascended to glory and is seated at the right hand of the Father from where the Holy Spirit was poured out "as coronation oil" as Ern Baxter called it.
The neglect of the resurrection is not a new error. The same Spurgeon himself knew this and said the following:
"The resurrection of Jesus and the resurrection of the righteous is a doctrine which we believe, but which we too seldom preach or care to read about ... when I turned to Dr. Owen's works, which are a most invaluable storehouse of divine knowledge, containing much that is valuable on almost every subject; I could find, even there, scarcely more than the slightest mention of the resurrection.
It has been set down as a well known truth, and therefore has never been discussed. Heresies have not risen up respecting it; it would almost have been a mercy if there had been, for whenever a truth is contested by heretics, the orthodox fight strongly for it, and the pulpit resounds with it every day. I am persuaded, however, that there is much power in this doctrine" - NPSP Sermon 66 - Feb 17th - 1856
I found the following sermon in the Metropolitan Tabernacle tomes and it seems to me to be a powerful reminder that yes, Spurgeon saw all from the Cross, yet he did not forget that Christ rose as will we and it is a powerful doctrine that should not and must not be forgotten. As before I have reproduced the headings and pertinent quotes but included the reference so any interested can find the volume and read the whole thing.
Christ's Resurrection and Our Newness of Life.
Sermon 2197 - Delivered on Lord's-day Morning, March 29th, 1891 - At the Metropolitan Tabernacle.
Text: "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."—Romans 6:4.
1. The Resurrection of our Lord was attended with glory.
- In itself it was a great marvel.
- The resurrection of our Lord is glorious in contrast with His humiliation.
"The blaze of resurrection lights up the whole length of the Valley of the Shadow. His death wears no dishonor on its brow, for his rising again hath set a diadem thereon. We celebrate Gethsemane and Calvary, and find no bitterness in all their grief, because death is swallowed up in the victory of resurrection".
- His resurrection is glorious in it's effects.
"What a glory there is in our Lord's resurrection, when we further remember that he ever liveth to make intercession for us, and, therefore, he is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him! The fullness of salvation comes to us because he has risen from the dead, and is now making intercession for the transgressors. O brethren, the resurrection of Jesus is bright as the sun with glory! Faith in it thrills our hearts. Well might each line of our hymn end with a Hallelujah. When we say one to another, "The Lord is risen indeed", we feel like singing all the time, for now our faith is not vain, we are not in our sins, and those who have fallen asleep have not perished".
- Our Lord's resurrection was glorious as to it's cause.
"If you ask where God's glory most is seen, I will not point to creation, nor to providence, but to the raising of Jesus from the dead".
- That resurrection is glorious, because of its sequel in reference to our Lord.
2. The Parallel in our experience is also full of glory.
- It is a blessed thing that we should be made alive in Christ.
- Quickening is a needful part of the process of sanctification.
- You are partakers of a new life.
- We have a pre-eminent security for future perfection.
3. The Life that is given is emphatically new.
- A life which we never before possessed.
- New in it's principles.
- Swayed by new motives.
- New objects.
- New emotions.
- New hopes.
"We have a hope of immortality; a hope so glorious, that it causes us to purify ourselves in preparation for its realization. We wait for the glorious appearing of our Lord. We look for new heavens and a new earth. We have a lively hope which defies death".
- New possessions.
- We have come into a new world altogether.
4. The Walk which comes out of this life is new.
- The new life that God gives us is exceedingly active.
"God's children are not of a sluggish race. There is vigor and fervency about them. They cannot sleep, as do others. The new life is akin to the life of angels, and angels do not spend the day in slumber or sloth. I never heard of sluggish angels. They are as flames of fire. The new life in a Christian is quick, energetic, forceful.
The new life produces a holy walk as soon as it is created. If you have been born unto God, you have cast off your lethargy, and are ready to run the race set before you. You may happen to be dull and sleepy occasionally through disease; but you will not choose this. When in spiritual health, you will glow with divine ardor, and burn with holy fervency, delighting yourself in serving the Lord".
- This activity of life induces progress.
"It is true we have the new life in us, but we have not yet obtained everything: we must climb higher, and go further. The new life grows".
- This walk is to be in newness of life.
"Let us have higher cares and diviner aspirations. Let us seek to live the life of heaven on earth. We are called unto righteousness; let us not follow after mammon. We are new creatures; may the Lord renew us day by day! Let us quit the old; for the time we have spent in it may well suffice. Now to a nobler destiny our soul aspires!".
- A life of joyful vivacity.
"The Christian man, living in newness of life, should find life fresh about him. Our inner man is renewed day by day. A healthy Christian is one of the liveliest creatures on earth. When he is at work you may hear him sing. He cannot help it; do not blame him for a little noise. Let him sing, and laugh till he cries. Sometimes he cannot help it; he will burst if his soul may not have vent. When he begins to talk about his Lord his eyes flash fire.
Some people hint that he is out of his mind; but those who know best assure us that he was never before so sane as now. Of course, the world thinks religion is such poor stuff that nobody could grow excited about it.
To my mind, cold religion is the nastiest dish ever brought to table. True godliness is served up hot. Newness of life means a soul aglow with love to God, and therefore earnest, zealous, happy. Let the believing man have space for his larger life, swing for his grander joy. Nay, do not gag him; let him sing his new song. If any man out of heaven has a right to be happy, it is the man who lives in newness of life. Come, beloved, I want you to go home to-day with the resolve that the newness of life shall be more apparent in your walk. Do not live the old life over again. Why should you? What good would come of it?"
Let me finish by a picture, which will show you what I mean by whole-heartedness. I have seen boys bathing in a river in the morning. One of them has just dipped his toes in the water, and he cries out, as he shivers, "Oh, it's so cold!" Another has gone in up to his ankles, and he also declares that it is fearfully chilly. But see! another runs to the bank, and takes a header. He rises all in a glow. All his blood is circulating, and he cries "Delicious! What a beautiful morning! I am all in a glow. The water is splendid!" That is the boy for enjoying a bath! You Christian people who are paddling about in the shallows of religion, and just dipping your toes into it—you stand shivering in the cold air of the world which you are afraid to leave. Oh, that you would plunge into the river of life! How it would brace you! What tone it would give you! In for it, young man! In for it!
Be a Christian, out and out. Serve the Lord with your whole being. Give yourself wholly to him who bought you with his blood. Plunge into the sacred flood by grace, and you will exclaim—
Oh, this is life! Oh, this is joy,My God, to find thee so!Thy face to see, thy voice to hear,And all thy love to know."
May we thus walk in newness of life! Amen.
Jesus Christ: Our Great Type and Role Model ... Or Uniquely Singular?
In my scope of reading through the great matters of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, a common question seems to reoccur as to whether the experience of our Lord Jesus Christ can be used as a type and model for us today. A common stereotype seems to be that those who argue that the baptism of the Spirit is one and the same with conversion-regeneration would say that Jesus Christ must stand alone in redemptive history and His experience was unique (James D G Dunn is an example of such and surprisingly Dr Ern Baxter would join him although Dr Baxter held firmly to the fact that the BHS was distinct from conversion and definately experiential). Those would would argue that the baptism or sealing with the Spirit is distinct from conversion would say that His life can be mirrored, copied and learnt from (Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones was a proponent of this as was the great Puritan Thomas Goodwin).
It seems to me that:
i) Events in the New Testament are commonly used as a model of the Christian life: - Ephesians 5:2, 2 Corinthians 4:10 and Mark 10:43-45.
ii) The humanity of Jesus and the centrality of faith and the Holy Spirit in His life is a model for us: Hebrews 2:13 - Jesus our "brother". Why should His experience of the Spirit be singled out as unique when He suffered "like as we yet without sin" for example?
iii) To allow salvation-history to swallow up the significance of Jesus' experience is the high road to denying significance to anything experiential at all.
iv) It is a definite enabling by the Spirit - no matter what significance is attached to it. A true man was receiving a supernatural encounter with a true Spirit. Period.
(Michael Eaton with some comments by me - Ref: "Baptism with the Spirit; the teaching of Martyn Lloyd-Jones" - footnotes from chapter 4).
In my scope of reading through the great matters of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, a common question seems to reoccur as to whether the experience of our Lord Jesus Christ can be used as a type and model for us today. A common stereotype seems to be that those who argue that the baptism of the Spirit is one and the same with conversion-regeneration would say that Jesus Christ must stand alone in redemptive history and His experience was unique (James D G Dunn is an example of such and surprisingly Dr Ern Baxter would join him although Dr Baxter held firmly to the fact that the BHS was distinct from conversion and definately experiential). Those would would argue that the baptism or sealing with the Spirit is distinct from conversion would say that His life can be mirrored, copied and learnt from (Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones was a proponent of this as was the great Puritan Thomas Goodwin).
It seems to me that:
i) Events in the New Testament are commonly used as a model of the Christian life: - Ephesians 5:2, 2 Corinthians 4:10 and Mark 10:43-45.
ii) The humanity of Jesus and the centrality of faith and the Holy Spirit in His life is a model for us: Hebrews 2:13 - Jesus our "brother". Why should His experience of the Spirit be singled out as unique when He suffered "like as we yet without sin" for example?
iii) To allow salvation-history to swallow up the significance of Jesus' experience is the high road to denying significance to anything experiential at all.
iv) It is a definite enabling by the Spirit - no matter what significance is attached to it. A true man was receiving a supernatural encounter with a true Spirit. Period.
(Michael Eaton with some comments by me - Ref: "Baptism with the Spirit; the teaching of Martyn Lloyd-Jones" - footnotes from chapter 4).
Monday, October 10, 2005
The Doctor on Word and Spirit
I've had Dr Lloyd-Jones's sermons on Acts on my reading list for sometime and I was inspired to get reading them when I heard Terry Virgo mention enthusiastically what it was actually like to be "there" in the chapel when he was preaching through Acts. And what an amazing jewel of a quote I found! Consider the following - Doctor Lloyd-Jones on what HE thought about Word and Spirit:
"Now that is the balance in these matters. There may be signs, there may not be signs. And the power of the Spirit is as manifest in authoratative, converting preaching such as you get in great revivals as in the most spectacular miracles It is the same authority, the same Holy Spirit at work in both.
These two; the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. We must never seperate them, and if we ever do we shall go astray.
Some people put their emphasis only on the Word; these are the intellectuals. "Ah" they say, "nothing matters but the Word". They spend their time reading and studying and they become authorities on theology and doctrine. As a result they may become proud of their own great knowledge and they may get the admiration of others who join in with them, but this is nothing but a little mutual admiration society. Nobody is converted; nobody is convicted. Heads packed with knowledge and understanding - useless! Word only - you see.
And there are people who put the whole of their emphasis on the Holy Spirit. They are not interested in the Word. They say; "It doesn't matter what a person believes". I heard of a man recently who shouted out in a great meeting - "Let yourselves go! Let yourselves go!". And they did let themselves go, I am told. But the New Testament has never told anybody to let themselves go. Never! The Holy Spirit does not merely produce an experience, the Holy Spirit uses the Word. He is the Spirit of truth, the Spirit of enlightenment. He is the Spirit who leads to understanding. We must never jettison the intellect that God has given us. There is no need to do that. The Holy Spirit can deal with our brains as well as with any other part of us. It is a false teaching that urges people to let themselves go. If you do that, you are letting yourselves go to a riot of the imagination and of the feelings, you are letting yourselves go to evil spirits and powers that are around and about you and ever ready to possess you and fool you.
The Spirit and the Word! "They spake the Word of God!". I repeat these things must never be seperated".
Reference: D M Lloyd-Jones. "Authentic Christianity - Volume 2 - Acts 4-5". Published by Banner of Truth, 2001. (pp208-209).
I've had Dr Lloyd-Jones's sermons on Acts on my reading list for sometime and I was inspired to get reading them when I heard Terry Virgo mention enthusiastically what it was actually like to be "there" in the chapel when he was preaching through Acts. And what an amazing jewel of a quote I found! Consider the following - Doctor Lloyd-Jones on what HE thought about Word and Spirit:
"Now that is the balance in these matters. There may be signs, there may not be signs. And the power of the Spirit is as manifest in authoratative, converting preaching such as you get in great revivals as in the most spectacular miracles It is the same authority, the same Holy Spirit at work in both.
These two; the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. We must never seperate them, and if we ever do we shall go astray.
Some people put their emphasis only on the Word; these are the intellectuals. "Ah" they say, "nothing matters but the Word". They spend their time reading and studying and they become authorities on theology and doctrine. As a result they may become proud of their own great knowledge and they may get the admiration of others who join in with them, but this is nothing but a little mutual admiration society. Nobody is converted; nobody is convicted. Heads packed with knowledge and understanding - useless! Word only - you see.
And there are people who put the whole of their emphasis on the Holy Spirit. They are not interested in the Word. They say; "It doesn't matter what a person believes". I heard of a man recently who shouted out in a great meeting - "Let yourselves go! Let yourselves go!". And they did let themselves go, I am told. But the New Testament has never told anybody to let themselves go. Never! The Holy Spirit does not merely produce an experience, the Holy Spirit uses the Word. He is the Spirit of truth, the Spirit of enlightenment. He is the Spirit who leads to understanding. We must never jettison the intellect that God has given us. There is no need to do that. The Holy Spirit can deal with our brains as well as with any other part of us. It is a false teaching that urges people to let themselves go. If you do that, you are letting yourselves go to a riot of the imagination and of the feelings, you are letting yourselves go to evil spirits and powers that are around and about you and ever ready to possess you and fool you.
The Spirit and the Word! "They spake the Word of God!". I repeat these things must never be seperated".
Reference: D M Lloyd-Jones. "Authentic Christianity - Volume 2 - Acts 4-5". Published by Banner of Truth, 2001. (pp208-209).
Sunday, October 09, 2005
A Word about Worship
One of the subjects very dear to my heart is that of worshipping God. Especially in a corporate setting. Once you have experienced the touch of the Spirit's power in a church or conference setting and then had it forciably removed, one grows extremely protective when it is attacked. I hear on the grapevine that yet again lines are being drawn and people are being forced to make decisions between "intimate" and "lingering" worship and theological mighty hymns.
Why should we?
One of my favourite choruses of all time is the beautiful song sang at Stoneleigh 1998 so powerfully led by Kate Simmonds;
"Draw me close to You, never let me go. I lay it all down again, to hear You say that I'm Your friend. You are my desire. No one else will do. For nothing else can take Your place, to feel the warmth of Your embrace. Help me find the way - bring me back to You.
You're all I want. You're all I've ever needed. You're all I want - help me know You are near".
Yet just as similiarly I am passionately stirred by Kate Simmond's latest hymn; "In Him I have believed";
In Him I have believed, on this my hope now rests
That Jesus Christ is risen from the dead!
The all-surpassing joy of knowing Christ my Lord
The former things, I count them all as loss
Called out of darkness into Your goodness
We are Your children, chosen in Christ!
Now in Your family, heirs of the promise
To Your purpose on the earth I give my life
A people born of God, united by Your call
One faith, one Lord, one Father of us all
Joined with bonds of love, and planted in Your house
We worship You with hearts and lives poured out
Let us go on in the power of Your Spirit
Taking Your gospel to all the world!
Declaring Your wisdom, our great commission,
That Jesus Christ has come to save the lost!
Whatever trials may come, in faith, Lord, help us stand
For righteousness and justice in our land What fear can hold us now?
We run toward the prize
Our lives already crucified with Christ
Through every nation, Your kingdom advances
Who can extinguish this spreading flame?
Through tribulations, we’ll stand on Your promise:
‘I will build My Church and hell will not prevail!’
And on that final day, the citizens of heaven
Called out to be the new Jerusalem
In multitudes will bow before the throne of God:
One nation called from every tribe and tongue
Great celebration! The glorious union: The Lion of Judah and the pure, spotless Bride!
All of creation waits for this moment All your promises fulfilled in Jesus Christ!
So I ask again, why does it have to be one or the other?
At the Bethlehem Conference for Pastors in 1999, Dr James Boice and Dr John Piper had a fascinating interaction during the Panel Discussion that closes the conference. Boice (as would be expected) was suspicious of choruses and slightly mocked what he called "Alleluia Mantras". Piper's response on the other hand was outstanding and marked what I passionately cling to:
(By the way I have taken blatent and unashamed overuse of the bold and underline key)
Questioner: For Dr Boice. Concerning the “Alleluia Mantra” that you mentioned Monday night. (*laughter*).
Dr Boice: I retract all that (*laughter*).
Questioner: I believe that you said then, that it might stir up some emotion but it wouldn’t be worship. So my question for you, especially in light of the fact that it’s “Desiring God” Ministries that has brought you here (laughter), what place does emotion have in worship if any place at all, and John you can respond to that too.
Dr Boice: Yes, I will probably never be invited back so I can say anything at all. No, the only thing that I am concerned about is that worship does not exclude emotion, but worship is not worship if it doesn’t engage the mind. I think I would say, along those lines, the same kind of thing that John Stott does in “Your Mind Matters”. And worship is ascribing praise to God. Which means we are praising God for being God, and unless that has content, it’s meaningless.
So emotion without that kind of substance is meaningless - it’s just an emotion. However to understand the greatness of God in various attributes should be an emotional thing. So my objection to the kind of music that is mearly repeating words (and I use ‘Alleluia’ as an example because it’s just one word being repeated over and over again). I think that bypasses the mind, I don’t really think that is worship in most cases, unless people are bringing more to it than is there in the song. So, I say that is the advantage of the hymns - the hymns have the theology in them, when you say them you are actually saying something that has meaning, and it has to do with God and it should evoke emotion, if it doesn’t, it’s falling flat.
Dr Piper: One of the ways to put the two together, is that what’s missing in the hymns is the opportunity to linger, once the emotion has been illicited. So you either preach, or you read the Scriptures or you sing a magnificent hymn, and God begins to manifest Himself through that Biblical truth and at that moment I think most of us take an offering. (laughter). If you want to bring forth an expression to God of the other side - Edwards says God gave man two faculties, the faculty of the volition and the faculty of the mind or the reason - and that when they both are active in their highest intensity, you have affections in the one, and you have right thinking in the other, and you don’t have worship without (I would say) both.
Right thinking is not worship. Worship is right thinking making it’s way into that other faculty, and bringing forth from it right affections and when the two meet, and find proper expression, that that’s worship.
The simple little repetetive choruses can be used as a mantra, or you can use them as a response to something so magnificent that you’ve got to linger a little bit over this truth. You just said this magnificent truth, are you just going to switch off and quick go to another magnificent truth and quick, go to another magnificent truth? You never have the opportunity to let it sink in and soak in and then express, so that’s the function of these simplier things.
*end of transcript section*
I think that is an excellent and fascinating point. Why are we as evangelicals so afraid of emotion? Why are we so afraid of to use Piper's beatuiful phrase; "lingering"?? I don't think we're at all in danger in the United Kingdom at any rate of getting over familiar with God. Our danger surely is that we are in danger of quenching the Holy Spirit and not allowing Him to move and stir those very biblical affections (to cite Jonathan Edwards) towards God. To re-quote one of my favourite citations of Terry Virgo: "This is no age to advocate restraint".
Worship must be in truth - of course. Yet the Lord Jesus also said it must be "in Spirit". Oh for a church that honours both! That honours the Word yet passionately welcomes the Holy Spirit!
One of the subjects very dear to my heart is that of worshipping God. Especially in a corporate setting. Once you have experienced the touch of the Spirit's power in a church or conference setting and then had it forciably removed, one grows extremely protective when it is attacked. I hear on the grapevine that yet again lines are being drawn and people are being forced to make decisions between "intimate" and "lingering" worship and theological mighty hymns.
Why should we?
One of my favourite choruses of all time is the beautiful song sang at Stoneleigh 1998 so powerfully led by Kate Simmonds;
"Draw me close to You, never let me go. I lay it all down again, to hear You say that I'm Your friend. You are my desire. No one else will do. For nothing else can take Your place, to feel the warmth of Your embrace. Help me find the way - bring me back to You.
You're all I want. You're all I've ever needed. You're all I want - help me know You are near".
Yet just as similiarly I am passionately stirred by Kate Simmond's latest hymn; "In Him I have believed";
In Him I have believed, on this my hope now rests
That Jesus Christ is risen from the dead!
The all-surpassing joy of knowing Christ my Lord
The former things, I count them all as loss
Called out of darkness into Your goodness
We are Your children, chosen in Christ!
Now in Your family, heirs of the promise
To Your purpose on the earth I give my life
A people born of God, united by Your call
One faith, one Lord, one Father of us all
Joined with bonds of love, and planted in Your house
We worship You with hearts and lives poured out
Let us go on in the power of Your Spirit
Taking Your gospel to all the world!
Declaring Your wisdom, our great commission,
That Jesus Christ has come to save the lost!
Whatever trials may come, in faith, Lord, help us stand
For righteousness and justice in our land What fear can hold us now?
We run toward the prize
Our lives already crucified with Christ
Through every nation, Your kingdom advances
Who can extinguish this spreading flame?
Through tribulations, we’ll stand on Your promise:
‘I will build My Church and hell will not prevail!’
And on that final day, the citizens of heaven
Called out to be the new Jerusalem
In multitudes will bow before the throne of God:
One nation called from every tribe and tongue
Great celebration! The glorious union: The Lion of Judah and the pure, spotless Bride!
All of creation waits for this moment All your promises fulfilled in Jesus Christ!
So I ask again, why does it have to be one or the other?
At the Bethlehem Conference for Pastors in 1999, Dr James Boice and Dr John Piper had a fascinating interaction during the Panel Discussion that closes the conference. Boice (as would be expected) was suspicious of choruses and slightly mocked what he called "Alleluia Mantras". Piper's response on the other hand was outstanding and marked what I passionately cling to:
(By the way I have taken blatent and unashamed overuse of the bold and underline key)
Questioner: For Dr Boice. Concerning the “Alleluia Mantra” that you mentioned Monday night. (*laughter*).
Dr Boice: I retract all that (*laughter*).
Questioner: I believe that you said then, that it might stir up some emotion but it wouldn’t be worship. So my question for you, especially in light of the fact that it’s “Desiring God” Ministries that has brought you here (laughter), what place does emotion have in worship if any place at all, and John you can respond to that too.
Dr Boice: Yes, I will probably never be invited back so I can say anything at all. No, the only thing that I am concerned about is that worship does not exclude emotion, but worship is not worship if it doesn’t engage the mind. I think I would say, along those lines, the same kind of thing that John Stott does in “Your Mind Matters”. And worship is ascribing praise to God. Which means we are praising God for being God, and unless that has content, it’s meaningless.
So emotion without that kind of substance is meaningless - it’s just an emotion. However to understand the greatness of God in various attributes should be an emotional thing. So my objection to the kind of music that is mearly repeating words (and I use ‘Alleluia’ as an example because it’s just one word being repeated over and over again). I think that bypasses the mind, I don’t really think that is worship in most cases, unless people are bringing more to it than is there in the song. So, I say that is the advantage of the hymns - the hymns have the theology in them, when you say them you are actually saying something that has meaning, and it has to do with God and it should evoke emotion, if it doesn’t, it’s falling flat.
Dr Piper: One of the ways to put the two together, is that what’s missing in the hymns is the opportunity to linger, once the emotion has been illicited. So you either preach, or you read the Scriptures or you sing a magnificent hymn, and God begins to manifest Himself through that Biblical truth and at that moment I think most of us take an offering. (laughter). If you want to bring forth an expression to God of the other side - Edwards says God gave man two faculties, the faculty of the volition and the faculty of the mind or the reason - and that when they both are active in their highest intensity, you have affections in the one, and you have right thinking in the other, and you don’t have worship without (I would say) both.
Right thinking is not worship. Worship is right thinking making it’s way into that other faculty, and bringing forth from it right affections and when the two meet, and find proper expression, that that’s worship.
The simple little repetetive choruses can be used as a mantra, or you can use them as a response to something so magnificent that you’ve got to linger a little bit over this truth. You just said this magnificent truth, are you just going to switch off and quick go to another magnificent truth and quick, go to another magnificent truth? You never have the opportunity to let it sink in and soak in and then express, so that’s the function of these simplier things.
*end of transcript section*
I think that is an excellent and fascinating point. Why are we as evangelicals so afraid of emotion? Why are we so afraid of to use Piper's beatuiful phrase; "lingering"?? I don't think we're at all in danger in the United Kingdom at any rate of getting over familiar with God. Our danger surely is that we are in danger of quenching the Holy Spirit and not allowing Him to move and stir those very biblical affections (to cite Jonathan Edwards) towards God. To re-quote one of my favourite citations of Terry Virgo: "This is no age to advocate restraint".
Worship must be in truth - of course. Yet the Lord Jesus also said it must be "in Spirit". Oh for a church that honours both! That honours the Word yet passionately welcomes the Holy Spirit!
"Singing the Same Old Hymns?" - Reviewing Wayne Grudem
I mentioned a few days ago that I am reading and throughly enjoying the rebuttal to Grudem and Piper's "Biblical Manhood and Womanhood" tome which is partly edited by Gordon Fee. I have a few more chapters to go before I have finished it, and then it is to the drawing board to thrash through what I really think on this issue. My brother-in-law asked me over Sunday lunch whether I approached this book with a predisposing prejudice. Indeed I did! My entire background in church life has been geared towards the view that "Leadership is Male". My home church in Dunstable was totally this way, as was my Newfrontiers church in Birmingham. So studying "Biblical Equality" has brought a refreshing wind of change - whether I am persuaded by their arguments or remain unconvinced.
I thought I would write a review of one of Wayne Grudem's recent books just as an aside before I finish reading;
Singing the Same Old Hymns??
A Review of Professor Wayne Grudem’s book, “Biblical Foundations for Manhood and Womanhood”.
Yes – that’s correct, yet ANOTHER tome to add to the ever-growing library on this never-ending controversy. By his own admission Professor Grudem sees the situation as, “an on-going debate” (p13). However his apologetic is that this volume provides a “more scholarly focus” (p13). So what titbits are we, the weary readers offered as a good reason to buy and more importantly read this addition?
1. Contributors.
Professor Grudem has gathered an impressive array of theologians and pastors to each contribute papers to this book. They range from Bruce Ware (Dean at the Southern Baptist Seminary) to Peter Jones (Professor in New Testament at Westminster in California). Of course no book on Manhood and Womanhood would be complete without John Piper, Senior Pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church, and Grudem himself offers 3 chapters of his own.
2. Content.
Lest any of us remain unimpressed by ‘personalities’, Grudem has edited a varied and interesting content to the book. In comparison to its voluminous predecessor – “Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood” – Grudem is careful to take an exegetical standpoint, but not neglecting to address key issues such as the object of marriage, Trinity as well as ensuring the egalitarian viewpoint is countered on all fronts – including the meaning of “head” (Gal 3:28) and interpretations of submission in Ephesians 5:21-22.
This review will be slightly more lengthy than usual as there are a larger number of issues to address. Not all chapters will be reviewed in the same depth as say, Dr Grudem’s key overview paper in Chapter 1.
1. Overview – “Chapter 1: The Key Issues in the Manhood-Womanhood Controversy and the Way Forward” – Wayne Grudem.
The author opens cautiously, carefully and courteously (as well he should) by establishing the framework for Key Issue No. 1 (of which there are 6). Namely that, “men and women are equal in value and dignity” (p19). He asserts that any discussion must start from here – our equality in the image of God (p19). With that in mind we are moved to the inevitable issue of differences and takes a great deal of time in establishing why male headship existed pre-fall. While this list is comprehensive, his apologetic for taking 13 pages to detail this is simply that this was God’s purpose in creation – that of difference (p37). The review imagines that his underlying purpose was to make an attempt to use the case study of the first man and the first woman to support his case – as well as showing that his framework was biblical before the resurgence of feminism!
From that theological beginning, Grudem then moves to speak very practically on the errors of passivity and aggression and the need for balance in home life (p42). He swiftly confronts the egalitarian arguments detailing 3 objections to their claims – Gal 3:28, Eph 5:21 – “mutual” submission and finally the meaning of “head”. These points are answered in typical eloquence.
His next move is to state Key Issues 3 to 6 and each “issue” seems to dramatise and lift the whole matter onto a higher level. Issue 3 draws a serious parallel between men and women and the Trinity. Issue 5 is the most blatant; “This is a matter of obedience to the Bible”. I found this issue the most disappointing, for rather than interacting seriously with general texts to show this, Dr Grudem seems to deal with anecdotes on organisational statements of belief rather than on sound, biblical exegesis as to why this is a matter of such severity! I would suggest that either the title is toned down or he re-write this section for any serious reader will not be persuaded on anecdotal evidence.
Pages 62-63 detail a stimulating and interesting chart showing “how a biblical view of men and women stand in contrast to the opponent No Differences on the far left and the opponent on the far right” (p60). His conclusions remain strong – this controversy is “really about God and His character” (p68). When one reads this chapter, it is clear why SGM “apostle” C J Mahaney would state that Biblical Manhood and Womanhood is a “hill we will die on”. The conclusion to this review will assess this matter of “primary” or “secondary” importance and to which this matter fits into.
2. “The Glory of Man and Woman as Created by God” – Bruce A Ware.
Ware commences this slightly shorter chapter on a similar view to Grudem using Genesis 1:24-31, “Created in the image of God”. The aims of the chapter were:
1. What the image of God is. Traditional images are examined including Irenaeus, Augustine, Aquinas and Calvin. Relational views are examined – Barth and Brunner and functional views are assessed – Verduin and Clines. Ware is careful to assess these objectively.
2. Male and Female “as the image of God”. He is careful to note that egalitarians and complementarians are united on the fact that the image of God “indicates equal value of women with men” (p80).
3. Male and Female Complementarity as the Image of God. Ware speaks much of the “functional” role – both must have responsibilities. Interestingly enough he notes;
“Concepts of inferiority or superiority have no place in the God-ordained nature of male and female in the image of God” (p89).
He then takes some time to include a discourse on singles and their role in the church concluding our goal is to “fulfil His will and obey His word” and suggests we do this in relationship. It is a useful contribution to the book.
3. “The Surpassing Goal: Marriage Lived For the Glory of God” – John Piper.
Dr Piper begins in typical form – summed up in the sentence; “God is ultimate and marriage is not” (p93). He then spends much of the chapter speaking on the Person and Glory of God. It is therefore truly an excellent chapter in the book soaking in God-centred theology. His thesis is simply:
“Marriage exists to magnify the truth and worth and beauty and greatness of God. God does not exist to magnify marriage. Until this order is vivid and valued – until it is seen and savoured (a favourite phrase of Dr Pipers) marriage will not be experienced as a revelation of God’s glory but as a rival of God’s glory” (p93).
His vision is clear – to see the glory of God shining forth from marriage and he suggests that it may happen at two levels. 1. Structural. Both spouses are essentially fulfilling their roles in the relationship. 2. Deeper Sustained Hope Giving Superior Satisfaction in God. This is the ultimate goal in any marriage. We must see the glory of God as more precious, more fulfilling, more deep – indeed the ultimate goal of life – than marriage. He ends his paper by reproducing a poem he wrote for his son at his wedding day. “Love Her More and Love Her Less”. The essence of the poem is that Piper’s son will love his wife more, by loving her less. It is a powerful alternative to the written prose – of which the rest of the book is made up of. Yet the reader does not feel cheated out of Dr Piper’s theological writings! The message is almost even more powerful than many of the other chapters. “Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness”. Many young couples would do well to mediate on this chapter before hastily rushing into marriage as seems to be the trend nowadays.
Practical Matters:
There are seven further chapters in the tome – seeming to make up the other half of the book. Five are classified for the purposes of this review as; “Disputed Matters”, the other three are known as “Cultural Matters”.
“Disputed Matters”.
§ Chapter 4 – Galatians 3:28 – Gender Specific Roles – Richard Hove
§ Chapter 5 – The Meaning of “Head” – Wayne Grudem
§ Chapter 6 – Novelty of Egalitarian Interpretations of Ephesians 5:21-22 – Daniel Doriani
§ Chapter 7 – The Myth of Mutual Submission – Ephesians 5:21-22 – Wayne Grudem
§ Chapter 8 – Tampering with the Trinity – Does the Son submit to the Father? – Bruce Ware
“Cultural Matters”.
§ Chapter 9 – Sexual Perversion – Peter Jones
§ Chapter 10 – Plastic Sexuality – Daniel Heimball
The reviewer would take issue with these two final chapters in this tome. While one may appreciate the value of such issues being raised and discussed in a frank and honest way, it would seem that these men have written from the standpoint of academics rather than with a pastoral touch. While this may be their purpose, one is left with the feeling that there is very little hope for any who may stray from their narrow path. From the standpoint of one who has had some practical experience of “Plastic Sexuality”, the reviewer would query whether the matter is as hard and fast as Mr Heimball would make out. I am well aware of the distrust and disinterest in psychology, and would agree that there are inherent dangers in such approaches. C J Mahaney is correct in his excellent series on the therapeutic movement, in suggesting that the danger is to blame circumstances rather than sin. However I do not think that these men have replaced Christian psychology with a viable alternative. A Christian struggling with such issues is left with the distinct impression that they are a deviant. End of story. The challenge is to replace the psychologists with pastors; the clinics with churches, the couches with fellowship groups – if this is done, then much healing and change may be seen.
Conclusions
The reader may benefit much from investing in this tome. However I would question whether the lay reader need purchase this, if they have the monumental tome “Biblical Manhood and Womanhood”. While I remain fully persuaded of Dr Grudem’s thesis – namely that church eldership is a male role, I am not convinced of the importance that his disciples put on the matter.
As I said at a recent SGM Leadership Conference, C J Mahaney was noted to have said, “This (the Manhood and Womanhood issue) is a hill we will die upon”. This would seem to suggest that such ‘Grudemites’ are and should be exalting the matter to a place of primary importance – i.e. essential to the gospel. At the same time, the same SGM have rapidly removed issues such as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as being fundamental to membership of that movement so churches such as from the Third Wave may join. I would question whether that is the correct organising of priorities – coming from the influence (it would seem) of Dr Grudem.
Despite this, I would not dream of seeing this issue as one in which I have fixed my opinions. I benefit much from reading Wayne Grudem’s writings – appreciating his passion, his devotion to the Word of God, and his high value of the biblical text and would continue to recommend this and all his other books to those that have the time and the interest in reading them. It is an investment worthy of the effort.
I mentioned a few days ago that I am reading and throughly enjoying the rebuttal to Grudem and Piper's "Biblical Manhood and Womanhood" tome which is partly edited by Gordon Fee. I have a few more chapters to go before I have finished it, and then it is to the drawing board to thrash through what I really think on this issue. My brother-in-law asked me over Sunday lunch whether I approached this book with a predisposing prejudice. Indeed I did! My entire background in church life has been geared towards the view that "Leadership is Male". My home church in Dunstable was totally this way, as was my Newfrontiers church in Birmingham. So studying "Biblical Equality" has brought a refreshing wind of change - whether I am persuaded by their arguments or remain unconvinced.
I thought I would write a review of one of Wayne Grudem's recent books just as an aside before I finish reading;
Singing the Same Old Hymns??
A Review of Professor Wayne Grudem’s book, “Biblical Foundations for Manhood and Womanhood”.
Yes – that’s correct, yet ANOTHER tome to add to the ever-growing library on this never-ending controversy. By his own admission Professor Grudem sees the situation as, “an on-going debate” (p13). However his apologetic is that this volume provides a “more scholarly focus” (p13). So what titbits are we, the weary readers offered as a good reason to buy and more importantly read this addition?
1. Contributors.
Professor Grudem has gathered an impressive array of theologians and pastors to each contribute papers to this book. They range from Bruce Ware (Dean at the Southern Baptist Seminary) to Peter Jones (Professor in New Testament at Westminster in California). Of course no book on Manhood and Womanhood would be complete without John Piper, Senior Pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church, and Grudem himself offers 3 chapters of his own.
2. Content.
Lest any of us remain unimpressed by ‘personalities’, Grudem has edited a varied and interesting content to the book. In comparison to its voluminous predecessor – “Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood” – Grudem is careful to take an exegetical standpoint, but not neglecting to address key issues such as the object of marriage, Trinity as well as ensuring the egalitarian viewpoint is countered on all fronts – including the meaning of “head” (Gal 3:28) and interpretations of submission in Ephesians 5:21-22.
This review will be slightly more lengthy than usual as there are a larger number of issues to address. Not all chapters will be reviewed in the same depth as say, Dr Grudem’s key overview paper in Chapter 1.
1. Overview – “Chapter 1: The Key Issues in the Manhood-Womanhood Controversy and the Way Forward” – Wayne Grudem.
The author opens cautiously, carefully and courteously (as well he should) by establishing the framework for Key Issue No. 1 (of which there are 6). Namely that, “men and women are equal in value and dignity” (p19). He asserts that any discussion must start from here – our equality in the image of God (p19). With that in mind we are moved to the inevitable issue of differences and takes a great deal of time in establishing why male headship existed pre-fall. While this list is comprehensive, his apologetic for taking 13 pages to detail this is simply that this was God’s purpose in creation – that of difference (p37). The review imagines that his underlying purpose was to make an attempt to use the case study of the first man and the first woman to support his case – as well as showing that his framework was biblical before the resurgence of feminism!
From that theological beginning, Grudem then moves to speak very practically on the errors of passivity and aggression and the need for balance in home life (p42). He swiftly confronts the egalitarian arguments detailing 3 objections to their claims – Gal 3:28, Eph 5:21 – “mutual” submission and finally the meaning of “head”. These points are answered in typical eloquence.
His next move is to state Key Issues 3 to 6 and each “issue” seems to dramatise and lift the whole matter onto a higher level. Issue 3 draws a serious parallel between men and women and the Trinity. Issue 5 is the most blatant; “This is a matter of obedience to the Bible”. I found this issue the most disappointing, for rather than interacting seriously with general texts to show this, Dr Grudem seems to deal with anecdotes on organisational statements of belief rather than on sound, biblical exegesis as to why this is a matter of such severity! I would suggest that either the title is toned down or he re-write this section for any serious reader will not be persuaded on anecdotal evidence.
Pages 62-63 detail a stimulating and interesting chart showing “how a biblical view of men and women stand in contrast to the opponent No Differences on the far left and the opponent on the far right” (p60). His conclusions remain strong – this controversy is “really about God and His character” (p68). When one reads this chapter, it is clear why SGM “apostle” C J Mahaney would state that Biblical Manhood and Womanhood is a “hill we will die on”. The conclusion to this review will assess this matter of “primary” or “secondary” importance and to which this matter fits into.
2. “The Glory of Man and Woman as Created by God” – Bruce A Ware.
Ware commences this slightly shorter chapter on a similar view to Grudem using Genesis 1:24-31, “Created in the image of God”. The aims of the chapter were:
1. What the image of God is. Traditional images are examined including Irenaeus, Augustine, Aquinas and Calvin. Relational views are examined – Barth and Brunner and functional views are assessed – Verduin and Clines. Ware is careful to assess these objectively.
2. Male and Female “as the image of God”. He is careful to note that egalitarians and complementarians are united on the fact that the image of God “indicates equal value of women with men” (p80).
3. Male and Female Complementarity as the Image of God. Ware speaks much of the “functional” role – both must have responsibilities. Interestingly enough he notes;
“Concepts of inferiority or superiority have no place in the God-ordained nature of male and female in the image of God” (p89).
He then takes some time to include a discourse on singles and their role in the church concluding our goal is to “fulfil His will and obey His word” and suggests we do this in relationship. It is a useful contribution to the book.
3. “The Surpassing Goal: Marriage Lived For the Glory of God” – John Piper.
Dr Piper begins in typical form – summed up in the sentence; “God is ultimate and marriage is not” (p93). He then spends much of the chapter speaking on the Person and Glory of God. It is therefore truly an excellent chapter in the book soaking in God-centred theology. His thesis is simply:
“Marriage exists to magnify the truth and worth and beauty and greatness of God. God does not exist to magnify marriage. Until this order is vivid and valued – until it is seen and savoured (a favourite phrase of Dr Pipers) marriage will not be experienced as a revelation of God’s glory but as a rival of God’s glory” (p93).
His vision is clear – to see the glory of God shining forth from marriage and he suggests that it may happen at two levels. 1. Structural. Both spouses are essentially fulfilling their roles in the relationship. 2. Deeper Sustained Hope Giving Superior Satisfaction in God. This is the ultimate goal in any marriage. We must see the glory of God as more precious, more fulfilling, more deep – indeed the ultimate goal of life – than marriage. He ends his paper by reproducing a poem he wrote for his son at his wedding day. “Love Her More and Love Her Less”. The essence of the poem is that Piper’s son will love his wife more, by loving her less. It is a powerful alternative to the written prose – of which the rest of the book is made up of. Yet the reader does not feel cheated out of Dr Piper’s theological writings! The message is almost even more powerful than many of the other chapters. “Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness”. Many young couples would do well to mediate on this chapter before hastily rushing into marriage as seems to be the trend nowadays.
Practical Matters:
There are seven further chapters in the tome – seeming to make up the other half of the book. Five are classified for the purposes of this review as; “Disputed Matters”, the other three are known as “Cultural Matters”.
“Disputed Matters”.
§ Chapter 4 – Galatians 3:28 – Gender Specific Roles – Richard Hove
§ Chapter 5 – The Meaning of “Head” – Wayne Grudem
§ Chapter 6 – Novelty of Egalitarian Interpretations of Ephesians 5:21-22 – Daniel Doriani
§ Chapter 7 – The Myth of Mutual Submission – Ephesians 5:21-22 – Wayne Grudem
§ Chapter 8 – Tampering with the Trinity – Does the Son submit to the Father? – Bruce Ware
“Cultural Matters”.
§ Chapter 9 – Sexual Perversion – Peter Jones
§ Chapter 10 – Plastic Sexuality – Daniel Heimball
The reviewer would take issue with these two final chapters in this tome. While one may appreciate the value of such issues being raised and discussed in a frank and honest way, it would seem that these men have written from the standpoint of academics rather than with a pastoral touch. While this may be their purpose, one is left with the feeling that there is very little hope for any who may stray from their narrow path. From the standpoint of one who has had some practical experience of “Plastic Sexuality”, the reviewer would query whether the matter is as hard and fast as Mr Heimball would make out. I am well aware of the distrust and disinterest in psychology, and would agree that there are inherent dangers in such approaches. C J Mahaney is correct in his excellent series on the therapeutic movement, in suggesting that the danger is to blame circumstances rather than sin. However I do not think that these men have replaced Christian psychology with a viable alternative. A Christian struggling with such issues is left with the distinct impression that they are a deviant. End of story. The challenge is to replace the psychologists with pastors; the clinics with churches, the couches with fellowship groups – if this is done, then much healing and change may be seen.
Conclusions
The reader may benefit much from investing in this tome. However I would question whether the lay reader need purchase this, if they have the monumental tome “Biblical Manhood and Womanhood”. While I remain fully persuaded of Dr Grudem’s thesis – namely that church eldership is a male role, I am not convinced of the importance that his disciples put on the matter.
As I said at a recent SGM Leadership Conference, C J Mahaney was noted to have said, “This (the Manhood and Womanhood issue) is a hill we will die upon”. This would seem to suggest that such ‘Grudemites’ are and should be exalting the matter to a place of primary importance – i.e. essential to the gospel. At the same time, the same SGM have rapidly removed issues such as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as being fundamental to membership of that movement so churches such as from the Third Wave may join. I would question whether that is the correct organising of priorities – coming from the influence (it would seem) of Dr Grudem.
Despite this, I would not dream of seeing this issue as one in which I have fixed my opinions. I benefit much from reading Wayne Grudem’s writings – appreciating his passion, his devotion to the Word of God, and his high value of the biblical text and would continue to recommend this and all his other books to those that have the time and the interest in reading them. It is an investment worthy of the effort.
Friday, October 07, 2005
By What Authority?
I've been reading "Discovering Biblical Equality" of which Gordon Fee is a consulting editor. It's a fascinating book designed as an egalitarian rebuttal to Piper and Grudem. (Yes I'm aware of the horror stories from the Evangelical Now magazine by the way! ) When I finish it I will review it properly because it highlights some important discrepancies in the Piper/Grudem view of manhood and womanhood.
But I was gripped by one chapter that Fee contributed on "Hermaneutics". He raised the whole question of where do we get our authority from?
This question has been buzzing around my head for some time; my previous blog entry touched on it. My home church totally changed their pneumatology because of it. I received a letter yesterday from the SGM hierarchy ignoring the serious pastoral implications in their ranks but accusing me of not being "biblical" in my concerns about their ecclesiology. And so on and so on... It touches all aspects of Christian life.
Fee sketched out the following model as to where and by what authority we operate both corporately and personally:
Religious Authority - External.
1. A Sacred Book.
2. An Authoratative Person.
3. A Community of Persons.
Religious Authority - Internal.
1. Reason.
2. Experience.
I found this model quite comprehensive. Fee notes problems with both standards of authority. If you lay claim to external authority in your life, then the obvious question is why one particular one and not another. If you lay claim to the internal - the issue clearly is of absoluteness. Who can critique personal experience?
I found this model quite illuminating. It is possible to see various evangelicals laying claim to both, and in particular to different aspects within those groups. Yet the disturbing thing to me is that not all evangelicals de facto would stand on the authority of Scripture. I submit that the "authoratative person" still holds sway in many churches today. Why is this? Is it because much of the congregation does not have the time or patience to get into the Word of God and find out what God has to say? Similiarly for the congregations.
Therefore I am asking - by WHAT authority do we stand? Are we going to stand firmly and soley on the Word of God? Or are we going to allow trust in our pastor or minister to begin to replace that? Should that replace that? Should the views and standards and expressions of the congregation where we fellowship have some authority in our lives?
It seems to me that if we move away even one iota from holding the Word of God as soley sufficient for all, then there is a gradual slide where we will take authority from all influences in our lives.
A quote of Gordon Fee's to close:
"On such matters, evangelical Christians are deeply divided because the theological positions are derived by implication not by explicit Scriptural instruction".
I've been reading "Discovering Biblical Equality" of which Gordon Fee is a consulting editor. It's a fascinating book designed as an egalitarian rebuttal to Piper and Grudem. (Yes I'm aware of the horror stories from the Evangelical Now magazine by the way! ) When I finish it I will review it properly because it highlights some important discrepancies in the Piper/Grudem view of manhood and womanhood.
But I was gripped by one chapter that Fee contributed on "Hermaneutics". He raised the whole question of where do we get our authority from?
This question has been buzzing around my head for some time; my previous blog entry touched on it. My home church totally changed their pneumatology because of it. I received a letter yesterday from the SGM hierarchy ignoring the serious pastoral implications in their ranks but accusing me of not being "biblical" in my concerns about their ecclesiology. And so on and so on... It touches all aspects of Christian life.
Fee sketched out the following model as to where and by what authority we operate both corporately and personally:
Religious Authority - External.
1. A Sacred Book.
2. An Authoratative Person.
3. A Community of Persons.
Religious Authority - Internal.
1. Reason.
2. Experience.
I found this model quite comprehensive. Fee notes problems with both standards of authority. If you lay claim to external authority in your life, then the obvious question is why one particular one and not another. If you lay claim to the internal - the issue clearly is of absoluteness. Who can critique personal experience?
I found this model quite illuminating. It is possible to see various evangelicals laying claim to both, and in particular to different aspects within those groups. Yet the disturbing thing to me is that not all evangelicals de facto would stand on the authority of Scripture. I submit that the "authoratative person" still holds sway in many churches today. Why is this? Is it because much of the congregation does not have the time or patience to get into the Word of God and find out what God has to say? Similiarly for the congregations.
Therefore I am asking - by WHAT authority do we stand? Are we going to stand firmly and soley on the Word of God? Or are we going to allow trust in our pastor or minister to begin to replace that? Should that replace that? Should the views and standards and expressions of the congregation where we fellowship have some authority in our lives?
It seems to me that if we move away even one iota from holding the Word of God as soley sufficient for all, then there is a gradual slide where we will take authority from all influences in our lives.
A quote of Gordon Fee's to close:
"On such matters, evangelical Christians are deeply divided because the theological positions are derived by implication not by explicit Scriptural instruction".
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Boxing In The Spirit? - A Response to Mark Heath.
My friend Mark wrote an article at the beginning of last week entitled: "Welcoming the Spirit": -
http://wordandspirit.co.uk/blog/index.php?/archives/121-Welcoming-the-Spirit.html
While I can appreciate the motivation behind it and the valid concerns it raised, I was quite concerned at a number of possible implications and maybe a few aspects in Scripture that were missed or not picked up on. This is a matter extremely dear to my heart. After spending the last 2 years in an "open but cautious" environment (i.e practicing cessationist) I am desperately passionate that the Holy Spirit has free reign to move in my church and in my life. Here are just a few points I wonder if Mark could meditate on.
It seems to me that there is a definite dichotomy in Scripture. While on the one hand we all agree and applaud the omnipresence of the Holy Spirit, it seems to me that there is definite room and place for Him to be "More or Less" present. Consider the following:
1. A Personal Presence.
In the individual life of the believer 1 Corinthians 12:13 is quite clear; "For by ONE SPIRIT were WE ALL baptised into one body". Scripture seems clear that there is no way we can enter into an active relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ or His church without a work and de facto the Presence of the Spirit. He must be at work in us to lead us to any interest in Christ. Then after conversion itself Scripture says again that it is the Spirit at work in us that produces His fruits and therefore evidences of conversion - the kind that Jonathan Edwards looked for in those who wanted to partake of the Lord's Table. Yes indeed - the Spirit is omnipresent in the life of ALL true believers.
But ...
Anyone who takes the book of Acts seriously and the Epistles must admit that the Spirit could be "More or Less" present in those same believers He was with. Jesus Himself said; "He has been WITH you and will be IN you". It must have been the Spirit that led Simon Peter to exclaim; "You are the Christ!". Yet on the Day of Pentecost the Apostles received a baptism of power and the Spirit came upon them. This would be the understanding of any who believe in a distinct experience called the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Even those who do not must admit that the Spirit can be "More or Less" present. Conservative evangelicals are very fond of quoting Ephesians "Be filled with the Spirit". Well, if we all have the Spirit as Mark said then why do we need to be filled with Him?
2. A Corporate Presence.
This seemed to be the particular area of interest in Mark's article. And yes, we all agree that the Lord said; "Where two or three are gathered together, there I Am in the midst". How is He present? By His Spirit. Applying this principle we would all be committed to the fact that WHEREVER His church meet in spirit and in truth, then indeed God by His Spirit is present.
But ...
There are countless Scriptures that suggest that the Presence of God can be "More or Less" present. Gordon Fee wrote of the "broad work of the Spirit" in New Testament times yet Wayne Grudem wrote; "I think what believers want is to experience the active Presence of God".
How can He be "More" Present?
Any account of revival is widely acclaimed to be a perculiar intensification of the Presence of God. Surely no one can say that a church in a time of revival is exactly the same as a church that is not?! In Ezekiel there is a gloriously thrilling precursor to New Testament revival when the prophet saw the glory of God returning to the city like the sound of mighty rushing wind. Again the more famous account of the valley of dry bones speaks very powerfully of the fact that that the prophet actually had to "prophesy" to the wind (or the Spirit) before He would come. This had to be done a number of times before the scattered useless bones came together and rose to become a mighty army.
How can He be "Less" Present?
The chilling accounts in the book of Ezekiel talk of the gradual yet definite withdrawing of the Presence of God. Israel were still His people, yet His Presence had departed. In the Old Testament the term "Ichabod" was used to denote the fact that the "glory had departed. We can grieve or quench the Spirit and R T Kendall wrote a book devoted to the fact that the Spirit when grieved will withdraw like a dove.
So ...
Should we welcome or invite the Holy Spirit to a meeting? Of course He does not need our permission to come! He is God and we meet because of Him. Is He reluctant to come? Maybe in some instances particularly as I have said where He is being actively quenched. I don't think it is enough to "cultivate an attitude of expectancy and openness". To do this and this alone seems to me to culture the "Open but cautious" category that Mark has mentioned before. I do think that this prayer; "Come Holy Spirit" is very useful and while it may benefit us, surely the primary aim is not our benefit but the hopeful increasing of the Spirit's Presence in our meetings. One of the comments talking of "invoking the Spirit" - this is a term I find nigh-on blasphemous. The Spirit is a Person, not a spell or a charm
Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones said that; "The greatness sin of the evangelical world is to put the Spirit in a box and tell Him what He can and cannot do". We are surely wrong to presume that He is present just because. Let us take nothing for granted! As I have quoted before Terry Virgo said; "I hate church that isn't church! Let us never be satisfied with another meeting where God is not present".
Let us be careful in our attitude to the Spirit to remain aware of the 'whole counsel of God' and be faithful to His Word. If there is a dichotomy in Scripture, let us admit it and not simply form a theology or an opinion based on our comfort zone. Dr Ll0yd-Jones said again that most of the warnings concerning charismatic excess in Corinthians virtually need not apply to us because "there is no problem of excess in a graveyard". When was the last time we saw the dead raised? Or the unbeliever fall in repentance before the prophetic? Whatever the terminology - that is my desperate desire - to see THAT sort of intensity of the Spirit's joyful Christ-exalting powerful work.
To end with C H Spurgeon; "The Spirit is most powerful beloved!".
My friend Mark wrote an article at the beginning of last week entitled: "Welcoming the Spirit": -
http://wordandspirit.co.uk/blog/index.php?/archives/121-Welcoming-the-Spirit.html
While I can appreciate the motivation behind it and the valid concerns it raised, I was quite concerned at a number of possible implications and maybe a few aspects in Scripture that were missed or not picked up on. This is a matter extremely dear to my heart. After spending the last 2 years in an "open but cautious" environment (i.e practicing cessationist) I am desperately passionate that the Holy Spirit has free reign to move in my church and in my life. Here are just a few points I wonder if Mark could meditate on.
It seems to me that there is a definite dichotomy in Scripture. While on the one hand we all agree and applaud the omnipresence of the Holy Spirit, it seems to me that there is definite room and place for Him to be "More or Less" present. Consider the following:
1. A Personal Presence.
In the individual life of the believer 1 Corinthians 12:13 is quite clear; "For by ONE SPIRIT were WE ALL baptised into one body". Scripture seems clear that there is no way we can enter into an active relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ or His church without a work and de facto the Presence of the Spirit. He must be at work in us to lead us to any interest in Christ. Then after conversion itself Scripture says again that it is the Spirit at work in us that produces His fruits and therefore evidences of conversion - the kind that Jonathan Edwards looked for in those who wanted to partake of the Lord's Table. Yes indeed - the Spirit is omnipresent in the life of ALL true believers.
But ...
Anyone who takes the book of Acts seriously and the Epistles must admit that the Spirit could be "More or Less" present in those same believers He was with. Jesus Himself said; "He has been WITH you and will be IN you". It must have been the Spirit that led Simon Peter to exclaim; "You are the Christ!". Yet on the Day of Pentecost the Apostles received a baptism of power and the Spirit came upon them. This would be the understanding of any who believe in a distinct experience called the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Even those who do not must admit that the Spirit can be "More or Less" present. Conservative evangelicals are very fond of quoting Ephesians "Be filled with the Spirit". Well, if we all have the Spirit as Mark said then why do we need to be filled with Him?
2. A Corporate Presence.
This seemed to be the particular area of interest in Mark's article. And yes, we all agree that the Lord said; "Where two or three are gathered together, there I Am in the midst". How is He present? By His Spirit. Applying this principle we would all be committed to the fact that WHEREVER His church meet in spirit and in truth, then indeed God by His Spirit is present.
But ...
There are countless Scriptures that suggest that the Presence of God can be "More or Less" present. Gordon Fee wrote of the "broad work of the Spirit" in New Testament times yet Wayne Grudem wrote; "I think what believers want is to experience the active Presence of God".
How can He be "More" Present?
Any account of revival is widely acclaimed to be a perculiar intensification of the Presence of God. Surely no one can say that a church in a time of revival is exactly the same as a church that is not?! In Ezekiel there is a gloriously thrilling precursor to New Testament revival when the prophet saw the glory of God returning to the city like the sound of mighty rushing wind. Again the more famous account of the valley of dry bones speaks very powerfully of the fact that that the prophet actually had to "prophesy" to the wind (or the Spirit) before He would come. This had to be done a number of times before the scattered useless bones came together and rose to become a mighty army.
How can He be "Less" Present?
The chilling accounts in the book of Ezekiel talk of the gradual yet definite withdrawing of the Presence of God. Israel were still His people, yet His Presence had departed. In the Old Testament the term "Ichabod" was used to denote the fact that the "glory had departed. We can grieve or quench the Spirit and R T Kendall wrote a book devoted to the fact that the Spirit when grieved will withdraw like a dove.
So ...
Should we welcome or invite the Holy Spirit to a meeting? Of course He does not need our permission to come! He is God and we meet because of Him. Is He reluctant to come? Maybe in some instances particularly as I have said where He is being actively quenched. I don't think it is enough to "cultivate an attitude of expectancy and openness". To do this and this alone seems to me to culture the "Open but cautious" category that Mark has mentioned before. I do think that this prayer; "Come Holy Spirit" is very useful and while it may benefit us, surely the primary aim is not our benefit but the hopeful increasing of the Spirit's Presence in our meetings. One of the comments talking of "invoking the Spirit" - this is a term I find nigh-on blasphemous. The Spirit is a Person, not a spell or a charm
Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones said that; "The greatness sin of the evangelical world is to put the Spirit in a box and tell Him what He can and cannot do". We are surely wrong to presume that He is present just because. Let us take nothing for granted! As I have quoted before Terry Virgo said; "I hate church that isn't church! Let us never be satisfied with another meeting where God is not present".
Let us be careful in our attitude to the Spirit to remain aware of the 'whole counsel of God' and be faithful to His Word. If there is a dichotomy in Scripture, let us admit it and not simply form a theology or an opinion based on our comfort zone. Dr Ll0yd-Jones said again that most of the warnings concerning charismatic excess in Corinthians virtually need not apply to us because "there is no problem of excess in a graveyard". When was the last time we saw the dead raised? Or the unbeliever fall in repentance before the prophetic? Whatever the terminology - that is my desperate desire - to see THAT sort of intensity of the Spirit's joyful Christ-exalting powerful work.
To end with C H Spurgeon; "The Spirit is most powerful beloved!".
Sunday, September 25, 2005
A Few More Things I've Seen:
John Piper's new book is virtually out and available online! Woohoo!! I haven't read it yet - but starting it today:
http://www.gnpcb.org/product/1581347510/contents#extra
I found this blog - excellent, informative and best of all he likes Terry Virgo:
http://thebluefish.blogspot.com
And also this site with some UCCF input I think but excellent all the same with some amazing articles.
http://beginningwithmoses.org/
John Piper's new book is virtually out and available online! Woohoo!! I haven't read it yet - but starting it today:
http://www.gnpcb.org/product/1581347510/contents#extra
I found this blog - excellent, informative and best of all he likes Terry Virgo:
http://thebluefish.blogspot.com
And also this site with some UCCF input I think but excellent all the same with some amazing articles.
http://beginningwithmoses.org/
Miracle!!
WOW!! I've just seen that Terry Virgo was the guest speaker at Forum 2005 - the UCCF Student Conference. Things have clearly changed since I was in the CU world!!
http://www.uccf.org.uk/resources/general/forum2005/index.php - downloadable files here.
Hallelujah!
WOW!! I've just seen that Terry Virgo was the guest speaker at Forum 2005 - the UCCF Student Conference. Things have clearly changed since I was in the CU world!!
http://www.uccf.org.uk/resources/general/forum2005/index.php - downloadable files here.
Hallelujah!
Terry Virgo Speaks Again!
I've been really unwell today so lying on the sofa and feeling very sorry for oneself was a 'must'. Especially a sofa as lovely as mine ... Mmm. But it did have an added bonus that in sheer boredom I began watching the video of Terry Virgo's second part series on "Saul and David" that he preached at Brighton 2004 - based supremely and superbly on Ern Baxter's teaching on the King and His Army from the Lakes Bible Week 1975.
And I was gripped. Although I was there in person, its amazing what passes you by. Two comments he made almost reduced me to tears;
Quoting Mahesh Chavda on the Holy Spirit; "I sensed the withdrawing of my dearest friend".
And Terry himself: "I HATE CHURCH THAT ISN'T CHURCH".
Time after time occured to me when I have done exactly that - grieved my Dearest Friend and sensed His withrdawing - or even more scarily NOT missed His withdrawing. And linked to that - endured church that isn't church. What a traversty!
And so then and there I came up with some Spiritual New Year's resolutions, because it IS a New Spiritual Year for me.
1. To cultivate the intensity of relationship with the Holy Spirit so that IF I do grieve Him, I will speedily miss His Presence and long and beg for His return and forgiveness.
2. To model my walk with Him on the lives of those great men and women of God that Terry mentioned; Kathyrn Kuhlman (I'll never forget that quote! "Are we ready now?"). Mahesh Chavda, Ram Babu and Terry himself.
3. To spend time that I have lost in grieving and quenching Him getting to know Him so more deeply and more intimately. That I could walk from a time of prayer with my Dearest Friend and that men would fall under the power of the Spirit before me!!
4. To never again tolerate church that ISN'T church - or to endure a meeting when God has not been present and is not invited.
Come Holy Spirit!
I've been really unwell today so lying on the sofa and feeling very sorry for oneself was a 'must'. Especially a sofa as lovely as mine ... Mmm. But it did have an added bonus that in sheer boredom I began watching the video of Terry Virgo's second part series on "Saul and David" that he preached at Brighton 2004 - based supremely and superbly on Ern Baxter's teaching on the King and His Army from the Lakes Bible Week 1975.
And I was gripped. Although I was there in person, its amazing what passes you by. Two comments he made almost reduced me to tears;
Quoting Mahesh Chavda on the Holy Spirit; "I sensed the withdrawing of my dearest friend".
And Terry himself: "I HATE CHURCH THAT ISN'T CHURCH".
Time after time occured to me when I have done exactly that - grieved my Dearest Friend and sensed His withrdawing - or even more scarily NOT missed His withdrawing. And linked to that - endured church that isn't church. What a traversty!
And so then and there I came up with some Spiritual New Year's resolutions, because it IS a New Spiritual Year for me.
1. To cultivate the intensity of relationship with the Holy Spirit so that IF I do grieve Him, I will speedily miss His Presence and long and beg for His return and forgiveness.
2. To model my walk with Him on the lives of those great men and women of God that Terry mentioned; Kathyrn Kuhlman (I'll never forget that quote! "Are we ready now?"). Mahesh Chavda, Ram Babu and Terry himself.
3. To spend time that I have lost in grieving and quenching Him getting to know Him so more deeply and more intimately. That I could walk from a time of prayer with my Dearest Friend and that men would fall under the power of the Spirit before me!!
4. To never again tolerate church that ISN'T church - or to endure a meeting when God has not been present and is not invited.
Come Holy Spirit!
Friday, September 16, 2005
"The Power of the Holy Ghost" -
I am deeply aware that my ever increasing collection of Metropolitan Tabernacles are a deep and dusty treasure trove, but digging through them is EXACTLY as John Piper described - sometimes you get rare and precious diamonds. I was reading the New Park Street Pulpit and I found this outstanding and amazing sermon on the "Power of the Holy Ghost". I have typed out the headings and the key quotes so the general thrust comes across. This is a "broad view" of the Spirit that I long to catch and hang onto!!
A Sermon on the Text: Romans 15:13 by C H Spurgeon - 17th June 1855.
"Power is the special and perculiar perogative of God and God alone".
1. The Outward and Visible Displays of Power
"Four Works".
i) Creation Works: Job 26:13 - "By His Spirit hath He garnished the heavens".
ii) Resurrection Works: "The resurrection was affected by the agency of the Spirit".
iii) Attestation Works: "Ah! Those Socinians who deny the existence of the Holy Ghost and His absolute Personality, what will they do when we get them on creation, resurrection and attestation? They must rush in the very teeth of Scripture".
iv) Grace Works: "Let the gospel be preached and the Spirit poured out and you will see it has such power to change the conscience, to ameliorate the conduct, to raise the debased, to chastise and curb the wickedness of the race that you must glory in it".
2. Inward and Spiritual Power of the Holy Spirit.
i) Power over men's hearts: "There is not a minster breathing that can win men's hearts himself".
ii) Power over men's wills: "If there is one thing more stubborn than the hear, it is the will. I want nothing to do with free will, but I will try to see whether I have got a free will and I find that I have. Very free will to evil, but very poor will to that which is good".
iii) Power over men's imaginations: "The imagination will sometimes fly up to God with such a power that eagles wings cannot match it - but if it is potent one way, then it is another. For my imagination has taken me down to the vilest kennels and sewers upon the earth. Can you chain your imagination? No but the Spirit of God can".
3. Future and Desired Effects.
i) Perfect us in holiness.
ii) Bringing on of Latter Day Glory: "In a few more years, the Holy Spirit will be poured out in a far different style from the present. For the hour is coming when the Holy Ghost shall be poured out in such a wonderful manner that many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased - the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth as the waters cover the surface of the great deep. When His Kingdom shall come and His will shall be done on the earth as it is in heaven. My heart exults and my eyes flash with the thought that very likely I shall live to see the outpouring of the Spirit; when sons and daughters of God shall prophesy and young men see visions and old men dream dreams".
iii) General resurrection: "When the wind of the Holy Spirit comes they shall stand on their feet a great and mighty army".
Concluding Comments:
"The Spirit is very powerful, Christian!".
"He is able to make you willing in the day of His Power".
I am deeply aware that my ever increasing collection of Metropolitan Tabernacles are a deep and dusty treasure trove, but digging through them is EXACTLY as John Piper described - sometimes you get rare and precious diamonds. I was reading the New Park Street Pulpit and I found this outstanding and amazing sermon on the "Power of the Holy Ghost". I have typed out the headings and the key quotes so the general thrust comes across. This is a "broad view" of the Spirit that I long to catch and hang onto!!
A Sermon on the Text: Romans 15:13 by C H Spurgeon - 17th June 1855.
"Power is the special and perculiar perogative of God and God alone".
1. The Outward and Visible Displays of Power
"Four Works".
i) Creation Works: Job 26:13 - "By His Spirit hath He garnished the heavens".
ii) Resurrection Works: "The resurrection was affected by the agency of the Spirit".
iii) Attestation Works: "Ah! Those Socinians who deny the existence of the Holy Ghost and His absolute Personality, what will they do when we get them on creation, resurrection and attestation? They must rush in the very teeth of Scripture".
iv) Grace Works: "Let the gospel be preached and the Spirit poured out and you will see it has such power to change the conscience, to ameliorate the conduct, to raise the debased, to chastise and curb the wickedness of the race that you must glory in it".
2. Inward and Spiritual Power of the Holy Spirit.
i) Power over men's hearts: "There is not a minster breathing that can win men's hearts himself".
ii) Power over men's wills: "If there is one thing more stubborn than the hear, it is the will. I want nothing to do with free will, but I will try to see whether I have got a free will and I find that I have. Very free will to evil, but very poor will to that which is good".
iii) Power over men's imaginations: "The imagination will sometimes fly up to God with such a power that eagles wings cannot match it - but if it is potent one way, then it is another. For my imagination has taken me down to the vilest kennels and sewers upon the earth. Can you chain your imagination? No but the Spirit of God can".
3. Future and Desired Effects.
i) Perfect us in holiness.
ii) Bringing on of Latter Day Glory: "In a few more years, the Holy Spirit will be poured out in a far different style from the present. For the hour is coming when the Holy Ghost shall be poured out in such a wonderful manner that many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased - the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth as the waters cover the surface of the great deep. When His Kingdom shall come and His will shall be done on the earth as it is in heaven. My heart exults and my eyes flash with the thought that very likely I shall live to see the outpouring of the Spirit; when sons and daughters of God shall prophesy and young men see visions and old men dream dreams".
iii) General resurrection: "When the wind of the Holy Spirit comes they shall stand on their feet a great and mighty army".
Concluding Comments:
"The Spirit is very powerful, Christian!".
"He is able to make you willing in the day of His Power".
Thursday, September 15, 2005
The Deep Bass Note of Worship
When asked what the Charismatic Movement contributed to the church, Dr Ern Baxter said that he felt the answer was "Worship". Through reviving and restoring worship in the Charismatic Movement God was bringing to the fore a people who were not satisfied with simply "head" worship - they wanted to connect to Him in their hearts. They wanted to encounter the Presence of God. And in my own personal experience, the hymnody of the Charismatic Movement played a vital part in helping me grow up with firmly embedded doctrinal views that I have - particularly that of Restoration. Here are some of my favourites:
"Jesus has sat down at God's right hand - He is reigning NOW on David's throne,
God has placed all things beneath His feet - His enemies shall be His footstool;
For the government is now upon His shoulder, and of the increase of His government and peace - there will be no end, there will be no end - there will be no end!".
"I hear the sound of rustling in the leaves of the trees, the Spirit of the Lord has come down on the earth. The church that seemed in slumber has now risen from its knees, and dry bones are responding to the fruits of new birth.
Oh this is now a time of restoration! The word will go to all men everywhere. The church is here for healing of the nations. The perfect work of Jesus has begun,
My tongue will be the pen of the ready writer! And what the Father gives to me I'll sing - I only want to be His breath - I only want to glorify the King.
A body now prepared by God and ready for war, the prompting of the Father is our word of command. We rise a mighty army at the bidding of the Lord - the devils fear and hear for their time is at hand!".
"Jesus we enthrone You - we proclaim You our King - standing here in the midst of us, we raise you up with our praise! And as we worship build a throne - and as we worship build a throne, and as we worship build a throne - come Lord Jesus and take Your place!".
"I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it - so you powers in the heavens above bow down! And you powers on the earth belows bow down! And acknowledge that Jesus, Jesus, Jesus is Lord! Is Lord!".
"Lord the light of Your love is shining, in the midst of the darkness shining, Jesus light of the world shine upon us - set us free by the truth You now bring us, shine on me. Shine on me. Shine Jesus shine! Fill this Land with the Father's glory! Blaze Spirit blaze! Set our hearts on fire! Flow river flow - flood the nations with grace and mercy - send forth Your Word Lord and let there be light! As we gaze on Your kingly brightness, so our faces display Your likeness - ever changing from glory to glory, mirrored here may our lives tell Your story, shine on Me, shine on me!".
"We believe in God the Father Maker of the Universe, and in Christ His Son our Saviour, come to us by virgin birth. We believe He died to save us, bore our sins was crucified! Then from death He rose victorious - ascended to the Father's side! Jesus, Lord of all, Lord of all.
We believe He sends His Spirit on His church with gifts of power. God His word of truth affirming sends us to the nations now. We believe He'll come again in glory, judge the living and the dead!".
"At Your feet we fall, mighty risen Lord as we come before Your throne to worship You. By Your Spirit's power, You now draw our hearts and we hear Your voice in triumph ringing clear! I am He that liveth, that liveth and was dead! Behold I am alive forever more!".
This song isn't Restoration because it's by John Wimber but it is still a favourite of mine and very precious:
"Oh let the Son of God enfold you, with His Spirit and His love, let Him fill your heart and satisfy your soul. Oh let Him have the things that hold you, and His Spirit like a Dove, will descend upon your life and make you whole. Jesus oh Jesus come and fill Your lambs. Jesus oh Jesus come and fill Your lambs. Oh come and sing this song with gladness, as your hearts are filled with joy - lift your hands in sweet surrender to His Name. Oh give Him all your tears and sadness, give Him all your years of pain, and you'll enter into life in Jesus' Name".
When asked what the Charismatic Movement contributed to the church, Dr Ern Baxter said that he felt the answer was "Worship". Through reviving and restoring worship in the Charismatic Movement God was bringing to the fore a people who were not satisfied with simply "head" worship - they wanted to connect to Him in their hearts. They wanted to encounter the Presence of God. And in my own personal experience, the hymnody of the Charismatic Movement played a vital part in helping me grow up with firmly embedded doctrinal views that I have - particularly that of Restoration. Here are some of my favourites:
"Jesus has sat down at God's right hand - He is reigning NOW on David's throne,
God has placed all things beneath His feet - His enemies shall be His footstool;
For the government is now upon His shoulder, and of the increase of His government and peace - there will be no end, there will be no end - there will be no end!".
"I hear the sound of rustling in the leaves of the trees, the Spirit of the Lord has come down on the earth. The church that seemed in slumber has now risen from its knees, and dry bones are responding to the fruits of new birth.
Oh this is now a time of restoration! The word will go to all men everywhere. The church is here for healing of the nations. The perfect work of Jesus has begun,
My tongue will be the pen of the ready writer! And what the Father gives to me I'll sing - I only want to be His breath - I only want to glorify the King.
A body now prepared by God and ready for war, the prompting of the Father is our word of command. We rise a mighty army at the bidding of the Lord - the devils fear and hear for their time is at hand!".
"Jesus we enthrone You - we proclaim You our King - standing here in the midst of us, we raise you up with our praise! And as we worship build a throne - and as we worship build a throne, and as we worship build a throne - come Lord Jesus and take Your place!".
"I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it - so you powers in the heavens above bow down! And you powers on the earth belows bow down! And acknowledge that Jesus, Jesus, Jesus is Lord! Is Lord!".
"Lord the light of Your love is shining, in the midst of the darkness shining, Jesus light of the world shine upon us - set us free by the truth You now bring us, shine on me. Shine on me. Shine Jesus shine! Fill this Land with the Father's glory! Blaze Spirit blaze! Set our hearts on fire! Flow river flow - flood the nations with grace and mercy - send forth Your Word Lord and let there be light! As we gaze on Your kingly brightness, so our faces display Your likeness - ever changing from glory to glory, mirrored here may our lives tell Your story, shine on Me, shine on me!".
"We believe in God the Father Maker of the Universe, and in Christ His Son our Saviour, come to us by virgin birth. We believe He died to save us, bore our sins was crucified! Then from death He rose victorious - ascended to the Father's side! Jesus, Lord of all, Lord of all.
We believe He sends His Spirit on His church with gifts of power. God His word of truth affirming sends us to the nations now. We believe He'll come again in glory, judge the living and the dead!".
"At Your feet we fall, mighty risen Lord as we come before Your throne to worship You. By Your Spirit's power, You now draw our hearts and we hear Your voice in triumph ringing clear! I am He that liveth, that liveth and was dead! Behold I am alive forever more!".
This song isn't Restoration because it's by John Wimber but it is still a favourite of mine and very precious:
"Oh let the Son of God enfold you, with His Spirit and His love, let Him fill your heart and satisfy your soul. Oh let Him have the things that hold you, and His Spirit like a Dove, will descend upon your life and make you whole. Jesus oh Jesus come and fill Your lambs. Jesus oh Jesus come and fill Your lambs. Oh come and sing this song with gladness, as your hearts are filled with joy - lift your hands in sweet surrender to His Name. Oh give Him all your tears and sadness, give Him all your years of pain, and you'll enter into life in Jesus' Name".
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
The Baptism With the Holy Spirit in the eyes of the Doctor.
I mentioned a couple of blogs ago that one of my favourite "top ten" books was "Joy Unspeakable" by Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones. It really is an outstanding book, full of doctrinal proofs yet arguing so strongly for the absolutely distinct and unarguably experiential baptism of the Spirit. I have been reading it again and came to a key chapter where the Doctor goes through certain "proofs" (his words) for why he argued so strongly that there is a difference between regeneration and the baptism of the Spirit. I want to reproduce the flow of his argument and key quotes for those who don't have time to read the whole book. Terry Virgo wrote a stunning commendation for this reprint of the book. He said: "This is no age to advocate restraint; the church today does not need to be restrained, but to be aroused, to be awakened, to be filled with the Spirit of glory. I for one rejoice that this clarion call can still be heard".
Amen!
Sermon: The Baptism of the Spirit and Regeneration.
Text: John 1: 26, 33
Introductory Comments:
"Perhaps the greatest danger of all for Christian peope is the danger of understanding Scripture in the light of their own experiences. We should not examine Scripture in light of our own experiences but we should examine our experiences in the light of Scripture".
"The ... danger then is that of being satisfied with something very much less than what is offered in Scripture, and the danger of interpreting Scritpure by our experiences and reducing its teaching to the level of what we know and experience. And I would say that this ... is the greater danger ... at the present time".
"Look at the New Testament Christian, look at the New Testament church and you see it vibrant with a spiritual life and of course it is always life that tends to lead to excess. There is no problem of discipline in a graveyard; there is no problem very much in a formal church. The problems arise when there is life".
"We discover the following things: there are obviously steps and stages in the Christian life".
1. Principle of Sermon:
"Here is the first principle: It is possible for us to be believers in the Lord Jesus Christ without having received the baptism of the Holy Spirit".
"I am suggesting that this is something which is therefore obviously distinct from and seperate from becoming a Christian, being regenerate, having the Holy Spirit dwelling within you".
2. First Proof: The Old Testament Saints.
"They were as much children of God as you and I are".
"If you think that the Old Testament saints were not children of God you are denying the whole of the Scripture. They were. But they had not been baptised with the Holy Spirit".
"But what about John the Baptist himself? ... John the Baptist is a son of God, he is a child of God and yet John was not baptised with the Holy Spirit".
3. Second Proof: The Apostles Themselves.
"Surely it is quite obvious that the apostles were regenerate and were children of God before the Day of Pentecost".
"These men are not only believers, they are regenerate men, the Holy Spirit has been breathed upon them (John 20) yet they have not been baptised with the Holy Spirit".
4. Third Proof: The Apostle Paul.
"It is so vital that we should start with Scripture, not with our prejudices, not with what we think, not what we are afraid of. "Ah" you may say, "Now you have said that tongues are alright". I am sure many are thinking that. You wait a minute; I shall deal with the question of gifts when it comes to the right place. You do not start with that". - I love that quote! I can just imagine the Doctor saying it! But his point is particularly vital for all of a Third Wave persuasion. You don't start with the gifts. We must be primarily concerned with receiving the Spirit in His Person.
Re: Ananias: "He does not instruct him (Paul) on the way of salvation. He is sent to heal him and to fill him with the Holy Spirit, to give him the baptism of the Holy Spirit ... You can, you see receive the Holy Spirit before you are baptised (in water) or the other way round - it does not matter at all".
5. Fourth Proof: Apollos and Cornelius.
"It seems to me this is the only adequate explanation of the story about him. This was the thing that Priscilla and Aquila recognised as lacking in Apollos and about which they told him and it made all the difference to him".
"It is possible for a man to be baptised with the Holy Spirit virtually simultaneously with his belief. Take the case of Cornelius and his household. You remember we are told in Acts 10 that as Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon them. There it seems that the baptism with the Holy Spirit happened 'as they were believing'".
"Now there is an absolute proof that you can be a true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and still not be baptised with the Holy Spirit; that incident proves it. The question at the beginning and what actually happened subsequently. The important point is that there is a difference, there is a distinction between believing and being baptised with the Holy Spirit".
6. Final Proof: Ephesians 1:13
"It is only the believer who is baptised with the Spirit or receives the seal of the Spirit. It is the same order again. The believing is the first thing but being baptised is something that does not of necessity happen at the same time. It may - it may not. But it is distinct and seperatem so the Apostle does seperate them".
"All I am trying to establish is this: that you can be regenerate without being baptised with the Holy Spirit".
7. Conclusion:
"The Scriptures that I have adduced to you show quite clearly that to say, as so many have said and are still saying, that every man at regeneration is of necessity baptised with the Holy Spirit, is simply to fly in the face of this plain, explicit teaching of the Holy Scriptures".
I mentioned a couple of blogs ago that one of my favourite "top ten" books was "Joy Unspeakable" by Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones. It really is an outstanding book, full of doctrinal proofs yet arguing so strongly for the absolutely distinct and unarguably experiential baptism of the Spirit. I have been reading it again and came to a key chapter where the Doctor goes through certain "proofs" (his words) for why he argued so strongly that there is a difference between regeneration and the baptism of the Spirit. I want to reproduce the flow of his argument and key quotes for those who don't have time to read the whole book. Terry Virgo wrote a stunning commendation for this reprint of the book. He said: "This is no age to advocate restraint; the church today does not need to be restrained, but to be aroused, to be awakened, to be filled with the Spirit of glory. I for one rejoice that this clarion call can still be heard".
Amen!
Sermon: The Baptism of the Spirit and Regeneration.
Text: John 1: 26, 33
Introductory Comments:
"Perhaps the greatest danger of all for Christian peope is the danger of understanding Scripture in the light of their own experiences. We should not examine Scripture in light of our own experiences but we should examine our experiences in the light of Scripture".
"The ... danger then is that of being satisfied with something very much less than what is offered in Scripture, and the danger of interpreting Scritpure by our experiences and reducing its teaching to the level of what we know and experience. And I would say that this ... is the greater danger ... at the present time".
"Look at the New Testament Christian, look at the New Testament church and you see it vibrant with a spiritual life and of course it is always life that tends to lead to excess. There is no problem of discipline in a graveyard; there is no problem very much in a formal church. The problems arise when there is life".
"We discover the following things: there are obviously steps and stages in the Christian life".
1. Principle of Sermon:
"Here is the first principle: It is possible for us to be believers in the Lord Jesus Christ without having received the baptism of the Holy Spirit".
"I am suggesting that this is something which is therefore obviously distinct from and seperate from becoming a Christian, being regenerate, having the Holy Spirit dwelling within you".
2. First Proof: The Old Testament Saints.
"They were as much children of God as you and I are".
"If you think that the Old Testament saints were not children of God you are denying the whole of the Scripture. They were. But they had not been baptised with the Holy Spirit".
"But what about John the Baptist himself? ... John the Baptist is a son of God, he is a child of God and yet John was not baptised with the Holy Spirit".
3. Second Proof: The Apostles Themselves.
"Surely it is quite obvious that the apostles were regenerate and were children of God before the Day of Pentecost".
"These men are not only believers, they are regenerate men, the Holy Spirit has been breathed upon them (John 20) yet they have not been baptised with the Holy Spirit".
4. Third Proof: The Apostle Paul.
"It is so vital that we should start with Scripture, not with our prejudices, not with what we think, not what we are afraid of. "Ah" you may say, "Now you have said that tongues are alright". I am sure many are thinking that. You wait a minute; I shall deal with the question of gifts when it comes to the right place. You do not start with that". - I love that quote! I can just imagine the Doctor saying it! But his point is particularly vital for all of a Third Wave persuasion. You don't start with the gifts. We must be primarily concerned with receiving the Spirit in His Person.
Re: Ananias: "He does not instruct him (Paul) on the way of salvation. He is sent to heal him and to fill him with the Holy Spirit, to give him the baptism of the Holy Spirit ... You can, you see receive the Holy Spirit before you are baptised (in water) or the other way round - it does not matter at all".
5. Fourth Proof: Apollos and Cornelius.
"It seems to me this is the only adequate explanation of the story about him. This was the thing that Priscilla and Aquila recognised as lacking in Apollos and about which they told him and it made all the difference to him".
"It is possible for a man to be baptised with the Holy Spirit virtually simultaneously with his belief. Take the case of Cornelius and his household. You remember we are told in Acts 10 that as Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon them. There it seems that the baptism with the Holy Spirit happened 'as they were believing'".
"Now there is an absolute proof that you can be a true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and still not be baptised with the Holy Spirit; that incident proves it. The question at the beginning and what actually happened subsequently. The important point is that there is a difference, there is a distinction between believing and being baptised with the Holy Spirit".
6. Final Proof: Ephesians 1:13
"It is only the believer who is baptised with the Spirit or receives the seal of the Spirit. It is the same order again. The believing is the first thing but being baptised is something that does not of necessity happen at the same time. It may - it may not. But it is distinct and seperatem so the Apostle does seperate them".
"All I am trying to establish is this: that you can be regenerate without being baptised with the Holy Spirit".
7. Conclusion:
"The Scriptures that I have adduced to you show quite clearly that to say, as so many have said and are still saying, that every man at regeneration is of necessity baptised with the Holy Spirit, is simply to fly in the face of this plain, explicit teaching of the Holy Scriptures".
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
AFRAID OF THE SPIRIT?
Still strongly in my 'positive' vein, I was hugely encouraged and thrilled to find that P Andrew Sandlin - who is I think R J Rushdoony's unofficial successor in the (stereotyping here) Christian Reconstruction Movement - is blogging! It can be found at:
http://culturalleadership.blogspot.com/
Not only that some of his entries are a joy to read. In particular this one:
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Afraid of the Spirit?
Why do Christians so fear the power of the Holy Spirit — the sort we see in the primitive church? Perhaps it is because He overturns dead, dry institutions. Or because He radically alters comfortable, sinful lives. Or because He forces us to think down paths or change our life in ways we find supremely unsettling
Surely, all Christians committed to the ecclesial status quo will likely never experience the mighty, drenching, onrushing power of the Holy Spirit that revolutionizes individuals, families, churches, and cultures.
Come, Holy Spirit!
posted by P. Andrew Sandlin at 11:06 PM
I for one certainly DO NOT want to be in the ecclesial status quo group! I so want and need to experience the 'mighty, drenching, onrushing, revolutionising power of the Holy Spirit!
Still strongly in my 'positive' vein, I was hugely encouraged and thrilled to find that P Andrew Sandlin - who is I think R J Rushdoony's unofficial successor in the (stereotyping here) Christian Reconstruction Movement - is blogging! It can be found at:
http://culturalleadership.blogspot.com/
Not only that some of his entries are a joy to read. In particular this one:
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Afraid of the Spirit?
Why do Christians so fear the power of the Holy Spirit — the sort we see in the primitive church? Perhaps it is because He overturns dead, dry institutions. Or because He radically alters comfortable, sinful lives. Or because He forces us to think down paths or change our life in ways we find supremely unsettling
Surely, all Christians committed to the ecclesial status quo will likely never experience the mighty, drenching, onrushing power of the Holy Spirit that revolutionizes individuals, families, churches, and cultures.
Come, Holy Spirit!
posted by P. Andrew Sandlin at 11:06 PM
I for one certainly DO NOT want to be in the ecclesial status quo group! I so want and need to experience the 'mighty, drenching, onrushing, revolutionising power of the Holy Spirit!
Monday, September 12, 2005
A Prophet Speaks!
Well this is a bit of a 'confessional' entry. I have been challenged by a very good and dear friend about some of the negative things I have said in the blog particularly about SGM and my time with them. While he (I think) meant it semi-jokingly, God really seized his words and applied them strongly to me. I knew it was the Spirit of God speaking because if any human had told me off for being negative, I would have fought my case strongly and fervently. I have been wronged! There is a story to be told! But I was so undone by what he said. Therefore I really do apologise if I have come across as angry and bitter.
It is so amazing to have good friends who aren't afraid to challenge and correct in true love. I particuarly appreciate it as I haven't got a wife to do that job yet! Today has really taught me a lesson in how the church of God should be acting. Therefore the challenge that he has set me and I have set myself is to let nothing "unwholesome" come out of my mouth. I want this blog to be a reflection of wonder and amazement at the grace of God - something that is edifying to write and encouraging to read.
So to start that off, I want to sum up SGM. The horrendous impression must come across that I have nothing to say that is good about them because my exit was so painful. That is not true, I spent 2 years there for a reason. So here's what I think is GREAT about SGM!
1. They are Prophetic in Emphasis.
I have mentioned SGM's "obsession" with the Cross and while I don't quite agree with the outworking of "never moving beyond the Cross", I do think that their sole emphasis has brought a prophetic contribution to the Church that is much needed. This can particularly be found in C J Mahaney's teaching. His keynote session at the Brighton Leaders Conference on "The Cup" was just outstanding and I do sincerely recommend that anyone interested gets the CD. You can order it online at http://www.newfrontiers.xtn.org. He and SGM remind us that the Cross isn't simply a historical event that was applicable at the time of our conversion but then no more. It has much relevance and power for us today and now!
2. They are Persuasive in Doctrine.
SGM are far more a Reformed group of churches than many and many of the conferences that they hold boast an impressive display of preaching of the Word of God. While a great deal of the preaching is "Cross centred" they do cover other subjects and indeed cover them well. They are beginning to produce a number of booklets touching on some of their key doctrines. These are called "Perspectives". C J Mahaney wrote the first one on "Sovereign Grace" (the doctrine not the group). Dave Harvey wrote the next on "Church Polity" which explains the way that they run and also their understanding of apostles today. It is telling that Mahaney has been invited to Trinity Divinity School Illinois to present a number of lectures - such is the respect in which their senior leaders are held.
3. They are Passionate in Worship.
Anyone who has seen or attended a Celebration event or indeed been to an SGM church will know that these people know how to worship vibrantly, loudly and joyfully! While their worship is not classically charismatic - in terms of a deep rooted belief in the need to be baptised with the Spirit and the gifts that result from that which are contributed freely - they do long for the "active Presence of God" (a term they have coigned from Wayne Grudem) and long to lift God high. They boast a number of gifted songwriters including Bob Kauflin and their songs of course are Cross-centred. Rather than being catchy and easy to learn and sing, they tend to be more hymn-like. They are doctrinally deep and enriching to meditate on.
4. They are Protective in Ecclesiology.
Their understanding of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood is extremely important to them - I would query perhaps too important - and C J Mahaney has said it is a "hill they would die upon". You can see that they are consistent in their church life with this doctrinal position. The women in their churches frequently study books such as Carolyn Mahaney's "Feminine Appeal" and they all strive to be submissive wives. The men too are catered for well with C J's recent contribution; "Sex Romance and the Glory of God". The key phrase for me is that he was urging the men to "touch their minds before they touch their bodies". Quite a difference to the classic Christian man today.
Their pastoring too is extremely protective. Church members are usually made to feel loved and accepted and valued. The pastors are not afraid to confront their flock but usually counter-balance any correction with "evidences of grace" - a self-made phrase that stands for encouraging what God is doing in their lives.
Well this is a bit of a 'confessional' entry. I have been challenged by a very good and dear friend about some of the negative things I have said in the blog particularly about SGM and my time with them. While he (I think) meant it semi-jokingly, God really seized his words and applied them strongly to me. I knew it was the Spirit of God speaking because if any human had told me off for being negative, I would have fought my case strongly and fervently. I have been wronged! There is a story to be told! But I was so undone by what he said. Therefore I really do apologise if I have come across as angry and bitter.
It is so amazing to have good friends who aren't afraid to challenge and correct in true love. I particuarly appreciate it as I haven't got a wife to do that job yet! Today has really taught me a lesson in how the church of God should be acting. Therefore the challenge that he has set me and I have set myself is to let nothing "unwholesome" come out of my mouth. I want this blog to be a reflection of wonder and amazement at the grace of God - something that is edifying to write and encouraging to read.
So to start that off, I want to sum up SGM. The horrendous impression must come across that I have nothing to say that is good about them because my exit was so painful. That is not true, I spent 2 years there for a reason. So here's what I think is GREAT about SGM!
1. They are Prophetic in Emphasis.
I have mentioned SGM's "obsession" with the Cross and while I don't quite agree with the outworking of "never moving beyond the Cross", I do think that their sole emphasis has brought a prophetic contribution to the Church that is much needed. This can particularly be found in C J Mahaney's teaching. His keynote session at the Brighton Leaders Conference on "The Cup" was just outstanding and I do sincerely recommend that anyone interested gets the CD. You can order it online at http://www.newfrontiers.xtn.org. He and SGM remind us that the Cross isn't simply a historical event that was applicable at the time of our conversion but then no more. It has much relevance and power for us today and now!
2. They are Persuasive in Doctrine.
SGM are far more a Reformed group of churches than many and many of the conferences that they hold boast an impressive display of preaching of the Word of God. While a great deal of the preaching is "Cross centred" they do cover other subjects and indeed cover them well. They are beginning to produce a number of booklets touching on some of their key doctrines. These are called "Perspectives". C J Mahaney wrote the first one on "Sovereign Grace" (the doctrine not the group). Dave Harvey wrote the next on "Church Polity" which explains the way that they run and also their understanding of apostles today. It is telling that Mahaney has been invited to Trinity Divinity School Illinois to present a number of lectures - such is the respect in which their senior leaders are held.
3. They are Passionate in Worship.
Anyone who has seen or attended a Celebration event or indeed been to an SGM church will know that these people know how to worship vibrantly, loudly and joyfully! While their worship is not classically charismatic - in terms of a deep rooted belief in the need to be baptised with the Spirit and the gifts that result from that which are contributed freely - they do long for the "active Presence of God" (a term they have coigned from Wayne Grudem) and long to lift God high. They boast a number of gifted songwriters including Bob Kauflin and their songs of course are Cross-centred. Rather than being catchy and easy to learn and sing, they tend to be more hymn-like. They are doctrinally deep and enriching to meditate on.
4. They are Protective in Ecclesiology.
Their understanding of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood is extremely important to them - I would query perhaps too important - and C J Mahaney has said it is a "hill they would die upon". You can see that they are consistent in their church life with this doctrinal position. The women in their churches frequently study books such as Carolyn Mahaney's "Feminine Appeal" and they all strive to be submissive wives. The men too are catered for well with C J's recent contribution; "Sex Romance and the Glory of God". The key phrase for me is that he was urging the men to "touch their minds before they touch their bodies". Quite a difference to the classic Christian man today.
Their pastoring too is extremely protective. Church members are usually made to feel loved and accepted and valued. The pastors are not afraid to confront their flock but usually counter-balance any correction with "evidences of grace" - a self-made phrase that stands for encouraging what God is doing in their lives.
Help for the Spiritually Abused
I've been amazed at the feedback via emails about my postings concerning the behaviour of church leaders. So I've been searching for good articles and helps for those suffering through what has been done to them. This set of 3 articles is excellent - very pastoral and gracious from the CBN website. Well worth a read. The key point to me that is worthy of remembering is that the Lord Jesus showed a great deal of love and compassion to those truly in need of it, but showed His rare harshness towards Pharisaical leaders who tended towards judgement.
http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/ChurchAndMinistry/Spiritual_Abuse1.asp - the links to the 2nd and 3rd part are found off this first page.
I've been amazed at the feedback via emails about my postings concerning the behaviour of church leaders. So I've been searching for good articles and helps for those suffering through what has been done to them. This set of 3 articles is excellent - very pastoral and gracious from the CBN website. Well worth a read. The key point to me that is worthy of remembering is that the Lord Jesus showed a great deal of love and compassion to those truly in need of it, but showed His rare harshness towards Pharisaical leaders who tended towards judgement.
http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/ChurchAndMinistry/Spiritual_Abuse1.asp - the links to the 2nd and 3rd part are found off this first page.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Going Where Angels Fear To Tread ... Again!
Some may remember I reproduced an essay I found on the internet called "No Longer Welcome?". It stimulated an interesting response as expected - and I've found another that I guess will do the same. I don't want to reproduce it all because I don't quite totally agree with Dr Roy Clements and his standpoint. For those who want to read it in its entirety it can be found at: http://www.royclements.co.uk/essays15.htm. What I have done is to reproduce the elements of the essay dealing with prejudice and stereotypes.
However I think the theme of the essay is outstanding and should be heard. I don't think it should just be limited to homosexuality (as Dr Clements wrote) - rather it can apply to ANY taboo subject that the church leaders of today seem to fear so much. Well they do in Bristol anyway.
I think the key note for me is that there is a generation rising up that refuse to allow any subject to be taboo. And on pondering that at this ridiculously early hour (it's ten to five in the morning and I'm jealous of my sleeping patients) - I think that generation is right. Yes it has spawned gay rights, yes it has spawned Pro-Choice - but don't these people have a point? Why SHOULD we listen to the "older" evangelical generation who tell us to be quiet and behave? Why SHOULD we not be able to bring our hurts, our wounds and our desperate fears and pains to the very place where (I think) the Lord Jesus said we could? Why SHOULD we have to re-adopt the evangelical mask of "Oh I'm fine" - that hated phrase!
Okay - so don't agree with Dr Clements and his pro-homosexual stance. But don't just retreat into silence tutting your Berkhof tuts about how the world is deteriorating. Come up with an alternative! And don't try to tell me that such prejudice doesn't exist in the "grace" churches of UK 2005. THEY DO!! The gauntlet has been thrown down yet again for church leaders. I just worry few will take it up.
How to avoid the charge of homophobia
Evangelical Christians who are opposed to homosexual behaviour sometimes complain that they find it impossible to express their moral objections on this score without being accused of homophobia. To some extent the complaint is probably justified. However, in many cases I suspect that the charge of prejudice is one these Christians bring upon themselves, either by the content of their opinions or the style in which they are voiced. Let me offer, therefore, a few pieces of advice to any such would-be moraliser.
1. Be sensitive
You are addressing, then, a community that has become habituated to abuse and contempt. It is not surprising if they tend to assume that all those who speak hostile words against homosexuality share the homophobic prejudice to which they have grown accustomed.
If you really want to avoid this, you must remember that all communication consists not in what is said, but in what is heard. Try putting yourself in the shoes of a gay Christian and reflect on how they are likely to understand your words. Similar efforts have to be made these days in commenting on many other sensitive areas. The police must watch their language when they challenge afro-carribean youths in Brixton. Businessmen have had to learn to speak with extra caution when dealing with female staff. Some preachers have made efforts in the direction of inclusive language. The vocabulary we choose, the jokes we crack, the stereotypes we endorse - verbal carelessness of many kinds can betray the presence of prejudice buried so deep in our vocabulary we do not even recognise its offensive potential.
However, a little pre-emptive tact is all that it takes to forestall such unjust criticisms, if you really do wish to avoid them.
2. Be rational
Prejudice, by definition, is irrational. It feeds on superstitious taboos, distorted caricatures and just plain ignorance. All these factors contribute to homophobia. Most gay Christians find it impossible to understand the reason for the Church's traditional negativism towards the kind of relationships for which their hearts yearn. They put it in the same category of embarrassing ecclesiastical gaffes as witch-trials, anti-semitism and the crusades.To them the current anti-gay movement among evangelicals seems as ludicrously out-of-date as the flat-earth society. It must reflect prejudice, they say, because it is so utterly irrational. The way to avoid this charge is to make sure your opinions are rigorously argued.
3. Be consistent
Prejudice is invariably discriminatory. It is selects a certain group of people as the object of its loathing and ignores others. It seems to the gay community that in targeting them evangelical Christians are displaying precisely this kind of selectivity. They observe that a strong case can be made, both from tradition and scripture, against usury, abortion and divorce. But evangelicals do not seem to be mounting public campaigns to have bankers, gynaecologists and divorcees excommunicated or excluded from public ministry. On the contrary, a sweet reasonableness permits such individuals to continue in fellowship. Why are gays singled out for the evangelical anathema?
Two answers are usually given to this:
The first is that homosexuality is a peculiarly serious crime. But, once again, we must know why? More serious than the cruel burden of debt inflicted on the poorest nations of the world? More serious than the dismembering of unborn children? More serious than a direct challenge to the word of Christ himself about the inviolability of the marriage bond?
The second answer is that the pro-homosexual lobby has been so brazen in its flaunting of "gay rights" that evangelicals have been forced to take counter-measures. Gays might have been allowed to stay in the closet, we are assured, but they have insisted on public recognition and awoken the sleeping dragon of moral outrage as a result.
4. Be humble
It is always easier to identify arrogance in others than in oneself. No doubt the strident assertions of some pro-gay activists lack meekness, or even courtesy. Raised voices and immoderate words are all too often symptoms of chronically inflated egos, and both the gay and anti-gay lobbies certainly have their share of these.
However, there is more dangerous form of arrogance than simple bigheadedness. Prejudice is particularly menacing when it is coupled to an arrogant assertion of absolute certainty. Of course, the response of post-modernism has been to deny all claims to absolute certainty by radically relativising the meaning of "Truth". But evangelicals refuse to throw the baby out with the bathwater in that way; and rightly so in my view. It is perfectly possible to witness to the infallibility of Scripture without surrendering to authoritarianism, and it is absolutely crucial at this juncture in the cultural history of the West that we demonstrate that possibility to the watching world. Failure to do so will result in evangelicalism being stigmatised along with the Taliban; and again, rightly so.
The only sense in which homosexuality can rightly be said to be a "defining issue" for the Church today is that it crucially tests the ability of Christians to eschew fundamentalist fanaticism and to hold the divine Word of truth in humility.
Homophobic bigotry - or just conscientious objection?
To sum up then, if you would avoid the charge of homophobia you must demonstrate:
the sensitivity that chooses tactful words;
the rationality that offers arguments rather than assertions;
the consistency that expresses equal indignation about other social issues;
and, perhaps most important of all, the humility to admit that you might be wrong.
You may complain that pro-gay speakers and writers do not show such consideration to you. Instead your sincere moral convictions have been denounced as homophobic bigotry. I acknowledge that this could be true. But, however unfair the misrepresentation of your views, the situation is not symmetric. Christian gays are not trying to eject you from the Church or from ministry, you are trying to eject them.
In law a verdict of "Not Guilty" requires only the establishment of "reasonable doubt". Even if you feel the case against gays has been proved, there are other members of the jury who are less convinced. No one wishes to shut you up, but what you say and how you say it makes a huge difference.
Some may remember I reproduced an essay I found on the internet called "No Longer Welcome?". It stimulated an interesting response as expected - and I've found another that I guess will do the same. I don't want to reproduce it all because I don't quite totally agree with Dr Roy Clements and his standpoint. For those who want to read it in its entirety it can be found at: http://www.royclements.co.uk/essays15.htm. What I have done is to reproduce the elements of the essay dealing with prejudice and stereotypes.
However I think the theme of the essay is outstanding and should be heard. I don't think it should just be limited to homosexuality (as Dr Clements wrote) - rather it can apply to ANY taboo subject that the church leaders of today seem to fear so much. Well they do in Bristol anyway.
I think the key note for me is that there is a generation rising up that refuse to allow any subject to be taboo. And on pondering that at this ridiculously early hour (it's ten to five in the morning and I'm jealous of my sleeping patients) - I think that generation is right. Yes it has spawned gay rights, yes it has spawned Pro-Choice - but don't these people have a point? Why SHOULD we listen to the "older" evangelical generation who tell us to be quiet and behave? Why SHOULD we not be able to bring our hurts, our wounds and our desperate fears and pains to the very place where (I think) the Lord Jesus said we could? Why SHOULD we have to re-adopt the evangelical mask of "Oh I'm fine" - that hated phrase!
Okay - so don't agree with Dr Clements and his pro-homosexual stance. But don't just retreat into silence tutting your Berkhof tuts about how the world is deteriorating. Come up with an alternative! And don't try to tell me that such prejudice doesn't exist in the "grace" churches of UK 2005. THEY DO!! The gauntlet has been thrown down yet again for church leaders. I just worry few will take it up.
How to avoid the charge of homophobia
Evangelical Christians who are opposed to homosexual behaviour sometimes complain that they find it impossible to express their moral objections on this score without being accused of homophobia. To some extent the complaint is probably justified. However, in many cases I suspect that the charge of prejudice is one these Christians bring upon themselves, either by the content of their opinions or the style in which they are voiced. Let me offer, therefore, a few pieces of advice to any such would-be moraliser.
1. Be sensitive
You are addressing, then, a community that has become habituated to abuse and contempt. It is not surprising if they tend to assume that all those who speak hostile words against homosexuality share the homophobic prejudice to which they have grown accustomed.
If you really want to avoid this, you must remember that all communication consists not in what is said, but in what is heard. Try putting yourself in the shoes of a gay Christian and reflect on how they are likely to understand your words. Similar efforts have to be made these days in commenting on many other sensitive areas. The police must watch their language when they challenge afro-carribean youths in Brixton. Businessmen have had to learn to speak with extra caution when dealing with female staff. Some preachers have made efforts in the direction of inclusive language. The vocabulary we choose, the jokes we crack, the stereotypes we endorse - verbal carelessness of many kinds can betray the presence of prejudice buried so deep in our vocabulary we do not even recognise its offensive potential.
However, a little pre-emptive tact is all that it takes to forestall such unjust criticisms, if you really do wish to avoid them.
2. Be rational
Prejudice, by definition, is irrational. It feeds on superstitious taboos, distorted caricatures and just plain ignorance. All these factors contribute to homophobia. Most gay Christians find it impossible to understand the reason for the Church's traditional negativism towards the kind of relationships for which their hearts yearn. They put it in the same category of embarrassing ecclesiastical gaffes as witch-trials, anti-semitism and the crusades.To them the current anti-gay movement among evangelicals seems as ludicrously out-of-date as the flat-earth society. It must reflect prejudice, they say, because it is so utterly irrational. The way to avoid this charge is to make sure your opinions are rigorously argued.
3. Be consistent
Prejudice is invariably discriminatory. It is selects a certain group of people as the object of its loathing and ignores others. It seems to the gay community that in targeting them evangelical Christians are displaying precisely this kind of selectivity. They observe that a strong case can be made, both from tradition and scripture, against usury, abortion and divorce. But evangelicals do not seem to be mounting public campaigns to have bankers, gynaecologists and divorcees excommunicated or excluded from public ministry. On the contrary, a sweet reasonableness permits such individuals to continue in fellowship. Why are gays singled out for the evangelical anathema?
Two answers are usually given to this:
The first is that homosexuality is a peculiarly serious crime. But, once again, we must know why? More serious than the cruel burden of debt inflicted on the poorest nations of the world? More serious than the dismembering of unborn children? More serious than a direct challenge to the word of Christ himself about the inviolability of the marriage bond?
The second answer is that the pro-homosexual lobby has been so brazen in its flaunting of "gay rights" that evangelicals have been forced to take counter-measures. Gays might have been allowed to stay in the closet, we are assured, but they have insisted on public recognition and awoken the sleeping dragon of moral outrage as a result.
4. Be humble
It is always easier to identify arrogance in others than in oneself. No doubt the strident assertions of some pro-gay activists lack meekness, or even courtesy. Raised voices and immoderate words are all too often symptoms of chronically inflated egos, and both the gay and anti-gay lobbies certainly have their share of these.
However, there is more dangerous form of arrogance than simple bigheadedness. Prejudice is particularly menacing when it is coupled to an arrogant assertion of absolute certainty. Of course, the response of post-modernism has been to deny all claims to absolute certainty by radically relativising the meaning of "Truth". But evangelicals refuse to throw the baby out with the bathwater in that way; and rightly so in my view. It is perfectly possible to witness to the infallibility of Scripture without surrendering to authoritarianism, and it is absolutely crucial at this juncture in the cultural history of the West that we demonstrate that possibility to the watching world. Failure to do so will result in evangelicalism being stigmatised along with the Taliban; and again, rightly so.
The only sense in which homosexuality can rightly be said to be a "defining issue" for the Church today is that it crucially tests the ability of Christians to eschew fundamentalist fanaticism and to hold the divine Word of truth in humility.
Homophobic bigotry - or just conscientious objection?
To sum up then, if you would avoid the charge of homophobia you must demonstrate:
the sensitivity that chooses tactful words;
the rationality that offers arguments rather than assertions;
the consistency that expresses equal indignation about other social issues;
and, perhaps most important of all, the humility to admit that you might be wrong.
You may complain that pro-gay speakers and writers do not show such consideration to you. Instead your sincere moral convictions have been denounced as homophobic bigotry. I acknowledge that this could be true. But, however unfair the misrepresentation of your views, the situation is not symmetric. Christian gays are not trying to eject you from the Church or from ministry, you are trying to eject them.
In law a verdict of "Not Guilty" requires only the establishment of "reasonable doubt". Even if you feel the case against gays has been proved, there are other members of the jury who are less convinced. No one wishes to shut you up, but what you say and how you say it makes a huge difference.
The Government of God by Dr Ern Baxter.
I'm still deeply challenged and stirred by the prophetic call that we got at Brighton 2005 especially through the preaching of Terry Virgo on "Gideon and the Battle of Midean". It's rare to hear such biblically grounded preaching yet with a passionate call to go and take the gospel to the lost, with the optimistic and realistic (not triumphalistic) vision of reality that we will see a glorious end-time church!! I don't think Terry would see himself as Ern Baxter's spiritual son, but to me (as a deep fan of both men) he truly has taken on Baxter's mantle.
Here's another document that I have typed up on the "Government of God". Ern Baxter gave it to the Shepherds Conference at Kansas City in 1977.
I'm still deeply challenged and stirred by the prophetic call that we got at Brighton 2005 especially through the preaching of Terry Virgo on "Gideon and the Battle of Midean". It's rare to hear such biblically grounded preaching yet with a passionate call to go and take the gospel to the lost, with the optimistic and realistic (not triumphalistic) vision of reality that we will see a glorious end-time church!! I don't think Terry would see himself as Ern Baxter's spiritual son, but to me (as a deep fan of both men) he truly has taken on Baxter's mantle.
Here's another document that I have typed up on the "Government of God". Ern Baxter gave it to the Shepherds Conference at Kansas City in 1977.
A KING WITH ALL AUTHORITY.
I also want you to know who you are. When God made you in the Garden of Eden, He said, "You’re in My Image and I baptized you to run the world. I want you to fill it, subdue it, and ruleover it. I made you just a little lower than Myself, and I crown you with glory and honor. I want you to run the world."Now Adam blew it, and when Adam blew it, the devil started a lie. The devil said, "Well, when Adam blew it, I received the authority," but that’s a lie. The devil never received the authority. When Adam blew it,God reached down, took the scroll of authority out of Adam’s hand, andsaid, "I’ll hang on to this until a Man comes who can handle it." For4,000 years the devil went around sowing his lie. Yes, Adam blew it, but the devil never received the authority; God has it.
John tells us about his beautiful vision after Jesus returned to Heaven. He says, "I was caught up and I went into the throne room. There were 24 elders, and 4 living creatures, and I saw the One who sat upon thethrone." (See Revelation 4.) At this point we become excited, thinking,He’s going to tell us what God looks like. Well, John said He looks like a jasper and a sardine stone (that’s a big help), but remember, the Bookof Revelation is a book of symbols (see Rev. 4:3). By the throne was ascroll, the title deed to the universe. It was the thing that Adamcouldn’t fulfill. (It wasn’t a book. They didn’t have books in thosedays.) The scroll was sealed with seven seals, and a voice cried out,"Who is worthy to take the scroll and break the seals thereof?" (SeeRevelation 5.) If there was ever a time when satan with his big mouthcould have stepped up and said, "I can take it because I got the authority," it was at that moment.The devil didn’t open his mouth. He didn’t raise a whisper. Not a demon stirred; the whole region of hell was silent. There wasn’t a man who stepped forward – no Stalin, no Nero, no Freud or Nietzsche. There was no great human person who came forward. All humanity was silent. The ranks of celestial hosts – archangels, seraphim, and cherubim – were silent.The universe was silent as One sat holding the scroll, and in that scrollwas the redemption of man. John knew that, and when no one was found worthy to take the scroll andbreak the seal, he began to cry. He knew what was wrong. Then one of theelders came up and tapped him on the shoulder. He said, "Don’t cry, John.There is One who is worthy. The Lion of the tribe of Judah is worthy totake the scroll and break its seals." John wiped his eyes and lookedaround for a lion. John knew what a lion looked like. At least, he thought he knew what a lion looked like, but as he looked around for alion, out of the throne came a Lamb. John was certain the elder had said there was a lion. Now not only was that Lion a Lamb, but it was a strange Lamb because It had seven eyes and seven horns. It also looked like itwas newly slain; It was covered with fresh blood. (See Revelation 5:1-8.)
The Book of Revelation was written in A.D. 96. That means that some 56 years after the death of Jesus Christ, John saw the Lamb coming out ofthe throne with the blood still fresh upon Him. He had seven horns, whichspeaks of all power. He had seven eyes, which speaks of all knowledge,and He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. He is the Lion of the tribe ofJudah because He is the Lamb of God. It was at the cross of Calvary thatthe Lamb of God received the authority to become the Lion.His blood is still fresh before God for us. It continues to speak for usbefore God because the blood of Jesus Christ has never lost its power. Jesus is enthroned there by virtue of His precious blood. It was He who took the scroll and broke the seals thereof. When He broke the first seal, the rider on the white horse, which is righteousness, went forth conquering and to ultimately conquer (see Rev.6:1-2).
When Jesus went to Heaven, He released righteousness to run downthrough the pages of history. Before history winds up, righteousness will rule. Darkness will be defeated; Christ will be Lord indeed; and the glory of the Lord will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea (seeHab. 2:14).
Let’s take a look at Peter’s message following the advent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost: "Fellow Israelites, listen carefully to these words:Jesus the Nazarene, a man thoroughly accredited by God to you -- the miracles and wonders and signs that God did through him are common knowledge – this Jesus, following the deliberate and well-thought-out plan of God, was betrayed by men who took the law into their own hands,and was handed over to you. And you pinned him to a cross and killed him. But God untied the death ropes and raised him up. Death was no match forhim. David said it all: ‘I saw God before me for all time. Nothing canshake me; he’s right by my side.’" ™ (Acts 2:22-25). In Chapter 3 we discussed that every time you read about David in the NewTestament, it’s talking about government (royalty). In this passage,we’re talking about kingship. Isn’t it interesting that when we talk about the coming of the Holy Spirit, we’re not talking about Adam (race), Abraham (relationship), or Moses (covenant)?
Instead we talk about David, royal government. "David said it all: ‘I saw God before me for all time. Nothing can shake me; he’s right by my side. I’m glad from the inside out, ecstatic; I’ve pitched my tent in the land of hope. I know you’ll never dump me in Hades; I’ll never even smell the stench of death. You’ve got my feet on the life-path, with your face shining sun-joy all around.’Dear friends, let me be completely frank with you. Our ancestor David isdead and buried – his tomb is in plain sight today. But being also aprophet and knowing that God had solemnly sworn that a descendant of his would rule his kingdom, seeing far ahead, he talked of the resurrectionof the Messiah – ‘no trip to Hades, no stench of death.’ This Jesus, God raised up. And every one of us here is a witness to it. ™ (Acts 2:25-32).
According to this passage, Jesus assumed the throne of David at the resurrection. He became King at the resurrection. He’s not waiting in some little anteroom in Heaven waiting to become King. He’s been King for2,000 years. He’s been ruling history for 2,000 years. He’s got the wholething in hand, and He knows exactly what He’s going to do. The plan isall in the scroll. He’s worthy to take the scroll, break the seals, andbring history to a proper conclusion – and He’s going to do it by the Holy Ghost. FELLOW WITNESSES, RULERS, AND PRIESTS. "This Jesus, God raised up, And every one of us here is a witness to it. Then, raised to the heights atthe right hand of God and receiving the promise of the Holy Spirit fromthe Father, he poured out the Spirit he had just received. That is what you see and hear." ™ (Acts 2:32-33).When Jesus ascended, He fulfilled all the Old Testament prophecies andpromises concerning kingship that were made to David and the prophets. So when Jesus ascended and took His throne, He was anointed like kings are anointed; He was anointed with the Holy Spirit to assume His kinglyposition. The Holy Spirit flowed down over Him, right on down to 120 of His followers below. They became filled with the Holy Spirit, the Spiritof kingship and authority. I want to know what God is going to do with the nations. I want to know how God’s going to wind up history, and I start to get a hint here.
When God anointed Jesus of Nazareth as King at the resurrection and ascension,He sent the Holy Spirit. He sent the Holy Spirit to bless you, make youhappy, make you talk in tongues, prophesy, and sing choruses, to give you goose bumps and make your hair stand on end – all of that is part of the package. However, He also sent the Holy Spirit to make you a fellow king.You are a king and a priest. You are a worshiper, but you’re also a ruler.As I look at many Christians today, they’re usually the saddest bunch ofkings I’ve ever seen. You just can’t go by appearance; you may be knock-kneed, sawed-off, pigeon-toed, bowlegged, lop-eared, baldheaded,and cockeyed, but by the inspiration of the Word of God, I can draw back the door of your heart and see the Holy Spirit of the risen Jesus sittingon the throne of your heart. You may not have a crown on your head or bewearing a purple robe. You may not look like a king, but you are still aking. You have the Spirit of a King. You have the Spirit of authority in you, and you are made to rule. Do you understand that your church community with its elders is not just a fellowship of Spirit-filled people who praise God and sing choruses? Do you know what you are? You are a local representation of the governmentof God. Your elders are rulers, not over you, but are rulers under God over your area.
This may seem strange to you, but I want to explain something. Most likely where you live you have mayors and aldermen. What’s an alderman? Alderman is another word for an elderman or an elder. We often talk about the city fathers. You have city fathers in your church communities, andyou should honor them. Let’s use an imaginary place called McGurkel’s Crossing for anillustration. Mayor McGillecutty is the mayor of McGurkel’s Crossing, and there’s six or seven aldermen. There’s also a Christian body in that community who meets on Sunday mornings. They sing nice songs, and the preacher stands up to encourage them to hang on for another week because the bus may be coming. They’re just enduring to the end, but all the timethey’ve failed to realize that they are actually the superior governmental people in that community. The elders and people of that local Christian body are an extension of the Trinity to represent the overnment of God in that area. AUTHORITY TO BRING CHANGE.
The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live. He wants not only us but everyone saved, you know, everyone to get to know the truth we’ve learned: that there’s oneGod and only one, and one Priest-Mediator between God and us – Jesus." ™(1 Timothy 2:1-5). What is Paul teaching us here? When you come together, first of all,before you pray for Grandma’s gout, little Johnny’s tummy ache, and money to pay… Before you pray for anything else, before you pray for the missionaries, before you pray for God to bless the pastor so he won’t put us all to sleep… Before you pray any of those kinds of prayers, Paul said, "First of all, most important of all, pray for all men everywhere,for rulers and those that are in authority over you, that we might lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness, for God would have all men tobe saved and come to a knowledge of the truth."
I believe in the separation of church and state, but I don’t believe inthe separation of God and state. I believe that the powers that be are ordained of God. I believe that our President and his cabinets, our mayors and aldermen, are all under the direct oversight of God Almighty. They reign and rule by His permission, whether their rule is good, bad,or indifferent. I also want you to know that the people of God, the congregation of God in any local area, are a higher governmental orderthan that earthly order.I’m not speaking evil of established authorities, but I am saying that ifthe people of God in an area will get it together, and their elders will get it together, when you come together pray first of all for all those in authority around you. When you do so you will release the power of rulership into the secular community of your area. You will stop crime.You’ll stem unrighteousness. You’ll change the minds of mayors andaldermen. You’ll alter the thrust of government. You can change thedirection of nations, for you are a ruler. Your elders are rulers. You’rerulers, and you’re kings. You were sent here to rule in Christ’s name and bring the disciples, the nations, under the Lordship of Christ.You are a king. I want you to act like a king. "For the weapons of ourwarfare are not carnal" (2 Cor. 10:4a).
We’re not going to go out and raise money to buy bombs; I’ve already got a bomb in my spirit that can blow up the world. I believe Jesus Christ is at this very moment literally sitting on the throne of the universe. He has a body, a human body of flesh and bone that is 33-and-a-half-years old. It hasn’t wrinkled in those 2,000 years because He alone has immortality. I believethat when He ascended to Heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to indwell His people so they might share with Him in the oversight of the universe. He wants you to start to rule and govern in your area by your corporate release of righteousness through your prayers for rulers, governors, and those who are in authority. When that starts to happen across the world, governments will start to change. Social mores will change. At a given moment your prayers that have been bottled up at the throne of God will be turned upside down. There will be thunders and lightnings, for God will not only change people’s minds, He will also start to remove people. Judgment will start to fall; judgment is salvation. God will start to alter things. You’ve got to start to believe this is God’s world and that this is your world as representatives of God. You have the power to change things where youlive because you are kings. More than 3,000 people responded and were saved as a result of thePentecost message (see Acts 2:40-47). They were the seed of a thriving, growing community. The bottom line of Acts 2 is not about becoming filledwith the Holy Ghost to be able to go to Heaven; it’s about being filledwith the Holy Ghost to become a community of power. The scandal of modern Christianity is its division. Until we can find and accept one another in our various geographical localities and start to behave like kings andpriests, we’re not going to fulfill our destiny to change the order ofthings.
Nuts To Crack - A List of Paradoxes from C H Spurgeon
I was reading through the Sword and Trowel November 1874 edition and found this short piece. It's vintage:
The Christian is one who is to be plainly seen, and yet his life is hidden; he is a man in the world, but not a man of the world; he converses with other men, and yet his conversation is in heaven.He is one who lives to die, and dies to live; yet he is dead while he lives, and lives when he dies.He is one who lives in another, and for another; he seeks not himself when he aims most at his own good; God is his all, and his all is God; he aims at no end but the glory of God, of which there is no end.
I was reading through the Sword and Trowel November 1874 edition and found this short piece. It's vintage:
The Christian is one who is to be plainly seen, and yet his life is hidden; he is a man in the world, but not a man of the world; he converses with other men, and yet his conversation is in heaven.He is one who lives to die, and dies to live; yet he is dead while he lives, and lives when he dies.He is one who lives in another, and for another; he seeks not himself when he aims most at his own good; God is his all, and his all is God; he aims at no end but the glory of God, of which there is no end.
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