Accused of church aversion

This post was originally written in 2008. In this post, I reflect on the position experienced by those who begin questioning the traditional patterns of the church in our day. Have you ever been accused of having an aversion to modern church?

One might become ostracized when discussing ecclesiology with individuals whose only exposure to it is that of the position justified by tradition, then proven from scripture. The perspective of 'church' being implemented as it is found in practice throughout the New Testament is often frowned upon and dismissed as being impossible to embrace due to cultural restraints we now face daily. As emergent as many may find this to sound, I think it's at least owed a second look in our study.

Some of us can discuss this openly, humbly, and in Christian love. But most of us, will dismiss the other party as a confessing heretic only to never find ourselves in fellowship with one another again. Whether or not fellowship ever existed between parties to begin with bears little relevance when the topic matter creates enough friction to cause harm or hatred toward a brother.

Most often, proponents of this perspective are misunderstood. Rightly so, as the norm is created by those who are zealous and promote a complete retreat to the other end of the spectrum where there is no return to the middle in sight. Either way, we need to remember that the disillusioned generation that has spawned and multiplied under the wing of emergent theology, there is still a part of that group that still resides under the wing of biblical theology.

One that does well to seek discipleship under the teachings of our Lord, also does well to understand that it isn't a retreat that's needed. It's a recovery. So when you encounter someone who may share in this thinking, you could remember to hear out the evidence first. Or just do what's always done, accuse, dismiss, and then accuse them of having an aversion toward preaching, institutions, or true church. Or in other words, dismiss their legitimate aversion toward cultural christianity and assign them false convert status because they don't meet the status quo.

Vantage Point: Sermons and Peter the Pulpit Preacher - Part 1

The sermon is under attack. Its accusers claim that it is ineffective or out of date. In contrast to such criticism, the sermon is heavily emphasized and utilized in many Christian meetings to communicate biblical data to the masses, and as a brother from our assembly points out,

"The Sermon is so central to many groups that its delivery is one of the main duties of a professionally trained and salaried individual, the pastor."

The same brother, in his post, "In Defense of the Sermon" highlights not the problems with sermons, but the specific problems affecting today's sermons in our modern context. The post will in turn draw your attention to biblical anecdotes, the effectiveness of a good sermon, and even how to benefit as a listener.

The post offers a highly insightful and well reasoned presentation in defense of the sermon. It may even surprise you that this brother's idea of a sermon allows for questioning and verbal interaction. In the end, the post itself rests upon the premise that sermons are biblical, and have precedent through scriptural reference. I will not argue against the points made in the above post but will instead direct us to consider the nature of Peter's message in Acts 2:14-36. Was it extemporaneous, or was it carefully planned as the author states in the following?

To be clear: what I mean by “sermon” is an extended lecture on a biblical text or theme, prepared in advance by one individual who delivers it orally to a group of people. Unlike a discussion, the presentation is asymmetric (primarily from the teacher to the congregation, though it may be interrupted by questions). Unlike a meditation, it develops its content with an argument that usually takes some time to present. Unlike an extemporaneous address, the teacher devotes effort to preparing it in advance.

Before reading on, please be sure to have read the original article. When you finish that, read a follow up to one reader's comment "Peter's Planned Presentation."

My observations of the oratory given by Peter lead to another conclusion. Peter's 'sermon' was not a sermon at all. It should be noted that the schema in which we process the idea of a 'sermon' must be addressed. A sermon from the perspective of modern day pulpit preaching comes to mind, and the presentation places the deliverer in front of his audience. This same schema connotes planned preparation and crafted rhetoric. Reading such contemporary perceptions back into the texts of scripture can easily lead us astray.

I do not wish to offer a refutation of the above articles or point out invalidity of any of this brother's statements. What I would like to offer for you is a series of posts that will highlight some points from the book of Acts that provide evidence of genuine apostolic doctrine in action. While this brother's conclusions result in a case for careful preparation prior to confronting the masses with rhetorical structuring and systematic exposition, what I have found is that Peter was more of an opportunist and evangelist than a trained exegete or sophist.

What do you think? Do you think that Peter's sermon in Acts 2:14-36 was a prepared sermon? What indicators in the text lead you to this conclusion or disagreement? I hope to offer more in the next post in this series, Vantage Point: Sermons and Peter the Pulpit Preacher - Part 2.

*Arthur Sido asks a similar question at his blog - "A different perspective on sermons."

Half-baked sacrament or breaking bread?

As early as the late 1st century, and well into the 2nd, we begin to see a form of gatekeeping or table-fencing creeping into the meetings of Christians. If grace is a means received when one partakes of the Lord's Table, eating the bread or drinking the cup, then Christ really is only partly sufficient as a sacrifice no? Then the result would require an administration of the element of grace to those who are seen as worthy would it not? Interesting and yet perplexing thought here if you think about it.

"The Church had come a long way since the Last Supper, and much of it had involved a journey away from, and even against, it's original Jewish recipe. The result was half-baked sacramental theology with too many foreign flavors overwhelming the main ingredient."

-Ben Witherington III, Making a Meal of It: Rethinking the Theology of the Lord's Supper

Now, if the means of grace must be administered properly, then an effective system must be adhered to. Why not implement priests, altars, and appropriate delegates to serve the means of grace as it should be. If the sacrifice is being re-initiated, then the priesthood and temple shall be also. I wonder if this would look anything like the modern evangelical landscape, or would it look like the breaking of bread seen in the assembly of Christians?

Ben Witherington goes on to make another interesting point in Making a Meal of It,

"One wonders what Jesus, dining with sinners and tax collectors and then eating his modified Passover meal with disciples whom he knew were going to deny, desert, and betray him, would say about all this. There needs to be a balance between proper teaching so the sacrament is partaken of in a worthy manner and overly zealous policing of the table or clerical control of it."

What do you think? Is the Lord's Supper really something that has so much liberty of interpretation that we can do it in this way or that way? Or is it really so simple that a plain reading of scripture reveals the manner in which the disciples, and ourselves, should take it?

End Times Primer

Ever want a simple definition of the varying end-times worldviews, or better known as 'eschatology', it is essential for the Christian to know what they believe and why they believe it. I have always found that the framework in which we read the end-times Scriptural references has a significant impact on how we live today as believers.

At Head Heart Hand, David Murray has posted several videos from his most recent presentation at the 2010 Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology. He has also included an e-book for download. The videos are also available for download on Vimeo for your viewing/sharing purposes.

For simplicity sake, I have compiled his four videos concerning Dispensational Premillenialism, Amillenialism, Post-Millenialism, and Historic Premillenialism, along with the Endtimes Q&A e-book into a compressed zip file for download.

I hope this resource is beneficial to you as you seek to learn more about these varying end-times views.

Separation, Fellowship, and a Poor Illustration...

When I was a wee one, I learned a cool trick from my siblings and elder family members that always fascinated me. I will post a video that illustrates my point at the end of the post. Today, I thought that in all my writer's blocked glory, I would make a feeble attempt at illustrating a point. As far off topic of last week's post this might seem, I hope that it remains at least in part, in the same ballpark.

The discussion occurring on several blogs regarding the separation of doctrine, when and where the line should be drawn, and just what types of doctrine are dogmatic enough to create necessary separation. Some links to the blogs and articles in reference are, "A Voice of One Crying Out in Suburbia, The Assembling of The Church." I would say these are excellent posts, and the questions raised are due attention, but the confusion is where in the world do we begin? A short time back I made an attempt to touch on one area I believe to cause separation within a body of professing believers, one that is prevalent in mainstream Christendom if you will. The purpose of the post was to illustrate an elevation of Clergy over Laity, and the difference in stature that is fostered by this kind of separation.

This day, I would just like to touch on the topic of necessary separation that I see as a necessity for Christian fellowship. I won't touch much on personal commentary, but would propose this for consideration.

"Jesus said there would be tare's amongst the wheat, so we should always be ready to evangelize those in our midst, the church should be a mission field too."

And scripture illustrates,

Acts 2:42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

1Co 1:9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

2Co 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

2Co 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Gal 2:9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.

1Jn 1:3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.

1Jn 1:6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

1Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

So, enjoy the video. I think it shows simply the reaction we should witness to darkness when it comes into contact with the light of Christian fellowship which is born of the Holy Spirit!

A Disciple's Taste for Neckbones and Gizzards (Pietas II)

If I were to claim expertise on the topic of which I have chosen to examine (Pietas/Piety) I would be a bold faced liar. But, I have not claimed expertise nor do I wish to. The purpose in writing on this topic is one of many sorts, but quintessentially is narrowed down to one factor. It has occupied a great majority of my thoughts, meditations, and prayers as of late. I blog here to share these thoughts in hopes of encouraging, edifying, and admonishing members of the Body of Christ. If it stands as rebuke, that was not it's intent. It's purpose is to examine just what distinguishes "piety" from "Pharsaical religion." These two components are clearly distinguishable in the New Testament and a few passages are quite famous in their documentation between Jesus and the leaders of Jerusalem on the very topic. I do not intend this to be a discourse. I'd be comfortable labeling this has a "primer."

Ahem, please let me clarify that gizzards gross me out, and I think that they are something that should be inedible. Matter of fact, if there were legislation to ban gizzard consumption, I would check that box to help the cause. But, there isn't one and I cannot stop people from eating gizzards. Nor will I hold any contempt or prejudiced against them (or you) if they do.

Matthew 15:18-20 provides the text for today's entry. In reading this passage we could do well to take note of the whole context in which Jesus' words were prompted. Upon rebuking the Pharisees for their hypocrisies, Jesus and the disciples converse among themselves (Mk 7:17 cf. in a home) and they request clarification from the Lord of the parable as they had done on previous occasions (Mt 13:36, Mt 15:15-16, Mk 4:34, Mk 7:17, Jn 16:29). Ultimately, we receive a very clear explanation of what Jesus meant as well. We get to thank the confusion of the disciples for that one!

Now Jesus clarifies the importance of this dialog through simple meaning and reference to the prophecy of Isaiah (Mt 15:7, Is 29:13) and likens it to the current generation of Jews. Be it as it may, these words may have had a previous audience when spoken by the prophet, but the oracles of God saw fit for them to apply aptly through the authority of Jesus to speak them again in this setting. The question to be answered here is not were the Pharisees and their practices hypocritical, Scripture clarifies this many times (Mt 7:5, Mt 23:23-29), but what is the point I'm trying to make by telling you all this?

My point is this. The superficiality of Pharisaical religion is found in the understanding of our own personal sins. Where there has been victory won through sanctification, perseverance, and hard won battles of the flesh it is dangerous for NT believers to hold these victories as standards for others to hold to. Worse yet, that they become disqualified in their salvation because we determine them ineligible based upon our own personal piety. Woe to us who yoke our brethren with a yoke that Christ has removed in His sacrifice upon the cross. The other dilemma posed by this situation is far more terrible than the former. This situation occurs not out of the possession of maturity and inner piety, but through the dismissal of our Lord's teachings and how clear they really are.

In an article by Dr. Tom Ascol called "The Heart of the Problem" he writes,

"Failure to accept our Lord's teaching at this point inevitably leads us to locate sin outside of ourselves. This makes it very easy to create an extrabiblical list of activities and objects that we designate "sinful" and rail against them in the name of holiness. Such lists are limited only by the imaginations of their creators and have, in some conservative Christian circles, included everything from sports and movies, to wine and masculine facial hair.

"But Jesus teaches us that sin does not originate "out there." It's haven is the human heart. Martin Luther came to see this and it caused him to say, "I am more afraid of my own heart than of the pope and all his cardinals."

It would seem that firing up the bullhorn and engaging every single Christian listener, Sheeple People, or Joe Schmoe on the street would be a perfect remedy to informing them of every single thing they are doing wrong that keeps them at enmity with Christ, but I would contest it doesn't. They are already at enmity and will stay there until He draws them unto Himself. Fortunately, He has provided a means by which we can participate in that process. It's called preaching the Gospel, and that includes Christ crucified. The sole transformation of deliverance from these things Christian or unbeliever, is the transforming power of the Gospel. As some of us so often forget, the Gospel is for everyday, not just THAT day you were saved.

"By piety I mean that union of reverence and love to God which the knowledge of his benefits inspires. For, until men feel that they owe everything to God, that they are cherished by his paternal care, and that he is the author of all their blessings, so that nought is to be looked for away from him, they will never submit to him in voluntary obedience; nay, unless they place their entire happiness in him, they will never yield up their whole selves to him in truth and sincerity."

-Calvins Institutes book 1 ch. 2, Knowledge of God.

Advent of Christ in a Sinner (Pietas I)

Essentially midway through the two week period that marks the anniversary of my sequential arrest, heroin detox, and salvation in the Wayne County Jail (Detroit), I have been in much thought. These thoughts have not only been occurring as of late, but ongoing for the past month or so. It is just now, during this time of gratitude, memorial, and reflection that it starts making more sense than it did four years ago.

Since it was merely a two week period spent awaiting the Lord (as I did not know that's what I was doing), there was little time to do any other thing than think of the pain caused to others by me, the magnitude and seriousness of my crimes, the future implications of the life I had previously led, the HIV and blood test results that had yet to arrive, and total fear of release back into the world again. During some points, there were thoughts that led to a preference of remaining incarcerated, at least by this I knew what to expect each day in and day out.

Let it be understood that I could meditate and elaborate for hours and on many things concerning my feelings regarding this period of my life. But to this day let it be known that this period is one I hold in high esteem and regard it highly unto the Lord. It marks His advent (coming) into my life and redeeming me from what was a horrible existence physically, but most importantly; what was becoming a horrible life eternally. In my sin, He showed me grace.

Following this salvation, this act of mercy, this great work of God wrought in the life of a sinner who had once thought himself unworthy of forgiveness, what was to come? What is to come in any believer following their conversion? Just what is required of them now that they have professed Christ? What kinds of circumstances follow conversion that encourage or hinder the believer in sanctification?

I ask all these questions with personal reference as well as reference to all who name Christ as Lord. Is there a set standard that determines the rate of development believers are to endure? Is there a pace that is set and held to in order to determine the legitimacy of one's confession? Who's side of the yoke is heavier ours or Christ's? In bearing the burden and enduring the walk of a Christian, I would contend that Christ's yoke being easy, and His burden light, He is bearing and has already bore a majority of the load and has essentially made it easier for us to bear through His finished work.

Christ stated that His yoke would be easy and burden light; directly referencing the yoke the Pharisees and Scribes were laying upon people through the law of Moses and their unbearable burden greatly magnified by the ceremonial and traditional burden that was added, Christ makes it clear that this is not what He requires. Matthew 11:28-30 show just what the Lord meant by this, and picturing two oxen yoked together shows us how a load is bore. Although the load is taken upon two yoked together, this does not necessarily equate the two as being of equal stature or capability, it merely means they are yoked together.

Think about it, I'll be back with more in the following days. I have been deep in thought and consulting the Scriptures daily as I examine these things and the Lord has shown me through His Word many wonderful things.

Scripture Interpretation - Seriousness or Just a Game?

Pistachios and Wesleyans...

No real thought provoking commentary to post today. Matter of fact, I'm just plain tired this week and won't get much done on the blog for a minute. It's gardening time and I'm wrapping up the spring cleaning.

I did get to spend a few hours with some friends of mine yesterday evening. Both are ordained Pastors of the United Methodist Church. Which is often scary whenever theology is discussed. But my closest friend of the two decided to further our past discussions on the "sinner's prayer," and the sovereignty of God in man's salvation. His basic question was, after we preach the Gospel then what? Well, as we ate pistachios and drank coffee, I shared with him in the best way I could articulate it why I think there is good reason to avoid using the sinner's prayer with people. Even the use of the prayer with seemingly contrite and genuinely repentant people rubs a raw nerve, and I feel should be avoided even then also.

I'd like to elaborate more, and I will in another post to come soon. But until then, what are your thoughts on this matter? Let me know in the comments below! I'd like your input.

I'll spare you the details of the rest of my conversations with the two Pastors. In short, they were nothing shy of interesting, that's for sure.

Christian Library at Your Browser's Disposal

I have always found this to be a very useful resource. If anything it's a buried treasure. I don't know how many of you out there are familiar with it, but I thought I would share it with the blog's readers anyway. It's Christian Classics Ethereal Library located on Calvin College's servers. There are Pdf's, TxT's, and many other electronic sources for Christian literature, history, and reference material online at your fingertips. They allow free downloading of all material, but after downloading many times, they ask for donations, which is understood. Considering that the cost of operating a service that gives stuff away free, is not free....

Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
Enjoy!

Church Discipline Continued...

Today's addition to the topic of Church Discipline includes a sermon from Pastor Jeff Noblit of First Baptist Church of Muscle Shoals in Alabama. These links will connect you to the sermon at www.SermonAudio.com

Church Discipline pt. 1 Jeremiah 6:14-16 .

Multiculturalism and Theology

Today I had to put the finishing touches on a minimal three page paper due for school. The topic of this paper was to be the facet of diversity (cultural) in social work interviewing (assessment). I had already knew what the paper was going to require, and what direction it was destined to go. What direction you may ask? The direction of relativism and the importance of peacefully negotiating rights and wrongs in order to make headway and achieve some form of acceptance and understanding.

The depth of this is limitless, so I will only get to my point much quicker than normal because I don't have time and I need to spill these thoughts before they depart from me. Social activism and proponents of the social gospel all preach the same thing. They preach a needs based approach that seeks to materialistically solve an eternal and soul-based dilemma. An individuals relationship with God does not perfect his behavior instantaneously and abrogate him from accountability, but yet it can only achieve the absolute meeting of need through the Saviour Jesus Christ. It is in Him that the satisfaction of one's place in life, time, wealth, and success are measured correctly.

I can't begin to tell you how annoyed I've become with my current pursuit of a Bachelor's degree in social work and the liberalism that seethes throughout all of it's core teaching. But, I will tell you how I pray the degree provides a stepping stone to attain glory and honor for the Lord, and that His grace is magnified through me as a living testimony to it.

Here's a quote on the problem posed by multiculturalism in a larger spectrum of understanding. This commentary provides a great assessment and dead on description of the larger implications that tolerance and multiculturalism advocates.

To cite a non-European, non-Muslim example, the draft constitution of Bolivia would allow for “communal justice” that could not be appealed by a court. Local tribes could punish malefactors as they see fit, which by custom means mob violence, lynchings, burnings, and burying people alive.
Thus, multicultural tolerance becomes intolerance. Multicultural freedom puts an end to freedom. Multiculturalism commits suicide. Relativists have no conceptual basis for opposing radical Islam; thus the weakness of nations that reject their own religious, moral, and cultural heritage.

Veith, Gene Edward (2008, March 1). Suicidal Theology. World Magazine, 33.

This can be found in it's entirety by visiting World Magazine!