Baptists vs Charismatics

I am now attending Liberty University, a Baptist college. I still can't spell Baptist; The spell checker always helps me out.

I thought I would hate Liberty. Aren't Baptists anti-charismatic and anti-academic? Nope. Not all of them anyway,

Non-charismatic folks are clearly missing something, but I am finding out that charismatics are missing something too. Something fundamental. Something at the heart of the gospel.

It's the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20, NIV).

Many charismatic and Holiness folks set up rules that get them "off the hook" to minister to sinners. Sinners, of course, don't belong in the church anyway. We have to separate ourselves from them even if it means not telling them about salvation.

Only empty religious beliefs can dictate such rules. Jesus never did. He was called a "friend of sinners" (Mat 11:19, KJV). He was also called a drunk and a glutton (Lk. 7:34) for making time with the lost sheep. Perhaps Jesus wanted to hang out with these people rather than the hyper-religious hypocrites which rejected Him anyway.

Who could blame Him?

Luke 5:32 states: "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Jesus loved sinners.



P.S. The large brush I'm using, of course, is for effect only. I love both the charismatics and "Baptists." I only want to get my readers thinking, and thinking outside of our often faulty religious paradigms.

TV Shannagans and Bamboozles

The charismatic movement has been hijacked by TV personalities. These TV bamboozles and racketeers are rarely called out; however, it is time for us who know God to sound the alarm. I will stop short of naming names. You can easily figure them out. As C.H. Spurgeon once said:

A time will come when instead of shepherds feeding the sheep, the church will have clowns entertaining the goats.

Brother Spurgeon's foresight was very close to the truth. Those that don't know Jesus will follow anything. There is nothing wrong with entertainment. The problem is that many religious people can't differentiate between entertainment and a move of God. I would respectfully add that most religious people have no idea what a move of God is. To many, having revival simply means a "Revival"  sign is taking up space on the church lawn.

Specifically, what bothers me the most is not the showmanship I see on Christian TV, but the nonsense I see done in the Lord's name. For example, an evangelist makes his appearance waving his hands, while the choir begins to fall like dominoes to the floor. Many Christians chalk these happenings up to a special anointing certain preachers have. But is it really God's doings and how can we be certain? Should we question these things at all?

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world (John 4:1, KJV).

The Holy Spirit warned that false prophets are among us. God makes it clear that we are to "test" -- scrutinize the manifested work and message of those that claim to be speaking for God. Christians are obligated to compare these works with the Bible. Friends, the Bible is all that we have to go by.

Listen to St. Paul, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them (Rom 16:17). St. Paul insisted that we avoid those that manifest works and doctrines contrary to the works and doctrines that were taught by the Saints, and therefore supported by the Bible.

Brothers and sisters, the Bible clearly teaches us not to accept every work and doctrine that comes down the pike. We are obligated to test these doctrines against what the Bible teaches. The inspired, inerrant Word of God teaches us that God's Gifts only operate within the framework of the Bible, for the edification of the church, not to puff up an "evangelist."

To be clear, I have been greatly influenced by the Charismatic movement and this essay is not meant to demean the movement. I have studied the advent of the Neo-Pentecostal movement around the beginning of the 19th-century and have found little in common with today's Pentecostals who extort the gullible with payment for holy water, trinkets and promises of financial success.

Let me speak plainly and frankly: I am afraid that there is a special place in Hell for those that take advantage of the elderly and sickly. I hope not; I am not the ultimate judge. But I would hate to defend myself against such a charge on the last day.

In conclusion, I do believe in the validity of the gifts of the Spirit in these last days. But everything we see on TV isn't God's doings. I find very little value in current TV programmes or Christian music. If I had to guess, I would say that 85 percent of it is dubious.

Honestly, the best place to find God is with a Bible and a sincere prayer. It's impossible to seek God and not find Him. Read the Sermon the on Mount. You don't need to send a check to Tulsa or Dallas. Simply pray. The only limitations God has are the limitations we put on Him.

I will leave you with a  quote my old pastor used to say. It sounds mean at first. But I have come to believe that the pastor is exactly right.

"You are as close to God today as you want to be." From the looks of things, we need to get a lot closer, or truly, we will follow anything (James 4:8, NKJV).

Recommended Foundational Books

I would like to list several books for you Bible students to enjoy. Every teacher, preacher and Bible student needs a solid Biblical foundation. Too often our only foundation is our Sunday School classes way back when. Those elementary classes aren't nearly sufficient. I've found the most valuable Christian books written are from authors that challenge me. Think about it. If an author sees everything as you do, you can't learn a single thing.

Following are some books that every preacher and teacher should read to build that solid foundation. Not only teachers, but anyone who wants to learn more about the Good News should consider these fine books. If you are a teacher in any capacity, you should always be reading books that challenge your Christian worldview. Otherwise, this humble author thinks you should get our of the business.
The following books are a few for starters:


CREATION REGAINED:BIBLICAL BASIS FOR A REFORMATIONAL WORLDVIEW

by Albert M. Wolters. This is my favorite Christian Worldview book. As a new Christian, it could be the first book you read. It will give you a fresh perspective on the Bible that you will need to build on. It's also a great read!

CHRISTIAN BELIEFS: TWENTY BASICS EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD KNOW

by Wayne Grudem. Dr Grudem give a very balanced reformed view of the Bible. He also has some more involved books on Systematic Theology when you are ready.

HOW TO READ THE BIBLE FOR ALL IT'S WORTH

by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart. This book offers an astute paradigm for interpreting Biblical text. It's written by two college professors that offer a lot of insight into reasonable exegesis of God's Word.

ALL ABOUT JEWISH HOLIDAYS AND CUSTOMS

by Morris Espien. If you are like me, the Jewish worldview is difficult to wrap one's mind around. This book, written by a Rabbi, can shed a lot of light on the way the Old Testament has been interpreted historically by observant Jews. The book offers a free education on important motifs in the Bible. Let's face it, most of us know little about the Old Testament and this book is a great primer on Judaism.

WHAT JESUS MEANT

by Gary Wills. He is also the author of another excellent book, WHAT PAUL MEANT. As a Catholic author, Mr. Wills brings to the table a provocative and fresh look at the Jesus of the Gospels. This is one of the most important books I have read. It is simply a must read. If you only read one book from my list, read this one.

IF YOU WANT TO WALK ON WATER YOU GOT TO GET OUT OF THE BOAT

by John Ortberg. This book had me spellbound. It is great for anyone traveling through the valley. I can't think of a better book to bring edification to the body of Christ.

I would be very glad to hear of additional foundational books. Please share your recommendations in the comments.

The Suprising Messiah

Following is a great sermon that I have listened to over and over and over and over. It is great; I hope you like it. It is one of the best sermons ever preached. Every time I hear it, I learn something new. It always brings tears to my eyes and joy to my soul. Please take some time to listen. Here is the link: http://www.mppc.org/learn/series/sermons/surprising-messiah

Special Guest Blogger

This week I was a special guest on Christie Smith's blog, Biblical Journey... the Expressway. It is a simple look at the book of Joel. I hope you enjoy my perspective.

Christie is determined to read the entire Bible in 90 days and blog about it. That is a fairly big undertaking. Please take a look and support her efforts. She has been my spiritual sister for over ten years now, maybe closer to 15 when I met her and her husband online. They have been a huge blessing in my life.

Encouragement

Sometimes we just need a word of encouragement. I thought I would share some encouragement from Brother Huskins.
Enjoy!

Decent to Compassion

I would like say kudos to Steve Wright’s new book, “The Decent to Compassion.” Mr. Wright now pastors The Legacy Church in Charlotte, NC. However the backdrop of the book is San Francisco’s Tenderloin district, where he fostered a church from the homeless, addicts and prostitutes.

His “congregation” was so unruly that he had to move to different locations because invariably the landlords didn’t want the hassle of this group. Sunday mornings would bring homeless men and women pushing their shopping buggies, cursing, and fighting among themselves. It was not unusual for fights to break out in the middle of service. This bunch was so bad that trash baskets had to be installed on either end of the altar so people could toss in their drugs after they gave their lives to the Lord.

This church was known as the “Hot Dog Church” because of the free meal after each service. It certainly wasn’t your typical church. It wasn’t one that Mr. Wright had signed up for, but it was exactly where God wanted him.

I have talked with some Christians who believe that non-Christians have no place in church. I can see the logic in this; however, I can also see the error.

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? ¹⁵ And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! (Rom 10:14, NIV)

More information about the book can be found here: Decent to Compassion

Can God Change His Mind?

Does God change His mind? This was a question in a computer Database class. Since I go to a Christian College, we integrate Christ and Biblical principles as often as possible, even in nonreligious classes. Here is the question and my response. The teacher called my response "compelling." Hmmm. Question from the teacher:

I'd like to invite you to read and comment on the perspectives presented in this blog titled "Does God Change His Mind?" As we discuss business rules, can you draw any comparisons or differences between the instances where God changes his response based on our behavior, which deviates from the doctrines he established for us, and the client who indicates "that's what I said, but that's not what I meant" as he is reviewing the prototype application designed using his specified business rules? As database developers, what steps can we take to minimize these types of scenarios? Prof. McCoy Source: "Does God Change His Mind? Divine Repentance by R.C. Sproul," Grace Online Library, retrieved July 3, 2012 from http://www.graceonlinelibrary.org/doctrine-theology/doctrine-of-god/does-god-change-his-mind-divine-repentance-by-r-c-sproul/

I think God can change His mind. In (1 Sam 15:10 [KJV]), the writer seems to imply that God can change His mind. “It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. Some translations use different words for “ repenteth” like “I regret”, “I am sorry”, and “I am grieved”. In any case, I believe God can see far off. He knows the beginning to the ending. Apparently, God promoted Saul to kingship despite knowing that Saul would fail. Saul’s shortcoming didn’t take God by surprise. Perhaps it was in Saul’s power all along to please God but Saul simply didn’t. Sanctification is partly the Christian’s responsibility, and partly God’s. It takes teamwork. God will not come down and force the liquor bottle out of our hand. There are things we must do in order to please God. (Rev 19:7 [NIV] declares that “Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.”

Finally, I think some try to make everything black and white, and simplistic. God is so great that sometimes we simply don’t have perfect answers for these types of theological questions. As religious studies major, the more I learn about God, the more questions I seem to have. I’m not even sure it is supposed to work like this.

I think God will be telling many of us “that's what I said, but that's not what I meant” on the last day. Sometimes we simply do not do our homework (praying, studying) God’s word to understand it, the same we fail with a client’s database design request (communicate and learning the business).

Ambassadors for Christ & The Greatest Commandment of All

(2 Cr 5:20, KJV)
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

The apostle Paul is reminding us of a profound truth: we are ambassadors for Christ. What is an ambassador? Christians are diplomatic agents from another country (Phil 3:20). As Christians, we are commissioned by the King of Kings to represent Him in the earth. Indeed, we Christians are the very representatives of Heaven!

I urge my fellow brothers and sisters to imitate Christ in regards to how we treat others. We are to treat others the way Christ did in the first century. God cares more about how we treat others than all other religious activities combined. Let's read the greatest commandment of all again:

(Mk 12:30-31)
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this [is] the first commandment. And the second [is] like, [namely] this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

Notice Jesus uses the word neighbor, and not friend or relative. We know that even the worst of sinners love their own family and friends. What is to separate Christians from the world is that we are to love others gratuitously -- as God loves us!

In simple terms, we Christians are to be God's voice, hands and feet in the earth in this temporary assignment as ambassadors. The idea to feed the hungry, visit the sick and the ones in prison, and to aid strangers isn't just a good idea, it is the chiefest of commandments (Mat 25:35-46).

In closing, let me encourage us all to rid ourselves of unbecoming attitudes that limit our service to our King. How many time have we seen a homeless person and thought

1) They are making more money than I am panhandling on the street
2) They are drug addicted
3) They failed to plan for their future
4) If a man not work, let him not eat (a perversion/misunderstanding of the Biblical text)

These attitudes "let us off the hook" so that we may circumvent one of the most important commandments of all. As Christians we are called to get involved and to show our neighbors God's unmerited grace through our own actions.

We are the only Jesus some people will ever see and the only Bible some people will ever read. As the body of Christ, we truly are God's voice, hands and feet in the earth. In the first century, God manifested Himself in the person of Christ Jesus (Jhn 14:9). Presently, He manifests Himself in His Church -- the Body of Christ with Jesus as the head.

Friends, we have work to do and time is short. Fulfilling this commandment requires taking some risks and "getting our hands dirty." Aren't you glad that God is a God who isn't afraid of getting His hands dirty when He reached down and brought you and me into the Knowledge of his Son? God is a worker. He expects us to demonstrate His love and grace in this very temporary world.

God's Word is His Will

God's Word is His will. This is a very simple and important truth that many Christians fail to grasp.

Let's take healing for example. In the Gospels, I can find no instances where Christ failed to meet any need that was brought before him. Often all manner of sicknesses were cured. Hungry people were fed. Broken hearts were mended. It seems you couldn't be in Jesus' presence without being changed.

Having our needs met is fundamental to the Christian faith. Jesus instructed us not to even consider our needs, because God takes it on Himself to meet every one of them.

(Matt 6:25 [KJV])
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

There is no problem that God's Word doesn't have a solution for. I know the naysayers claim that God has retired and His promised were for a by-gone era. But these people do not know the Jesus of the Gospels. Jesus never changes and he is still moved with compassion. He still takes care of every need of His followers.

Jesus' Word is His will and we don't even have to pray about God's will concerning our needs, including healing, marriage restoration, financial problems (etc ...) or any of the promises we find in the Bible.