When it comes to matters of morality and righteousness, God will never meet a sinner halfway: His holy standards do not shift or adjust with the moral climate of a society. No matter how the earth may quake, east remains east and west remains west. We serve a Savior who humbled Himself, put on human flesh, and became sin for us. He does not command that we befriend the world to gain followers for Christ. Compromise can be so subtle that it can even threaten to influence the workings of the church.
1 Cor. 7:23 says, "You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men." How easily we can become slaves to the opinions and desires of others and neglect our heavenly purpose! God has called every believer into His service, and the specific role of each slave is dictated by the Master. Jesus not only reveals the path but the activity; He commands not only the activity but the means to His end. God does not show the end and allow us to devise the way to that end. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. As Christ is allowed to live out His life through us, His end is realized by His grace.
As we cannot compromise the call of God, we must refuse to compromise the path God has chosen that we walk to fulfill that call in obedience. We cannot say, "I will be a pastor, LORD, but only after I have fulfilled the requirements of seminary training." In like manner we must not say, "I refuse formal training, for the disciples were unlearned men who God filled with His Spirit and all wisdom." God has called many to be pastors and teachers, and for some the path has been through study and others primarily through experience. But for each true follower of God He must remain all in all.
Compromise is a poison that clouds judgment and the ability to hear God clearly. It obscures the vision of God's call. It numbs a man as alcohol, instead it increases inhibitions rather than reducing them. Compromise inhibits us from reckless abandonment to God's plan, will, and call that faith requires. Every compromise appears small: like Lot we say, "Isn't it a little one?" We think that compromise will allow us to escape judgment but gives place for even greater sin (Genesis 19:17-20). Let us be led by God and not fall prey to man-pleasing. May we commit to be slaves of God first, only, and always.
28 July 2009
25 July 2009
David Brainerd quotes...
During a sermon at camp, youth pastor Jeremy King of CC Vista suggested The Life and Diary of David Brainerd, compiled by Jonathan Edwards. I was able to purchase this book on alibris.com (great for rare or out of print books; for Christian books in print I use christianbook.com) So far it has been an interesting read of Edwards and Brainerd, two men whose devotion and piety towards God are rarely seen among professing followers of Christ and from whose example I fall woefully short.
A couple of quotes resonated in my heart: "I wanted not the favor of man to lean upon; for I knew Christ's favor was infinitely better, and that it was no matter when, nor where, nor how Christ should send me, nor what trials He should still exercise me with, if I might be prepared for His work and will" (pg. 79).
On the day of his 24th birthday (David only lived to 29 years of age) he writes, "Oh, how much mercy have I received the year past! How often has God caused His goodness to pass before me! And how poorly have I answered the vows I made this time twelve month to be wholly the Lord's, to be forever devoted to His service! The Lord help me to live more to His glory for the time to come. This has been a sweet, a happy day to me; blessed be God...I hardly ever so longed to live to God and to be altogether devoted to Him. I wanted to wear out my life in His service, and for His glory" (pg. 81).
Indeed, and well put. So sings my soul: Amen, and Amen!
A couple of quotes resonated in my heart: "I wanted not the favor of man to lean upon; for I knew Christ's favor was infinitely better, and that it was no matter when, nor where, nor how Christ should send me, nor what trials He should still exercise me with, if I might be prepared for His work and will" (pg. 79).
On the day of his 24th birthday (David only lived to 29 years of age) he writes, "Oh, how much mercy have I received the year past! How often has God caused His goodness to pass before me! And how poorly have I answered the vows I made this time twelve month to be wholly the Lord's, to be forever devoted to His service! The Lord help me to live more to His glory for the time to come. This has been a sweet, a happy day to me; blessed be God...I hardly ever so longed to live to God and to be altogether devoted to Him. I wanted to wear out my life in His service, and for His glory" (pg. 81).
Indeed, and well put. So sings my soul: Amen, and Amen!
24 July 2009
How necessary is God for you?
There are people who believe in God who do not live according to His ways. I am not even speaking of professing followers of Christ. The demons believe and tremble while many men believe and shrug. Demons believe according to the knowledge of the power and dominion of God, while man's idea of God is no bigger than the distance between his ears.
It is the great shame of the church today that many times God is not indispensable to the daily lives of those who call themselves by Christ's name. We all agree that God is necessary for life, but we are content to live for ourselves according to our design. Pastor Rob Salvado of CC Vista claimed that many professing Christian lives could be compared to a Swanson's TV dinner: all parts conveniently separate. We confine all "God" activity with the peas, but we keep His influence from the mashed potatoes, meat, and brownie! He is a seasoning rather than substance. God is an ideal, not a reality. Brothers and sisters, this will never do!
God wants to teach me total reliance upon Him for provision, guidance, comfort, and strength. I am to regard His Word over my daily bread. Tozer said that if "You don't live hazardously for God you're too soft." Allow God to examine your heart: we say we believe, but does Jesus have the preeminence? Is Christ more precious to you than all things? I desire to live in a place where God is completely necessary for survival: absolutely indispensable. Let us dispense with all the walls we put up and allow Christ to be our all in all! Discard the old plastic life and let Christ fill every part of your existence. The cost is great, but the reward is greater.
It is the great shame of the church today that many times God is not indispensable to the daily lives of those who call themselves by Christ's name. We all agree that God is necessary for life, but we are content to live for ourselves according to our design. Pastor Rob Salvado of CC Vista claimed that many professing Christian lives could be compared to a Swanson's TV dinner: all parts conveniently separate. We confine all "God" activity with the peas, but we keep His influence from the mashed potatoes, meat, and brownie! He is a seasoning rather than substance. God is an ideal, not a reality. Brothers and sisters, this will never do!
God wants to teach me total reliance upon Him for provision, guidance, comfort, and strength. I am to regard His Word over my daily bread. Tozer said that if "You don't live hazardously for God you're too soft." Allow God to examine your heart: we say we believe, but does Jesus have the preeminence? Is Christ more precious to you than all things? I desire to live in a place where God is completely necessary for survival: absolutely indispensable. Let us dispense with all the walls we put up and allow Christ to be our all in all! Discard the old plastic life and let Christ fill every part of your existence. The cost is great, but the reward is greater.
23 July 2009
A Defense of Modern Apostleship
There are those who claim the call of an apostle is not a call of God today upon a believer or relegate it to a general call. This smacks of the same sentiment as when people claim that tongues are not a gift for today or the need for prophecy has passed into antiquity. There is nothing more devious of Satan to convince believers that God could not possibly call them into a particular role or ministry because it is not relevant for today and thus never seek or participate in their rightful place in the Body of Christ. I believe that God has called me to be an apostle and preacher, and I relish this call with humility and thanksgiving.
When I was growing up in the church, I was taught that apostleship is confined only to the first 12 disciples chosen by Jesus Christ. The Bible reveals this is simply not true. The Bible makes a distinction concerning the original 12 apostles for ease of understanding so we know who is being referred to instead of listing all 12 names every time, but this does not mean God does not call today to the role of apostle. There are no biblical "classes" or distinctions between those called to the role of an apostle, one who is sent. In the New Testament, the word "apostle(s)" is used over 70 times, and all with the exact definition save one (2 Cor. 11:13) where Paul says there is such a thing as a "pseudo-apostle." Such a one would be Judas Iscariot, who God called as an apostle but he chose apostasy and betrayed Jesus. The definition of "apostle" is "an ambassador, he who is sent." Did you know that Jesus is called an Apostle? Hebrews 3:1 says, "Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus..." Jesus was sent by His Father to seek and save the lost.
The most common argument I have heard against modern apostleship is that the call must be given personally by the physical person of Jesus Christ. Some claim that since biblical canon is closed, apostolic authority is no longer justified or needed today. Jesus put no such limitation on this calling. Paul says by the "will of God" and "command of God" and "call of God" he is an apostle. He does not say that He is an apostle on the grounds of hearing an audible voice from God or the touch of Christ's hand. Jesus has appeared to me personally, saving and calling me into the ministry. I have not touched His physical body with my hands, but His blood has cleansed and redeemed my soul. The Holy Spirit has filled my heart with His fullness through baptism. Ephes. 4:11 states, "And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers..." People do not doubt that evangelists, pastors, and teachers are called by God today, but hedge on apostles and prophets. Paul says in 1 Tim. 2:6-7 of Christ, "who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, [7] for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle--I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying--a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth." God still appoints people in this capacity today.
The scripture is clear in referring to other people in scripture by the same title as apostle. After Judas killed himself, the remaining eleven nominated people as his replacement and by lot Mathias was chosen (Acts 1:23-26). Later in the book, Paul and Barnabas healed a crippled man in Lystra and the people intended to sacrifice unto them. Acts 14:14 says, "But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude..." Luke, the writer of this epistle, affirmed the apostleship of Barnabas and Paul through his profession. At the end of his letter to the Romans, Paul includes this interesting note in Romans 16:7: "Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me." This means either that these were highly regarded by the 12 apostles, or that Andronicus and Junia had the calling of apostleship upon their lives, perhaps even as Gentile believers. The latter interpretation is the strongest in light of other evidence.
By the grace of God I am what I am (1 Cor. 15:9-10) and certainly am not trying to "make a name" for myself. If I claim to have been called by God as a teacher, few would notice. Yet if I claim to answer the call of apostle, eyebrows go up: "Who does this guy think he is?" Men have a habit of glorifying self or other men. If you believe the call to apostleship is glorious for the flesh, you may have forgotten 1 Cor. 4:9-13: "For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. [10] We are fools for Christ's sake...We are weak...we are dishonoured! [11] To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. [12] And we labour, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; [13] being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the off-scouring of all things until now." This is the price to answer the call to apostleship. If anyone wants to assume this role for themselves outside the will or call of God, I beg you reconsider!
God's word to me is "You will preach, and you will be sent." The fact remains that God has appointed different roles in the body of Christ and one specific calling is apostleship. 1 Cor. 12:28-30 states, "And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. [29] Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? [30] Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?" The answer to these rhetorical questions is no: all are not apostles, prophets, teachers, workers of miracles, healers, and so on. But the truth remains that some are called to each office for the edification of the Body of Christ and the glory of God. God is my witness and Judge, and He alone created me, knows me, saved me, and called me into the work of the ministry by His grace.
Please heed the words of 2 Peter 1:10-11: "Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; [11] for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." Refuse to be satisfied with election alone, but be obedient to the call that God has placed upon your life. Let God be true and every man a liar. Trust Him with your life, surrender to Him, and remain committed entirely to His use and service.
When I was growing up in the church, I was taught that apostleship is confined only to the first 12 disciples chosen by Jesus Christ. The Bible reveals this is simply not true. The Bible makes a distinction concerning the original 12 apostles for ease of understanding so we know who is being referred to instead of listing all 12 names every time, but this does not mean God does not call today to the role of apostle. There are no biblical "classes" or distinctions between those called to the role of an apostle, one who is sent. In the New Testament, the word "apostle(s)" is used over 70 times, and all with the exact definition save one (2 Cor. 11:13) where Paul says there is such a thing as a "pseudo-apostle." Such a one would be Judas Iscariot, who God called as an apostle but he chose apostasy and betrayed Jesus. The definition of "apostle" is "an ambassador, he who is sent." Did you know that Jesus is called an Apostle? Hebrews 3:1 says, "Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus..." Jesus was sent by His Father to seek and save the lost.
The most common argument I have heard against modern apostleship is that the call must be given personally by the physical person of Jesus Christ. Some claim that since biblical canon is closed, apostolic authority is no longer justified or needed today. Jesus put no such limitation on this calling. Paul says by the "will of God" and "command of God" and "call of God" he is an apostle. He does not say that He is an apostle on the grounds of hearing an audible voice from God or the touch of Christ's hand. Jesus has appeared to me personally, saving and calling me into the ministry. I have not touched His physical body with my hands, but His blood has cleansed and redeemed my soul. The Holy Spirit has filled my heart with His fullness through baptism. Ephes. 4:11 states, "And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers..." People do not doubt that evangelists, pastors, and teachers are called by God today, but hedge on apostles and prophets. Paul says in 1 Tim. 2:6-7 of Christ, "who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, [7] for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle--I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying--a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth." God still appoints people in this capacity today.
The scripture is clear in referring to other people in scripture by the same title as apostle. After Judas killed himself, the remaining eleven nominated people as his replacement and by lot Mathias was chosen (Acts 1:23-26). Later in the book, Paul and Barnabas healed a crippled man in Lystra and the people intended to sacrifice unto them. Acts 14:14 says, "But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude..." Luke, the writer of this epistle, affirmed the apostleship of Barnabas and Paul through his profession. At the end of his letter to the Romans, Paul includes this interesting note in Romans 16:7: "Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me." This means either that these were highly regarded by the 12 apostles, or that Andronicus and Junia had the calling of apostleship upon their lives, perhaps even as Gentile believers. The latter interpretation is the strongest in light of other evidence.
By the grace of God I am what I am (1 Cor. 15:9-10) and certainly am not trying to "make a name" for myself. If I claim to have been called by God as a teacher, few would notice. Yet if I claim to answer the call of apostle, eyebrows go up: "Who does this guy think he is?" Men have a habit of glorifying self or other men. If you believe the call to apostleship is glorious for the flesh, you may have forgotten 1 Cor. 4:9-13: "For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. [10] We are fools for Christ's sake...We are weak...we are dishonoured! [11] To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. [12] And we labour, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; [13] being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the off-scouring of all things until now." This is the price to answer the call to apostleship. If anyone wants to assume this role for themselves outside the will or call of God, I beg you reconsider!
God's word to me is "You will preach, and you will be sent." The fact remains that God has appointed different roles in the body of Christ and one specific calling is apostleship. 1 Cor. 12:28-30 states, "And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. [29] Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? [30] Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?" The answer to these rhetorical questions is no: all are not apostles, prophets, teachers, workers of miracles, healers, and so on. But the truth remains that some are called to each office for the edification of the Body of Christ and the glory of God. God is my witness and Judge, and He alone created me, knows me, saved me, and called me into the work of the ministry by His grace.
Please heed the words of 2 Peter 1:10-11: "Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; [11] for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." Refuse to be satisfied with election alone, but be obedient to the call that God has placed upon your life. Let God be true and every man a liar. Trust Him with your life, surrender to Him, and remain committed entirely to His use and service.
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