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This Baby was Wrapped in His Kingdom to be Placed on His Throne

By Dr. Don

More Blog’s from Dr. Don 

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]When baby Jesus was born he was bundled tightly in swaddling cloths and placed in a manger (Luke 2:7). Little did his parents realize that when he was born he was already a tiny king, wrapped in his kingdom preparing to be placed on his throne!

Christmas is not merely a story about a cute baby sleeping in a straw-filled cattle trough. There’s really nothing sentimental or particularly romantic about this natural birth. Millions have entered the world like Jesus did. The unnatural thing is that Christmas is the story of the birth of a king; actually a record of the birth of THE King. With this little King comes God’s majestic, glorious, all powerful kingdom.

This kingdom comes by stealth. What Mary, Joseph, and the others saw was an infant boy who cried for food, sucked his mother’s milk, burped his tummy clear, crinkled his little face, and pooped in those swaddling clothes. Nope – no Huggies or Pampers then. When born, he looked human, acted human, smelled human, sounded human. Even though Gabriel briefed young Mary about her baby and Joseph was told by God how special Jesus would be, this baby was just that – a human baby. At least from what they could tell. There was nothing glaringly odd about him on the day of his birth. Contrary to religious pictures and cartoons, Jesus’s face did not glow in the dark, nor were his hands clasped in pious prayer, nor was there a fluorescent halo hovering around his head (besides, how could a baby sleep with a glowing ring on his head?) So far, that day was rather normal as far as birthing a human baby goes.

Yet, inside of him and from the outside of him resided the fullness of God’s kingdom. Clothed in his humanity was the power of the universe (Phil. 2:6-8). The unseen God was manifested in the flesh (1 Tim. 3:16), but will not be recognized until it was time.

There were hints this would happen. Israel understood that when the specially anointed man from God became the king he would be quite a bit out of the ordinary. The read, heard and even memorized things about the future king who would save God’s people and set up God’s utopian kingdom. Some of the promises predicted that:

•  He will ascend to a throne next to God (Psalms 47, 93, 96, 97, 99).
• He will rule as prince of the kingdom of peace (Isa. 9).
• He will defeat evil and rule with perfect justice and righteousness (Isa. 32:1).
• He will rule the entire world, over all nations (Ps 2; Psa 110; Isa 11; Dan. 7:14).
• He will have supernatural abilities (Micah 5).
• He will save His people once for all as their Redeemer-king from King David’s family.
• God’s people will be united together again in Him.
• His kingdom will never end and cannot be destroyed (Dan. 7).
• God will be center of the kingdom and of the hearts of its citizens.

There were many more promises and predictions. Had word leaked out and ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, Fox News, and all the other major world media outlets came to see this little king they would have been super disappointed. Probably even disgusted. Far worse than the great disappointment of Geraldo Rivera’s uncovering Al Capone’s Vault (some goofy history you can read about here).

Matthew’s Christmas Day account is buried nearly fifty sentences into his record:  “And he (Joseph) kept her (Mary) a virgin until she gave birth to a son; and he called his name Jesus” (Matt. 1:25). Let’s put this in our terms, “Ho hum.” Birthdays were not really that special. In that day you were not inclined to celebrate the life of your child until he or she had made it past the first major milestone of life, around two or three years old. She gave birth to a son and he got a name. There’s no Christmas caroling here.

Yet, in the chambers of Jesus’ tiny beating heart was the invisible, compacted scaffold from which would spring his Kingdom’s innumerable mansions (John 14:1-2). Though looking at this baby there was no such hint. Perhaps his parents were just happy they had a healthy boy. Healthy enough to give him a name. Infant mortality was super high in those days. I can well imagine Joseph doubting he heard from God at all. I would have doubted. You know? “It’s all in my mind. There is nothing special about Jesus. Maybe the angel was wrong, the vision was wrong, cousin Elizabeth was wrong, and it was all in our imaginations?” Like seeing the man in the moon or an elephant in the cloud? We see what we want to see. Joseph wondered. Mary pondered. It would have been quite disappointing because hope for God’s Kingdom to finally arrive would have been dashed. Again.

What were the characteristics of this promised Kingdom?

•  God will save His people with an everlasting redemption where no one will ever perish (Isa. 51:6).
• It would be a realm with a super ordinary reality under God’s loving control (Dan. 4:34-35; Isa. 9:6,7; Micah 4:1-5).
• God’s Spirit will come upon all kinds of people, not merely Jewish people (Isa. 34-35; Jer. 2; Joel 2:28; Obadiah; Zech. 14:3-9).
• God’s rule will not only be external but reign through changed hearts (Jer. 31-32)
• Its geography would extend into a new earth and a new heaven.
• Death would die and the dead will be raised (Hos. 13:14 cp. 1 Cor. 15; 1 Thess. 4).
• Evil and the wicked will be soundly defeated and the redeemed will experience true joy (Zech. 12:8-9).
• The power of the world will be crushed but many unbelievers will turn to God and share in Israel’s joy (Isa. 54-55).
• There will be forever-peace with God and true rest (Zech. 9-14).
• The Lord will be the unquestionable king on that day (Psa. 2; Psa. 47:7).
• It will last forever (Psa. 145:13; Dan. 4:3)

On that Christmas day there was no confirmation this tiny Jesus had any of that on him or in him. As for that moment, as far as dad and mom knew, God had delivered a little gift which they wrapped in what some say was burial linens, and placed their little lamb upon the hay.

And then, BAM! Like some startling and intrusive jolt awakening them out of their silent night came a gaggle of shepherds with unbelievable news! No doubt breathless and sweaty from their jog to the town we can see them with panicked, ecstatic excitement trying to tell Mary and Joseph, the host family, and others what they had just experienced (Luke 2:8-20). Grown men jabbering loudly at once like a bunch of kids what they had heard from the angelic chorale. An angel abruptly appeared, glowing a brilliant white, who gave a super extra-telegram about Jesus! He has good news of great my-favorite-NFL-team-won-the- superbowl-excited kind of joy! This shockingly unexpected visit in the dark night out in the middle of a pasture made the shepherds pee their pants; my interpretation of “terribly frightened” (Luke 2:9).

The announcement was followed up by the sudden appearance of an army of angels who presented the most dynamic music gram, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased” (Luke 2:13-14). I suspect the shepherds had to change their clothes after that.

What’s the news? Jesus is THE predicted Savior who is the Lord Messiah, that anointed Shepherd King (Luke 2:11) from King David’s bloodline. We can be pretty sure Joseph did a bit more than wonder now, and we know that Mary pondered these words and events and buried them as a treasure deeply into her heart (Luke 2:19). Then the shepherds probably danced like a bunch of crazy, elated, somewhat tipsy football fans all the way back to their sheep, who by the way may have been frozen in a bug-eyed state of shock.

The second main hint we have that this sweet little lamb of Mary was in reality a powerful Shepherd King is from Matthew 2:1-12, which more than likely took place two years after Jesus was born.  This is the account of a bunch of wise guys, (no relation to the Three Stooges), who came to pay tribute and anoint the Rising Star of the world. For an excellent treatment of this passage listen to Pastor Ryan’s message on the subject.

The next hint about Jesus being a king who was slowly unveiling his kingdom is found in Luke. It wasn’t until the infant Jesus grew up in stature and with the respect of God and man (Luke 2:52) that this radiant, life-giving, world developing, kingdom creating, super force began to leak through. The four men, enlightened and inspired by God to write the account describes and defines for us the unfolding of this heavenly kingdom come to earth through the person of King Jesus. If you haven’t read about it yet, pick up the New Testament and read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John’s records.

On the first day of Christmas this baby Jesus was wrapped in his kingdom ready to be placed on his throne.

Hold that thought and come back for more tomorrow.

~ Dr. Don[/vc_column_text][us_separator height=”20px” size=”custom”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Tall trees, small trees, robust trees, scrawny trees, fir trees of all sizes. Spruce, Scotch pine, Douglas fir – evergreens of every type. Green trees, red ones, aluminum and plastic, all kinds of trees grace our homes this holiday season.

Trees have long been associated with life and protection. The modern tradition of decorating trees during this festive season came from the Germans of the middle ages. A special medieval play about Adam and Eve featured a fir tree hung with apples. German families put similar “paradise trees” in their homes on December 24th which was the feast day of Adam and Eve. On it they hung wafers as symbols of the Christian communion bread. Since Christmas followed the next day, they placed candles to represent Christ as the light of the world. It was Queen Victoria’s husband, the German Prince Albert who made this tree-tradition popular in England. The trees were decorated with candles, paper chains and special cakes hung with special ribbons.

But the trees of Christmas time remind us of another tree. The real tree of this celebration of Christ’s birth is the tree upon which Jesus hung. You see, “when the right time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive full privileges as sons” of God. The little babe who was placed in a simple feeding trough had a mission to die for people’s sins.

We know that Jesus Christ “Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness.” This was not some beautifully adorned tree, but the old rugged tree we call the Cross. He was brutally hung on the cross to pay for your sin and to remove your guilt before a holy God. He was hung so that should you look upon Him and believe He died for your sins, was buried but sprung back to life again, that God would forgive you of your sins. Jesus’s death upon that tree gives you new life to start all over again.

The believer in Christ, the Bible tells us, is like a tree that is planted along streams of living waters – always refreshed and always productive. This believer is also said to be like a branch of the great tree Jesus Christ. His life comes from the Tree of Life and is fruitful. A Christmas kind of fruit which endures from season to season. What kind of fruit? The fruit of joy in this world, peace while on earth, good will to all.

As you hang your ornaments upon your Christmas tree, be reminded of Jesus Christ who was hung upon his tree to give you forgiveness of your sins and everlasting life. Then enjoy Christmas for what it’s really about.

~ Don

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You can download your own Christmas Tree Card with this message. Enjoy!

The holiday Thanksgiving is over, but every day thanksliving should not be. At least, not for the Christian.

Here’s why:

1. According to the Bible a significant characteristic that separates believers from unbelievers is thankfulness.

Read Romans 1:21. God’s Word assumes that giving thanks to God and having a gratitude attitude (borrowing from Zig Ziglar) is a virtue that is nurtured and a habit that is practiced by Christ followers.

2. As believers, we have every reason to give thanks more than once a year.

Our national Thanksgiving holiday comes around once a year, but Old Testament Israel’s five main worship events, which took place every year, were national thanksgiving celebrations. Imagine having Thanksgiving five times a year? Then, there was the weekly Sabbath. It was a day of reverence for God, a day for resting in God, and a day for rejoicing with thanks to God.

We have so much more for which to be thankful because of Jesus’s life, work, death upon the cross, resurrection and ascension. He fulfilled those old feast days and has given to us a greater Sabbath; things that ought to provoke gratitude every day.

3. Biblically, joy-filled thanks is a quality woven into the fabric of a redeemed life.

When the Bible speaks about joy it is not quite the same thing as what we call happiness. Joy in the Bible can be a contented delight expressed with a calm and peaceful satisfaction or ecstasy with exuberant celebration. Christians speak much about being joyful and having joy, and rightly so. Some people have a happy disposition while others are inclined toward melancholy. Being happy does not necessarily indicate true spirituality as some people insist. Neither does being melancholy indicate true piety or mean a lack of holiness.

I am reminded of a story about a young man who had moved from the South. He was new to the Faith but learned to be at home expressing gratitude in worship. His move to the New England placed him in an altogether different culture. One Sunday, he decided to visit an old Presbyterian church down the street. The sermon had so aroused his soul that he blurted out, “Praise the Lord!” A sharp tap upon his shoulder immediately followed his joyous expression. He looked behind him to see a scrawny little, old, white-haired woman pointing her finger at him while scolding in her Scottish accent, “There will be NO praisin’ the Lord in this place, young man!”

Christ-filled joy is not some emotion we artificially conjure up. It is not merely some thing we prime and pump from a deeply embedded existential well. Biblical joy is an internal response to an outward cause appropriately expressed. As it turns out, joy is the flower rooted in thanksgiving. It is definitely connected to life’s circumstances, but also heavily informed by our Christ-centered perspective about those circumstances. In the Bible, the word delight is recorded almost 100 times, the term for joy is mentioned nearly 200 times, and praise many more times than both. Thanks is used at least 140 times. Counting words is not the point. Here’s the point: giving thanks is often found in the context of delight, joy, and praise because they tend to be closely bound together!

This is keenly illustrated in the Psalms. The “thanks Psalms” (such as Psalm 18, 66, 105, 107, 118 and 138) and “praise Psalms” (such as Psalm 8, 24, 29, 33, 47, 48, 146-150) reflect close connections between thanks, delight and joy. Praise Psalms are exuberant expressions of joy to God for who he is and what he has done. This integration of thanksgiving with delight, joy, and praise can also be observed in nearly every chapter of Acts!

4. God desires we be thankful. In fact, he commands it.

Here are some examples:

• Psalm 107:1 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. 8 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! 9 For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness. 15 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men…21 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men.
• Psalm 118 opens and closes with “Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”
• Philippians 4:6 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
• Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
• Hebrews 13:15 “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”

Of course, the Scriptures make clear what those things are for which we offer God thanks. We thank God for prayer and in prayer (Phil. 4:6), for food (1 Tim. 4:3), in everything we do (Col. 3:17), and, well, for every thing (Rom. 14:6; Eph. 5:20; 1 Thess. 5:18).

Yes, it is true that to pretend to be thankful or joyous just to fulfill a command is hypocritical. Yes, it is true that God is telling us how we ought to respond to him. Yes, giving thanks is a duty. However, consider why this is.

• God’s commands, imperatives, and laws reflect what pleases and honors God. God is God and he can certainly insist upon things that are appropriate for him and his family. Think, for example, of a mother telling her young son to show gratitude toward his grandmother when Grannie gives him gifts. Teaching the child what is a proper response is not only a positive duty, but impresses upon the child the value and respect Grannie deserves. Hopefully, for the child, this outward behavior becomes an ingrained healthy attitude toward the grandmother’s person and actions. It often does. That’s just how people are wired.

• God’s commands, imperatives, and laws also model for us what life is like when lived before the face of a holy and loving God. Without them we would not know with clarity how we are to think and behave with God in his kingdom. Interestingly enough, recent scientific studies of the brain have revealed that if we practice something well and long enough it becomes quite natural for us. Practicing gratitude can habituate a healthy life of thankfulness and appreciation.

I recall the first months of being stationed in Japan. The Japanese restaurant across our station served deliciously addicting dishes. However, in order to fit in and not offend the locals I had to learn how to eat with chopsticks. It was hard because I was clumsy and impatient. Even though one could ask for a fork or spoon such utensils were considered signs of gluttony and disrespect. Why? Because to eat with such utensils meant one was shoveling the meal down without appreciating it, and therefore disrespecting the chef and staff. Good meals are eaten slowly and with care, savoring every bite and expressing great delight (especially by slurping your food loudly). Then, when finished with the meal, the chopsticks were never to be placed on top of each other as it looked like the sign of a cross, which is a symbol for death. In other words, to do so indicated you were putting a curse upon the people who served you.

Did I have to abide by their social etiquette? Of course not, since there was no explicit law commanding it. Yet, in order to learn how to live in their culture, to show respect, and to win their friendship that’s what one does. So too, it is with God and his kingdom rules.

Indeed, the Psalms are given to us to teach us how to rightly relate and properly emote to the things of God. Times of suffering, trials, and defeats should provoke sorrow and lament. Times of successes, deliverance, and victories ought to elicit thanks and praise. The Psalms teach our hearts such attitudes, emotions, and behaviors. The Psalms also drive suitable emotions, thoughts, words, and actions into habits of the heart that please God.

5. Giving thanks demonstrates humility, and God loves humble people.

Think about it: proud people are rarely grateful people. Why? Because they believe they deserve anything or everything they get, therefore there is no reason to express thanks. Pride and entitlement are kindred attitudes. Also, proud people do not want to give any sense of owing anything to anyone. As people, we have this built-in drive to want to give something in return for a thing we’ve received. It’s the old this-for-that, tit-for-tat impulse all humans share. You know? If someone buys you a cup of coffee you feel obligated to buy her a cup of coffee the next time. This motivates us to keep accounts of what people do for us (or even do to us).

It takes a measure of humility to receive and say thanks, especially for a gift. Coming into Christ’s kingdom culture means learning the grace of receiving as well as the response of thanks giving.

6. Having a gratitude attitude and a daily thanksliving is founded upon God’s person and his acts of creation and redemption.

Again, the Psalms is an example of this. When we come to know the Lord more and more, his majestic glory and the beauty of his holiness will rouse a greater sense of awe and wonder. That in turn will incite delight, praise, joy and thanksgiving. Consider how a bullied child would think about a massively strong and popular high school senior coming to her defense and then always ready to be her protector. She would be thankful and in awe. Or being a homeless person without much hope and then having a rich and famous woman come to your aid and give you a whole new life. You would be thankful. There is no other like God. When we know more about him in a way that leads us to know him more intimately then our hearts will be filled with awe, wonder, delight, joy, and praise as well as gratefulness for the sheer privilege and blessing of knowing him.

The Psalms, as well as other Scriptures, also show how thanksliving comes out of God’s work of creation and work of redemption. Those who recognize God as their creator and really know him as their redeemer usually exude appreciation for the Lord and his works. Consider people who have recently come to faith in Jesus Christ. They ooze elation and celebrate with thanksgiving.

If God’s character and works produced ebullient gratitude among his people in the Old Testament, it should be so much more the case with us who have Jesus Christ today. In Jesus, we are redeemed and victorious (1 Cor. 15:57; 2 Cor. 2:14). In Jesus we have been saved and delivered from sin and darkness, and transferred into his kingdom (Col. 1:11-14). In him we overcome death, have fullness of life, and the promise of an abundant future in the new earth and heavens (1 Cor. 4:11-15; 2 Pet. 3:13). For all that, we are urged not only to walk in the way of Christ but to also live in a constant state of thankfulness (Col. 2:6-7).

7. Thanksliving is also a wonderful way to glorify the Lord.

To glorify God is to manifest and reflect his worth and ways. Psalm 105 and 1 Chronicles 16 teach us that thanksgiving begins when you commemorate God’s marvelous works, continues when you celebrate his magnificent wonders, and spreads when you communicate God’s magnanimous ways. One of the best ways to glorify God is to emanate the life of Jesus Christ in his Spirit with a thankful heart every day.

If you have trusted Jesus Christ as your savior and lord, then you have every reason to walk in thanksliving. The reason is not so much because God is in your life, but because you are in his. As believers in Christ, we are the ink indelibly written upon the scroll of his story – one beautiful, enthralling novel flowing into eternity. One for which we will live the life of unrestrained thanks, ecstatic joy, and extravagant praise.

And now I close with Revelation 7:9-12

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”

With thanks;

Don Owsley

What if I told you that God gave Moses the constitution? Yep. That’s right! I’m perfectly serious about this. Around 3000 years ago God gave Moses the constitution.

Oh. You thought I was talking about the Constitution of the United States? No. But that might make for a fun storyline in some kid’s adventure book. The constitution about which I am talking is the one written for the kingdom of Israel. The one God gave to Moses to create a newly formed kingdom nation.

Before you dismiss this as wacked out weirdness, hear me out. It all goes back to the time when God’s people who were descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob settled in Egypt. Initially, what was once a small tribe led by Jacob and his sons that ended up in Egypt due to famine in their homeland. You can read about it in Genesis chapters 46-50.

Flip over to the book of Exodus and you will read how this tribal group grew to quite a sizable nation. Some say with a population of at least one million. Because they were not Egyptian, in fact they were descendants of the Semites who lived between a rock and a hard place near Babylon, the Egyptian leaders decided to force them into slave labor. They were enslaved some time during the four hundred years they resided in that region. Things got really bad for Israel. So like we all tend to do when things get really, really bad, they cried out to God. God heard them. However, God did not answer the way they wanted. Lesson: beware for what you pray.

Exodus tells us God raised up an Israeli who was also the adopted grandson of Egypt’s grand leader. Moses was his name; a version of an Egyptian name. Though an entrenched Egyptian citizen Moses had a concern for his blood relatives. One day he saw an Egyptian severely abusing one of his kinfolk, so he became furious with the Egyptian, killed the guy, got scared, ran away, found seven women being harassed by a bunch of bully shepherds, chased off the bullies, and met the women’s father who was a priest in the land of Midian. The priest invited Moses to live among them. The priest, Reuel (not related to Kalel, aka Clark Kent the Superman) liked Moses so much that he gave Moses one of his daughters to marry. Zipporah was her name, not to be confused with Zippo the name of a lighter company. Mo and Zip lived happily ever after.

Well, if you can call living in the middle of some desert as a nomadic shepherd a happy life then that’s what they had. He and his wife had a son. And sheep. And probably a motor home. They were living the life, minding their own business for a long time. Then, one day Moses decides to take a hike up a mountain, something Coloradoans understand. While on this hike he comes to a bush that seems to be on fire. Yet the bush is not burning up. Instead, the bush talks to him. I don’t know about you but if I went on a hike up one of our mountains, saw a bush that was on fire but not burning up and it started talking to me, I’d pass out. Not Moses. He was one cool and courageous dude.

Turns out, it was God speaking through the burning bush. Not just any god, and not one of the Midianite gods, or anything like one of the Egyptian gods. This was the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob who could be heard but not seen. Back then, it was standard for the gods to be seen and not heard. God told Moses that he was going to use Moses to set his home folks free. You never know what your day may bring, especially if you hike up a mountain. Can you imagine how Zipporah handled the news when Moses came home from work that night? Okay, so ends the happily ever after, right?

You probably know the rest of the story? After arguing with God, Moses does what is told and heads back to Egypt to lead God’s people out of there. Moses, with his degree from the university of Egypt, experience as a shepherd, a bully buster with a big stick went to Egypt. Moses and his stick went to take on a major leader thought to be a god, who had a world-class army. Isn’t it odd how God does that? Moses had a stick, Samson had his hair, and David had a slingshot. They all confronted powerful armies, but did so with all that they needed: the Almighty God at their back.

God does some stunningly remarkable miracles. Destruction, bloodshed, terror was repeatedly poured out upon Egypt until Egypt got in over their heads and lost big time. Israel was free to leave. And leave they did.

Once they got out into the desert a major challenge confronted them – what kind of leadership and government would they have? The Egyptians believed their king was possessed by one of the gods, and for the most part the religious priests ran the government. No separation of church and state there. The people of Israel were influenced by Egyptian culture.

Israel knew very little about their God. They had the oral traditions passed down for four hundred years. Now, all of a sudden their God spoke directly to Moses. Moses was no man-god. The true and living God did not speak through wood or stone idols. They had no priests to run a government, though they did have elders. Later on, their familiar Egyptian traditions influenced them to make a statue through which this invisible God would speak. At least, that is what they wanted. God and Moses rejected the gold calf they made. This was all uncharted territory. What would they do?

God always communicates to people in ways people can grasp.

He uses familiar customs, traditions and languages but in ways that do not compromise his essence or his plan. To resolve Israel’s challenge of a new government God used an ancient near eastern system many people groups of that region used. What was that system?

Well, there was the king. For smaller tribes this would be someone like a sheik. Large cities or city-states would have kings. Successful kings gained more power and control over other clans, tribes, cities and states. These kings would typically claim to be man-gods. When a powerful king conquered lesser kings or leaders he would draft a covenant treaty. The covenant spelled out how the conquered people would live under the new king.

The king’s covenant treaty was typically organized in this way:

• It began with a preamble. This introduction recorded the bragging rights of the great and powerful boss. He would boast about how wise, strong, virile, and handsome he was.

• This was followed with a history of his accomplishments such as whom he conquered and how he did it.

• Then came the stipulations. This outlined what the great king will do, which was usually a promise to send troops to help fight off little kings’ enemies. It listed what the conquered people and lesser kings had to do, such as adopt the great king’s god as their main god, pay taxes, obey the kingdom rules, and not rebel.

• The covenant made it clear that the conquered people belonged to the king and he could do with them whatever he wanted.

• A clause in the treaty instructed that the original document would be put in a treasure box located at the base of the main god’s idol.  This box was called the footstool, for obvious reasons. A second main copy would be given to the lesser kings, which they had to store it in their god’s footstool-box. The big god was supposed watch over and protect the treaty. This god would also know who was naughty and who was nice. The clause also said that the treaty had to be read to the people during religious feast days, so other copies would be made and given to the elders, civic authorities, and judges of the conquered people.

• The treaty invoked other gods as witnesses to the covenant. In other words, these lesser gods were there to back up the treaty.

• Finally, the covenant was unilateral. That meant it was imposed on the people whether they liked it or not. If the people listened and obeyed then they would be blessed. Blessing would mean being able to live, to trade with the king’s city, and to seek help from the army if attacked. If they rebelled and broke covenant they would be cursed and pay the consequences, like slavery or death.

In essence, these covenant treaties became the constitutions for the kingdoms.

God used this very familiar government arrangement for his newly formed kingdom nation

– but with a significant twist. The invisible God is the mighty sovereign king. No man could claim that spot. This Sovereign King was the powerful ruler who rescued a people, not conquered a people (Exodus 19). God redeemed his people from slavery, he did not enslave his people. The preamble in Exodus 19 is God’s self-declaration and legitimate bragging rights. It also declared what kind of God-King he was.

Whenever a king gained victory over other groups he had a parade and a major celebration. In that celebration the priests would use fire and loud drums and horns and choirs of priests and priestesses to make frightening noises to show how powerful the god-king was. When the Lord gave his covenant to Moses, Israel’s representative, he did so with his own show of power. Displays of thunder, lightening, thick clouds, darkness, trumpet-like noises, smoke, fire, earthquakes and then his voice (Ex. 19:16). Why? To show what real power and might is. This Sovereign Lord did not need people to conjure up pretended power. Just as Pharaoh came up with magic acts to demonstrate he was a might god, God showed what real power and control was. Anything he could do God could do better.  Thousands of times better!  He not only has power, he is power and a consuming fire like no other (Heb.12:29). God put on his own display to elicit fear in his presence, to confirm the mediator of the covenant, threaten all false god-kings, and to back up this kingdom constitution.

It was on the Day of Assembly (Deut. 9:10; 10:4; 18:16) when this Sovereign King issued his unilateral treaty. This constitution established his people as a new kingdom-state. Unlike all other covenants dictated by the big king to his legal secretaries, this treaty was written by God’s own hand (Ex. 31:18 cp. Deut. 9:10).

The Lord wrote it in the familiar form of an ancient near eastern covenant suzerain treaty:

• There was the preamble (Deut. 1:1-5). Unlike worldly kings, God didn’t take volumes to brag. He did not need to.

• The historical background of the Sovereign Lord is given (Ex. 20; Deut 1:6; 4:1).

• God presents a simple list of stipulations. These are the Ten Words (Deut. 5:26). This was unlike the long lists human kings wrote. These ten words were unlike the harsh words of the typical egomaniacal human kings. The Ten Words summarized what the relationship between God and his people was to be like. They also told how his people should relate to one another. All relationships would be from love. They would love their God-King as he loves them (Commandments 1-3). They would love one another in the same way that they love themselves (Commandments 5-10). They would take a special day to worship and celebrate their God-King, enjoy his presence, practice living by faith, be thankful for his blessings and protection, and then reorient their lives and time so that they could properly relate to others (Commandment #4).

• God made two copies. One for himself as King and one for the main representative of the people. Handwritten copies circulated among the leaders. Moses was unique in many different ways. He was the mediator between God and God’s kingdom people, but he was not a lesser king. He never tried to be. In the ancient near east the expectation would have been to make a leader like him into a king or for him to claim kingship. Also, Moses was not a high priest, though he did priestly things. He was the voice for God. Supposedly, statue-idols were the mouthpieces for those gods and goddesses. Moses was a human, but he spoke for God as a prophet.

• God’s covenant constitution also had a special clause that told where the covenant would be placed: in the footstool box of the only living God. In God’s own handwriting the Ten Words were written on a tablet (not to be confused with an iPad or other tablets). The second copy was written on another stone tablet. Both were placed in an ark. An ark is simply an old word for box. This Ark of God’s Covenant sat in the holiest of all places at the symbolic feet of this invisible, but very real God King (1 Chron. 28:2; Psa. 99:5; Psa. 132:7).

• Copies of this covenant constitution was read often, especially on feast days.

• This treaty invoked the heavens and earth as witnesses since there are no other gods who could be witnesses.

• And finally, the constitution declared the sanctions of curses for disobedience and blessings for obedience.

Why this history lesson?

If you’ve read this far, congratulations! Bear with me a little longer. Here are important things you need to know if you wish to get a grip on the whole point of God’s Law. This lesson provides some of the behind the scenes perspective for why the Ten Commandments exist.

The first main reason why the Ten Commandments (called The Ten Words in Israel’s ancient language) were originally given to Israel was to form his people into a different kind of national kingdom. It was their national constitution.

The Ten Words are the foundation and the bare bones for how to live with God as Lord and how to live with others in the kingdom whose God is their Lord. Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy build upon the foundation and add meat to the bones. So, the first reason for the Old Covenant Law was to serve as the civil-religious constitution for the Kingdom of Israel.

The core of the covenant constitution was love. This is very important to understand. This invisible but only true and living God was unlike all other gods. He was and is real. They were not. He is just and righteous. The other kings were selfish though sometimes had righteous laws. God is gracious and merciful (Exod. 34:6). They rarely were. The kings ruled out of selfish might with the backing of the army. The basis of their relationship with their people was out of terror. Contrary to common complaints about the “God of the Old Testament” being cruel and mean who gave his law to abuse people or to taunt them with failure, he did so out of love (Deut. 5:10; Deut. 7:7-13). Yes, the Lord ruled with the force of creation to back him up. While the Lord was to be greatly feared the basis of his relationship with his people was out of love.

The second main reason for the Old Covenant Law was to show that the moral basis for all relationships is God’s love (Deut. 7:6-11; Zech. 14:9). Failure to love God and love others breaks relationships; even destroys them through contempt, divorce, murder, theft, and greed. The ultimate expressions lead to self-destruction, wars, and the like.

Overall, God’s kingdom constitution was a system to show what life would be like if everyone had a great relationship with this One True God (Deut. 6:24-25), and lived together with hearts of love expressed through authentic compassion, mercy and grace. If only God’s kingdom people took it to heart and not merely practiced it as a mechanical system.

This covenant treaty was the big blueprint, the overall picture and description of life in God’s kingdom (Deut. 10:12-21). How could they live in this way? By real faith that came from the heart, soul, mind and strength lived out through love (Deut. 6:1-6; Deut. 8:2; Deut. 11:13-14). The natural consequences God set up for a life of faith and love would bring many tangible blessings (Deut. 7:12-15).

The Lord told them how to live as his kingdom people. He told them they were to respond out of a faith-filled obedience. He said they had to live this way only. He gave promises for blessing and warnings of cursing (Deut. 28). However, he also predicted that they would fail miserably and warned them of the horrible, devastating consequences (Deut. 30). Israel’s God-King said time and again (Deut. 8) that without faith-filled obedience flowing from hearts of love they could not enter or retain the real estate God was giving for the Kingdom. At the same time, there was no divine enablement and guarantee by grace for them to love, trust and obey God. As it turned out, the first kingdom generation did not even move into the real estate God promised because they did not obey, and they did not obey because they did not believe (Deut. 9:1-7; Rom. 11:20; Rom. 11:31; Heb. 3:1-4:2). The later generations would also end up lacking faith and love, even though several generations tried to work the outward system without the inward soul (Matt. 23:27-29).

What is in it for me?

The description for what it is like to live in God’s kingdom is the same today as it was way back then. The requirement to have faith in the One True God-King is the same. The expectations and need for living a life of heart-felt, expressed love for God and for others is the same. The warnings against merely having outward performance and standards are the same. The failure rate is about the same.

Yet, other things are different now. How? Take a break, rest your eyes, and think about what you’ve just read. I’ll be back later with how things are different.

By grace;

Don Owsley

Leave a Church?

-By Dr. Don Owsley (relavate.org)

How do you leave a church, gracefully?

At some point in time, you will leave the church you are in. Every church has a revolving door where people enter and others exit.  Maybe you are thinking about leaving the one you are currently at? Maybe you just left a church and are “shopping” for just the right church?  Eric Nevins, one of South Fellowship’s elders wrote a solid article that may just help you if you are searching for a healthy church.

The Main Question

The question here is not, how do I leave a church? Obviously, there are many ways: quietly and without much notice; angrily, by causing as much disruption as possible; peacefully with resolution and a good conscience; peacefully, but without resolution; by yourself or with a group.  There are also many reasons to leave a church. Some are good and legitimate. Others, not so much. The question is, how do I leave a church gracefully?

Why is that the question? Because, if you and I are serious about following Jesus well, then we should be concerned to practice ways that are good. I submit that it is of no value to practice spiritual disciplines (whatever you wish to call them) if we don’t apply them in ways that demonstrate authentic love for God and love for others. Entering into, engaging with, and departing from Christ’s local body is a significant part of following Jesus.

If you are a believer in Jesus Christ who desires to follow the Lord in a way that glorifies God then there are appropriate reasons and ways to do exit the church you are in.  So a good question to ask yourself is, How do I or we leave this church gracefully?  Perhaps the advice offered below will help you sort through your decision to stay or depart, and help to honor God while blessing the church you leave?

 Here are some things to consider:

Being a member means you have made a commitment to the church.

Many churches do not practice formal membership.  They often take the position that a believer in Jesus Christ is already in God’s Church and that is all that matters.  Others would say that believing in Jesus and becoming baptized is all that is necessary.  However, most churches have formal membership. In a previous article I submit that formal membership is biblical. In fact, in certain churches that have formal membership people make public vows to uphold the church-member covenant. These commitments are promises made to the Lord and his local Body. However, there may come a time when, because of circumstances, you need to leave the church and release yourself from the covenant.

What are some good reasons for leaving your local congregation?

1. When you need to relocate to another geographical area that would make it a burden to travel and participate in the life of the church.

2. When you have come to a different and informed conviction about certain teachings where, in good conscience, you cannot support the teachings of the local church you are currently in.

3. When it is apparent the Lord is directing you to actively serve in another congregation. Leaving under this circumstance should be done in consultation with the pastor, elders, or other godly individuals, through wisdom, and by prayer.

4. Another good reason is when the philosophy of ministry or the direction of the church violates your biblically-informed conscience.  I say biblically-informed as opposed to having personal preferences.  To leave the church because the leadership of the church has decided to focus only upon “reaching” the wealthy to the neglect of others in the community is a good reason to exit. It is certainly the leaders’ prerogative to have that as their mission. Still, having a right to do so is not the same as being biblical.  Such a mission clearly violates many biblical passages, and knowing this and acting upon it is what it means to be biblically informed.  However, leaving the church because you prefer the fellowship hall to remain decorated in light pink and pastel blue instead of redecorating with warm colors like brown, tan, and light orange is not a biblical reason. It’s an obvious personal preference, but not a violation of God’s Word.

Of course, there are other legitimate reasons. Ideally, transferring to another church should not be so much a matter of running away from a problem or conflict as it is being led to another congregation.

What are some wrong reasons for leaving the local congregation?

At the outset, allow me to confess to you that in a few of the churches my family and I have left it was because of wrong reasons. It felt like I was making the right choice with my family, but looking back I was wrong. So, this is not pious advice from a sinless church guy.  These reasons come as a result of taking many, many years to learn the hard way and compare the blunders with the normative standard of God’s Word. And these are not the only reasons.

1. It would be wrong to withdraw from fellowship when your personal preferences have been offended. Remember, there is a major difference between feeling offended and having someone sinfully offend you.  We live in a culture where we have so many options available to us, and where every little thing we personally don’t like can feel like a serious offense.  Like the woman who threatened to take her business to that other grocery store because the store did not have Heinz Catsup. They only had Hunts or generic! We see the same kind of petty childishness in our churches.

2. A second wrong reason to leave a church is when you have a conflict with someone in the church and you have not taken the steps to resolve the conflict and reconcile. A sinful offense is clearly spelled out in the Bible. Having your named slandered is sin.  Having the Sunday school teacher forget to call you is not.  Whatever the situation may have been that developed into conflict Jesus tells us to work at resolving the problems.   The Lord does not give us easy paths in this life when it comes to relationships. When it comes to relationships things might become easier but not all things are easy.  The easy thing to do is to continue in the conflict and refuse to take the hard effort of reconciliation.

God tells us how to make things right when sinned against.  The options he gives are (1) out of love we can overlook the offense (1 Peter 4:8), or (2) we can seek to reconcile with the one we’ve sinfully offended (Matthew 5:23-26), or (3) we lovingly confront the one who sinned (Matthew 18) in order to restore the relationship.  In other words, there are God-given ways to try and set things right before making a permanent exit. Having said that, there is no guarantee that attempting to make things well will indeed make things well. Sadly, at times, things can get worse even after the attempt. Certainly, you are free to leave a church any time, but the honorable and loving thing is to leave after you have made the attempt or taken the correct steps to set things straight.

3. Another wrong reason to leave the church would be to avoid coming under church discipline or refusing to follow through with the discipline process. Once the discipline process has begun and is a matter of record, the pastor and elders are duty bound by Scripture (and sometimes by their ordination vows) to complete it.

4. One more poor reason is when you don’t feel like being a part of the church, but do not have any good biblical or moral grounds for leaving.

Granted, many wrong reasons have been given for leaving a church. Only a few have been listed above.  The point is, in the nature of our Christian walk God desires that we follow Jesus in ways the please him, restore relationships with others, and for our own personal spiritual growth. To do otherwise would be a mistake.

What is a gracious way to leave the church?

1. Actively seek to resolve the challenges before you.

Don’t let problems or convictions linger or fester indefinitely. Instead, speak to the pastor and/or elder(s) to resolve the issues as soon as possible. It would be sinful (though not unforgivable) to exit the church without trying to reconcile. In an ideal world, it would be easy to try and we would always be successful at reconciling. It is not realistic to think we will always be successful at making things right and having broken relationships restored or getting the church to see or do things our way. If at all possible, be at peace with all.

In the meantime, just be aware that if the problems you are having with the church are primarily relational it could be that you are are as much at fault as anyone. This might not be true at all, but it is something to humbly consider. If there is something about you that cause or contributed to relational conflict and you leave, you will most likely bring the problems to the next church.

2. No matter what the circumstances, be courageous and do the Christ-pleasing thing by talking in person with the pastor or elder(s) about the issues.

* It can be intimidating to sit face-to-face with the leadership, especially if you are convinced it will accomplish nothing or fear what they might do.  Still, making an effort is the right thing (do you see a theme going on here?)  It may even be the very thing the Lord uses to make a positive difference in the life of the church!  There are healthy ways to approach the leadership even if the outcome does not turn out well, such as bringing someone along with you or finding a skilled person to mediate.

* Do not take the matter to other people through gossip or slander. Do not take it to people who have no ability or authority to make a change. This is the easy way, but is often the cowardly way, and almost always causes conflict and division or makes things much worse.

* If possible, avoid sending a letter or email.  This is so easy to do, but generally does not resolve anything. The reason this is rarely a wise thing to do is because it is our nature as people to read emails or letters in a negative light. In other words, even if you craft the note as best as possible and with all good intentions, the likelihood that the person receiving it reads it in a negative light is very high. Letters or emails have this strange tendency to escalate the conflict or exacerbate the problem.  If need be, write a letter and have it before you when you dialog in person.

* Let the leader(s) know what you are thinking and where your heart is. If there is a problem or sin issue then identify it clearly and suggest ways to make things right.

* Be humble, listen well, but be willing to receive what may come. The person(s) may offer sound, biblical advice. Wouldn’t that be awesome?  But also be prepared to receive a hostile response. Just don’t respond in kind.

3. If you have been able to find a resolution to the main reason for you wanting to leave the church, then praise God! Follow through in a couple of weeks to keep the pastor and/or elders up to speed on how things are going. Continue to work for what is best for all. Be a peacemaker for the cause of Christ.

4. If you are convinced you need to leave the church because the problem was not resolved, or for any number of other reasons, then make arrangements with the elders to exit and do so graciously. Hopefully, it will be a peaceful departure.

* Wise and godly elders should be able to give advice on how to transfer to another church with a letter of commendation or membership transfer.

* A good departure means receiving the blessing from the leadership and often from fellow members. The ideal is to receive God’s blessings instead of a good riddance.

* There are problems with leaving sinfully or with unresolved conflict. Not all conflict will be resolved this side of heaven. Nevertheless, the Christ-like and mature thing is to do all you can to set things right. If not, as already stated the problems might follow you to the next church.  Also, the elders may not be able to give you a letter of transfer or a good letter of standing to take to the next assembly.

Leaving this subject

As I said above, “if you and I are serious about following Jesus well, then we should be concerned to practice ways that are good. I submit that it is of no value to practice spiritual disciplines (whatever you wish to call them) if we don’t apply them in ways that demonstrate authentic love for God and love for others. Entering into, engaging with, and departing from Christ’s local body is a significant part of following Jesus.”

There are wrong (sinful or unwise) ways to leave a local church and there are right (God-pleasing) ways.  Kindly consider what you have just read. For the sake of peace in Christ’s Church and for the honor of Christ’s name be wise in making your decision to stay or leave; and if you are convinced you must  leave then please, for the love of God and your neighbor, do so graciously.

Peace;

Don

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This was taken from Appendix Q of my first book, The Perfect Pastor? Xulon Press; 2007. My second book, ThanksLiving: How to Gain a Perspective to Enrich Your Life was recently released and is available on Amazon.com or at Relavate.org. The new eBook, ThanksLiving: How to Appreciate Others in 12 Meaningful Ways is available for sale on Amazon.com or as a free download at Relavate.org.

Is church membership biblical?  Like so many questions that is one Christians have debated for a long, long time. The reason for the debate is quite understandable. After all, there is no Book of Membership in the Bible that explicitly tells us.  Because of that reason, for twenty years I argued against church membership, even though for the sake of peace my wife and I joined a church when my pastor friend asked us to.

In spite of all those years of arguing, I have come to believe that the Bible upholds formal church membership. Here’s why:

There is Spiritual Membership in Christ’s Invisible Church

What does that mean?  A traditional way of understanding Christ’s Church, well at least in the Protestant traditions, is to describe Church in ways that the Bible does.  God’s people are both here on earth and with Christ in heaven. They are scattered throughout all time but are present now. They are around the world and are local. The Church is militant (in spiritual warfare now) and victorious in Christ. They are in Christ and Christ is in them.

One of the ways to speak of the Christ’s Church is to say that it is invisible.  Theologians use this to mean that we can never really see the reborn soul or spirit of a person so we cannot absolutely know if someone is a true believer in Jesus Christ. Only God can see the soul of who is saved and who is not, so in this sense the true Church is invisible.

Many Bible teachers will also use the term “invisible Church” to talk about those believers who have gone on to be with the Lord. Hence, since they are only spiritual beings now, who will get their new bodies at the great resurrection, we cannot see them. Again, they are the invisible Church.

Certain mystical groups, as well as some denominations such as the traditional Anabaptists speak in terms of the Church as only being invisible.  They will generally conclude that if you really believe in Jesus you are a true member of the Church and that is all there is to it. Of course I’m being simplistic in representing this position. The Christian Gnostics and other heretical groups claimed that faith in Jesus was all and only about the invisible soul and the unseen heart.  They were against anything material (stuff that could be seen) because they believed that all things material were evil.

The Lord’s Old Covenant Community (Israel before the time of Jesus) was, in its truest form, invisible. Believers in the One True God (Deut. 6), were later called God fearers or the Remnant. They were believers in God by a faith that was from the depths of their souls. How did anyone know? By their faith-filled actions and especially by their faith-filled obedience to God’s Law-Word (Deut. 6:1-9; Deut. 10:12-13; Psa. 19:11; Psa. 119:101, etc.). Just as today, where there are many who claim to be Christian, all who were of Israel claimed to be real believers. They would make that claim because they were born into a Jewish home, were circumcised (if male), and followed the Law. Yet, only those with genuine, saving faith in the One True God of promises were the true Israel (Rom. 9:6; Gal. 3:8-11; Heb. 10:38; Heb. 11).

Genuine membership in the Lord’s New Covenant Community is also invisible. It is by faith in Jesus Christ (Rom. 2:8-9), worked out in obedient loving acts (Gal. 5:6; James 2:14-26).  God continually but invisibly adds new souls to the Body of Christ (Acts 2:42, 47; 11:25f; 14:21, 23). Those who have genuine faith in Jesus Christ also become members of that invisible and universal Church (e.g. Acts 2:47; 1 Cor. 12:27; Eph. 4:16).

There is also Spiritual Membership in Christ’s Visible Church 

While real spiritual faith in the heart-mind-soul of an individual cannot be seen, it can nevertheless be observed.  God can only see the inner being and absolutely know if that person has a living and saving faith in the Lord or not. Merely saying one is a believer does not make it so.  However, real faith has credentials for genuine membership in God’s invisible family.  That means real faith is observed by outward signs, symbols and actions such as spiritual fruit and good works.

The Old Testament Covenant Community had outward credentials of membership

Who was a member in the Old Testament community of Israel?  First, one who was born into a Jewish family.  An authentic Jewish family was descended from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and who followed the Laws of Moses. Next, a male child of Israel or a male convert who was circumcised in the name of the One True God. The sign of God’s covenant with a special people (Israel) was circumcision. Back then, males were covenant and federal representative. Wives and daughters of these representatives had a bonded allegiance to their God (Gen. 17:7,10; Ex. 12:43-49; Rom. 11:17-20). If you were not circumcised (as male) you were cut off from God’s community. Circumcision was to be a sign of God’s covenant promises made initially to Abraham, yet also given to God’s people. It was expected that any person with that physical, visible sign would attach real faith  (read Romans 3:28-30; Rom. 4:11; and Galatians 3).  Every believer in the Old Testament was required to identify himself outwardly and visibly with God’s covenant people (Gen. 17:9-14; 23-27; 34:14-17). That’s how they knew a person had faith in the only true and living God.

While the outward sign of membership in God’s community was circumcision there was also the practice of defining who were indeed members by recording or “numbering” them. A registry of names was based upon federal headship (fathers of each family in clans and tribes in Israel). This is where we get the book of Numbers.  This practice of keeping a registry of members reflected the universal, eternal Book, the archetype of the earthly register of God’s people (Ex. 32:32f; Mal. 3:16). Also, recording the names of the priests and their families who would “inherit the Kingdom” served to separate and exclude those who were outside of the community (Deut. 23:1-3). This anticipated a time when the names of Gentiles who came to trust in the One and Living God would be placed on the rolls of Zion (Psa. 87:4-6).  Zion was the symbol for the gathering of God’s true faithful.

Now, if you lived back in those days it would have been unacceptable for you to tell others that you believe in the one, true and living God because you know this in your heart of hearts, but did not need anything else to prove you were a God Fearer.  God’s Old Covenant “church” (by the way, the term church means ‘called out ones,’ which Israel most certainly was) required visible symbols of your membership. Without them they could not accept that you had any real faith in God; and they had lots of Bible verses to back up their claims. For centuries leading up to the time of Jesus, to be a real God Fearer meant that you had to have those outward signs.

But then Jesus came along and after he sent the Holy Spirit (Acts 2) the truth was made clear:  members of God’s true community of faith were members because of faith in the Messiah, Jesus.  Jesus, as it turned out, was the point of all God’s promises.  Those outward symbols Israel had should have demonstrated real invisible faith, but those outward elements did not give true faith.  This, by the way, was a key debate that was settled at the New Covenant community’s first general assembly (Acts 15). It is first and foremost about real heart-mind-soul faith in God through Jesus Christ. Faith in Christ redeems you and places you in God’s Church.  Not the outward works of Law or the symbols of faith (like circumcision or the Passover).

The New Covenant Community has outward credentials of membership 

Jesus and his apostles (namely Peter and Paul) set the record straight:  those who are made right with God  are made right through faith in Jesus Christ.  Faith’s outward credentials were seen in things like circumcision, participation in worship such as the Passover, and doing good works as defined by God’s Law. Invisible faith with outward signs. However, outward signs did not necessarily prove real, inward faith! For the most part, the Jews thought it did. Paul wrote the letters of Romans and Galatians to set the record straight.

The New Testament Bible also tells us that:

• God’s “called out ones” (Church) are also outwardly visible and local (Mt. 18;20; Acts 11:26; 14:23; 20:17; 1 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:2; 1 Thess. 1:2).  Isn’t that obvious?  You and I can see corporeal beings who claim to believe in Jesus Christ. We just don’t see what’s in their hearts.
• New Testament believers are the building blocks of the new Temple of God on earth (Mt. 16:16; 1 Pet. 2:5; Eph. 2:19ff; 2 Co. 6:16).  This temple, though not made with hands, is the visible display of God’s glory on earth today.
• The visible Church consists of all people who make a profession of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 10:9-10), who are baptized, along with their children (Acts 2:39; Eph. 6:1,4), and are drawn into local assemblies of the Body of Christ (Acts 2:47).
• To enter into Christ’s visible Church (Acts 2:38-39; 16:31) was and is by a credible and verbal profession of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, and by being baptized in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38-39). Baptism is the true initiation rite. This does not happen singularly and personally, but expressed outwardly to a local group of God’s people.

However, there comes another question – How is one recognized as a genuine member of the universal and invisible Church when he enters into union with a local and visible church? The answer passed down the generations since the early church is:

• By hearing their confession of faith in Jesus Christ, witnessing their baptism, and observing their faith-filled lives in action (Mt. 10:32; Acts 2:37-42; Heb. 10:25; 1 Jn. 2:10).
• By ultimately uniting with a local church by making a covenant with God that involves a public commitment to be a part of the local assembly (Rom. 14:7; 15:7; 1 Cor. 12:27),
• And by affirming their commitment to the local church and the local church’s commitment to them through public vows of mutual love and support (1 Tim. 6:12 cp. Psa. 50:5),

You should know that the Orthodox (Greek, Russian, Coptic, etc.) Church and the Roman Catholic Church strongly emphasize the outward expressions.  Some of their theologians have gone so far as to dismiss any notion of an “invisible Church.”  These denominations, taking their understanding from some of the early Church Fathers, such as Augustine, will say that one is only a true believer who has the Church as his or her spiritual mother, and who has received Christian baptism in their denomination and has been confirmed in the Christian Faith by their patriarch or bishop.

The First Century Church practiced formal membership by having the names of believers “added to the rolls” (which is the same meaning of “numbered” in the Old Testament). By the mid to late second century there were so many people claiming to be followers of Jesus that church elders around the world began a practice that remains in most churches and denominations today.  As we have seen, merely claiming to be a believer in Jesus does not make it so. Only God knows with certainty.

Many people were professing Jesus and even being baptized. Yet, there were people who had an unbiblical understanding of Jesus (for example, he was just a prophet or he was merely a good spirit-ghost or he was a magical philosopher).  To guard God’s Church the leadership wisely put into practice two things:  making simple statements of faith (creeds) and catechizing children and new converts.  Catechism is a question and answer method of teaching. That’s why we have the Apostle’s Creed (“creed” means “I believe” and is a statement of faith), the Athanasian Creed, and other confessions of faith.

Even in the latter part of the first century we see churches requiring new converts to be catechized before they are baptized and before they were allowed to partake of the Lord’s Supper. In large part, they based this on 1 Corinthians 11. As an aside, this practice led to having two separate parts of worship. The first part focused upon singing psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, prayers, reading God’s Word and the preaching or explaining God’s Word.  The second part was having the Lord’s Supper, often in conjunction with a fellowship meal.  Between the first part often called The Order of the Word, and the second part called The Order of Communion there was an intermission.  The ushers, deacons, or leadership of the church would literally usher out those who were new or who had not finished their Bible training or who were merely curious inquirers.

This practice led some people to spread the rumor that Christians were cannibals who ate body parts and drank blood. This rumor, became the basis for some of the local non-Christian civil authorities to accuse, arrest, charge and prosecute Christians with cannibalism and other barbaric acts.

Since the very early days of the New Covenant Church, the practice of showing credentials of a true and living faith in Jesus continued.  Most churches have it today:  public confession or testimony of faith in Jesus Christ, baptism, a commitment to Christ’s local church, etc.

So, is Formal Church Membership Biblical?

Well, this is a long way around to answering the question:  Is church membership biblical? In other words, can it be shown by the Bible that having formal membership in a local church of Jesus is justified?  Yes.

Ultimately, the question comes down to whether one is in fact spiritually identified with Jesus Christ (Phil 4:2-3; Acts 1:26; 2:41; 4:4). As pointed out, this invisible aspect is only properly known by God.  Here the key question is not so much where our names are written but where His name is written (Mt. 28:19; Rev. 14:1).

At the same time, the visible credentials for professing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is not left up to the individual. True believers are part and parcel of the visible Body of Christ, the one new Nation, the People of God, the Family of the Father (Eph. 2:20-21; 1 Pet. 2:4-5; 1 Pet. 2:9-10).  The only evidence we have, which God has given to us, is a person’s verbal profession and testimony, baptism, living out good works of love that prove a living faith (James 2:14-26), and a commitment to the local body of Jesus (Heb. 10:25; 12:23).

This rather “both-and” (invisible and visible, universal and local, in heaven and on earth, etc.) understanding goes way back to the first century Church.  At times groups have emphasized one expression to the exclusion of the other (as already pointed out: the traditional anabaptist favor the invisible while the Roman Catholics place an emphasis upon the visible). The broadly and biblically orthodox (meaning “right belief”) Church has held to a both-and view and practice.  It came to be more clear during the time of the Reformation of the Church and has remained so in most Protestant and Evangelical churches today.

Are you a member of a local church? If you claim to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ then you ought to find a good, biblical, healthy church and join it!

For Christ and His Church;

Don

In the previous life-is-more-like-a-river-than-a-box-of-chocolates post an attempt was made to show how God crafted a river from start to finish, knows all the aspects of that river, and placed obvious boundaries along the way to contain and govern it. With imagination we can see the boundaries as God’s revealed will or plan. For this to work we need to pretend we are living before the era of balloons, planes and drones. We cannot see life from the same exact perspective or see too far down the river’s course. Still, God gives us boundaries and guidelines for how to navigate the reservoirs and rapids, shallow pools and fierce boulders, and clear and cluttered water.

The second part of this river thing is the vehicle in which we venture down the river. At times it could be a simple float, a canoe, a raft, or a boat. Those vehicles represent the choices you make, the place where you are at, and the people with whom you share that portion of the river. The vehicle always falls within the parameters of the banks of the river (God’s revealed will). C’mon, think about it: how successful can one be paddling a raft over land?

Sometimes a person may desire and attempt to swim upstream in defiance. How obviously futile because ultimately the river will carry him to the place God has destined for him (Psa. 104:14; Matt. 5:45). Yes, God allows us to freely move within the bounds of the limits of God’s will. Even when a person is defiant God is still at work (Gen. 50:20; Ex. 14:17; Isa. 66:4; Rom. 2:4; 9:22; 2 Thess. 2:11). One might work hard to travel against the currents, yet God restrains him and limits his sinful efforts (Gen. 6:3; Job 1:12; 2:6; Psa. 76:10; Isa. 10:15; Acts 7:51).

Other times canoeing or rafting gets tiresome so it’s easier to ride a bigger vessel. What if you, as a believer in Christ, find yourself in a particular carrier that stinks, is rotting, and filled with and evil captain or crew? God still brings you along the river for your ultimate good according to his wonderful design (Gen. 50:20; Judges 9:24; 1 Kgs. 12:15; Psa. 76:10; Isa. 6:9f; Acts 3:13; etc.)! This is the great news for the believer in Jesus Christ – that God moves his own people along the river in such a way that even though the vehicle changes, and the fellow passengers change, and the nature of the river seems to change, God brings his own to the final destination all for their ultimate good (Rom. 8:28ff).

As we know, there are times on the river when things are peaceful and smooth. You and I can sit back and relax under while basking comfortably below the winking sun. We get soothed to sleep by the gentle undulation and the musical rhythm of a soft river band. Whether it was because we managed to steer our way into a wet alcove or that we just happened upon the calm, such a rest is good. This kind of serenity is only a sip of the perfected water to come when the river pours us onto God’s everlasting sea (Rev. 4:6, 21:18ff). Our river ride is only one portion of the long course. This easy cruise can easily lull us into the pleasures of a lazy comfort zone. The problem is, it does not always serve God’s purposes to change our hearts, reform our character, and transform us into the likeness of our Ship’s Captain (Rom. 8:28ff; Eph. 4:24f).

So, by God’s design the river of life twists and turns, is calm and then violent, carries us swiftly or drives us slowly, parks us in pools or sends us down unbearable rapids. God keeps us in wonderment. Though at times we might be anxious and alarmed God is neither worried nor surprised about it. Hey, it’s his river after all. Think about the time when Captain Jesus fell asleep in the hull of the boat and a wicked storm arose (okay, so he and the crew were on a lake, but roll with it). What did he do? He slept deeply until the panicked sailors woke him up. He trusted in God’s ultimate plan (it was not yet time for him to die) and therefore did not worry. Yeah, it was helpful that he was also God and had the power over the storm and the sea; but that wasn’t cheating. He had no fear because he trusted his Father-God’s water-whipped scheme. Whatever the circumstance of the river, and whatever the vehicle in which we find ourselves, God calls us to trust in him, that faithful creator and then do what he declares is right (1 Peter. 4:19).

Those tumultuous times are given to you and me for many reasons. First, that we might not be lazy or complacent. Second, that we would be challenged to grow. Think about it. If you are in a boat and coming to a swift-currented curve with category four rapids what could you do? Panic? Maybe. Like that wouldn’t bring about disastrous consequences? You could be thrown overboard; maybe even drown? You could be injured. In your panic you would not be in a position to help another, resulting in their injury or death. Regardless, it is not what God intends for us to think or do. He wants us not to fear and always have a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7; 1 Thess. 5:6ff). He wants us to learn how to row, when to row, and how to just go with the flow.

Even in such times we must be reminded to look back and remember what we know about the character of God and the nature of his plan for us. We should be encouraged to recall that God is not only looking down from above, but is present with us in our circumstances. We should force ourselves to look intently at those moments and see God’s gracious hand in them. Anyone who has experienced river rafting knows it’s a mistake not to follow the guide’s orders and example. Our Guide teaches us what to do, how to do it, and when to do so. We know all too well when we don’t follow the leader.

God constantly urges us to grow and change. Turbulent events can motivate us to think, to apply what we have been taught, to exercise wisdom To become more proficient as river boaters or floaters we must change. If we come across some bad rapids and are caught off guard the first time, but learn from the experience how to navigate and ride the rapids well, then the next time we are better prepared. We then come to learn how to plan for those contingencies and how to encounter them again. For some of us that means going through the experience several times in order to navigate well (the story of my life). Such occasions can teach us to think less about ourselves and think how we can protect or save others. Those events along the river can cause us to develop fit bodies, firm minds and faith-filled hearts. Those situations can instruct how to fully trust God. If we learn about the Lord and learn from him while in our boat riding the river’s course we might even come to enjoy the next rapids ahead?

As with any great and long river, there are always places we cannot see. Sometimes we cannot even imagine it. Certainly God has the bird’s eye view. All we can do is peer as far ahead as possible. Yes, there are those contingencies we don’t want to encounter, like a waterfall or a whirlpool. Nevertheless God created those things too. If we are prepared and learn to appreciate the adventure then waterfalls and whirlpools can be thrilling.

Whether through calm or calamity God does not leave us alone to navigate. He gives us just exactly what we need, not only for our relationship with him, but for everything imaginable in life (2 Pet. 3:3-11). He gives us Jesus Christ. In Christ we belong to God. Further, we have everything that belongs to Christ (Eph. 1:6, 18; Jn. 17:22; Rom. 8:30; Col. 3:4). Though we cannot comprehend it we will be able to claim it all at the end of the ride down by the river’s side (1 Pet. 1:4; Eph. 1:14; Col. 3:24; Heb. 9:15)!

He provides us with his navigational guide – the Bible. While not an explicitly detailed how-to book we love to read – or not (believe it or not there really are some people love those detailed, how-to directions), it gives us the tools to become skilled at navigating the water. The Lord not only supplies us with his direction (learning to read the banks of the river), he also gives us the ability to do so by his Spirit (1 Cor. 1-2). The Holy Spirit becomes our pilot. God sends him to come alongside and inside to help (Jn. 14:16; 15:26; Acts 9:31; 2 Cor. 1:3; 7:4). What does he do to help us in the river?

1. He teaches us (Jn. 16:12-15; Lk, 12:12; 1 Cor. 2:10-16; 1 Jn. 2:27; Jn. 14:26; Rom. 8:16; 1 Thess. 4:9; Eph. 4:21). All we need to do with the capacity to hear him is listen! Often the problem is, we are too absorbed with the waves and currents of life that we allow them to drown the Spirit’s voice out. Sometimes we hear him but refuse to be taught, or to do what he tells us (1 Thess. 5:19; Eph. 4:30). Of course, that almost always leads us where we really ought not to be (and probably don’t want to go)
2. The Spirit guides us. After all, being God he knows the best course to take down the river (Rom. 8:14-16; Jn. 16:13; Psa. 25:9; 31:3; 32:8; 23). He does so through God’s Word.
3. He convicts us – shows us where we are wrong in our course. If we try to run upstream or run aground of the bank he lets our consciences know (2 Tim. 3:16,17; Jn. 16:8-11). This gives us an opportunity to turn about (repent) and get back on track (exercise trust).
4. He assures us. He assures us that God loves and cares for us because we are his (Rom. 8:16; 1 Jn. 3:19; 5:11-13). He gives us the peace of Christ that is sometimes incomprehensible (Jn 14:27; 16:33; Rom. 1:7; 15:13; Gal. 1:3; 5:22). This assurance is possible because the Holy Spirit places us into Christ who is our peace and joy.

Okay, so what’s the point? Hopefully, it’s clearer than mud. The point of the previous post is that God is in control of life, even when we feel life is out of control. The point of this post is that God gives us the tools and vehicles to navigate through life. Therefore, we can rest without worry as we go rolling down the river. At the same time, we need to become more adept at using the crafts we find ourselves in, while becoming more and more fit in body, soul, heart and mind. Why? Catch this:  this river ride is prepping us for the big cruise on eternity’s ocean.

Signing off as Seaman Apprentice,

Don

Life is like a __________. A what?

Like a box of chocolates because you never know what you get? Like a vacuum cleaner because sometimes it sucks? Like an endless storm because it’s always raining on your parade? Like a vacation because, well… oh, who ever says that?

One apt illustration for our personal ventures this side of heaven is that life is like going down a river. This river is somewhat like the stream of life on which we navigate, float, swim, or ride. Our personal life is like sitting in a kayak, or sharing a riverboat, or bobbing up and down with a little plastic inner tube.

Let’s think of life as a river that God has made.  The river represents God’s plan of history. At some point before human history the only sovereign Lord of the universe made a plan. God can do this because he has absolute power, complete control (Ex. 3:20; 6:6; 3:14; Isa. 41:4) and total authority (Ex. 3; 20; Lev. 18-19; Psa. 33:6; Jn. 1:1ff). This plan has a beginning and an end. The width, depth, the speed of the current, the volume of water, and all the natural features along and in its course are installed by God. From beginning to end, God works the river’s design according to his own pleasure and for his own glory (Psa. 33:6,10-11; Isa. 46:10; Heb. 6:13-18; Heb. 11:3).

So the river represents God’s plan. In prehistory, God ordained  how the river’s course would run (Rom. 9:22-23; Eph. 1:4, 11). The river flows through history and even carries history to a predetermined destiny or goal. Because God is good, fair, and loving we are assured that the destiny to which this river leads is grand and very good (Gen. 1:31; Psa. 73; 84:11; Mk. 10:18; Lk. 18:19; Phil 2:13; 1 Tim. 4:4).

Not long after man (male and female human) was created he rebelled against God and God’s good plan (Gen. 3; Eccles. 7:29; Rom. 5:12-19). You might say he wanted a pool when God designed a river.  This rebellion by man caused an upheaval in and around the river.  Instead of a beautiful, smooth flowing river it is now seemingly unpredictable. Sometimes beautiful, other times ugly. Sometimes clear and smooth, other times muddy and rough. However, since God is so great and powerful he is in charge of everything that happens. He is a providential God who does his good works through the river of life. His providence is universal (Eph. 1:1; Rom. 11:36; Psa. 115:3). He governs and preserves all creation, all creatures, and their actions (Heb. 1:3; Psa. 103:19; Matt. 10:29). God even governs life through natural events (Psa. 29: Isa. 44:27). He can do so because he is set apart from everything in the universe (we call this transcendence), while he also engages and inserts himself into his universe (we call this immanence). He is all-powerful (omnipotent) and all-knowing (omniscient and wise) (Psa. 1145:17; Isa. 28:29). Even though at times the river seems serene and restful, then wild and unruly, peaceful and then unpredictable God still has total control of it (Psa. 8:3-8; 146:6; Neh. 9:6; John 1:3; Acts 14:15; 17:24; Col. 1:16). He is indeed in control of all things in all time according to his Word and power (Eph. 1:11; Heb. 1:3; Psa. 147:15; 148:5).

The sin of mankind could not disrupt the mighty and good plan of God. He will still bring it to its good and wonderful destiny. This is because God himself is wonderful. He is love, wise, holy, just, true and good (Jn. 4:24; Job. 11:7; Psa. 90:2; Jas. 1:17; Ex. 3:14; Psa. 147:5; Rev. 4:8; 15:4; Ex. 34:6-7; etc.). We must never forget this. In fact we must always bring this to mind as we ride the river’s calm current or its rough rapids.

We must understand too, that God is not merely some unknowable entity beyond the universe. Though he is not part of his creation the Lord is still present and intimately involved in it (Gen. 45:5; Psa. 29:3ff). He is present at every point and turn, and in the ups and downs of the river (Ex. 6:8; Isa. 26:4-8; Mal. 3:6; Hos. 12:4; Dt. 32:9; Psa. 135:4). God is not an absentee river maker and river captain. He is also present with and in our affairs and lives as we travel along the river (Ex. 3:12-14). For those who have placed faith in the Son of God, life on the river takes a whole different meaning. We cannot even begin to imagine the wonders and beauties and goodness that lay ahead for those who trust in God through Christ (1 Cor. 2:9).

God providentially rules over people’s hearts (Pro. 16:9; 21:1; Isa. 44:28; Psa. 33:15ff; Jas. 4:13-17). We should take comfort in this because the ride of life sometimes becomes torturous especially if we happen to share a craft with wicked people. God is even in control of evil hearts because, as we said, he intends to bring everything along and in the river toward a good end. It is very curious but also reassuring that God often overrules evil men to accomplish good things (Gen. 50:20; Judges 9:24; 1 Kgs. 12:15; Psa. 2; 7, 12-13; 11:6; Isa. 6:9f; Dt. 29:4; Rev. 17:17). God even controls the river in such a way as to lead people to a saving faith in Jesus Christ (Mic. 4:7; Isa. 1:9; Acts 16:14; Jn. 3; 2 Cor. 4:6; Eph. 2:8-10).

The river is like life ordained and overseen by a good and perfect God. The banks of the river are the limits that define it. The banks of the river are God’s revealed will. His will is a very real and personal truth that addresses life’s issues, problems and questions. As Dr. R. Stuart points out, it is crucial for us to understand the nature and character of God to get a proper perspective of our lives. It is crucial to understand God’s involvement in our lives, as these essential truths about him are river-bottom relevant to us. Those truths are (a) God is Lord and therefore sovereign in good and bad circumstances, (b) God is now working and will accomplish his perfect plan, (c) that plan is good and complete, lacking in nothing because it is based on his love for us, and finally (d) God’s will for us is absolutely the best since he is re-shaping us into the good image of his Son Jesus Christ (Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10).

Have you ever gone on a river cruise? Tried river rafting? How about canoeing up a river? With or without a paddle? Okay, what about sitting on a huge inner tube an gently floating down the river? Each offers a different experience. Each experience contributes to your life in some way. The more dramatic the experience the deeper the influence and the impact. Life does that, but it is God who inserts us into various experiences in order to shape us, not the river, to become stronger, fitter, wiser and better.

If we have a weak understanding of God and his work we will have a terrible time trying to express a faith-rest in God. We will learn to hate the river, maybe even learn to hate water? It would a great challenge to trust that God IS in control of my circumstances and my life even though, like a swift and violent river, my life seems out of control if I do not have all four of these critical truths under my life vest.

At a given point of time and space, with perfectly good wisdom God placed you and me in life’s river (Psa. 139:16; Gal. 1:15,16). He could have placed you in the river 5739 years ago or 201 years from now. But you are in the river of life just when and where God put you. That should give you comfort, because people are not subject to chance, fate or unknown force. We are not out of our element or in the wrong environment of history. We are just where God placed us to ride the current for as long as God determines. Nothing is by accident, and the life we have is not a mistake.

Life is like a river. God knows exactly how to bring you along in that river. Sometimes he puts you in a big, black tube and allows you to enjoy a smooth flowing, cool bob on a hot summer day. Perhaps the worst thing to happen would be to get those red, burn marks from the constant rowing of your arms? Other moments in your life are like the enjoyment of a delicious supper on deck of a modern cruise ship or on an old, restored riverboat? Still, another episode in your life you might find yourself in a row boat with a couple friends without that paddle. Or perhaps you’ve fallen overboard and are desperately trying to keep from drowning? So, where are you at right now in the river of life?

Let’s talk about that in the next post.

In a previous post it was pointed out that that the original man, Adam, was created in the image of God with the essential abilities and qualities of character (to be), comprehension (to know), competence (to do), and connection (to bond). He was the epitome of a real man. But then, Adam fell by sin into sin and those abilities and qualities become distorted. This man of truly distinguished character became one of extinguished character.

The good news is that God became Man in Jesus Christ. He is the new Adam. He is the ultimate of distinguished manhood (and personhood) whose perfect abilities and qualities will never be extinguished. Those who trust and believe in him as the God-Man who came to redeem us by his perfect life, his death on the cross, burial, resurrection, and ascension into heaven (1 Cor. 15:3-8) are saved from the penalty and the effects of sin. The new Real Man, Jesus, not only redeems those who believe in him but also repairs them.

This gives us hope because our extinguished character is becoming distinguished. We are being refashioned into the image of God (Eph. 4:24, Col. 3:10). Like Eustace Scrubb in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, who, on his own, attempts and fails to remove the scales of his dragon body, we cannot change back to the pure person of sinless Adam. Like Eustace needed Aslan, we need Jesus to put his new life into us (Rom. 6) and to put us into his life (2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 1:3-10). However, though given a new identity and a new life we still must continue to work to remove the residual parts of our old, dead self while putting on Christ-likeness (Eph. 4:22-24; Col. 3:8-9). Though this is done by Christ’s life-creating power (Eph. 1:19-20) through his Word (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 4:12) and Spirit, we are still called to discipline our lives to become more God-like (1 Tim. 4:7; 2 Pet. 1:3-11).

What kind of character is this into which we are being remade? Obviously, it is the distinguished character of Jesus. The pattern in the Bible is that true leaders in God’s kingdom are to be the excellent examples of godly character. To be a leader in the Church means that the man holds and displays godly virtues (see 1 Tim. 3, Titus 1). These men should exemplify the new Man, Jesus, and in turn press other men of Christian faith to “man up” and take on real manliness. In turn Christian men (single, married, fathers, and grandfathers) are to live as models of the Real Man for all believers and before a watching world.

With that, let’s first look at the extinguishing qualities and then we will check out the distinguishing characteristics of godliness.

What do the traits of the extinguished character look like?

Taken from such passages as Isaiah 2:1ff; Joel 2:28-30; Matthew 15:19; Acts 2:19-23; Ephesians 4:17-32; Colossians 3:5,8,9; 1 Timothy 3:1-12; 4:1-7; 2 Timothy 3:1-4, the following list describes the character and vices of a carnal, ungodly person:

1. Lover of self; self-centered; self-seeking.
2. Proud
3. Covetous, greedy; lusting after things that don’t belong to him
4. Braggarts; boastful
5. Not a true worshipper; blasphemous
6. Disobedient to parents; rebellious
7. Disrespectful
8. Lacks gratitude
9. Sensual, living to satisfy his own desires.
10. Perverted; immoral
11. Little to no self-control
12. Untrustworthy; breaks promises
13. Gossip
14. Slanderer
15. Betrays others; not loyal.
16. Abusive
17. Uncontrolled temper; hot-tempered.
18. Reckless.
19. Unwise.
20. Lover of pleasure and self-gratification rather than lover of God
21. Deceitful; the truth is hard to take or give.
22. Outwardly religious, but hypocritical. Powerless to live a godly life
23. Allows self to be deceived by doctrines of demons.
24. Possesses a seared conscience (more and more insensitive to the Lord, His Word, virtue, etc.)
25. Self-destructive, careless.
26. Takes for consumption and personal satisfaction.
27. Curses; doesn’t bless.
28. Hateful; not truly loving.
29. Foolish.
30. Unforgiving; vengeful.

We could also add the opposite features for what it required to be a deacon or elder in Christ’s Church, which would include:

1. Has a bad reputation
2. Unrestrained control
3. Pugnacious
4. Quarrelsome
5. Greedy
6. Slave to selfish anger
7. Given to much wine (or controlled by and abuses drugs or alcohol)
8. Lacks self-control; is undisciplined
9. Self-willed and arrogant
10. Irreverent at heart
11. Inhospitable
12. Unjust
13. Unwise
14. Irresponsible

What are the features of a distinguished character?

Someone with distinguished character is a person of “engraved distinctive quality” who remains steadfast in moral excellence. One who lives a praiseworthy life. A person of special quality in whom others willingly place their trust. A person with a controlled mind, will, emotions, attitudes, etc. The office of a deacon, elder or minister requires high standards of integrity because it is the office of a holy and perfect King.

1. The man is above reproach (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6).

His wife, children, other family, neighbors, work mates, boss, and fellow members at church can honestly give a good report about his character.

2. He has restrained control (a balanced discipline) in his life (1 Tim. 3:2; 1 Thess. 5:6, 8)

3. He is a true gentle man (approachable, kind, gracious, firm yet diplomatic)  (Matt. 11:29; Acts 24:4; 2 Cor. 10:1;          Gal. 6:1; 1 Thess. 2:7; 2 Tim. 2:23-25; Jas. 3:17).

4. He is not pugnacious or prone to violence (Prov. 3:30; 15:18; 17:14; 20:3; 25:8; 26:17; Phil. 2:3; 1 Tim. 3:3;Tit.1:7).

5. He is not quarrelsome (Eccles. 10:4; Matt. 5:9; Rom. 12:18; 14:19; Heb. 12:14; 1 Tim. 3:2, 3; 6:3-5; 2 Tim. 2:22-26;           Tit. 3:9; Jas. 3:17).

6. He is not greedy (Acts 20:33; 1 Tim. 3:3; 6:5-10; 2 Tim. 3:6-7; Tit. 1:7).

7. He is not given easily to selfish anger (Prov. 16:32; Tit. 1:7).

8. He is not overly indulgent or a drunk (1 Tim. 3:3; Tit. 1:7).

The principle is that he has disciplined control over bodily appetites (Gen. 19; Prov. 20:1; 23; Eccles. 10:17; Isa. 5:11; 28:1; Luke 21:34; Rom. 13:13; Eph. 5:18).

9. He is self-controlled  (Matt. 26:41; Acts 24:25; Rom. 6:12; 1 Cor. 10:12; Eph. 5:4; Tit. 1:8; Jas. 3:2; 2 Pet. 1:5-7;5:8).

10. He is truly humble and not self-willed (Luke 14:10; Rom. 12:3, 10, 16; Phil 2:3; Ti. 1:7; Jas. 4:10; 1 Pet. 5:5).

11. The man is holy (biblically devout and pious) (Lev. 11:45; Luke 1:74, 75; 2 Cor. 7:1; Tit. 1:8; Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet.                1:16; 2 Pet. 3:11).

 Worship is a priority for him, which is shown by his commitment to personal, family, and corporate worship.

12. His persona and life demonstrate biblical hospitality. He has a love for people and a care for strangers; and it       shows  (Rom. 12:13; 1 Tim. 3:2; 5:10; Ti. 1:9; Heb. 13:2; 1 Pet. 4:9).

13. He is just (upright and impartial in dealing with people) (Deut. 16:20; Ps. 82:3; Prov. 21:3; Isa. 56:1; Rom. 13:7;  Col.            4:1; Tit. 1:8).

14. The man is a lover of good. He has a love of virtue, people and good things  (Heb. 3:6; 4:14; 10:23; 1 Thess.                5:21; Tit. 1:8; Rev. 3:3).

15. He is prudent and wise (skilled at bringing God’s thoughts to bear on matters of life) (Proverbs; 1 Tim. 3:2; Tit.           1:8).

16. He is respectable (well-ordered, well-arranged, decorous in behavior and speech; good manners) (1 Tim. 3:2).

17. If he is married he is a godly leader of his wife and family (1 Tim. 3:4-5; Tit. 1:6).

a.  He loves his wife as he loves himself (Eph. 5:28ff).

b.  He loves his wife as Christ loves the Church (Eph. 5:25ff).

c. He lives with his wife in an understanding way (1 Pet. 3:7).

d. He is the loving and godly pastor of his family – teaching, admonishing, and correcting them (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21).

How do I become more like the Real Man, Jesus?

Here are a few ideas for you:

1. To others, make a verbal commitment to take off those ungodly characteristics and put on Christ-likeness.

2. Write down your commitment and then write out an action plan for change and growth.

3. Do a self-assessment of godly qualities (one tool is to use my A Self-Examination in Godliness) to see where God has strengthened the good virtues in you and what obvious areas you need growth.

4. Practice again and again the character qualities already predominant in your life.

5. Put off those extinguishable character traits and put on the opposite, godly virtues. (Note: it usually takes fourteen weeks to establish good habits of the heart).

6. You already have the Holy Spirit, God’s Word, prayer, and the Lord’s Supper to help make this transformation from the extinguishable to the distinguishable. Yet, find and utilize other resources to help you (people, a Life Group, pastor, elders, books, DVDs, blogs, Bible studies, etc.)

7. Create a healthy, positive climate and environment to help you change and grow.

8. Recruit others to help you. Develop relationships with those who are strong in the character qualities in which you need to change or grow.

If you need help with any of this talk with your pastor, an elder, or if you wish contact me.

Here’s to becoming quite the character!

Don Owsley

.

______________________________________________

For further study:

Bridges, Jerry. The Practice of Godliness. Colorado Springs, CO: Navpress, 1983.

____________ The Pursuit of Holiness.   Colorado Springs, CO: Navpress, 1978.

Elliot, Elisabeth. The Mark of a Man. Grand Rapids, MI: Fleming H. Revell, 1981.

Getz, Gene. The Measure of a Man. Ventura, CA: Regal, 2004.

Hughes, R. Kent. Disciplines of a Godly Man. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1991.

Morley, Patrick. The Man in the Mirror. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1997.

Packer, J.I. Rediscovering Holiness. Servant Press, nd.

Ryle, J. C. Holiness. Banner of Truth, nd.

Change!

Have you ever thought about the word “change”? What came to your mind when you first read the exclamation above? It is one of those simple words in our English language that can evoke emotions and trigger images in our brains.

“Change!” Like when you find a dozen quarters under the couch’s cushions.

“Change!” The command you give to someone who has the remote control for the television and you want to watch something else.

“Change!” What is necessary when you have a toddler with a dirty diaper.

We could make a game out of this to see how long we could go thinking up contexts in which the word is used. Let’s not. Instead, let us focus on change as in making something different or transforming something or someone.

For many people the idea of change is difficult to handle. For many the process of change in an institution is very challenging. It is so hard at times that even the very word becomes repugnant. So much so that many contemporary leadership books strongly advise against using the word at all. These books often provide a list of less threatening synonyms! Why is that?

I once had a curious conversation with a woman about this very thing. She was a long time member of a church I was called to pastor. She was a sweet woman, the same age as I, who had come to faith in Christ in her twenties. It was after an evening worship service that in tears, she approached my wife and me. It was hard to tell if her look was one of anguish or anger. I gave her a hug for comfort. She said, “I’m leaving this church!”

“But why?” came the response.

“I’m so angry at the elders. In all these years I never heard preaching about grace!”

“That’s the whole point of the sermon series we’re going through now, isn’t it?” I inquired.

“Oh it IS!” she declared. “That’s the problem! Why haven’t we heard this before? It’s changing my life. It’s been very refreshing.”

“What am I missing? If it’s that helpful then why leave?” I asked.

“Well, because I’m angry that all this time we’ve been with this church I’ve been robbed of knowing grace and getting to know Jesus this way. I’m also angry that things are changing, and I can’t handle that.”

“Are the changes bad?”

“Oh no. They’re good and it’s about time they’ happen. This should have taken place a long time ago. I just can’t take it any more and it is very upsetting to me.”

To say that I was confused would be a major understatement. We stood there silently as she softly wept. I broke the silence when I said, “We can help you work through your anger and disappointment; but I want you to consider this – if you leave this church you will be making an even bigger change. You’ll leave long time friends, many family members, it’ll be a change going to a different church with different people, with a different form of worship, maybe at a different time, driving a different way… Everything will be a greater change than leaving.”

She thought about it for a bit and then said, “You’re right. But I don’t think I can change how I feel about the elders and former pastors. I feel betrayed.”

Our friend remained in the church for another year, but eventually left. What she was saying was that it was easier to change everything else than to change her heart. That is quite understandable. Nevertheless, no matter what, change was happening all the way around. The status quo was losing its grip. For her it was both good and disturbing.

That is what makes change a bad word – it has a tendency to upset our hearts. But why? Here are some reasons:

Change Affects the Status Quo

1. The existing status quo began as a challenge to the previous status quo. Everything in place now

* Was once considered a good idea because it intended to meet the problems and circumstances of the day;
* Was once viewed as a challenge or as revolutionary to what existed then.

2. The status quo can be a good thing.

* It offers order in lieu of chaos.
* It brings a level of needed stability.
* It provides valued traditions that can be transmitted from generation to generation.
* It defines and protects the present culture.

3. However, there are some problems with status quo:

* It can give a false sense of security.
* It can turn into complacency and at times encourage apathy. Both of these things God hates.
* It can become an obstacle to needed, genuine transformation, and this can lead to the death of an organization or church.

4. There are always guardians of the status quo

* Studies indicate that in most organizations there is between 6-10% of the people who never accept change. About 8% of them become the self-appointed and active guardians of the old way.

* Some familiar “arguments” or objections used to reject transformation in favor of maintaining the status quo are:

* “We’ve always done it that way.”
* “We’ve never done that before.”
* “It won’t work.”
* “It cannot be done that way.”
* “You shouldn’t rock the boat.”
* “If it ain’t broke-don’t fix it!”

If change affects the status quo, it is because the status quo provides a sense of security. Therefore,

Change Brings about Insecurity

Of course, this is not necessarily the case for everyone. Change often does not bring about a sense of insecurity

* With those who are suggesting the change.
* With the leadership who are in favor of change.
* For people entering the group during change.
* When the pain of staying in the status quo becomes worse than the pain of change.
* For people who are secure in themselves and in the Lord.

We feel secure with the familiar, the routine, and what feels safe. A sense of security tends to root us in a comfort zone. Change disturbs the comfort zone. This is often due to the fact that people are satisfied with the way things are and don’t like changing the way things are. Change disrupts our routine and makes things unfamiliar. In a sense it seems to bring chaos out of order.

This reminds me of another person whom my family and I knew years ago. She was a highly intelligent (has a masters degree), single mother who seemed to share the life of Job. She had a hard time earning enough money to care for her children, was perpetually overwhelmed with one challenge after another, and suffered from chronically bad health. The elders of that church decided to take action and find ways to help her. They encouraged her to learn how to be a medical transcriptionist, which was her idea. They also urged her to move to the town where most of the church folks lived so we could be of greater service to her. Then, they offered to pay her way to see a medical specialist at a unique clinic located six hours away. They found a place for her to stay, gave her money to rent a car and purchase food, provided someone to care for her children for three days, and were prepared to pay the medical bills.

She rejected every one of the suggestions offered to her. She had an excuse, which in her mind were perfect alibis for not taking their advice. Why? Because she was more secure with her familiar but miserable situation than she was willing to risk change. At least she knew what she was in. She did not know if any of the suggestions would improve her state.

Eventually, she did go to the doctor; but she refused to follow through with the recommendations to improve her health. Why? Because she did not want to change her diet and her routine. She never did move from her inconvenient, old and moldy house. However, years later she got up the courage to become a medical transcriptionist, mainly because her health no longer allowed her to do the physical kind of labor she had been doing.

For whatever is at the root of insecurity we do know that to the degree one struggles with personal insecurity to the same degree one will reject or resent the change.

If change is rejected because of insecurity, insecurity is rooted in fear and

Change Provokes Fear

About what would we be afraid? Fear of the unknown. Fear of the loss of control (there’s that insecurity again). Fear of losing after taking the risk of initial change. Fear of failure. Fear of personal loss, such as the loss of power, the loss of status, or the loss of things. Fear that comes from a lack of understanding the purpose of the change.

Finally,

Change Challenges Pride

In several of his books and seminars, Dr. John Maxwell makes the ironic point that the ones who tend to have the hardest time with change are leaders who have not come up with the ideas for that new thing, or who were the instigators and implementors of the previous change. Their pride was challenged.

Pride tends to attach itself with things it says, does, or has. It thinks, “This department at work was successful because of me. To make things different means I’m not successful.” Or, “This was my idea to landscape our building this way and my money and hard work went into it. To alter the landscape shows disrespect for my time, money and work!” Or, “My family and I were the originals at this church. We founded it, kept it running and protected it all these years. To change this church would be a slap in our faces, the ultimate disrespect!”

Change can be a problem and can certainly stir up the proverbial hive.

We’ve looked at some reasons by change is considered as something negative. Even the term “change” can be a bad word because change itself

* Affects the status quo,
* Brings about insecurity,
* Provokes fear,
* Challenges pride.

What’s the Point?

Let me wrap up this article with these thoughts:

1. Helping to understand our own negative perspective about change may cause us to consider where our own hearts are in terms of the status quo, our own insecurities, fears and pride.

2. Helping to understand our own negative perspective about change might allow for growth, strengthen our security, reduce our fear and diminish our pride.

3. Helping to understand our negative perspective about change may allow us to accept the risk and even embrace the things that are changing in our lives, including life in our church.

4. Helping to understand our negative perspective about change could be the impetus for seeing positive reform in our own hearts and lives. Not all change is improvement, but without change there can be no improvement. And God wants improvement (it’s called spiritual growth and sanctification).

Well that’s my two cents worth. By the way, I only take exact change.

Here’s to changing into Christ’s likeness;

Don