Christian Education, Leadership & 21st Century Culture

The research has thus far shown that Christian education encompasses more than just the study and delivery of information aimed at spiritual formation. It should intentionally inform all areas pertaining to ecclesia – worship, evangelism, edification, fellowship, ministry and prayer. It is unwise to ignore the educational trends of the culture and society. If the Body of Christ is to stem the tide of decades of secularism in Education, then the way forward must include a reconsideration of Christian pedagogy intentionally driven through Christian community.

Trevor Cooling (2015) recommends exploring two models: First, an awareness of the modernist model which pushes hard knowledge and “treats Christian belief as at best unnecessary clutter and at worst as irrational and even toxic” (p. 21). Second is the postmodern model which promotes the subjective – maintaining that “knowledge is simply a construction of the human mind and there is no objective truth in education” (p.21).

The Divine Agenda

Throughout the ages, God has been moving mankind toward an intended end, one with an eschatological hope. Ever since the Fall of mankind (Gen. 3), the story of mankind has been one of God revealing himself to man, with the intention to reconcile them back to himself (2 Cor. 5:19). What he (God) has, is a divine agenda (Howell, p.300). The Fall necessitated a rescue plan (Gen. 3:16), predetermined before time began and realized in the sacrifice of God’s Son for mankind (Jn. 3:16), a once for all sacrifice (Heb. 10:1-18) that would grant mankind the gift of eternal life and justification for the stain of sin.

With this in mind, leaders who are servants of the King, embrace the high calling to proclaim the saving truth of the Gospel (1 Cor. 15) and with a willing heart, seek to fulfill the Great Commission mandate to reach, teach and make disciples (Mat. 28:19-20). This is the praxis of theology and leadership realized. Howell (2016) uses Paul as an example leader who, having internalized the divine agenda of God for his people regularly “reaffirmed the mission’s core value and message, and contextualized the message” in order to avoid “mission ambiguity, mission drift, and mission confusion” (p. 301). Paul’s modus operandi is a reminder of whose mission it is – God’s. It is his mission, his people, and while there may be benefits along the way for his under-shepherds, the mission remains one of self-sacrifice, with seasons of suffering.

What the Bible says about Marriage, Divorce & Singleness

 

           Divorce & Remarriage

Both Jesus and the Apostle Paul spoke about marriage and divorce in the Bible. They would often speak about both topics interchangeably.  Jesus was concerned about the state of relationships, and was the reason he of ten spoke about “the kingdom of God.” In this kingdom, the motive behind an action was of great concern; more than the emotions. As humans, we often react based on the subjective, rather than the objective. At the same time, one may see an outward act and not know the motive (subjective) behind the act. To make his point, he taught the Sermon on the Mount (Mat. 5-7).

Divorce was rampant

Here’s the thing, the divorce culture of this time accommodated their sinful lives and ushered in a period of rampant divorce. Macarthur states that Rabbi Hilel allowed divorce for any reason:

“For any reason, unload that woman.” The men were the leaders in this divorce and you could divorce your wife for burning your dinner, for spinning around so that somebody saw her ankles. For letting her hair down, not metaphorically, but literally, for speaking to a man, for making a negative comment about your mother, or for finding someone else that you preferred. And you were obligated to divorce her if she was infertile. That was the reigning view.”[1]

On his way to Jerusalem, the religious leaders accosted him with a question about divorce. It was their intent to discredit him. They wished for him to condemn all divorcees, seeing that it was the common practice of the day. Up till now, men could divorce their wives for any reason. This would be quite the confrontation.

Marriage & Divorce

Divorce & Remarriage – 1 Corinthians 7

During the First Century, there was immense appreciation for ascetic practices that included celibacy. In response to a letter from the churches, the Apostle Paul writes to address prevailing  concerns. He will make the case that while there is good to celibacy, not all people are “called to it.” Celibacy would not be the normative practice; marriage is, as with marriage comes a greater degree of wholeness (not good for man to be alone, cf. Gen. 2:18). Paul prefers celibacy (singleness) in light of the present environment , but it is not something he can impose upon everyone, as celibacy/singleness is a gift from God

²⁶ I think then that this is good in view of the present distress, that it is good for a man to remain as he is.”

Christian Maturity

A believer has been given wisdom by God so that they may know the things of God and apply it to their lives (1 Cor. 2:10, 13). But even though they (believers who have been given God’s wisdom) are called to maturity, at times they act worldly, under the control of the world and the flesh (cf. the Corinthian believers whose actions were antithetical to those given God’s wisdom; 1 Cor. 3:3-4). Keep in mind, “while all believers are alive in the spirit, not all believers’ actions and attitudes conform to the status of being alive in the Spirit (Samra, p. 66). Seeing that believers are no longer slaves to sin and are now “sons’” because “God sent his Spirit within our hearts” (Gal. 4:6), it is expected that they should live in freedom, to walk in their new status, not enslavement to the law, the world, nor the enemy.

Concerning Marriage & Divorce

Do we live by the Facts or Do we live by Principles (God’s Principles)

Corinth was a key Greek urban center under Roman rule that eclipsed Athens in size and importance by the time of the great fire in 146 BC. It was rebuilt in 46 BC by Julius Caesar as a Roman colony and inhabited with approximately 100, 000 persons. By the time of Paul, it had become the wealthiest city in Greece (Blomberg). The city of Corinth was famous for a huge stone mountain called the Acrocorinth, with the temple of Aphrodite on top. This was the ultimate symbol of the dominance of pagan religions. Before Christ, these temples employed thousands of priests and priestesses who “doubled as prostitutes”. In addition to this, there were more prostitutes available on the ground level for interested parties. It is from this culture that the word “Corinthianize” (“play the harlot”) and “Corinthian girl” (whore) became a slang (Blomberg).

Practical Applications of the Shepherd & Slavery Motifs

Believers have been liberated from the bondage/spiritual slavery of sin and now belong to Christ (slaves of) who is their Shepherd (1 Pet. 2:25). Using the pericopae of 1 Peter 5, the reader will find useful instructions for leaders within the body of Christ. Christian leaders are under-shepherds of God’s called people,  charged with “exercising oversight” of His flock (1 Pet. 5:2). The Greek word for ‘shepherd/tend’ here is “poimanate,” which describes the task of  tending to, rule, govern, (serve as shepherd/pastor)[Gruden 2009, p.194]. Although Christian leaders are slaves of Christ, the call to shepherd God’s flock is to be done of free will (not under constraints), ungrudgingly, according to God’s will (5:2-3).  The church belongs To God (Acts 20:28), and under-shepherds in carrying out their oversight responsibilities guard the flock (from threats, false doctrine), administer edification, watch over their souls (Heb. 13:17), and be careful not to be overbearing, prejudicial, uncaring, nor “lords over God’s people” (5:3). The reader will note here the stark contrast between those who serve the Good Shepherd versus the power-hungry false shepherds of the world’s system who Jesus called hypocrites (Jn. 10; Mat. 20:25). Leaders are called to humility and a sacrificial spirit.

Use of the Slavery & Shepherd Motifs in Scripture

         

                                                            Slavery

Historically, the metaphor of slavery “was capable of multiple connotations.”[1] It is sometimes used as “servants of God” (δούλους – Acts 2:18), “fellow servants” (σύνδουλοι – Rev. 6:11), in the singular “slave” (doulē – Luke 1:38), “slaves of Christ” (douloi Christou – Eph. 6:6) and “fellow- slave” (syndoulou – Col. 1:7).  It is defined as “someone whose person and service belongs wholly to another,”[2] resulting in “the total subjection of the slave and the absence of the slave’s freedom  to choose his action or movement.”

The two types of slavery concerned with this discussion are: (1) physical/literal – the actual imposition over a person; and (2) metaphorical/spiritual – “an inward relationship in which a person is under the influence of another.”[3] Keep in mind that first century Christianity was primarily influenced by Judaism; therefore any use of the slave motif would have first a Jewish bent, then the historical Greek/Gentile meaning. However, Harris contends that the reader should consider the slave motif within the framework of Jewish, Greek and Roman conceptual backgrounds.[4]

Based on the historical use of the slavery motif, we can therefore conclude that the New Testament (N.T.) neither endorses nor reject slavery, and draws both positive and negative images from it.[5]

Growth Within The Body Of Christ

God's missional plan is the salvation and sanctification of the world (Eph. 1:9-10). This mission is best achieved when the Body of Christ operates as a fully functional ecosystem. Christ, is the head of the church, and believers are being fitted together with an expectation of a harmonious and interconnected togetherness. Ernest Best describes the way this spiritual ecosystem should function:

  "If one member fails to exercise his gift, that hinders both the growth of the whole and the individual growth of each member (no member can grow apart from the whole). The growth of each member is involved in the growth of the whole and the growth of the whole in the behavior of each member."[1]

The Goal Of Christianity

"Christianity in essence is concerned with the transformation of character and conduct

rather than with the reformation of societal structures. Its primary focus is on the individual ethics within the Christian community rather than on corporate ethics within society at large; on interpersonal relationships rather than on societal reformation through institutional change. The principal change sought is in the individual, and the secondary in society, through transformed individuals."

Murray J. Harris, Slave of Christ, (Downers Grove, IL: Inter Varsity Press, 1999), 67-8. 

Saving The Lost: Jesus Raises The Status Of An Accused Adulterer

 The Mission – Confronting Sin With An Aim To Elevate        (Jn. 4:16-18)

The stage is set for further revelation of Christ’s identity and mission. Keep in mind the betrothal theme, the reader will notice a shift in the story. With the awareness of  “Jesus’ identity

as the covenantal husband of Israel and the biblical typology of the well as the meeting place for a betrothal, we can understand the statement by Jesus, “Go call your husband?” (4:16) as the primary purpose of this encounter.”[1] Jesus’ aim here “is not so much to discuss ethics or the woman’s lifestyle as it is to show his revelatory knowledge, so that the woman would begin to recognize his identity.”[2]

Discouragement

 Don't Get Discouraged

Ever fell into the trap of asking (or even complaining to) God about the returns on your investment in His kingdom? One young man felt so good about his prospects that he was confident enough to say to Jesus “I’ve kept all the laws.” The disciples looking on saw a very disappointed young man walk away in response to Jesus’ answer. At this point, Peter quips “Well, we’ve left everything to follow you. What’s in it for us?” (Mat. 19:27; emphasis mine).

We just can’t help ourselves in not only comparing ourselves with others, but asking the same set of questions the original audience put to Jesus:

ü  “What will I (we) get for our labor? 19:27

ü  “Why don’t I get more for my effort? 20:11

ü  “How can this be fair?” 20:12

ü  Since I (we) have sacrificed so much, will I (we) receive more than him/her?” 20:21-22

Spirit-Filled Living: The Role of the Holy Spirit

 

Walking in the Flesh or Walking in the Spirit? - Romans 8

Key Verse: “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (8:1)

What does it mean to be spirit-filled? How does one live life empowered by the Spirit(of God)? How does one become of-the-Spirit?

To understand the mind of Paul (the author), it is necessary to consider the context of Romans chapter 8:

The apostle Paul addressed this letter to “to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints” (Rom. 1:7). By this time, the church was beginning to take form – meeting in Priscilla’s home (16:5) and elsewhere (use of “saints” instead of “church”; 1:7). The Jewish diaspora in Rome was still small in comparison to the Gentiles of Rome. Therefore, when Paul spoke, he used words directed to his audience (2:17;4:1;11:17-31;15:14-16. Paul had not yet reached Rome, neither Peter, and Rome was still his goal (15:20). So, how did the church in Rome get started? There were visitors from Rome in the crowd on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:10). No doubt the witness of the Spirit returned to Rome with these visitors. Migration patterns and the economic attractiveness of Rome made this city a magnet.

The Practice of Footwashing in the Bible

1.   

     

Footwashing was standard practice for first century culture in light of the dry climate. Since most people traveled by foot, wore sandals, and eating necessitated close proximity to each other, the standard practice was to wash the guests’ feet as they entered the house. “To wash the feet of one’s guests was common hospitality, the breach of which was a serious affront” (Lk. 7:44)[1]  The task of washing feet was usually reserved for a servant. It was considered such a debasing act that even (some) “Jews insisted that Jewish slaves should not be required to was the feet of others; this job should be reserved for Gentile slaves, or for women and children and pupils.”[2]

Did John Calvin Miss The Mark? - Treating Our Neighbors

I came across this piece of his-story...John's that is. Did he feel pressured to respond in light of his role/responsibility? I am conducting a study on the adulterous woman (Jn. 8:1-11) and discovered that this pericope has shaped much of Christianity's position on marriage and the family (amidst the contention on its placement in the Johannine text):

Alleged adultery made John Calvin persecute vigorously Anne le Fret, his sister-in-law, who looked after their common household. Although he could procure no decisive proof of her guilt, he managed to arrange a divorce with the right o f remarriage (against the Roman tradition), and removed her from the house with loss o f her children. She was spared capital punishment, as she kept denying, despite seven rounds o f torture. Although Calvin’s first attempt in 1548 had failed, and his brother Antoine was forced to reconcile with Anne, the text o f Jn. 8:1-11 has apparently meant little to the case, which w as treated by these reformers as a clearcut ecclesiastical affair.

See Kingdom, R. Adultery and Divorce in Calvin 's Geneva, Cambridge Mass. Harvard U .P. 1995 p .71-98.

Hermeneutics Questions & Answers

                                        The Discipline of Hermeneutics

Regarding  Bible Translations

Define the terms “formally equivalent” and “functionally equivalent” with regard to translation theories.

Formal equivalent refers to a literary translation of the Greek and Hebrew text into English syntax.  This process “prioritizes preserving the form and structure of the text over what is the most intelligible English.”^[1] By seeking to remain as close as possible to the original form of the Greek and Hebrew language, the form equivalent “may appear awkward, less sensitive to a contemporary audience, and may sacrifice meaning for form.”^[2] In contrast, the functionally equivalent renders more of a dynamic interpretation of the Greek and Hebrew language into English. This rendering seeks to “reflect better English,” placing the “priority on clarity over grammar and syntax.” Another way to define the functional is that it brings the text closer to the language of the contemporary reader (an attempt to reproduce the same effects as experienced by the original audience).^[3]

The Book of John: Authorship, Purpose & Provenance

Internal & External Evidence of Johannine Authorship 

It is important to establish John as the author of the Gospel bearing his name primarily for apostolic eyewitness and authorship. This especially during a period of Gnostic influences. Köstenberger aptly puts it this way: “John’s Gospel claims to represent apostolic eyewitness testimony regarding Jesus’ earthly ministry.”[1]  There is ample internal and external evidence in support of Johannine authorship with John being “John, the son of Zebedee,”  one of Jesus’ disciples. The internal evidence is as follows:

·         The author is identified in Jn. 13:23 as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” That he is “the disciple whom Jesus loved” is also mentioned in 21:2, 23, and stated as the “one who “testified to these things and wrote them down” (21:24). The author also has close connections to Peter and part of Jesus’ inner circle (Lk. 5:8-10,8:51; Mk. 3:16-17, 5:37; Mat. 17:1-2). Of noteworthy mention is the visit to Jesus’ tomb on Resurrection Sunday, where the author is identified as “the one whom Jesus loved” (20:1-8).

The Definition of Hermeneutics

During a recent fallout over a church split and the subsequent ousting of the senior pastor, the church community was up in arms over the influence of Calvinism. The senior pastor was accused of abandoning the faith (Oneness). An elder in making the case against him cited ‘Sola Scriptura’ and began to use the proof-texting method to denounce the pastor’s actions. A more thorough investigation of the claims revealed a lack of applying proper hermeneutics, which could have prevented the fallout. Hermeneutics involves ‘the task of explaining, interpreting, and translating the Scriptures.”^[1] Outside of the objective text, hermeneutics pulls back the curtain, and reveals the original meaning and context of the author’s work. It is a discipline that illuminates precisely the intended meaning, whether a single meaning, a fuller, or even a hidden meaning. Exactly what was the writer trying to communicate to his audience? It is not enough to just say “The Bible says so.” Nor should doctrine be made from a position of silence. Hermeneutics then, “provides the means for understanding the Scriptures and for applying that meaning responsibly.”^[2]

Woman, Time to Straighten Up | Dr. Tony Evans | The Alternative

Documentaries 2015 - Questioning Darwin (Full Documentary 2015)

How God Prepares A Man Or Woman For Service

When God wants to drill a man,
And thrill a man,
And skill a man
When God wants to mold a man
To play the noblest part;

When He yearns with all His heart
To create so great and bold a man
That all the world shall be amazed,
Watch His methods, watch His ways!

How He ruthlessly perfects
Whom He royally elects!

Russell Moore - Morality, Justice, and the Gospel According to Jesus - 2...

Abortion: The Pro-Life & Pro-Choice Positions.

At the heart of the Abortion issue is the question of Personhood (of the Fetus). At what point in the process of gestation can we say the fetus is a ‘person’?  Currently, the supreme court has endorsed 24 – 26 weeks as the point at which the fetus is able to live on its own (viability). The issue with this is being able to reliably measure viability as it varies based on place and available technology. There are a few more proposed ways to determine personhood (the decisive moment):
•Determining the moment when the brain develops or the point at which the brain of the fetus begins to function:
•Determining Sentinence – the point where the fetus is capable of experiencing sensations, especially pain
•Determining Quickening – the first time the mother feels the fetus moving inside her womb
•Determining the appearance of Humanness of the fetus – the point at which the fetus begins to resemble a baby
•Birth as the decisive moment
•Implantation – the point at which the embryo establishes its presence in the womb by signals
•The point of conception as the decisive moment

Cardinal Dolan sounds off on New York's 'hideous' abortion law

The Abortion Issue - How Should Christians Respond?

Ethics & Worldview: Abortion 

Let's begin with a video that features both sides of the debate:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMEZi345niw

New York State has approved legislation to legalize abortion up through the third trimester. The governor gladly lit up the New York skies in a pink celebration.

Not living in that state, I wonder… would I have known about this if the same law was proposed in Florida?  Would I care, and would I even do something about it? How did we get to the place where the crowd shouts for joy with the signing of this legislation into law? All for a political advantage? The self-centeredness of our politicians is over the top. What of the baby involved? Who speaks for this baby? Why is the conversation just about the “woman’s right”? A contributor to the 8pm news program on Fox was adamant today that “we will not let men tell us what to do with our bodies.” Wow! Again, who speaks for the baby? Think of the little kid who’s been kicking and moving in mommy’s womb, only to have his or her life taken at 39-41 weeks… This is crazy! Nothing but infanticide. People, we need responsible government; not identity politics bent self-centered people who have personal agendas.

Does God Still “Call” Men and Women?

The missionary call still exists. In fact, it comes in varied forms to different people. I would describe the “call” as God prodding a person to complete a specific duty or task for him. This call comes in many ways, as God Himself is unpredictable. One would say that a “call” is personalized by God, even though it may be fulfilling the same task or duty as another would. Moreau better describes it as “guidance” from God. For some people, this prodding to do may come in the form of a dream, a revelation, a vision, “an undeniable tug on the heart to be involved in a certain part of the world or with a certain people or in a certain type of role”  (Mor. 160). It is a feeling that is almost impossible to let go; once that will not dissipate until the act is fulfilled; one in which the individual finds fulfillment when engaging in the act/duty. 

There are 4 types of calls seen in scripture:

Angels, Demons & The Human Nature

Consider if you will, the doctrine of Angels & Demons and the Nature of Man. It is important to be aware of the world we live in. We should not dismiss the reality of both angels, demons and the knowledge of who we are. Angels exist for purpose including the assignment to carry God’s messages to us. They minister to us, protecting, guarding, providing comfort. They are actively carrying out God’s providential judgments (very necessary), and battle against the demonic world (intentionally working to defeat us). We are empowered with the knowledge of how God uses His created beings to accomplish His will. This works for both angels, demons and the awareness of who we are – (1) Both spirit and body, (2) We are unique creatures, created in God’s image [we represent the very nature of God], (3) We are created to have dominion over the earth [Gen. 1:26]. Knowledge is power as it governs our worldview. 

Responding To The Word Of God

Judah's Last Days: 2 Kings 22/ 2 Chronicles 34 

 The inspired Word of God, the Bible, has to power to change lives and to bring reform. It is God-breathed and therefore power of itself. King Josiah with the help of the priests, recovered what is said to be the Pentateuch during the period of his reformation. His attitude after reading the book is one which every ministry leader seeks to gain after preaching or teaching the Word. King Josiah’s attitude is also a model for how all believers should respond when they conduct devotions. When the book was read in his presence, the king “tore his clothes” (2 Kings 22:11). 

When we read or hear the Word of God, it should prick our hearts, move us to holy fear, and reveal to us the deficiencies of our hearts (Henry). Josiah “rend his garment”, but we should “rend our hearts” in response to God’s holy Words. Under the conviction of the Holy Spirit, Josiah’s spiritual eyes, ears and heart was opened, moving him to “inquire of the Lord concerning the words of the book” (2 Kings 22:13). This should be our attitude. This is the attitude we should expect when we are committed wholly to God personally and in ministry. When the Apostle Peter spoke the words of God to the people gathered in Jerusalem “they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and to the rest of the Apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37) This is the question God wishes to ask us all, so that a sinful people can obtain redemption and the forgiveness of sins. What God seeks is a heart like Josiah – a response to His Word that leads to reverence, repentance, restoration and reform. 

References: 

The Life Application Study Bible (NASB). The United States of America: Zondervan (2000) 

Smith, J. The History of Israel. Joplin, MO: College Press (1995) 

Matthew Henry Commentary. Retrieved from: http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/2-chronicles/34.html 

The Attitude Of The Christian Apologist

Every human being is made in the image of God, and worthy of respect (Gen. 1:27). This is worthy of consideration before engaging any and all interlocutors. The Christian apologist in faithfully executing the discipline of apologetics is called to both defend and commend the Gospel (2 Cor. 10:5; 2 Tim. 2:25; Tit. 1:9; Jude 3; Phil. 2:5-11), in a manner worthy of the Lord he or she represents (1 Pet. 3:15). Whether the apologist is engaged in responsive or proactive methods, the making of such defense will be key towards moving the interlocutor closer to a relationship with Christ. It surely “is not about you; it is about them.”[1] Having prayerfully prepared, skillfully considering the audience, the context, the quality of arguments, along with the all-important reliance upon the Holy Spirit, the Christian apologist is better equipped to both commend and defend the faith in a grace-full attitude worthy of a Christ-spirit-filled ambassador that brings glory to His name.

---

[1] James K. Belby, Thinking About Christian Apologetics: What It Is And Why We Do It, (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2011), 176-7.

The Prince Of The Power Of The Air | Myles Munroe

Should We Engage In Apologetics?

Why do we engage in apologetics?

Applied apologetics has for centuries been a key strategy for the defense of the Christian faith. Within the context of a pluralistic society, it is necessary to both defend and commend the Christian worldview. There may not be a “formal system for its use or theory of apologetics found in the Bible,” but there is evidence to conclude both objective and subjective commendations for the practice.[1] It is therefore necessary to engage in Christian apologetics to both defend the faith (defensive strategy)  and to uphold its veracity (offensive strategy). It means then, that we engage in apologetics in order to “defend what orthodox Christians have claimed about God throughout history.”[2]

A working definition of apologetics then is the defending and commending of Christian dogmas. Another way to put it is “the rational defense of the Christian worldview as objectively true, rationally compelling and existentially or subjectively engaging.”[ 3]With a multitude of available contexts in which to engage an audience, apologetics provide an avenue (that may otherwise be closed) into which intellectual barriers and obstacles can be broken down to the advantage of the Gospel.  

Ephesians: Discipleship & Membership Done God's Way

Ephesians As a Model for 21^st Century Ministry Strategies in Leadership 

If you desire a road-map for building the church the New Testament way, then look no further than the Epistle of Ephesians. Within the pages of this epistle, the Apostle Paul presents a strategy of a unified body. Paul encourages individual members to join together to become a unified body in Christ. Common themes include the Spiritual Privileges of the Church (1:3-3:21), the Blessings Believers Share (2:1-10), Unity in Christ (2:11-22), The Spiritual Responsibilities of the Church (4:1-6:20), Achieving Maturity (4:1-16), The Domestic Code (5:22-6:9) and Spiritual Warfare (6:10-20). This epistle was written as a circular letter, intended for instructions to not only Ephesus, but to the neighboring churches. I have pulled out a few nuggets by chapter of benefit to membership and discipleship:

Thoughts On The Path Ahead - Mission & Spiritual Gifts

There is a connection between the work of ministry and the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer to fulfill the Great Commission mandate. The Spirit energizes His people and His church with the gifts. It is our responsibility to be in active partnership with the Spirit to identify and understand these gifts. Each person is given at least one gift, but there are times when there is a  lack of evidence of a gift/s because of adverse circumstances. God expects a return on His investment with each believer becoming fruit-full. These gifts are important both individually and corporately. Within the church, the top three gifts (based on importance in accomplishing God’s purposes) are (1) The Evangelist/Apostle – He or she will pioneer the cause; (2) Preaching; (3) Teaching. It is important that every church devotes resources to gift identification, development and deployment. This is why Paul told Timothy not to “neglect the gift” within him (1 Timothy 4:14).

Another key component of the church is the role of Prayer. Robertson McQuilkin said it well as he referred to the Holy Spirit as “the One with the knowledge of all factors involved in any situation. He alone has the wisdom to make the right decisions and the power to carry through the decision” (101). Why then would not the church/individuals pray? After all, there is a promise behind the command to seeking God – He promises that we will find Him. Christ through His Spirit aloe provides salvation, sanctification, renewal, guidance, provision and power (102).

How to Walk In Fearless Confidence | Myles Munroe

The Bible & Divine Authorship

The Bible testifies of itself to be the Word of God, therefore we can trust its veracity and faithfulness (2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; John 17:17; Titus 1:2). No other book can truthfully make this claim. The all-powerful and wise God “employed many persons to labor in distant ages, and in different departments, producing in their various compositions a revelation of His will, complete in all its parts, and distinguished by the most perfect unity, without the shadow of discrepancy redundancy, or deficiency”^[1]. It is of supernatural origin. Its claim to be authentic is one of inspiration, inerrancy and infallibility. Not just part of the Bible is of divine origin, but its entirety – “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The Wrong Way To Winning - James 4:1-10

James was hot! He’d usually address the brethren with a “My Brothers.” Not now. He was ready to whip them (his Jewish Christian brethren) into shape. No doubt there were many striving for position within the church considering the mix of poor Christians and rich overlords in Palestine and Syria. Verse 3:1a infers as much: “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters.” While all men will fail, the path for the believer is submission to Christ and his love. Why treat each other as enemies, allowing illicit wants to consume our thoughts and actions? These fights James describes come from a desire to please oneself; “inner sensual lusts/pleasures that wage battle in our hearts.”[1] Folks were so consumed by these wants, that they would do just about anything to satisfy their desire. The battle within was the source of murders, contentions, frustrations, fights (v. 1-2).  Ideally what was needed was a healthy dose of trust; a “fidicia,” the “placing of one’s trust in God revealed in and through Jesus Christ.”[2]

Unity, Oneness & Strength: What To Do About Those Two-Faced Christians (1 Corinthians 10:1-10; Ephesians 4:1-5).

Can you picture Christians acting in this manner?

Divisive, Factional, Superficial, Slanderers, Judgmental, Carnal, Nominal, Holier-than-thou, Flirting, Vulgar, Inconsiderate, Provocative Immoral, Incestuous, Unrepentant, Loose, Litigious.

At first glance, the words above seem to fit the non-believer, but the Apostle Paul was dealing with these issues in the Corinthian Church. How is it possible for Christians to behave like this? Paul assigns Christians to two camps – spiritual or worldly (1 Cor. 3). The spiritual Christians were the ‘mature’ believers, and the worldly/carnal he designated as ‘immature.’ It is the fighting and factionalism found among them that Paul addressed in chapter 3:1-4. His issue with the Corinthian brethren was the use of their spiritual gifts for “self-centered purposes rather than building up the body of Christ.”[1] We would like to gloss our eyes over and pretend such people do not dwell among us; closer to home, the words above could very well describe our own character.

Just think about it for a minute – Christians fighting against each other; Christians with a thirst for taking each other to court; Christians elevating themselves above each other (title hungry); desiring and taking of another’s husband or wife; Christians who are unrepentant about living in a carnal state. There is nothing new under the sun folks. The Apostle Paul had to deal with these issues in his time, as we do now. Still, Paul’s assignment is to build up the brethren, calling for “unity, oneness and strength” in Christ Jesus. By the time we get to chapter 9, he uses racetrack and boxing metaphors to stress a unifying principle – The Christian life is a race, a fight, but it is imperative that folks be built up in the faith, that we demand a commitment to Christian living, or risk disqualification:

Vision for a New Year_ by Dr. Myles Munroe