If you don't know what dispensationalism is - and don't care how it affects how you interpret the Bible, this post will be quite boring to you.
That said, I was pointed to an article by Dan Phillips, one of the authors of the Pyromaniacs blog (here), called Twenty-Five Stupid Reasons for Dissing Dispensationalism (here).
Now, I admit, I do like to make fun of dispensationalism. Not out of spite or anything. I have great respect and love for Team Pyro. They love Jesus. And we agree on a heck of a lot.
But I thought I'd take a few moments and write a brief response to Phillips' exposition of these 25 Stupid Reasons.
That said, I took these 'reasons' as actual arguments, rather than merely 'disses.' I'm not sure technically what 'dissing' entails to be honest. So that said, I'm considering these arguments legitimately made against dispensationalism.
Here we go.
My response to ’25 Stupid reasons for dissing dispensationalism’
My responses are in italics.
1) All of the coolest guys are covenantal.
That’s just true. Granted, it’s a stupid argument. Not even an argument, really. But it’s true. It’s more like a kind hearted jab. Well, hopefully kind-hearted. Us Reformed can be jerks at times.
2) It’s new.
Well, it is. Though the solas and five points weren’t systematized before the Reformation, they were certainly around. Dispensationalism was not. Premillenialism was. They are not the same.
3) It’s not Reformed
This is true. Semantic issue, though, really. And agreed – bad argument.
4) So many dispies are goofs.
This is also true. I think there are more crazy dispies than crazy Reformed people, though.
But yeah – bad argument.
5) Dispy writers have made false predictions.
Again, true – but agreed, bad argument.
6) The best scholars hate dispensationalism.
I mean, yeah, this is, again, true. Even the good ‘dispensational’ scholars aren’t true dispies – they’re progressives.
But point conceded – scholarship doesn’t prove something. Arguments must be analyzed.
7) But someone wrote a book destroying dispensationalism.
I’ve never heard that one. I’ve never read a book that attempts to do so. But…. That’s okay. No response needed or given.
8) You can’t prove all those dispensational distinctives and prophetic features from the NT alone.
Never heard this argument. I agree, not a good one. But I also believe that we should base doctrine out of the many clear passages which interpret the few harder ones.
9) It isn’t a spiritual hermeneutic.
I don’t know what this even means.
10) Dispensationalists are antinomian.
Depends on what you mean by antinomian. If by it you’re referring to the OT moral law, then yes you are antinomian. That doesn’t mean you don’t care about morality, though.
11) We should interpret the OT by the NT.
And we should. We should look at how the NT interprets OT prophecy. Sometimes it is indeed difficult. Jesus held people accountable. They didn’t see because they were stupid. They didn’t see because of sin. Same is true of us.
12) You can’t take everything literally.
Again, I’ve never heard nor would I ever use this argument. What I would say is that you can’t take stuff in isolation.
13) Dispies are overliteral.
I’d never use this. Nor have I ever heard it.
14) I think Hal Lindsey is stupid. I like making fun of him.
I admit, I like making fun of Hal Lindsey. Granted, not an argument. But it’s so very much fun. I’d also probably do more than make fun of Harold Camping. I’d probably excommunicate him.
The only problem is that he wouldn’t mind.
15) People have converted from being dispy to other things
Agreed. Stupid argument.
16-19) Disp. Is divisive, defeateist, fatalistic, and escapist.
Eh, people who hold it can be. But agreed. Stupid argument.
20) Dispensationalism teaches a false offer by Christ.
Now, okay, I’ve never heard this. I’m not sure what’s meant, exactly. If it means that Jesus was offering them the physical fullness of the Kingdom then – then… that’s just silly.
21) ‘All the promises of God find their yes in him.’ – 2 Cor. 1:20.
Dan’s argument here is interesting. I think the difference is that he’d take it to mean that Jesus mediates God’s promises, and we’d take it to mean that the promises are sure to those in him.
This requires much more serious discussion than Dan gives it.
22) Dispensationalism teaches two ways of salvation.
Some hypers did. Qutoing Berkhof there isn’t really relevant . Not sure Dan understands what Berkhof was saying.
23) I’m CT and use a grammatical-historical approach…
We do. We just don’t do it in isolation from the rest of Scripture, using our best guesses as assumptions for what we think God meant.
24) Dispensationalism divides the people of God.
Never heard this as an argument. It’s just kinda defining what dispensationalism is.
25) Dispensationalism fails to see Jesus in every verse of the Bible.
I think this is more of a charge of what practically happens in dispensational preaching. Often, it tends to be moralistic, rather than gospel centered.
That’s not an argument. Just an observation.
But yeah, I think Dan does reveal the problem with dispensationalism in this critique. He fails to understand covenants. The promises were not made to everyone in the visible community, dude. And we are in covenant relationship with Christ. And engrafted into Israel.
This isn’t decoder ring. This is just taking seriously what the Bible has to say about covenants, our position in Christ, and its own interpretation of OT texts.
We don't believe that the Church merely replaces Israel. We believe that those promises are made to elect Israel, ultimately through union with Christ, with whom the Church is united and engrafted into the covenant promises.
There is no replacement of Israel. Just an expansion of its borders.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
You Need to Love the Law
You realize if you don't love God's Law - his commandments - his rules - you're in rebellion, right? (Read Psalm 119.)
You've probably heard that you need to preach the gospel to yourself daily. This is true.
But there is no Good News without the Law showing us what we're saved from. And to, for that matter (obedience to the Law - Romans 8:1-4; Hebrews 8, etc).
So, preach the Law to yourself daily. Tear yourself to shreds with it. Feel the pain of your rebellion against your Maker.
Then run to Jesus.
You've probably heard that you need to preach the gospel to yourself daily. This is true.
But there is no Good News without the Law showing us what we're saved from. And to, for that matter (obedience to the Law - Romans 8:1-4; Hebrews 8, etc).
So, preach the Law to yourself daily. Tear yourself to shreds with it. Feel the pain of your rebellion against your Maker.
Then run to Jesus.
Do You Want to Know God Personally?
A personal relationship with God without an understanding of why Jesus died,
how he reigns as King,
faith alone apart from works,
and repentance from sins,
is naught but a personal relationship of hostility from both sides.
O God, reconcile your elect people to yourself!
how he reigns as King,
faith alone apart from works,
and repentance from sins,
is naught but a personal relationship of hostility from both sides.
O God, reconcile your elect people to yourself!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
John Owen on the idea that Jesus died for everyone
...in itself the whole is in expression so barbarous and remote from common sense, in substance such a wild, unchristian madness, as contempt would far better suit it than a reply.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Homosexuality in the news...
First, eHarmony has been forced to open a site for homosexuals. eHarmony was founded by a Christian, who, as such, believes homosexuality to be a breach of God's Law.
You can read the story here.
Is this the beginning of the government interfering with the Church exercising it's right - yea even duty - to act according to the gospel of Jesus Christ? I admit I'm surprised. Didn't expect this kind of stupidity this soon.
In a related story, Tony Jones, one of the heavy hitters in the emergent (we like to think happy thoughts, just not about Scripture) circles, decided that homosexuality is a-okay.
That story is here.
He says in the story that now his detractors have more ammo to say that he's continued his leftward slide.
Yes, you let go of Scriptural authority, and you will start calling evil 'good.' And you will let people go to hell feeling just a tad bit better about themselves.
You can read the story here.
Is this the beginning of the government interfering with the Church exercising it's right - yea even duty - to act according to the gospel of Jesus Christ? I admit I'm surprised. Didn't expect this kind of stupidity this soon.
In a related story, Tony Jones, one of the heavy hitters in the emergent (we like to think happy thoughts, just not about Scripture) circles, decided that homosexuality is a-okay.
That story is here.
He says in the story that now his detractors have more ammo to say that he's continued his leftward slide.
Yes, you let go of Scriptural authority, and you will start calling evil 'good.' And you will let people go to hell feeling just a tad bit better about themselves.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
CLT III - Discipleship - Notes
CLT III – Discipleship
Intro
-So one day an old friend called me… (Pat story)
-An important question (answers not only ‘how do I disciple’ – but also – what am I as a disciple)
-Where we’re going: 4 texts of Scripture – then ‘how to disciple someone’ steps
-Pray
-Get out your notes ‘n’ bibles, folks!
Matt 28:18-20 (remind, read)
-Authority!
-(Illustration: list: planets, molecules, cells – your soul, your heart, your mind – and everyone else’s!)
-Commands – go AND disciple the nations
-(he owns it – letting all nations know and inviting them to act accordingly)
-discipleship = baptism and teaching people to obey
(grammar lesson!)
-baptism –
represents what? (Matt. 3; Mark 10:38, 39);
-illustration: noah’s flood
act of worship (obedience, repentance towards God) (1 Peter 3)
-illustration: (as opposed to me coming out of the water and having people cheer for me)
-Baptism = important! (gospel; gift, worship towards God, command!)
-Also, teaching them to obey all I’ve commanded!
-So what does that say about you?
-About evangelism?
-illustration – (two circles)
-About the source of content in discipleship?
-‘I think’ and mere advice should never come from a teacher’s mouth!
-teach includes doctrine
-Think about the hearers of this: original recipients of the apostles.
Christ – exercising authority over all creation. He has sent out 12 dudes to invite people into that reign – that Kingdom. And we enter and are learning to obey what he said – all by his grace. We join him in his death and life through grace.
-Summarize!
2 Tim. 4:1-4 (remind, read)
-vv. 1-2
-To preachers – not necessarily directly to you –but shows what content should be
-Command: to preach!
-Content? (1 Cor. 2 and rest of 2 Tim 4:2 – AND Titus 2!)
-Cross is everything – all Scripture – character
-Why’s this command important? (vv. 3-4)
-False doctrines that feel good
-examples: accept Jesus and life will be better; answers to ‘why’s there suffering’ – what about people who haven’t heard – believing one can go to heaven if he’s prayed a prayer – even if there’s no life change – believing that people are the center of God’s universe…
-So what’s this mean for you?
-what teachers do you run to?
-if you’re discipling – what are you teaching???
-Summarize
Ephesians 4:11-16 (remind, read)
-Jesus gave certain people!
-response – worship!
-goal – for us all to be equipped to serve (see 1 Peter 4)
-none of us are to be an audience
-END goal – that the Church would be doing the works of Jesus on earth
-framework emerges!
Now – discipleship for Christian leadership…
2 Tim. 2:2 (remind, read)
-The things from Paul!
-Not thought or ‘practical help’– from God – his word – his face
-Entrust to faithful dudes
-faithful! (character! Elder lists!)
-able to teach
-growth is possible – the content is Scripture – nothing else!
-about elders – but applicable to leadership
-So first – 1 Tim. 3:1 – desiring leadership is desiring something noble
-THEREFORE – character!
-so should one lead? Character? Go thru 1 Tim. 3:1-7
-talk about accountability. Confession. Common sins. (Titus 2:13)
-So are you ready to be trained for leadership? Maybe, maybe not. Strive for the character necessary to take on the noble task!
A framework for discipleship falls out of all this:
Doctrine (Gospel, God – the Trinity, Scripture, man, sin, etc.)
Character (Spirit-filled life; moral law; means of grace – Scripture, fellowship, prayer, sacraments, discipline)
Min Skill – (Evangelism, Discipleship, oversight-strategic planning, problem solving, decision making; teaching; hospitality)
The how to:
-Relationship! (1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:2)
-Modeling (2 Tim. 2:2 and Jesus)
(planning, evangelism, bible study, life stuff)
-Delegating (Mark 6 and sending the disciples to preach – but honestly just getting the body to serve! Everyone should be! Examples of what to delegate to?)
-Teaching the content (incl. accountability)
Tools of the trade:
-BIBLE.
-www.centerfieldproductions.com – Indianacru, pass – Indiana
-Westminster Confession of Faith on the 10 Commandments
-google
-Q. 137. Which is the seventh commandment?
A. The seventh commandment is, Thou shalt not commit adultery.[766]
Q. 138. What are the duties required in the seventh commandment?
A. The duties required in the seventh commandment are, chastity in body, mind, affections,[767] words,[768] and behavior;[769] and the preservation of it in ourselves and others;[770] watchfulness over the eyes and all the senses;[771] temperance,[772] keeping of chaste company,[773] modesty in apparel;[774] marriage by those that have not the gift of continency,[775] conjugal love,[776] and cohabitation;[777] diligent labor in our callings;[778] shunning all occasions of uncleanness, and resisting temptations thereunto.[779]
Q. 139. What are the sins forbidden in the seventh commandment?
A. The sins forbidden in the seventh commandment, besides the neglect of the duties required,[780] are, adultery, fornication,[781] rape, incest,[782] sodomy, and all unnatural lusts;[783] all unclean imaginations, thoughts, purposes, and affections;[784] all corrupt or filthy communications, or listening thereunto;[785] wanton looks,[786] impudent or light behaviour, immodest apparel;[787] prohibiting of lawful,[788] and dispensing with unlawful marriages;[789] allowing, tolerating, keeping of stews, and resorting to them;[790] entangling vows of single life,[791] undue delay of marriage,[792] having more wives or husbands than one at the same time;[793] unjust divorce,[794] or desertion;[795] idleness, gluttony, drunkenness,[796] unchaste company;[797] lascivious songs, books, pictures, dancings, stage plays;[798] and all other provocations to, or acts of uncleanness, either in ourselves or others.[799]
-What Jesus demands from the world – Piper
-your leaders – you want more? – tell us!
Summarize the whole thing! YOU are a disciple – doctrine, character, ministry.
Jesus has met this need
-Scripture
-leadership
-your giftings!
-End of all this? Eph 4 – the building up of Jesus’ body. His glory here. A mature spotless bride, his whole church, received unto him when he returns. Praise be to God!
Framework for the last three - most important subjects – The Gospel; The Holy Spirit; Means of Grace (Perseverance)
Intro
-So one day an old friend called me… (Pat story)
-An important question (answers not only ‘how do I disciple’ – but also – what am I as a disciple)
-Where we’re going: 4 texts of Scripture – then ‘how to disciple someone’ steps
-Pray
-Get out your notes ‘n’ bibles, folks!
Matt 28:18-20 (remind, read)
-Authority!
-(Illustration: list: planets, molecules, cells – your soul, your heart, your mind – and everyone else’s!)
-Commands – go AND disciple the nations
-(he owns it – letting all nations know and inviting them to act accordingly)
-discipleship = baptism and teaching people to obey
(grammar lesson!)
-baptism –
represents what? (Matt. 3; Mark 10:38, 39);
-illustration: noah’s flood
act of worship (obedience, repentance towards God) (1 Peter 3)
-illustration: (as opposed to me coming out of the water and having people cheer for me)
-Baptism = important! (gospel; gift, worship towards God, command!)
-Also, teaching them to obey all I’ve commanded!
-So what does that say about you?
-About evangelism?
-illustration – (two circles)
-About the source of content in discipleship?
-‘I think’ and mere advice should never come from a teacher’s mouth!
-teach includes doctrine
-Think about the hearers of this: original recipients of the apostles.
Christ – exercising authority over all creation. He has sent out 12 dudes to invite people into that reign – that Kingdom. And we enter and are learning to obey what he said – all by his grace. We join him in his death and life through grace.
-Summarize!
2 Tim. 4:1-4 (remind, read)
-vv. 1-2
-To preachers – not necessarily directly to you –but shows what content should be
-Command: to preach!
-Content? (1 Cor. 2 and rest of 2 Tim 4:2 – AND Titus 2!)
-Cross is everything – all Scripture – character
-Why’s this command important? (vv. 3-4)
-False doctrines that feel good
-examples: accept Jesus and life will be better; answers to ‘why’s there suffering’ – what about people who haven’t heard – believing one can go to heaven if he’s prayed a prayer – even if there’s no life change – believing that people are the center of God’s universe…
-So what’s this mean for you?
-what teachers do you run to?
-if you’re discipling – what are you teaching???
-Summarize
Ephesians 4:11-16 (remind, read)
-Jesus gave certain people!
-response – worship!
-goal – for us all to be equipped to serve (see 1 Peter 4)
-none of us are to be an audience
-END goal – that the Church would be doing the works of Jesus on earth
-framework emerges!
Now – discipleship for Christian leadership…
2 Tim. 2:2 (remind, read)
-The things from Paul!
-Not thought or ‘practical help’– from God – his word – his face
-Entrust to faithful dudes
-faithful! (character! Elder lists!)
-able to teach
-growth is possible – the content is Scripture – nothing else!
-about elders – but applicable to leadership
-So first – 1 Tim. 3:1 – desiring leadership is desiring something noble
-THEREFORE – character!
-so should one lead? Character? Go thru 1 Tim. 3:1-7
-talk about accountability. Confession. Common sins. (Titus 2:13)
-So are you ready to be trained for leadership? Maybe, maybe not. Strive for the character necessary to take on the noble task!
A framework for discipleship falls out of all this:
Doctrine (Gospel, God – the Trinity, Scripture, man, sin, etc.)
Character (Spirit-filled life; moral law; means of grace – Scripture, fellowship, prayer, sacraments, discipline)
Min Skill – (Evangelism, Discipleship, oversight-strategic planning, problem solving, decision making; teaching; hospitality)
The how to:
-Relationship! (1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:2)
-Modeling (2 Tim. 2:2 and Jesus)
(planning, evangelism, bible study, life stuff)
-Delegating (Mark 6 and sending the disciples to preach – but honestly just getting the body to serve! Everyone should be! Examples of what to delegate to?)
-Teaching the content (incl. accountability)
Tools of the trade:
-BIBLE.
-www.centerfieldproductions.com – Indianacru, pass – Indiana
-Westminster Confession of Faith on the 10 Commandments
-Q. 137. Which is the seventh commandment?
A. The seventh commandment is, Thou shalt not commit adultery.[766]
Q. 138. What are the duties required in the seventh commandment?
A. The duties required in the seventh commandment are, chastity in body, mind, affections,[767] words,[768] and behavior;[769] and the preservation of it in ourselves and others;[770] watchfulness over the eyes and all the senses;[771] temperance,[772] keeping of chaste company,[773] modesty in apparel;[774] marriage by those that have not the gift of continency,[775] conjugal love,[776] and cohabitation;[777] diligent labor in our callings;[778] shunning all occasions of uncleanness, and resisting temptations thereunto.[779]
Q. 139. What are the sins forbidden in the seventh commandment?
A. The sins forbidden in the seventh commandment, besides the neglect of the duties required,[780] are, adultery, fornication,[781] rape, incest,[782] sodomy, and all unnatural lusts;[783] all unclean imaginations, thoughts, purposes, and affections;[784] all corrupt or filthy communications, or listening thereunto;[785] wanton looks,[786] impudent or light behaviour, immodest apparel;[787] prohibiting of lawful,[788] and dispensing with unlawful marriages;[789] allowing, tolerating, keeping of stews, and resorting to them;[790] entangling vows of single life,[791] undue delay of marriage,[792] having more wives or husbands than one at the same time;[793] unjust divorce,[794] or desertion;[795] idleness, gluttony, drunkenness,[796] unchaste company;[797] lascivious songs, books, pictures, dancings, stage plays;[798] and all other provocations to, or acts of uncleanness, either in ourselves or others.[799]
-What Jesus demands from the world – Piper
-your leaders – you want more? – tell us!
Summarize the whole thing! YOU are a disciple – doctrine, character, ministry.
Jesus has met this need
-Scripture
-leadership
-your giftings!
-End of all this? Eph 4 – the building up of Jesus’ body. His glory here. A mature spotless bride, his whole church, received unto him when he returns. Praise be to God!
Framework for the last three - most important subjects – The Gospel; The Holy Spirit; Means of Grace (Perseverance)
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Stop Being Ethnocentric!
Dr. RC Sproul has a wonderful little article about how we western Christians tend to think of Christianity as a western religion: a religion ruled by the west and a religion primarily captured in, by, and for the west.
And how stupid that is. Check it out here.
And how stupid that is. Check it out here.
How to Study the Bible - CLT I - Notes
The Scriptures
Intro
-Intro CLT (purpose, dates…)
-Felt Needs (direction, skill, boring, motivation)
-Real needs (salvation – rom 1:18ff, growth in obedience – 1 John 2:3, 4)
-Sufficient solution (2 tim 3:14-17)
-outline – 4 facts – w/ skills that go along with each; q/a follows
-pray
Spiritual
From the Spirit – from another world (2 tim. 3:16)
-transformers analogy
-someone telling a sweet story about biophysics (language, caring)
We’re in the flesh world (1 Cor. 2:12ff; rom 3:10-12)
-good news – 1 Cor. 3:6ff
-HS like decoder in transformers; transforming power that makes you care about/understand biophysics
Skill – confess dependence/pray
Skill – discipline (study, under teaching, meditation) – discipline comes from care/need (why you date)
Authoritative
God breathed – true – binding – highest standard of knowledge (Rom 3:4; 2 Sam 22:31; Matt 5:19, 20; binding on mind, emotions, actions; compare to science- 2 Peter 1:16-21)
-personal application (if something rubs you the wrong way…)
-evangelism application
Skill – observation (bend the knee!) Rom. 1:8-17 (grammar note!) (questions too)
Human
Human product – specific people, places, situations – not written directly to YOU. (Gal. 5:12);
Skill – q and a (context – literary (2 are gathered!); analogy of Scripture- theological … essential truths of the Christian faith - sproul)
Skill 2: Big Idea of passage (Rom. 1:8-17) – (have ‘em do it)
Skill 2 ½: BI -> eternal big idea; theology book (Essentials – Sproul) – Rom. 1:8- 17…
Skill 3 – READING – forest/trees (what to look for when reading… THIS… segue)
Gospel Centered
What’s the gospel?
Give holistic definition
Luke 24:27; 44-47; Heb 1:1-3; John 1:12-18
Why is the Bible about the gospel?
-saves (Rom. 10; rom. 1)
-results in obedience – Galatians 3:1-3 (vs. commands -> death!)
-1 Corinthians 2:1ff; heb. 6; 2 cor 3:18
Skill 1 – Finding the sin condition(s)/need(s) that sin creates. How? Big idea
Do in Rom. 1
Skill 2 – Feel it. (Heb. 4:12 – ask how you break God’s commands – confess!)
-Decision Making (cuts, sufficient)
-Ferguson quote: (see below)
Skill 3 – Discover the gospel in the text – what’s Jesus’ cross done?
-this text?
-Matt 5:27-30 – (reading! Point of the gospel: Matt 27:46, 51-54)
-OT stuff is about Jesus! (Rom. 5:16; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Matthew 12:39-41; John 2:19ff)
-learn to search on biblegateway!
Skill 4 – Thank God for the gospel in the passage
Summary, Q and A following, prayer
Worship
Ann’c
Dismiss
Ferguson: "Christians in an earlier generation rarely thought of writing books on guidance. There is a reason for that (just as there is a reason why so many of us today are drawn to books that will tell us how to find God's will). Our forefathers in the faith were catechised, and they taught catechisms to their children. Often as much as half of the catechism would be devoted to an exposition of the answers to questions like the following: Question: Where do we find God's will? Answer: In the Scriptures. Question: Where in particular in the Scriptures? Answer: In the Commandments that God has given to us.
Why were these questions and answers so important? Because these Christians understood that God's law provides basic guidelines that cover the whole of life. Indeed, in the vast majority of instances, the answer to the question 'What does God want me to do?' will be found by answering the question: 'How does the law of God apply to this situation? What does the Lord require of me here in his word?'"
Intro
-Intro CLT (purpose, dates…)
-Felt Needs (direction, skill, boring, motivation)
-Real needs (salvation – rom 1:18ff, growth in obedience – 1 John 2:3, 4)
-Sufficient solution (2 tim 3:14-17)
-outline – 4 facts – w/ skills that go along with each; q/a follows
-pray
Spiritual
From the Spirit – from another world (2 tim. 3:16)
-transformers analogy
-someone telling a sweet story about biophysics (language, caring)
We’re in the flesh world (1 Cor. 2:12ff; rom 3:10-12)
-good news – 1 Cor. 3:6ff
-HS like decoder in transformers; transforming power that makes you care about/understand biophysics
Skill – confess dependence/pray
Skill – discipline (study, under teaching, meditation) – discipline comes from care/need (why you date)
Authoritative
God breathed – true – binding – highest standard of knowledge (Rom 3:4; 2 Sam 22:31; Matt 5:19, 20; binding on mind, emotions, actions; compare to science- 2 Peter 1:16-21)
-personal application (if something rubs you the wrong way…)
-evangelism application
Skill – observation (bend the knee!) Rom. 1:8-17 (grammar note!) (questions too)
Human
Human product – specific people, places, situations – not written directly to YOU. (Gal. 5:12);
Skill – q and a (context – literary (2 are gathered!); analogy of Scripture- theological … essential truths of the Christian faith - sproul)
Skill 2: Big Idea of passage (Rom. 1:8-17) – (have ‘em do it)
Skill 2 ½: BI -> eternal big idea; theology book (Essentials – Sproul) – Rom. 1:8- 17…
Skill 3 – READING – forest/trees (what to look for when reading… THIS… segue)
Gospel Centered
What’s the gospel?
Give holistic definition
Luke 24:27; 44-47; Heb 1:1-3; John 1:12-18
Why is the Bible about the gospel?
-saves (Rom. 10; rom. 1)
-results in obedience – Galatians 3:1-3 (vs. commands -> death!)
-1 Corinthians 2:1ff; heb. 6; 2 cor 3:18
Skill 1 – Finding the sin condition(s)/need(s) that sin creates. How? Big idea
Do in Rom. 1
Skill 2 – Feel it. (Heb. 4:12 – ask how you break God’s commands – confess!)
-Decision Making (cuts, sufficient)
-Ferguson quote: (see below)
Skill 3 – Discover the gospel in the text – what’s Jesus’ cross done?
-this text?
-Matt 5:27-30 – (reading! Point of the gospel: Matt 27:46, 51-54)
-OT stuff is about Jesus! (Rom. 5:16; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Matthew 12:39-41; John 2:19ff)
-learn to search on biblegateway!
Skill 4 – Thank God for the gospel in the passage
Summary, Q and A following, prayer
Worship
Ann’c
Dismiss
Ferguson: "Christians in an earlier generation rarely thought of writing books on guidance. There is a reason for that (just as there is a reason why so many of us today are drawn to books that will tell us how to find God's will). Our forefathers in the faith were catechised, and they taught catechisms to their children. Often as much as half of the catechism would be devoted to an exposition of the answers to questions like the following: Question: Where do we find God's will? Answer: In the Scriptures. Question: Where in particular in the Scriptures? Answer: In the Commandments that God has given to us.
Why were these questions and answers so important? Because these Christians understood that God's law provides basic guidelines that cover the whole of life. Indeed, in the vast majority of instances, the answer to the question 'What does God want me to do?' will be found by answering the question: 'How does the law of God apply to this situation? What does the Lord require of me here in his word?'"
Monday, November 10, 2008
President-Bashing: The Biggest Problem in the Church?
I recently was pointed to an editorial which pointed out how our treatment of President Bush must make us look in the eyes of other nations. Here.
I wonder how many of us who call Jesus 'King' are also guilty of President-bashing? The root of the problem runs deeper than mere dislike of our current President, however.
It's a problem of authority. And it runs deep...
Who has authority?
Parents or children?
Pastors or church-members?
Governmental officials or citizens?
Men or their wives?
The Scriptures or my thoughts?
The Scriptures or my feelings?
The Scriptures or my experiences?
And ultimately... God... or me?
I wonder how many of us who call Jesus 'King' are also guilty of President-bashing? The root of the problem runs deeper than mere dislike of our current President, however.
It's a problem of authority. And it runs deep...
Who has authority?
Parents or children?
Pastors or church-members?
Governmental officials or citizens?
Men or their wives?
The Scriptures or my thoughts?
The Scriptures or my feelings?
The Scriptures or my experiences?
And ultimately... God... or me?
You Don't Have to Read the Bible... unless...
Modern Christians have the tendency of making principles from the Scriptures into binding Law for all Christians.
For instance, we are corporately commanded to make disciples of all nations. But if you haven't gone on a missions trip of some sort, you're sinning.
Or - we're commanded to meditate on the Scriptures. Let the doctrines dwell richly in us. Speak to others in doctrinal language. Sit under the right preaching of the Scriptures in a Bible-loving church.
But nowhere are we commanded to read the Bible (unless you're a pastor!) On the other hand - if you choose to read good Christians books written by good teachers (Piper, Sproul, Bridges, Bunyan, Packer, etc.) instead of the Bible, you're looked down upon.
Why? The command - the law - doesn't exist!
Surely the Scriptures are wonderful, and in them we see God revealed in Jesus - but lay Christians are not necessarily sinning if they don't study them. True - there may be a heart condition that is sinful and the reason they aren't.
But folks - let's not be legalistic. Let's hold people accountable to God's laws - not to 'spiritual disciplines' we made up.
For instance, we are corporately commanded to make disciples of all nations. But if you haven't gone on a missions trip of some sort, you're sinning.
Or - we're commanded to meditate on the Scriptures. Let the doctrines dwell richly in us. Speak to others in doctrinal language. Sit under the right preaching of the Scriptures in a Bible-loving church.
But nowhere are we commanded to read the Bible (unless you're a pastor!) On the other hand - if you choose to read good Christians books written by good teachers (Piper, Sproul, Bridges, Bunyan, Packer, etc.) instead of the Bible, you're looked down upon.
Why? The command - the law - doesn't exist!
Surely the Scriptures are wonderful, and in them we see God revealed in Jesus - but lay Christians are not necessarily sinning if they don't study them. True - there may be a heart condition that is sinful and the reason they aren't.
But folks - let's not be legalistic. Let's hold people accountable to God's laws - not to 'spiritual disciplines' we made up.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Election Day Re-Post: How You Should Vote
A quick addendum to this before the repost.
God cares about social justice.
He cares about social justice because humans are in his image - and so a lack of compassion for hurting people is a lack of compassion for beings who exist to represent God.
So you are required to love social justice. So why don't you go and move to be with people who need you - and give freely of your own money? I mean, you could vote so the government gives handouts from mostly other peoples' money. But, I think you should probably just take responsibility before God for such things.
Also - what do you think God cares more about - making sure poor western people (who by the world's standards are NOT poor) have slightly more - or making sure his image is not destroyed while in the womb?
One more note: God doesn't really care about your portfolio. He cares about your holiness.
So stop and think. God loves justice - but that's because he loves himself. So vote to the glory of God.
So here are some principles from the Bible about God and government:
1) God created governments
2) God created governments to execute righteousness on earth
3) God’s righteousness is evinced in the Law – the OT Law
4) Other nations are held responsible for disobedience to God’s Law in the prophets
5) There is no normative ‘moral Law’ outside the OT Law – every time conscience/natural law is mentioned it’s negative and subjective
6) So the purpose of government is to uphold God’s Law
7) That includes everything in it – including just war, capital punishment, wisely taking care of the poor to an extent, and even the worship of God. – some things more important than others.
8) That will never actually happen until Jesus returns
9) But we have some authority in our government – and thus responsibility to make sure our government conforms to God’s Laws.
10) We also have the responsibility to be honest with our presuppositions – we don’t start from the position of pragmatism – we start with a belief that God owns us, and that his Law is an expression of love to bring us to Jesus.
11) We also have to start with the presupposition that international or national law (Geneva convention; Constitution) aren’t ultimate. We have to submit to law given, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t seek to change them.
God cares about social justice.
He cares about social justice because humans are in his image - and so a lack of compassion for hurting people is a lack of compassion for beings who exist to represent God.
So you are required to love social justice. So why don't you go and move to be with people who need you - and give freely of your own money? I mean, you could vote so the government gives handouts from mostly other peoples' money. But, I think you should probably just take responsibility before God for such things.
Also - what do you think God cares more about - making sure poor western people (who by the world's standards are NOT poor) have slightly more - or making sure his image is not destroyed while in the womb?
One more note: God doesn't really care about your portfolio. He cares about your holiness.
So stop and think. God loves justice - but that's because he loves himself. So vote to the glory of God.
So here are some principles from the Bible about God and government:
1) God created governments
2) God created governments to execute righteousness on earth
3) God’s righteousness is evinced in the Law – the OT Law
4) Other nations are held responsible for disobedience to God’s Law in the prophets
5) There is no normative ‘moral Law’ outside the OT Law – every time conscience/natural law is mentioned it’s negative and subjective
6) So the purpose of government is to uphold God’s Law
7) That includes everything in it – including just war, capital punishment, wisely taking care of the poor to an extent, and even the worship of God. – some things more important than others.
8) That will never actually happen until Jesus returns
9) But we have some authority in our government – and thus responsibility to make sure our government conforms to God’s Laws.
10) We also have the responsibility to be honest with our presuppositions – we don’t start from the position of pragmatism – we start with a belief that God owns us, and that his Law is an expression of love to bring us to Jesus.
11) We also have to start with the presupposition that international or national law (Geneva convention; Constitution) aren’t ultimate. We have to submit to law given, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t seek to change them.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Richie D, are you serious?
Richard Dawkins, infamous atheist and author of "The God Delusion," has decided that after his failed attempt at dethroning his creator and judge, perhaps he should set his sights lower.
On Harry Potter.
Richie, like many Christian critics of the series, has not read it. (He has read the Golden Compass and liked it. Surprising, I know - a radical atheist liking atheistic propoganda written for children.)
But, he thinks that raising children with stories that are 'non-scientific' may be negative.
He goes on to talk about how raising children in a religion is 'abuse' and 'evil.'
So, Dick, do you understand that...
1) you have no basis for belief in what may can be considered 'negative'?
2) you have no basis for belief in what may be considered 'good' nor 'evil'?
and 3) you have no basis for belief in conclusions from scientific data, the scientific data itself, nor truth in general...?
That is, you have no basis for belief in those things unless you make yourself the independent standard for declaring what is true. That isn't atheism, though. It's just declaring that, well, YOU'RE God.
Whoops.
I should note, that God has said that you do know him, by the way. You're just rebelling against said knowledge.
Click here for the article.
On Harry Potter.
Richie, like many Christian critics of the series, has not read it. (He has read the Golden Compass and liked it. Surprising, I know - a radical atheist liking atheistic propoganda written for children.)
But, he thinks that raising children with stories that are 'non-scientific' may be negative.
He goes on to talk about how raising children in a religion is 'abuse' and 'evil.'
So, Dick, do you understand that...
1) you have no basis for belief in what may can be considered 'negative'?
2) you have no basis for belief in what may be considered 'good' nor 'evil'?
and 3) you have no basis for belief in conclusions from scientific data, the scientific data itself, nor truth in general...?
That is, you have no basis for belief in those things unless you make yourself the independent standard for declaring what is true. That isn't atheism, though. It's just declaring that, well, YOU'RE God.
Whoops.
I should note, that God has said that you do know him, by the way. You're just rebelling against said knowledge.
Click here for the article.
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