Buddhism – Understanding World Religions

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Remember Buddhism grew out of Hinduism. So you will see similar elements in both – (reincarnation, meditation, yoga, nirvana, Gurus, etc.)

You might recognize some people who practice some form of Buddhism:  Steven Seagal, Richard Gere, Martin Scorsese, Tina Turner, Adam Yauch, Oliver Stone, Courtney Love and Phil Jackson (Zen-Christian).

There are so many variations of Buddhism. Trying to narrow true Buddhism down is very difficult.

Background and History

-Who was Buddha? Buddha means “the enlightened one”. His full name is Siddhartha Gautama Sakya. (He might be referred to by anyone of those names, or just Buddha.)

-Buddha lived 563 – 476 BC He grew up in a wealthy family in India, who sheltered him from the unpleasantness and tragedies of life. He lived in a palace away from suffering. (On the outside world there were heated confrontations regarding the dominance of the priestly Brahmin class [Hindu]).

-When he came of age he was married and was content well into his late 20’s. During this time he ventured out of the palace and was shocked by what he saw – old age, disease, death, etc. It shocked him. How can life be filled with such pain and suffering!

-He was so distraught at what he saw that he renounced his wife, child, father and worldly goods to find an answer. He sought enlightenment. He sought out religious leaders, he starved himself, he did this for seven years. Frustrated with the teachings of the day he continued his search.

-It is said that he found enlightenment after 40 days of mediation under a tree. It is said that Mara, the personification of evil, came to tempt Buddha. Mara even deployed his daughters (Discontent, Delight, and Desire) to seduce the sage. But they failed and Mara withdrew.

-During this trance like state it is said that he: 1) Drew upon the knowledge of his previous lives; 2) He acquired the “Divine Eye”. Looking at the cycle of life – dying and rebirth/ reincarnation – good deeds begot good Karma and bad deeds begot bad Karma keeping one stuck in samsara (continuous suffering); 3) during this final stage he reached the peak of perception, attaining ” the extinction of samasaric existence”. During this time he grasped the Four Noble Trums and the Eightfold path to enlightenment.

-Buddhism spreads throughout Asia over the next several hundred years.

-Part of the reason why there are so many variations of Buddhism is the Buddhist scriptures were written 400 years after Buddha lived. They are known as the Tipitaka or Pali Canon. Tipitaka means “three baskets” and refers to the three sections in their scriptures. Prior to the written scriptures his teachings were passed on verbally. As a result each group held to its own oral traditions. Additionally Buddha stated, “abolish all the lesser and minor precepts” Unfortunately, he never identified what these were, leading to great confusion among his disciples and the sects.

-The three sections are called:

1) Vinaya Pitaka – the disciplines of Buddhist monks, 227 rules to live by;

2) Sutta Pitaka – teachings of Buddha on the four noble truths and eightfold path, and the stories of Buddha’s previous lives;

3) Abhidhamma Pitaka – the philosophy that underscores how Buddhists understand the meaning and purpose of life.

Beliefs of Buddhism

As I mentioned there are hundreds of sects of Buddhism. They actually have opposing ideas on theology and practices. So to try to summarize the beliefs is a difficult task.

Here are some general ideas that most Buddhists agree with.

The goal of Buddhism is to empty oneself of all suffering to reach Nirvana. For most Buddhists that means to cease to exist – the ultimate state of peace. Others would describe it as being one with the universe.

Reincarnation is not looked upon as positively as in Hinduism. The Buddhist regards being reincarnated as still being stuck in the negative cycle – still experiencing suffering.

Talking with a Buddhist

Part of the problem of reaching out to a Buddhist is knowing what type of Buddhist they are. There are hundreds and hundreds of different types of Buddhists. As we talk with them we need to give them things to think about. We need to ask a lot of questions and do a lot of reflecting on ideas. Remember they are on a path to enlightenment. We want to enter into that process.

As an Ambassador of Christ we need to build a bridge to the Buddhist. I would start with the things we have in common. (There is suffering in this world. We both desire to bring peace to mankind. We have some common moral standards.)

I know that some Buddhists try to blend the religions.  I find that difficult because of contrasting views on key issues.

-Christianity teaches there is one God. (Matt. 28:19,john 17:3, Isa. 43:10-11) Buddhism teaches both an atheistic view and polytheistic view of God.

-Christianity teaches that salvation comes through faith in Christ death & resurrection for our sins. (Romans 10:8-9, Eph. 1:7,2:8,9) Buddhism teaches “salvation/nirvana” comes through enlightenment by works. You seek to elevate ignorance and squash all desires.

-Christianity teaches there is an afterlife. John 3:16, 14:1-6; Matt. 25:31-46) Buddhism teaches a state of Nirvana – non-existence or being one with the universe.

-Christianity teaches you die once and after comes judgment. (Hebrews 9:27 -28) Buddhism teaches reincarnation.

Buddha stated, “Don’t take what I’m saying [on my own authority], just try to analyze as far as possible and see whether what I’m saying makes sense or not. If it doesn’t make sense, discard it. If it does make sense, then pick it up.” The Buddha’s perception into the Three Existences of Life,” Seikyo Times, Dec. 1978, p. 7.

I am struggling with the following ideas. Some appear to be contradictions. Maybe you can explore them with me.

-Buddhism teaches reincarnation but denies the soul, what is being reincarnated?

-Bodhisattvas (ones who seek compassion and enlightenment) vow to work for the enlightenment of all beings; fully knowing such beings never existed to begin with. Life is an illusion. So, how can one grant wisdom to those who have compassion on non-entities?

– By definition, sense perceptions do not exist in nirvana. What then exists to perceive nirvana?

-The goal of Buddhism is end the suffering cycle. Yet in Buddhism the individual is an illusion. If the individual is an illusion and there is no soul what is being ended?

-Part of process to end the cycle of suffering is to remove all desire. How do you remove desire when you desire to remove desire?

– Buddhism promises a long and arduous road toward non-existence in Nirvana. How does that bring hope and peace to you?

Share the hope that is within hope. The Bible teaches:

-God looks throughout the earth for hearts that are His. 2 Chronicles 16:9

-Mankind has sinned. They have rebelled against God. The cost of our sin is separation from God. (The pain and suffering we experience comes from sin.) Romans 3:23, Romans 8:18-22

-However, Christ paid penalty for our sins by dying on the Cross. Through His death and resurrection we have the opportunity to enter into a relationship with God both here on earth and in heaven. Romans 5:8, 6:23; Ephesians 1:7,8

-Through faith in his death and resurrection we can enter into a relationship with God. We can’t earn our salvation. Romans 10: 8,9; Eph. 4:8,9

-We express our faith and gratitude by honoring Him by the way that we live. James 2: 14-19

-Jesus communicated that there is eternal life and that He is light of the world. He has prepared a place for his followers. John 3:16, 17:3, 8:12, 14:1-6)

Compiled by Dave Friese

Resources:

Introduction to World Religions: Ways to the Center by Carmody and Brink

Evangelizing the Cults by Enroth

Encyclopedia of Cults and New Religions by Ankerberg and Weldon

Is It Real? Salvation Issues and Concerns

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Dr. John MacArthur presented a document on Grace to You website that we feel would be better suited to the above question as a clickable link titled “Is It Real – 11 Biblical Tests of Genuine Salvation“.  Some of the excellent bible references as provided by Dr. John MacArthur are 1 John; 1 John 5:1, John 10:10 and 1 Peter 5:10.

 

Is Heaven A Tangible Place?

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Foreword:  A while back my 13 year old son (in 2011) told me that we won’t be doing anything in Heaven besides praise God all day.  I told my son this is not so, that we will have tangible dwelling places, be able to eat and fellowship together, sing praises of worship to our Lord, be able to know each other and travel as well.  I then proceeded to have him look up verses at the bottom of the text and tell me what he thought.  Afterwards, my teenage son told me that he now believes Heaven will be more like a thriving, physical community of believers with some cool things to experience as well.  Amen to that!  Also in attempting to stay true to God’s word and keep my imagination in check, most of my statements when not directly backed up by scripture are based on contrasts to natural conditions changed by the Fall of Man.  In the garden when Adam and Eve sinned, some rules of nature were changed which created more toil and work for mankind, such as thorns, weeds, etc.  I imagine there will be flowers in the Restored Earth (Heaven) without thorns to hurt us or nuisance weeds when admiring them.  A endless myriad of modified and improved designs.

Before we start, Heaven is only for believers.  I hope and pray that you’ll be one of the celebrants in Heaven with us.  Here’s a blog link to the Gospel with scripture references, http://www.bibleanswerstoquestions.com/is-the-verbal-gospel-important-to-preach/ .

I. Where is Heaven?

There are three things I believe I can tell you about this question. The most important fact is that HEAVEN IS A TANGIBLE PLACE!  Listen to the words of Jesus on the night before he was crucified:

  1. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am (John 14:1-3).
  2. Twice in three verses Jesus calls heaven a place. He means that heaven (“my Father’s house”) is a real place, as real as New York, London or Chicago. The place called heaven is just as real as the place you call home. It’s a real place filled with real people, which is why the Bible sometimes compares heaven to a mansion with many rooms (John 14:1-3) and sometimes to an enormous city teeming with people (Revelation 21-22).
  3. The Bible also tells us that heaven is the dwelling place of God. His throne is there, the angels are there, and the Lord Jesus Christ is in heaven. Philippians 3:20 says very plainly that “our citizenship is in Heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” That’s why Jesus told the thief on the Cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
  4. The Bible hints that Heaven is not as far away as we might think. Because heaven is a real place, we sometimes think it must be outside our present universe-which would mean that it is billions and billions of light years away. However, it’s very clear that the early Christians understood that they would pass immediately from this life into the presence of Christ in heaven. How can that be possible if Heaven is beyond the farthest galaxy?
  5.  Hebrews 12:22-24 tells us something very cool things about what the gospel has done for us:  “But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”   The writer is here comparing Mt. Sinai with Mt. Zion. Under the old covenant no one could come near God except under very strict conditions. That’s why the mountain shook with thunder and lightning. [Note: three times the writer of Hebrews uses a Greek word that means “to come near” or “to approach closely.] But now in Christ we have been brought near to heavenly realities.
  1. Think of what he is saying:

(1)    We’re not that far from heaven.

(2)    We’re not that far from the angels.

(3)    We’re not that far from our loved ones in heaven.

(4)    We’re not that far from God.

(5)    We’re not that far from Jesus himself.

(6)    Heaven is a real place, it’s where Jesus is right now, and it’s not far away from us.

II. What is heaven like?

First, the Bible really doesn’t give us a great deal of information, but from what we can read, we do have images and pictures of heaven and comparisons with life on earth.

  1. What is heaven like? Here are some biblical facts about heaven. It is …

(1)    God’s dwelling place (Psalm 33:13).

(2)    Where Christ is today (Acts 1:11).

(3)    Where Christians go when they die (Philippians 1:21-23).

(4)    The Father’s house (John 14:2).

(5)    A city designed and built by God (Hebrews 11:10).

(6)    We will eat (Rev 22:1-6)

(7)     A better country (Hebrews 11:16).

(8)    Paradise (Luke 23:43).

 Most of us have heard that heaven is a place where the streets are paved with gold, the gates are made of pearl, and the walls made of precious jewels. Those images come from Revelation 21-22, which offers us the most extended picture of heaven in the entire Bible. If you ask me if I believe those things are literally true, the answer is yes and no. Yes, they are literally true but no, heaven won’t be anything like we imagine. It will be much greater.

When John writes about a street paved with gold, I do not doubt his words. He simply reports what he saw in his vision. Thus his words are literally true. They are also meant to tell us that the things we value so highly in this life will be used to pave the roads in heaven.

  1. A City Built By God

(1)    Heaven is a real place filled with real people. The Bible pictures it as a great city filled with all of God’s people.

(2)    What would such a city look like? It would be a city with …

(3)    No pollution for the skies would always be crystal clear.

(4)    No crime or violence for no criminals would ever enter.

(5)    No greedy politicians, no drug pushers, no child molesters.

(6)    No potholes and no power outages either.

It would be filled with abundant parks, rivers, rolling meadows, and flowing streams. Lining the streets would be flowers in constant bloom, fruit trees of every kind, every species of plant life growing free from pestilence and disease.

The gates would be made of pearl, the walls of jasper, the streets of gold. Precious stones would lie on the ground like playthings (emeralds, rubies, diamonds, etc.).

On every hand there would be children laughing, bright conversation, music piped in from every direction (heavenly surround sound).

In the city that God builds, there are no tears, there is no sorrow … no regret … no remorse. Bitterness gone forever, failure left far behind, suffering redeemed and rewarded.

There are no cemeteries in the city God builds. Why? There are no funerals … for in that joyous city no one ever dies.

III. Who is in heaven right now?

This question is not difficult to answer. God is in heaven because heaven is his dwelling place. The Lord Jesus has been in heaven ever since he ascended from the earth shortly after his resurrection (Acts 1:9-11). The Bible tells us that angels are in heaven. In fact there are myriads of angels-uncountable numbers of heavenly beings-all of them serving the Lord in various ways.

And the saints of God who died on this earth are in heaven. [Note: I mean by this that heaven includes the Old Testament Saints who by faith trusted in God’s Word and looked forward to God’s redemption at Calvary (which they did not fully understand). It also includes every true believer from every continent and every denomination. Everyone who has genuinely trusted in Christ as Lord and Savior will be there. I also think that children who died before the “age of accountability go to heaven and I would also include those born with such mental limitations that they cannot understand the gospel.  The Bible teaches that the moment we die we go directly into the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul spoke of this in 2 Corinthians 5:7-8 and Philippians 1:21-23.

IV. Will we know each other in heaven?

See 1 Corinthians 13:12, “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” How does God know us? Answer: He knows us completely, intimately, thoroughly, inside and out, with nothing hidden but everything seen as it really is.  Also see Psalm 139:1-4 and Hebrews 4:12.

In heaven we will know each other intimately. That’s why Peter, James and John recognized Moses and Elijah, even though they had been dead for hundreds of years, on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9). There was something about those two men that made Peter, James and John recognize them even though they had never seen them before.

V. What will we do in heaven?

So what will we do for all eternity? The answer is, we’re going to help God run the universe. Do you remember the story Jesus told about the man of noble birth who gave his servants money to invest? One servant had doubled his money so the man said, “You will rule over ten cities.” The next servant had seen a 50% increase so his master said, “Rule over five cities.” And the man who hid his money had even that amount taken from him in punishment. (Luke 19:11-27). The story is a picture of what heaven will be like. We will use our gifts to administer the new heaven and the new earth. Think of the flowers the botanists will study. Gifted astronomers will go from galaxy to galaxy studying the wonders of God’s creation.

Here are five things that will occupy us in heaven. We will …

(1)  Worship without distraction.

(2)  Serve without exhaustion.

(3)  Fellowship without fear.

(4)  Learn without fatigue.

(5)  Rest without boredom.

To me, the best part of heaven will be seeing Jesus himself face to face. We will worship the Son of God and celebrate his great victory over sin while the endless ages of eternity roll on and on. The best music you’ve ever heard will pale compared to the music of heaven. The most awesome worship you’ve experienced on earth is but a dim reflection of the praise we will render around the throne of God.

BIBLE REFERENCES:

NEW TESTAMENT:

Matthew 17:1-9

Luke 19:11-27

Luke 23:43

John 14:1-3

Acts 1:9-11

1 Corinthians 13:12

2 Corinthians 5:7-8

Philippians 1:21-23

Philippians 3:20

Hebrews 4:12

Hebrews 11:10

Hebrews 11:16

Hebrews 12:22-24

Revelation 21-22

OLD TESTAMENT:

Psalm 33:13

Psalm 139:1-4

Isaiah 65:25

For further, more exhaustive study, you might want to read Randy Alcorn’s book that he wrote on Heaven. He has a healthy weight of Scripture in his research and truly loves God’s Word. You can find this book on Amazon.com website.  Although I did this study by just reading through the Bible in response to my son’s initial statements about Heaven, I’m sure others have influenced me in their insight so I ask forgiveness if I’ve overlooked anyone in acknowledgement of credits.  A dear pastor friend of mine has a quote that “We need less theologians and more Bible”.  I believe that deserves a big AMEN!

What are the Comparisons between Elders and Deacons?

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WHAT ARE THE COMPARISONS BETWEEN ELDERS AND DEACONS?

THE TWO BIBLICAL OFFICES: ELDERS AND DEACONS

(Be sure to also see blog article, What are the Biblical Qualifications of An Elder?)

Comparing the office of deacon to the office of elder will help us answer these questions. The primary spiritual leaders of a congregation are the elders, who are also called overseers or pastors in the New Testament. Elders teach or preach the Word and shepherd the souls of those under their care (Eph. 4:11; 1 Tim. 3:2; 5:17; Titus 1:9; Heb. 13:17). Deacons, too, have a crucial role in the life and the health of the local church, but their role is different from the elders’. The biblical role of deacons is to take care of the physical and logistical needs of the church so that the elders can concentrate on their primary calling.

This distinction is based on the pattern found in Acts 6:1–6. The apostles were devoted “to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (v. 4). Since this was their primary calling, seven men were chosen to handle more practical matters in order to allow the apostles the freedom to continue with their work.

This division of labor is similar to what we see with the offices of elder and deacon. Like the apostles, the elders’ primary role is one of preaching the Word of God. Like the seven, deacons serve the congregation in whatever practical needs may arise.

THE QUALIFICATIONS OF DEACONS

The only passage that mentions the qualifications for deacons is 1 Timothy 3:8–13. In this passage, Paul gives an official but not exhaustive list of the requirements for deacons.

The similarities of the qualifications for deacons and elders/overseers in 1 Timothy 3 are striking. Like the qualifications for elders, a deacon must not be an addict (v. 3,), not greedy for dishonest gain (v. 3), blameless (v. 2; Titus 1:6), the husband of one wife (v. 2), and an able manager of his children and household well (vv. 4–5). Furthermore, the focus of the qualifications is the moral character of the person who is to fill the office: a deacon must be mature and above reproach. The main difference between an elder and a deacon is a difference of gifts and calling, not character.

Paul identifies nine qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-12:

  1. Dignified (v. 8): This term normally refers to something that is honorable, respectable, esteemed, or worthy, and is closely related to “respectable,” which is given as a qualification for elders (1 Tim. 3:2).
  2. Not double-tongued (v. 8): Those who are double-tongued say one thing to certain people but then say something else to others, or say one thing but mean another. They are two-faced and insincere. Their words cannot be trusted, so they lack credibility.
  3. Not addicted to much wine (v. 8): A man is disqualified for the office of deacon if he is addicted to wine or other strong drink. Such a person lacks self-control and is undisciplined.
  4. Not greedy for dishonest gain (v. 8): If a person is a lover of money, he is not qualified to be a deacon, especially since deacons often handle financial matters for the church.
  5. Sound in faith and life (v. 9): Paul also indicates that a deacon must “hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.” The phrase “the mystery of the faith” is simply one way Paul speaks of the gospel (cf. 1 Tim. 3:16). Consequently, this statement refers to the need for deacons to hold firm to the true gospel without wavering. Yet this qualification does not merely involve one’s beliefs, for he must also hold these beliefs “with a clear conscience.” That is, the behavior of a deacon must be consistent with his beliefs.
  6. Blameless (v. 10): Paul writes that deacons must “be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless” (v. 10). “Blameless” is a general term referring to a person’s overall character. Although Paul does not specify what type of testing is to take place, at a minimum, the candidate’s personal background, reputation, and theological positions should be examined. Moreover, the congregation should not only examine a potential deacon’s moral, spiritual, and doctrinal maturity, but should also consider the person’s track record of service in the church.
  7. Godly wife (v. 11): It is debated whether verse 11 refers to a deacon’s wife or to a deaconess. For the sake of this discussion, we will assume the verse is speaking about the qualifications of a deacon’s wife. According to Paul, deacons’ wives must “be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things” (v. 11). Like her husband, the wife must be dignified or respectable. Secondly, she must not be a slanderer or a person who goes around spreading gossip. A deacon’s wife must also be sober-minded or temperate. That is, she must be able to make good judgments and must not be involved in things that might hinder such judgment. Finally, she must be “faithful in all things” (cf. 1 Tim. 5:10). This is a general requirement which functions similarly to the requirement for elders to be “above reproach” (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6) and for deacons to be “blameless” (1 Tim. 3:10).
  8. Husband of one wife (v. 12): The best interpretation of this difficult phrase is to understand it as referring to the faithfulness of a husband toward his wife. He must be a “one-woman man.” That is, there must be no other woman in his life to whom he relates in an intimate way either emotionally or physically.
  9. Manage children and household well (v. 12): A deacon must be the spiritual leader of his wife and children.

In general, if a moral qualification is listed for elders but not for deacons, that qualification still applies to deacons. The same goes for those qualifications listed for deacons but not for elders. For example, a deacon should not be double-tongued (v. 8, ESV). Paul does not explicitly say this about elders, but no doubt it applies to elders since Paul has said that elders must be “above reproach,” which would include this prohibition.

Still, we should observe the differences in the qualifications, since they either signify a trait that is particularly fitting for the office-holder in order to accomplish his duties, or is something that was a problem in the location to which Paul writes (in this case, Ephesus). This should be more clear as we turn to considering a deacon’s responsibilities.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DEACONS

Whereas the office of elder is often ignored in the modern church, the office of deacon is often misunderstood. Based on the New Testament, the role of the deacon is mainly to be a servant. The church needs deacons to provide logistical and material support so that the elders can focus on the Word of God and prayer.

The New Testament does not provide much information concerning the role of deacons. The requirements given in 1 Timothy 3:8-12 focus on the deacon’s character and family life. There are, however, some clues as to the function of deacons when their requirements are compared with those of the elders. Although many of the qualifications are the same or very similar, there are some notable differences.

Perhaps the most noticeable distinction between elders and deacons is that deacons do not need to be “able to teach” (1 Tim. 3:2). Deacons are called to “hold” to the faith with a clear conscience, but they are not called to “teach” that faith (1 Tim. 3:9). This suggests that the deacons do not have an official teaching role in the church.

Like elders, deacons must manage their house and children well (1 Tim. 3:4, 12). But when referring to deacons, Paul omits the section where he compares managing one’s household to taking care of God’s church (1 Tim. 3:5). The reason for this omission is most likely due to the fact that deacons are not given a ruling or leading position in the church—that function belongs to the elders.

Although Paul indicates that a person must be tested before he can hold the office of deacon (1 Tim. 3:10), the requirement that he cannot be a new convert is not included. Paul notes that if an elder is a recent convert “he may become puffed up with conceit” (1 Tim. 3:6). One implication concerning this distinction could be that those who hold the office of elder are more susceptible to pride because they possess leadership over the church. On the contrary, it is not as likely for a deacon, who is in more of a servant role, to fall into this same sin. Finally, the title “overseer” (1 Tim. 3:2) implies general oversight over the spiritual well-being of the congregation, whereas the title “deacon” implies one who has a service-oriented ministry.

Beyond what we can glean from these differences in qualifications, the Bible does not clearly indicate the function of deacons. Yet based on the pattern established in Acts 6 with the apostles and the Seven, it seems best to view deacons as servants who do whatever is necessary to allow the elders to accomplish their God-given calling of shepherding and teaching the church. Just as the apostles delegated administrative responsibilities to the Seven, so the elders are to delegate certain responsibilities to the deacons so that the elders can focus their efforts elsewhere. As a result, each local church is free to define the tasks of deacons based on their particular needs.

What are some duties that deacons might be responsible for today? They could be responsible for anything that’s not related to teaching and shepherding the church. Such duties might include:

  • Facilities: The deacons could be responsible for managing the church property. This would include making sure the place of worship is prepared for the worship service, cleaning up, or running the sound system.
  • Benevolence: Similar to what took place in Acts 6:1–6 with the daily distribution to the widows, the deacons may be involved in administrating funds or other assistance to the needy.
  • Finances: While the elders should probably oversee the financial business of the church (Acts 11:30), it may be best left to the deacons to handle the day-to-day matters. This would include collecting and counting the offering, keeping records, and so on.
  • Ushers: The deacons could be responsible for distributing bulletins, seating the congregation, or preparing the elements for communion.
  • Logistics: Deacons should be available to help in variety of ways so that the elders are able to concentrate on teaching and shepherding the church.

CONCLUSION

Whereas the Bible charges elders with the tasks of teaching and leading the church, deacons’ role is more service-oriented. That is, they are to care for the physical or temporal concerns of the church. By handling such matters, deacons free up the elders to focus on shepherding the spiritual needs of the congregation.

Yet even though deacons are not the congregation’s spiritual leaders, their character is of utmost importance, which is why deacons should be examined and held to the biblical qualifications laid down in 1 Timothy 3.

What are the Biblical Qualifications of an Elder?

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The Qualifications of an Elder and Deacon / Deaconesses

(Be sure to also see blog article, What are the Comparisons between Elders and Deacons? )

1 Timothy 3:1-7

1.  It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.

2.  An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

3.  not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money.

4.  He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity

5.  (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?),

6.  and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil.

7.  And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Titus 1:5-9

5.  For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you,

6.  namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion.

7.  For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain,

8.  but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled,

9.  holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

A. Must be a male (1 Tim. 3:1; Titus 1:6)

B. Must desire the work (1 Tim. 3:1)

C. Must be above reproach (blameless) (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6)

D. The husband of one wife (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6)

E. Have children who believe (Titus 1:6)

F.  Be temperate (vigilant) (1 Tim. 3:2)

G. Be self-controlled (Titus 1:8)

H. Be prudent (1 Tim. 3:2)

I. Be respectable (of good behavior) (1 Tim. 3:2)

J. Be hospitable (1 Tim. 3:2)

K. Be able to teach (1 Tim. 3:2)

L. Holding fast to the Word (Titus 1:9)

M. Be able to exhort and refute (Titus 1:9)

N. Must have a good reputation with those outside the church (1 Tim.3:7)

O. Not addicted to wine (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7)

P. Manages his household well (1 Tim. 3:4; Titus 1:6)

Q. Free from the love of money (covetous) (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7; 1Pet. 5:2)

R. Gentle (patient) (1 Tim. 3:3)

S. Not pugnacious (1 Tim. 3:3)

T. Not a new convert (novice) (1 Tim. 3:6)

U. Not self-willed (Titus 1:7)

V. Not quick-tempered (not soon angry) (Titus 1:7)

W. Loving what is good (lover of good men) (Titus 1:8)

X. Sensible (sober) (Titus 1:8)

Y. Just (Titus 1:8)

Z. Devout (holy) (Titus 1:8)

1 Timothy 3:11

11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.

1 Peter 5:1-4

1. Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed,

2.  shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;

3.  nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.

4. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

5. The Responsibilities of the Elders

  • A. Be on guard for yourselves (Acts 20:28)
  • B. Be on guard for the flock (Acts 20:28)
  • C. Be guided by God’s Word (Acts 20:32; Titus 1:9)
  • D. Be an example to the flock (1 Pet. 5:3)
  • E. Shepherd the flock (feed) (1 Pet. 5:2; Acts 20:28)
  • F. Rule and rule well (1 Tim. 5:17)
  • G. Watch for harmful influences to the flock (Acts 20:29-30)
  • H. Silence empty talkers (Titus 1:10-11)
  • I. Assist in deciding differences that arise in the church (Acts 15:6)
  • J. Give instruction to the church (1 Thess. 5:12)
  • K. Help the weak (Acts 20:35)
  • L. Pray for the sick and administer to their needs (James 5:14)
  • M. Encourage the preaching of the gospel and establishment of new congregations when needed (Acts 16:4-5)
  • N. Watch for the souls of the church and give an account (Heb. 13:17) The last passage given above (Hebrews 13:17) summarizes the duties and responsibilities of the elders.

6.  Our Response to the Elders

  • A. Appreciate the elders (1 Thess. 5:12)
  • B. Esteem them very highly in love (1 Thess. 5:13)
  • C. Be submissive to the elders in their leadership of the church (Heb.13:17)
  • D. Live in peace with them (1 Thess. 5:13)
  • E. Obey the elders (Heb. 13:17)
  • F. Do not sharply rebuke an elder; appeal to him as a father (1 Tim.5:1)
  • G. Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses (1 Tim. 5:19)
  • H. Remember them and imitate them (Heb. 13:17)
  • I. Count them worthy of double honor (1 Tim. 5:17-18)
  • J. Call them when in need (James 5:14)
  • K. Correct them when they continue to sin (1 Tim. 5:20)

Are We Becoming An Emergent Church (Progressive Church)? (15 warning signs!) – Part 2 of 2

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15 Warning Signs (see *note at bottom of page) that Your Church may be becoming an Emergent Church or a Progressive Church (Detailed Information):

Do you need to read Part 1 First? Click here http://www.bibleanswerstoquestions.com/are-we-an-emergent-church

1. )  Scripture is no longer the ultimate authority as the basis for the Christian Faith.  You might also review your Children’s Sunday School curriculum to see if there is an effort to replace solid curriculum with perhaps a rewritten curriculum that doesn’t address Bible stories and perhaps refers to external, historical characters and extensive references to God’s kingdom here on earth.  Many times, a normal Bible may be replaced with a less offensive Bible that focuses on God’s kingdom here on earth.  Children should be learning Bible stories and led towards a saving relationship with Christ.  If sin (Romans 3:23), judgment (Romans 6:23a), atonement (Romans 6:23b, Romans 10:9-10) and the blessed hope of Christ’s Return is left out of the curriculum (Matthew 24:30), how are children learning what the Gospel means and the wonderful, good news of their future eternity with our King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ?

Joshua 1:8 (NASB) “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.”

II Timothy 3:16-17 (NASB) “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

1 Peter 2:1-3 (NASB) “Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.”

2. ) The centrality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is being replaced by humanistic methods promoting Church Growth and a Social Gospel, and / or an inconsistent verbal proclamation of the Gospel from the pulpit.   Oftentimes, a Statement of Faith (SOF), will be trivialized by leadership and may be rewritten to make it more inclusive for members, thereby reducing or eliminating the distinctive, unique qualities that may have made the church a light and a beacon for the World to see (Matthew 5:13-15).  The importance of the Statement of Faith is covered in another blog article. The Bible is clear on the importance of a verbal gospel being proclaimed (Mark 16:15, Romans 1:16-17) and disciples being made (Matthew 28:19-20).  Often these commandments by Christ are removed from the core of the SOF.  See the 49 general commands of Christ covered in the blog article, “Are We Obedient to Christ?”  Many times, the gospel is no longer clearly and verbally proclaimed from the pulpit.  Often, community events will be organized on church property and members will even be told not to proselytize since it may offend someone from the community.   1 Corinthians 1:18 (NASB), “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

3. )  More and more emphasis is being placed on building the Kingdom of God now and less and less on the Warnings of Scripture about the imminent Return of Jesus Christ and a Coming Judgment in the Future.  Hebrews 9:27-28 (NASB), “And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.”

4. )The Teaching that Jesus Christ will rule and reign in a literal millennial period is considered unbiblical and contrary to what the church now teaches.  (Revelation 20:2-7, etc.)   There have been several instances where a church member was teaching what the current Statement of Faith stated in this regard and then was chastised and oftentimes church discipline was applied for teaching this.  Please see the blog article which deals with our biblical stance for a literal millennial reign of Christ at the following link, http://www.bibleanswerstoquestions.com/the-literal-future-second-coming-of-jesus/

5. )  The stated teaching or personal belief of the Pastor that God has removed His hand from Israel and that Israel no longer has any Prophetic significance.  This is a loose, metaphorical interpretation of key scriptures in the Old Testament such as Isaiah chapter 9, 2 Kings 17:18 and other scriptures they associate with proof.  Granted, Israel has many rocky points in its history with the Lord, however, God in the New Testament (as well as the Old Testament) reaffirms His covenantal promises made to Israel in its important role in God’s Eternal Kingdom.  See Jeremiah 31:35-36, Romans 11, etc.  John MacArthur has covered this topic extensively in his six part series, “Has God Cancelled His Promises to Israel?, found at http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/title/h and scroll down to the part you want to review his notes or listen to the audio.  Part of the emerging church theology is to teach more from a symbolic, allegorical and metaphorical interpretation of scripture instead of applying solid hermeneutics in studying scripture.  Dr. Richard Mayhue has written some fine short-read books on how to study and interpret scripture.  See Amazon.com website for some of his excellent study books.

6. )  The Teaching that the Book of Revelation does not refer to the Future, but instead has been already fulfilled in the past.  Although your pastor and leaders may not directly state this, they may avoid teaching a long-held church belief that the pre-tribulation, pre-millennial rapture of the church is biblical and try to teach a new eschatological direction.  This often leads to an Amillennial view of end times.  This author holds to a pre-tribulation, pre-millennial rapture of the church.  Please see our blog article, http://www.bibleanswerstoquestions.com/the-literal-future-second-coming-of-jesus/ .

7. )   An experiential Mystical form of Christianity begins to be promoted as a method to reach the Postmodern Generation.  This may start to take shape and place with new art and symbols integrated into new building or remodeling projects.  An example of a mystical symbol may be a labyrinth, a more common symbol used in Emerging Churches more frequently.  (see Deuteronomy 18:9-13,2 Kings 23:24, Jude 1:3, etc.) We are warned in the Bible that we’re not to allow these into our buildings.  The mystic origins along with the sometimes occultist background for what should be an offensive symbol such as the Labyrinth doesn’t have any redeeming Christian value and does not belong in a church courtyard or plaza.  Rather than trying to list an overwhelming amount of hyperlinks and information across Internet to validate this point, just type “labyrinth Christian” in a popular search engine such as Google or Yahoo.  You will confirm there is very little valid, Biblical Christian significance and value for the labyrinth symbol with a great deal more research weight showing the pagan, mystic and occultist origins.   You can also use a less targeted research by typing in “labyrinth” and come up with more general information as well.  Prayer walks in some churches are oftentimes organized or centered around this symbol.  At the onset, this sounds good, right?  Aren’t we supposed to be in prayer together?  (Matthew 18:19-20, Colossians 4:2, 2 Corinthians 9:14, 1 Thessalonians 1:2, etc.).   However,  II Corinthians 6:14 (NASB) states, ”Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?”

8. )  Ideas are promoted teaching that Christianity needs to be reinvented in order to provide meaning for this generation.  Often this is disguised as making the Gospel more relevant to the community.  NOTE:  The Gospel stands on its own.  See Mark 16:15, Galatians 1:8-9.  The Holy Spirit draws people to Himself, not our efforts to make it palatable to non-believers, (Romans 1:16, Romans 8:14-16, Romans 10:9-10, etc.).

9. )  The Pastor may eventually implement an idea called “ancient-future” or “vintage Christianity” claiming that in order to take the church forward, we need to go back in church history and find out what experiences were effective to get people to embrace Christianity.   The caution and problem with this is that bad church history may be reintroduced as the way we should do things now.

10. )  While the authority of the Word of God is undermined, images and sensual experiences are promoted as the key to experiencing and knowing God.   There may be a strong movement towards incorporating more artwork to teach the story of the Bible from a meta-narrative viewpoint, such as a five act play.  There are several modern, emergent / progressive church theologians leading the charge on this viewpoint.

11. )  These experiences may include icons, candles, incense, liturgy, labyrinths, prayer stations, contemplative prayer, experiencing the sacraments, particularly the sacrament of the Eucharist.   Also this is mentioned in number 7 above.  Except for the labyrinth (Deuteronomy 18:9-13,2 Kings 23:24, Jude 1:3), these become a problem when experience is emphasized over the clarity of the Gospel.

12. )  There also seems to be a developing trend for a strong emphasis on ecumenism indicating that a bridge is being established that leads in the direction of unity with the Roman Catholic Church.   Martin Luther would be appalled to see that evangelical churches are slipping back into syncretism in delineating the Biblical Gospel to a Social Gospel focusing on good works, rather than the verbal proclamation of the Gospel.  Please see article in the link in this blog on the importance for the verbal proclamation of the Gospel, http://www.bibleanswerstoquestions.com/is-the-verbal-gospel-important-to-preach/

13. ) The danger of this movement toward ecumenical can be clearly seen when evangelical leaders are saying that the Reformation in fact went too far. They are reexamining the claims of the “church fathers” saying that communion is more than a symbol and that Jesus actually becomes present in the wafer at communion.   Do you notice that your communion time may be becoming more like an administered ritual, similar to that of the Catholic Church?  This point doesn’t always translate that communion is wrong just because it may be administered in a different way than what you’re used to.  The concern here is that this may be conducted in a more ritualistic and non-biblical or emergent / progressive manner. Be cautious on this point.  Please read 1 Corinthians 11 to discover what God’s Heart is about the way communion should be taken.  This author also loves taking part in foot washing as part of the communion service and the Lord’s Supper.  Not mandatory, but special.  See John 13:1-17.

14. ) There will be a growing trend towards an ecumenical unity for the cause of world peace claiming the validity of other religions and that there are many ways to God.  Although this may be the extreme version, this will be a gradual transition and the version this author believes will be the final destination unless the church repents early of their wandering away from sound doctrine and removes leadership.  See 2 Timothy 4:2-4, and 2 John 1:9-11.

15. ) Members of Churches who question or resist the new changes that the Pastor and leadership are implementing are often reprimanded and “church discipline” is applied and the members usually are asked to leave in that they are considered being divisive to the new direction of the church.  Mistreatment of members and a misapplication of Matthew 18 are becoming more and more frequent.  If you see this happening, chances are that you are either experiencing deceptive behavior from the pastor, pastoral staff and church elders.  Sometimes some elders may not even be aware of the gradual, deceptive changes.  Often lying and known cover ups by certain elders and pastors will shield the truth from being exposed.  They seem to think they are exempt from Matthew 18 themselves and the qualifications of an Elder (1 Timothy 3 and 4, Titus 1, etc., also covered in the article on this blog, “What are the Biblical Qualifications of an Elder?”  Sometimes in a transition of change and deceptive behavior, a member may be teaching in accordance with the current Statement of Faith and Church Bylaws and then be chastised and disciplined for teaching in accordance with the present Statement of Faith and Church Bylaws.  This occurs when the church leadership is trying to change a long church history based on the current Statement of Faith and Church Bylaws to fit their new desired theology.  There have been several heated church membership votes over this very issue!  Unfortunately, the younger people, ages 18 to 35, are usually among the more vocal supporters in these meetings.  Quite a ruckus at voting times!

Remember that not all of these 15 warnings have to be present in your church for you to be an emergent church or dangerously heading this direction!

Look to God’s Word.  Remember Paul’s instruction to Timothy:

“The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will. (2 Timothy 2:24-26, NASB).

Jesus is coming soon.  (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, NASB) “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.  For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.   For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.  Therefore comfort one another with these words.”

*Notes:  Some sources were used for my research, such as my own personal experiences and association with an unnamed Church group for the majority of practical examples presented and the website http://www.so4j.com/emergent-church-false-teaching.php, God’s Holy Word, His precious Son Jesus Christ, and The Holy Spirit.  Any mistakes made, I claim the responsibility.  Anything of excellence and supreme virtue – the credit belongs to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (The Word, John 1:14).

Are We Becoming An Emergent Church (Progressive Church)? (15 warning signs!) – Part 1 of 2

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Author’s Definition for Emergent Church / Progressive Church Theology:  A subversive movement by church leaders with the intended purpose to reinvent mainstream evangelical Christianity and insert a social gospel that is “more inclusive” and “less restrictive”.   Sadly, these leaders believe they are doing what God wants.

Did you already read Part 1 and need to go to Part 2? Click here Are We Becoming An Emergent Church? – Part 2

The Bible addresses this errant teaching in John 14:6 (NASB), “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’”   This sounds rather exclusive, doesn’t it?  There is only one way to God.  This errant teaching also leads to a de-emphasis on proclaiming the verbal Gospel of Jesus Christ, which believers are commanded to do in Mark 16:15 (NASB), “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’”  The Greek word for preach in this verse is κηρύσσω (pronounced kērussō or kay-roos’-so), which means to herald or proclaim as a public crier, especially divine truth.

Are We Becoming An Emergent / Progressive Church?

Short List of 15 Warning Signs (see *note at bottom of 2nd Page): (1)Scripture is no longer the ultimate authority as the basis for the Christian Faith; (2) The centrality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is being replaced by humanistic methods promoting Church Growth and a Social Gospel, and / or an inconsistent verbal proclamation of the Gospel from the pulpit; (3) More and more emphasis is being placed on building the Kingdom of God now and less and less on the Warnings of Scripture about the imminent Return of Jesus Christ and a Coming Judgment in the Future; (4) The Teaching that Jesus Christ will rule and reign in a literal millennial period is considered unbiblical and heretical; (5) The stated teaching or personal belief of the Pastor that God has removed His hand from Israel and that Israel no longer has any Prophetic significance; (6) The Teaching that the Book of Revelation does not refer to the Future, but instead has been already fulfilled in the past; (7) An experiential Mystical form of Christianity begins to be promoted as a method to reach the Postmodern Generation; (8) Ideas are promoted teaching that Christianity needs to be reinvented in order to provide meaning for this generation; (9) The Pastor may implement an idea called “ancient-future” or “vintage Christianity” claiming that in order to take the church forward, we need to go back in church history and find out what experiences were effective to get people to embrace Christianity; (10) While the authority of the Word of God is undermined, images and sensual experiences are promoted as the key to experiencing and knowing God; (11) These experiences include icons, candles, incense, liturgy, labyrinths, prayer stations, contemplative prayer, experiencing the sacraments, particularly the sacrament of the Eucharist; (12) There seems to be a strong emphasis on ecumenism indicating that a bridge is being established that leads in the direction of unity with the Roman Catholic Church, Islam, Mormonism,etc.; (13) Some evangelical Protestant leaders are saying that the Reformation went too far. They are reexamining the claims of the “church fathers” saying that communion is more than a symbol and that Jesus actually becomes present in the wafer at communion; (14) There will be a growing trend towards an ecumenical unity for the cause of world peace claiming the validity of other religions and that there are many ways to God; and (15) Members of Churches who Question or Resist the new changes that the Pastor is implementing are reprimanded and usually asked to leave.  Often this involves lying and deceptive behavior on the part of the leadership.

Some early warnings and symptoms include the use of terms such as flourishing, inclusive, community, progressive, building God’s Kingdom here on Earth, developing a kingdom focus and perhaps a strong or defined movement towards changing a biblically defined existing Statement of Faith to a new Statement of Faith that is more inclusive.  This usually involves a changing of church bylaws to restrict or remove members biblical authority in challenging truth who should also be involved in church discipline.   A pastor passionate on becoming an Emergent Church will want to remove all obstacles and place himself closer to unfettered power.  (Author’s comments:  Although your church may not be there yet in denying the gospel, this may be the next step if some or most of the warning signs identified below are entrenched in your local church structure.  Listen carefully to your pastor’s sermons to hear if the verbal, proclaimed Gospel is missing from Pulpit sermons and messages.  Often the changes are subtle and it may be years before you realize your church is emergent.) 

Background Information for 15 Warning Signs:

What are the Warning Signs that We Need to Look Out for?  Even though not all warning signs may be present, any one of the 15 warning signs listed further down is a strong signal that your church may be starting down a dangerous and destructive path to becoming an emergent / progressive church, bent on distorting the Gospel and leading people away from their need for the Gospel.

Frequently, this may appear inconsequential at first or you may find it hard to believe that this is really happening to your church.  You might even feel bad questioning your church’s drifting theology because so many wonderful things seem to be happening such as relational life groups to build community, strong community outreach programs and visible community presence for your church, active youth programs, etc.  Please make careful observations and spend time in the Word with prayer and meditation and pray that the Holy Spirit would confirm whether this is happening in your local church body through careful study of God’s Word.  A denial and a refusal to confront these things in truth will later lead to shame and guilt in not being obedient to God’s Truth, not to mention a complicit effort to lead people astray from sound doctrine and teaching.  Please read 2 Timothy 4:3-5.

Be aware that when you do decide to confront your pastor and or leaders in regard to what God’s Word has to say, that you may become a target for a misapplication of Matthew 18 and singled out as a divider (creating division).  Many times there is a price to be paid in becoming bold for God’s Truth.  Take Galatians 4:16 (NASB) to heart, “So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?”

Based upon your pastor’s reaction to you, this may show that your pastor may not have a heart willing to receive correction as exhorted in Acts 17, 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.  We’re supposed to be able to speak truth into each other’s lives. He may instead try to relegate any further discussion from you to an elder (usually their role is to be a hatchet man) and if the elder (more times than not) decides that you will need to drop this and not pursue it, you are then expected to follow the Pastor’s and the Elder’s authority. This buffering of doctrinal challenges to the pastor is becoming more prevalent in Emergent / Progressive Churches where the leadership is facing opposition to the new theological direction they’re taking the church.

Your church leaders may even instruct you in the following scriptures on submitting to church authority,  Hebrews 13:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, Philippians 1:1, etc.  Oftentimes, they also neglect to read or cite the following scriptures as well, which talks about their expected behavior as a leader, Matthew 20:25-28, 1 Peter 5:1-5, and 3 John 9-12.  Oftentimes they may start dealing with people challenging erred doctrine with a heavy hand and use Matthew 18 as a club instead of the purpose, which is to restore a sinning member to fellowship.  Since when does speaking the truth in love become a sinful behavior.  Yes, there is a Biblical manner in which to approach your pastor and we are to speak the truth in love, Ephesians 4:14-16 (NASB), “As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.”

Matthew 18 and Galatians 6:1 do address the biblical process pretty specifically (proper private approach, confrontation with witnesses, desired repentance and prayerfully restoration).  The biblical goal is always restoration.  As a final result after non-repentance is shown, then church dismissal, disfellowship or excommunication is applied.  This biblical discipline applies to the pastor and elders as well.  Members, according to Matthew 18 can biblically confront the pastor.  In some emergent churches, the structure of the bylaws is being rewritten and, this writer believes, in an unbiblical manner to only allow this to be applied and enforced from an Executive Board of Elders and exclude regular elders and members from having any authority.

Click below to link to the second part of this article, http://www.bibleanswerstoquestions.com/are-we-an-emergent-church/part2 .

 

Are you ready to do His will?

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When I was a boy we sang a Hymn called, “Work for the night is coming.” in the church service.  In Sunday School we would sing:

Two will be together grinding at the mill

Two will be together sleeping sound and still

One will be taken and the other left behind

Will you be ready when Jesus come

In the midst of all the deception, [Editor’s note:  Specifics are left out, but this is message is a spiritual advisor’s note of encouragement to church members embroiled in a church division who are holding steadfast to God’s Word], God wants to give us direction.  But our hearts have to be ready to do His will.

A heart that is ready to do God will is a heart first of all that:

1.  Loves God:

Jesus said in John  14:21-23 If you love me you will keep my commandments.  It’s not hard for me to serve Lyn because I love her.  I want to be with her.  Jesus said too that if we keep His commandments that He and His Father would disclose themselves to us. We want to serve God when we love Him.

2.  Knows God:

When you love God and act accordingly God discloses Himself to you.  You see Him and His work and you get to know His as who He is.  God is a God of grace and mercy.  Those are just a couple of His attributes.  In Jeremiah 9:23-24 God says glory in this that you know and love me, that I am a God of loving kindness.

3.  Trusts God:

Rom 10:17 says faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word o God.  When we are ready God has given us faith.  And faith knows.  Heb 11:1 says faith is the substance of things hoped for the conviction of things not seen.

4.  Obeys God: 

In I John 5:3 we are told that God’s commandments are His love.  He has given a the Great Commandment, the Great Commission, and it takes a Great Commitment.  We will be willing to make that commitment if we love, know and trust God.

Are you ready to do His will?

This readiness is not just taught, it’s caught!  You see it in someone else and you want it too.  It’s the power of example in a life that love, knows, trusts and obeys God.  Readiness in when Jesus belongs to you, and you live everyday knowing you belong to Him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TInqJ5NJrXc

Are You Leaving a Spiritual Legacy for Your Children / Grandchildren? – Part II

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Need to read Part 1 first, Are You Leaving a Spiritual Legacy for Your Children / Grandchildren?

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Jeremiah 29:11

These are the words in a letter from Jeremiah written to a group of captives that were taken away to Babylon. (Jer 29:1-4)  Jer 29:4 says, “Thus says the LORD of host, the God of Israel to all who were carried away captive, who I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon.”

God allowed the Babylonians to exile the captives in Babylon.  This was part of God’s discipline in the lives of His people.  Hebrews 12:5-6 says God disciplines every son that He loves.  God can be tough on us at times.  Negative things can come into our lives.  Jeremiah says here it was God who exiled them.

In Jer 29:8-9 the exiles are told that false prophets have been in their midst telling them what they want to hear.  But it is not from the Lord.  The Lord in Jer 29:4-7 let’s them know what they don’t want to hear.  They are going to be in exile a long time.  The false word was they would be out of this soon.

It would be 70 years until the decree of Cyrus and not until 444 BC that the first group would return with Ezra.  The words of Jer 29:11-14 were a promise for their children in the future.  When the time of exile was over the LORD said,, “Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.  I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back from your captivity.”  (Jer 29:12-14)

So God makes a promise directly to Israel.  The promise is for the future.  And it’s not for one person singular, it’s not for me, it’s for us.  The promise is not made to us today.  But it does apply to us.  It’s not a promise to us that we will be healthy and prosperous.

Did following the Lord make the disciples healthy and prosperous?  Did it keep them from all harm?

God crushed his own perfect and spotless Son.  Great faith doesn’t equal flourishing in the here and now.  Foxes had holes, birds had nests, and the Son of Man had no place to lay His head.  At the end of John 7 John says each man went to his own  house.  But John 8:1 says Jesus went to the Mt of Olives.  Jesus didn’t have a house.

The only place this world ever afforded Jesus a resting place was the cross.  He laid his head to rest there and died.  (John 19:30)  John says, “As he is so are we in this world.” (I John 4:17) We are not to twist God’s word for our own purposes.

In Jer 29:5-7 God tells the exiles what to do.  He says lay down roots there in Babylon.  Build your houses and plant gardens.  Get married and find spouses for your children so they can bear you grandchildren.  Seek the peace of the city where you live and pray for it.  And you will have peace.

Peace in the heart is true riches.  The wisdom of God’s word is better than silver or gold and precious jewels.  It’s better than anything you might desire.  (Prov 3:13-18)

The LORD says establish a community.  Establish a home base.  Give your children and your grandchildren some roots.  He doesn’t say live for yourself.  He says think about your children and your children’s children.

How about a church home for our children and grandchildren?  How about a Bible School where we can train people in the word for the home base and for other communities the Lord wants to start?  How about a home for our spiritual children as well?  How about being mentors for others?  How about taking an active role in the future of those who go after us.

These children are not here for us.  We are here for them.  How about a church where there is freedom because the gospel of truth is being preached and taught?  [Left blank] and I were matured and equipped in a church like that.  [Left blank] was 19 when we were married.  God’s given us 41 happy years so far.  We have been given much.

Our children and our grandchildren, spiritual children are like arrows in the quiver of a warrior the Bible says.  If I’m going into battle I want as many arrows as possible.  That’s why God says, “multiply and be fruitful.”  The [left blank] Church in [left blank] was a place where children were raised to live for the glory of God.

A baton has been passed to us that we cannot drop.  To those who have been given much, much is required.  The [left blank] areas, [left blank] and the world still need to be reached.  On a Sunday morning in Southern California less than one boy or girl in ten is in Sunday School.

There is so little peace in a world that Christ made peace for everyone on the cross.  We don’t make our peace with God.  Jesus did that for us.  We just receive the peace He offers through repentance and faith in Him.  We need to get people the message of the gospel to where we live.

We need to be faithful to God’s word and God’s Son and continue to pass on the legacy that has been passed on to us.  It starts with the Bible, the whole Bible and nothing but the Bible.  It’s finding the truth that God bring, it’s found in believing his word and doing it so we find understanding.

Leaving a legacy is about being faithful.  And Jer 29:11 is about God being faithful to us.  He is faithful in the midst of any conflict or circumstance which we face right now.  We need to be faithful to His word and to this text.

We need to leave a legacy. Be praying for us.

Are You Leaving a Spiritual Legacy for Your Children / Grandchildren? – Part I

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[Left blank] and I often ask ourselves, “What will we leave our children and grandchildren?  What will we pass on?  There is an old Motown song that says, “Papa was a rolling stone.  Wherever he laid his head was a stone.  And when he died all he left was a loan.”  We don’t want that to be our legacy.

In our family a legacy doesn’t mean a will or an inheritance.  It’s not possessions or money.  Our parents didn’t leave us any money.  They did, “their giving while they were living so they were knowing where it was going.”  Our parents invested in our lives.  They gave us meaning and purpose and love,

Our church family did too.  [Left blank] was 15 when we met.  She was 19 when we were married and 29 when we went to [left blank].  So for 14 years of her life, and 35 years of my life, the [left blank] Church family in [left blank]  invested their lives in ours.  We were brought up in the word of God.  We received meaning and love and purpose for life before we left for [left blank] to plant churches.  Our church family made a large investment of their lives in us.

What are God’s promises for the future?  Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord. , thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Jeremiah 29:11 is one of the most quoted and misunderstood passages in the Bible.  The generation of today uses the NIV translation where is says God knows the plans He has for us.  Plans to prospers us and give us a future and a hope.

It sounds great.  What a great promise.  But is real life like that?

My life has been filled with difficulty, pain and suffering.  Yet,  I’ve never met anyone I wanted to change places with.  The Lord has given, and the Lord has taken away in my life.  Some of us may have diseases right now that are killing us and seem to be taking away our future and hope.  Some of us are experiencing financial loss or the loss of friends and our church.

Does Jeremiah hold forth a promise with a problem?  What if my health is broken, or I’m going broke.  What if I’m being harmed, molested or abused as  many godly believers are?.  What if even the best things I do and say are being slandered and mocked?

II Tim 3:12 says, “All that desire to live a godly life will be persecuted.”  That is one promise we all can claim.

Where is my future and my hope?  Has my lack of faith or the devil robbed me of this promise?  Is it just me or the devil that brings bad stuff my way?  Have I failed to raise the level of my faith and trust, so that I can receive the promise of Jer 29:11?

Or do most people have Jeremiah 29:11 wrong?  What did this verse mean to Jeremiah?  What did it mean to those in exile in Babylon that it was written to?  What is Jeremiah saying and meaning?  How do we apply it in our lives? Where is my future and hope?

Jer 29:11 has to be put into the context of the chapter, and the book of Jeremiah, and the Bible.  Jeremiah 29:11 can’t mean now what it didn’t mean to Jeremiah back then or his readers.  And it could be a promise be for a specific people at a specific time.  One thing we do know is it does have an application for us today. It may not be made to us.  But there are applications we can draw from it.

Paul said in Romans 15:4 that the scriptures are for our encouragement and learning.  They give us hope.  He said in II Tim 3:16-17 that all scripture is for teaching, correction, reproof, for training in righteousness, so we could be equipped for the work ahead of us.

Jeremiah 29:1-4 tells us that this promise is in a letter to the exiles who were in Babylon.  It’s a specific letter to a specific people with a specific promise of what is going to happen when they return from exile.  It’s to a specific group, at a specific time, in specific circumstances and in a specific place.  It tells the God is going to prosper when they return from exile.

They didn’t return for 150 years.  The people the letter was written to had all died.  The promise was also made to a group not individuals.  It wasn’t a, “here and now, all for you promise.”  It was the promise of a legacy for their descendants.

The promise does has applications for us.  Not for me singular, but for us plural.  It’s about leaving a legacy.  It’s not made to me or us.  But it can apply to us.  And it’s not about having a daily experience of health and wealth.  It’s not a right here and right now promise.  It’s not about better stuff and a better life.  It’s not about flourishing now.  This is earth not heaven.

But it is about leaving a legacy for our children and our children’s children..

We will look more at Jeremiah 29:1-14 in Part II.

We will start looking at it verse by verse.  And we will see it is about establishing a base, a home, a foundation for those who come after us that is is built on the foundation of Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone and His apostles and prophets.

Jer 29:11 is about a legacy of a foundation for the lives of those after us.  Lives that are built on God’s Son and God’s Word.  It is about giving them roots to establish and hold them.  (Jer 17:5-8)

It’s about giving them a home and a base.  And it’s not for just our physical children.  It’s for spiritual children as well.

Ready to read Part II, Are You Leaving a Spiritual Legacy for Your Children / Grandchildren?